Not Another Fairy Tale

Chapter 24

Posy, Vi, and I readied ourselves at the hole. The passage to our freedom waited for us. I took a deep breath, but before I could even take a step out, sirens blared around the castle
"ROGUE PRISONERS ON THE LOOSE. ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL REPORT TO THE EAST COURTYARD."
"Oh crap!" Violet shouted, "RUN!" I grabbed Posy by the hand, her grip the only thing keeping me tethered to reality. We moved quickly, but the soldiers were closing in.
"I can't make it" Violet's limp had grown increasingly and her bandage was soaked with blood. I dropped Posy's hand, running back to Violet. Grabbing her fireman style, I set out in a sprint, moving towards the nearby forest. I heard a loud band, followed by another as a bullet grazed my shoulder. My ears started ringing and all I could do is press forward.
I ducked and picked up the pace again. My back started to get sore, my lungs pleaded for more air, and my heart pounded against my ribs. I nearly lost my footing as I transitioned from the grass to the forest growth. I looked to my side, expecting to find Posy, but she wasn't there.
"Posy!? Where are you?!" I screamed, continuing to trample the forest. My feet skid to a stop as I turned around. Where is she? My eyes trailed across the courtyard, landing on a crumpled body in the grass. Posy's body. My eyes must be lying to me. This can't be real.
"Charming! Get it together!" Violet screamed at me, "If you don't move we're all gonna die!" Die. Dead. She can't be dead. My body moved once more, my limbs on autopilot. The adrenaline filled motions of my body propelled us deep into the forest. The sunlight was slowly fading, being choked out by the growing canopy of the trees surrounding us. I kept over fallen trees, moving at top speed. I ran. My lungs filled with flames, choking me from within. I panted and sputtered as I tried to force myself onward, every muscle crying out. I think I hear a voice but I keep running. I felt Violet start wiggling and thrashing, trying to get down.
"Charming! We're far enough! Stop it already!" I came to a stop, setting Violet down on a fallen tree. Violet reached into her pack and silently tended to her wound. I sat down, feeling numb. I closed my eyes, trying to escape reality. I immediately regret it because I'm met by Posy's gaze. Those piercing blue eyes will be etched in my memory forever. I feel a warm tear glide down my cheek, the first of many. I bury my head in my hands, mentally thanking Violet for letting me be alone.