The night grew darker as they walked. Lyra led the way, moving quickly and quietly. Eryan and Seraphina followed closely behind, trying not to make a sound.
Seraphina looked over her shoulder. "Do you think they're still following us?" she asked softly.
Lyra didn't turn around but answered, "They're close. We need to move faster."
They walked through the thick trees, the ground soft and wet beneath their feet. The night felt colder, and the silence made it feel like danger was everywhere.
Eryan could see that Lyra knew the forest well. She seemed to have a plan.
"We need to find somewhere to hide before they catch up," Eryan said, trying to stay calm.
Lyra nodded. "There's an old cave up ahead. We can hide there."
They walked faster, each step feeling more urgent. The sound of horses came closer. The soldiers were catching up.
Seraphina's heart pounded. "What if they find the cave?"
"We'll be ready," Lyra said, her voice calm. "I know how to hide our tracks."
They reached the cave just as the sound of the horses grew louder. Lyra quickly helped them inside and then covered the entrance with branches and leaves.
Seraphina sat down in the dark cave, trying to catch her breath. Eryan sat beside her, looking worried.
"Will they find us here?" Seraphina asked quietly.
Lyra listened carefully. "They're close. But not yet."
Eryan clenched his fists. "We can't keep running forever. We have to do something."
Lyra looked at him. "We won't be running much longer. The King will keep searching, but soon, he won't have a choice. We will make sure of that."
Seraphina felt a little hope. Maybe they could change everything.
But outside, the sound of the soldiers grew louder.