The sound of hoofbeats grew louder. Seraphina and Eryan stopped, fear in their eyes.
"They're coming," Eryan whispered. He quickly stamped out the fire and grabbed her hand. "We need to run."
They hurried through the forest, the leaves crunching softly under their feet. In the distance, they could hear the soldiers shouting.
"Spread out!" one of them yelled. "Find the princess!"
Seraphina looked at Eryan, her voice shaky. "What if they catch us?"
"They won't," Eryan said. "I promise."
They hid behind a big tree as the sound of horses came closer. Eryan peeked out. "There are six soldiers," he said quietly.
Seraphina's heart raced. "We can't keep running like this."
Eryan nodded. "We need to trick them." He pointed to a path hidden by bushes. "This way."
They crawled through the bushes and found a small stream. The water sparkled under the moonlight.
"Walk in the water," Eryan said. "It'll hide our tracks."
Seraphina stepped into the cold stream, shivering as water soaked her boots. They moved quickly, the rushing water masking their steps.
Back in the clearing, the soldiers found the remains of their fire.
"They were here," one soldier said. "They can't be far!"
Another soldier pointed to the bushes. "They went this way!"
Eryan and Seraphina kept walking in the stream until they reached a safe spot. Eryan helped her climb onto the bank.
"We're safe for now," he said.
Seraphina looked at him, her face pale. "How long can we keep running?"
"As long as we have to," Eryan said firmly.
Suddenly, they heard a rustling sound nearby. They turned, expecting soldiers, but instead, a figure stepped out of the shadows.
The person was wearing a long cloak, and their face was hidden. "You won't escape the King's soldiers on your own," the stranger said calmly. "But I can help you—if you trust me."
Eryan and Seraphina looked at each other, unsure. Could this person really help, or was it a trap?