𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿

44.. escape (takes 4)

After hours of anxious waiting, as the first signs of morning light broke through the trees, the group could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Through the still lingering mist, a figure became visible in the distance.

"There she is," Thèrèse said, her voice barely above a whisper. As the figure got closer, they could see it was indeed Bea.

She was weary, her steps heavy as she made her way to the Safe House. Cuts and scratches covered her arms and face from the branches in the forest, and she was limping slightly.

As she got closer, the group could see the extent of her injuries. A deep cut slashed across her left eye, the skin around the area discolored and swollen. The wound was still raw, blood trickling down her cheek.

Prim, upon seeing her sister injured, didn't even hesitate. She broke into a sprint, her heart in her throat.

"Bea! Bea!" Prim's voice echoed through the clearing, panicked and filled with relief as she ran towards her sister.

Bea looked up in surprise, exhaustion written all over her face. But at the sight of her little sister rushing towards her, a small smile tugged at her lips. She stumbled, exhaustion and injury nearly causing her to collapse on her knees.

Just as Bea stumbled on the ground, Prim reached her, throwing her arms around her older sister. Prim, her eyes brimming with tears of worry, gripped her tightly, supporting her weight.

"Oh, Bea... you're hurt." Prim muttered, her voice filled with concern, "You're bleeding!"

Seeing how exhausted and injured Bea was, the others finally stirred from their momentary shock and quickly approached.

Thomas and Thèrèse immediately moved to Bea's other side, each taking one of her arms and wrapping them over their shoulders, supporting her weakened body.

"Lean on us," Thomas said gently, his tone laced with concern.

"We're here, you're safe now." Thèrèse added, her voice steady as they slowly started walking towards the Safe House.

The others followed closely behind, forming a protective circle around Bea. Everyone was silent, the only sound being the rustling of their steps in the undergrowth.

"Aris, can you pick up her stuff?" Thèrèse asked quietly, not to trigger or overwhelm Bea.

"Yeah, on it." Aris nodded, understanding the situation. He went back, picking up the bow and the rest of Bea's supplies that had been dropped on the forest floor.

As Aris returned holding Bea's supplies, including her quiver, the others couldn't help but notice how few arrows remained.

"No wonder she's exhausted." Nico commented, his voice barely above a whisper. "Those fights must have been intense for her to go through so many arrows."

Vincent, Jorge, Mary, and Vivian, were even more worried. They could see the toll the battle had taken on her.

Mary bit her lip, her eyes filled with worry. "She looks like she can barely stand on her own. We need to get her inside and properly look after those wounds."

The others nodded in agreement. Vincent stepped forward.

"Let me take her," he said, gently taking Bea's weight from Thomas and Thèrèse's hold. He lifted her up into his arms, carrying her bridal style.

Bea closed her eyes, resting her head against Vince's chest. The others watched as Vince carried her into the Safe House.

Jorge stepped closer, his large hand gently resting on her forehead.