Evani overheard their conversation, her heart pounding in her chest.
Without wasting a moment, Evani raced towards Kiyoshi and Sakura's treehouse, her mind buzzing with the urgency of the situation.
She burst into their room. "You're in danger!" she gasped.
Kiyoshi jumped up from where he was packing. "Evani? Why are you helping us?" His voice held both curiosity and suspicion.
Evani wiped her brow, trying to catch her breath. "It's something the goddess revealed to me. We don't have time for questions." She looked between them urgently. "There's a high chance assassins will strike tonight. The cover of darkness will conceal their presence, and only guards will be patrolling the area."
Sakura's hand flew to her dagger. "Then we must leave immediately," she declared, already moving toward the door.
Evani shook her head firmly. "No, it's impossible. They won't allow you to leave so easily. The security during the day is formidable, and they anticipate any attempts to escape."
Kiyoshi ran a hand through his hair. "What should we do then?" His voice cracked slightly with worry.
Sakura narrowed her eyes at Evani. "Kiyoshi, how can we be sure she isn't working for them?"
Evani drew herself up to her full height. "I understand your concern. I will be bound by an oath—an oath that no elf can break, sworn upon the Elfin Flame."
Sakura's grip on her dagger loosened. "The Elfin Flame oath," she whispered in recognition.
With solemn grace, She placed her small hand over her chest. Her palms were warm despite her obvious fear. "I swear upon Forest Flame, the Elfin Flame, that I am with you and will help you escape." She looked up at them with wide, earnest eyes. "Can you trust me now?"
After a tense moment, Sakura nodded. "We trust you "
Evani let out a breath she'd been holding. "The best time to act is the night before the assassins arrive." She bowed her head low. "I'm sorry for the behaviour of my father and sister. They are not the only ones with such prejudices—most of the nobles are the same." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "But deep down, I yearn to be like everyone else and explore the vast wonders of the world."
Kiyoshi's worried expression melted into a warm smile. "If you ever wish to go on an adventure," he said brightly, "send a message to the Ramiya Adventure Guild addressed to Kiyoshi."
Evani's whole face lit up like the morning sun. "I will keep that in mind," she replied, her voice now carrying a note of hope she hadn't dared feel before.