Kai's screams echoed faintly in the distance, but Lorelai didn't dare turn around to see how far—or how close—he was. She was certain that if she stopped for even a moment, he would catch up to her, and this time, he wouldn't let her go so easily.
The acrid smell of burning wood and fabric filled her lungs, clinging to her skin like invisible claws, as though the fire itself was trying to drag her back to the king's chambers. The stench was overpowering, making it harder to breathe, but still, she didn't stop.
She had no idea how long she'd been running or if Kai's voice behind her was real or a figment of her spiraling fear. Her legs moved on instinct, refusing to falter, until she came to an abrupt halt.
A dead end.
She had reached the corner of the annexed building connected to the main palace. Her heart plummeted as the realization hit her—she was trapped.
It was over.
