Xenia, now safely hidden among the trees, could hear every noise, every creak of the floorboards, as the soldiers continued their search.
She crouched low, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to stay as silent as possible. She dared not move, knowing that any sound could give her away.Inside the cottage, the chief's frustration grew as his search yielded nothing. He checked the last hiding place, a small cupboard, before stepping back and shaking his head.
"There is no one here," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of relief and disappointment.
"We should leave. Our work here is done."The guards exchanged uneasy glances before nodding in agreement. They filed out of the cottage, their footsteps fading into the night as they returned to their posts. Matthew waited until he was sure they were gone before he stepped outside, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of Xenia.
