The stranger stood still, watching them carefully. Seraphina and Eryan looked at each other, unsure of what to do.
"Who are you?" Seraphina asked, her voice shaky.
The stranger slowly took off their hood, revealing a young woman with sharp eyes and a serious face. "My name is Lyra. I used to work for the royal family."
Eryan stepped closer. "Work for the royal family? Then why are you helping us?"
Lyra looked at him with a serious expression. "Because I don't agree with the King's rule. And because I know his soldiers are getting closer to finding you."
Seraphina's heart raced. "How do you know about us?"
Lyra looked around to make sure no one was near. "I saw you leave the festival. I've been watching." She paused and looked at them both. "The King won't stop until he finds you, but I can help you escape."
Seraphina hesitated, her mind racing. "Why would you help us? What do you want from us?"
Lyra's face softened. "I don't want anything. I just want to see the royal family's power fall. The King has hurt too many people."
Eryan didn't trust her fully. "And you think helping us will do that?"
Lyra nodded. "Yes. You two are part of something important. The prophecy is about more than just your bond. It's about stopping the King's rule."
Seraphina felt a chill. "The prophecy…"
Lyra nodded again. "I've heard the King talk about it. He's afraid of you, Princess. He's afraid of what you and Eryan can do together."
Eryan clenched his fists. "We won't let him control us."
Lyra gave a small smile. "That's why I'm here. I know a place where we can hide. But we need to go now. The soldiers are getting close."
Without waiting for an answer, she started walking away.
Seraphina and Eryan exchanged a look. It was dangerous, but they had no choice. They had to trust her.
"We'll follow you," Seraphina said.
Eryan nodded.
As they walked behind Lyra, Seraphina felt a little hope. Maybe they could escape. Maybe they could change the future.