The Princess and The Criminal [ CAITVI ]

9 | Falling into Place

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Caitlyn's POV
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We slipped into the woods just beyond the city, the glow of streetlights replaced by the dense canopy above, casting flickering shadows across the dirt path. The air was cooler here, quieter too, except for the occasional crack of twigs underfoot and the wind threading through the trees.

Vi led the way, her movements effortless, her presence almost commanding. It was as if nothing had changed for her—no guards, no close calls, no danger. She was always running, always one step ahead, and somehow that made her seem invincible.

I didn't have that kind of certainty. Every step felt heavier than the last, my legs burning from our sprint. The sharp ache in my side hadn't eased since we stopped running.

A twig snapped to my left. I flinched, eyes darting toward the sound—nothing but shifting shadows. Still, my heart didn't get the memo, hammering in my chest like we were still being chased.

Vi noticed, of course she did. She slowed down, glancing over her shoulder with a raised brow.

"Relax," she said, voice low. "It's just the wind."

"That didn't sound like wind," I whispered, my gaze darting toward the sound.

She shrugged. "Then it's a squirrel. Or a deer. Either way, it's not coming for us."

"How do you know?"

Her smirk was almost lazy. "Because if it was, you wouldn't have heard it."

Very reassuring.

Vi's pace slowed as we reached a small clearing. A fallen log laying in the center, its surface slick with moss. She dropped onto it with a sigh, stretching out like she didn't have a care in the world—it made me want to scream.

"Take a break," she said, nodding to the space next to her.

"I'm fine," I lied again.

"Sure. And I'm the Queen of Piltover." She said with a sarcastic tone, patting the log. "Now sit down before you collapse."

I hesitated but finally gave in, sinking onto the log with a sigh. The rough bark dug into my back as I leaned against it, but I didn't care. My body was too tired to hold me up any longer.

"This... this is... the most ridiculous thing I've ever experienced." I muttered between gasps, more to myself than to her.

Vi didn't answer, instead she just rummaged in her pocket, pulling out an apple—bright red, and frankly, far too perfect for this situation. She tossed it to me without warning. I barely caught it, my fingers fumbling around the smooth surface.

I blinked, surprised by the unexpected gesture. "Where did you get this?"

Her eyebrows furrowed, "Does it matter? It's food. Eat it."

I hesitated, examining the apple like it might be poisoned. But hunger gnawed at my insides, and pride only went so far. I took a bite, the crisp sweetness filling my mouth.

"Seriously?" I mumbled through a mouthful. "Where did you get this?"

Vi chuckled, the sound low and amused. "Remember those vendors we passed by?"

I glanced up, and the mischievous gleam in her eyes told me everything.

I stopped mid-chew. "You stole it?"

"Borrowed," she corrected, leaning back further. "For you."

I blinked, stunned for a moment. "Vi! Are you serious?"