The pair rode on into the night while the storm gathered around them as if they were its target. The wind picked up, trying to tear their cloaks away and pushing their horses off course. The rain stung now as it snapped against their bare cheeks and hands. The lantern had gone out long ago, but now lightning was flashing often enough they were able to make out the road.
Pulling her hood low again, Ilona tried her best to cover as much of her face as she could. She was already completely soaked, but she hoped it might protect her from the leaves and debris that were being blown free from the trees.
Lightning struck so near to them that the crack it made caused their horses to rear up, almost sending them both down into the mud.
"We're going to have to get out of this storm!" Prince Mason shouted to her once they'd regained control of their mounts, "This isn't safe!"
"I know!" she shouted back, "But it's not as if we've passed an inn!"
