Lyra's grip was firm but urgent as she yanked Reina along the narrow path.
The dense foliage scraped against their skin, but there was no time to care about that. They needed to escape, and fast. Lyra's breath came in quick, shallow gasps, but she didn't dare slow down.
The pounding of hooves grew louder, a grim reminder of the danger chasing them.Reina stumbled, trying to keep up.
"They would see us," she said softly, fear making her voice tremble. The words were barely out of her mouth before they were engulfed by the oppressive silence of the forest, broken only by their frantic steps and the encroaching sound of the soldiers.Just as they were about to dart down another path, Lyra skidded to a halt.
Ahead, barely visible through the thick underbrush, a group of soldiers on horseback loomed. They moved slowly, methodically, scanning the surroundings with sharp eyes.
The girls froze, every muscle tensed.
