As soon as the gunshot reverberated in the sky, Dahlia requested Sullivan to put her down. "I can run," she insisted.
Sullivan hesitated but he didn't argue. Even he was exhausted and there was still some distance they needed to cover. With a nod, he stopped briefly to set her down before gripping her hand tightly. "Stay close," he instructed, his voice low and urgent.
Behind them, the rhythmic thundering of hooves grew louder, closing in on their trail. Sullivan's eyes darted around, assessing their surroundings. "They're catching up. How much farther do we need to go?" he asked, his tone tight with concern.
"We're still a good distance away, Your Highness," Joseph called out from up ahead, his breaths ragged from exhaustion. He slowed for just a moment, his lungs aching for air. But as he glanced back, he caught Harris's fierce gaze.
"Keep moving if you value your life!" Harris barked, urging him forward.
