Alina's breath caught in her throat as she took a step back, her mind racing for an escape route. The robed man and his companions stood between her and the only clear path forward. Running blindly into the forest wasn't an option—she'd never outrun them.
The robed man took a slow step forward, his expression as calm as before. "You were warned," he said, his voice eerily smooth. "And yet, you continue to chase something beyond your understanding."
Alina forced herself to stand tall, gripping the parchment behind her back. "If I don't understand, then *explain* it to me."
The man smiled faintly. "You would not like the answer."
She swallowed hard. "Try me."
He sighed, tilting his head slightly. "Knowledge is a burden, astronomer. Some truths do not set you free. They *bind* you."
One of his companions—a tall, hooded figure with a dagger at his side—shifted impatiently. "Enough talk," he said, voice rough. "She has what we need."
Alina tensed, her heartbeat thundering in her ears.
The parchment.
They weren't here to kill her. Not yet. They needed the map.
That gave her one advantage—they couldn't risk harming her before they got it.
The second figure, a woman with a hood drawn low over her face, stepped forward. "Surrender the parchment," she said, "and we will not harm you."
Alina exhaled slowly. Stalling for time wouldn't work. She needed another way out.
Her gaze flickered to the stream.
It wasn't deep, but it was fast-moving. The current was strong—strong enough to carry her if she took the risk.
The robed man followed her eyes, his lips curving slightly. "I wouldn't."
Alina's pulse quickened. She was out of options.
With a sudden burst of movement, she spun and bolted toward the water.
"Stop her!"
She barely registered the shout before the first figure lunged at her. She dodged, but not fast enough—a hand grasped the edge of her cloak, yanking her backward.
Alina gasped, twisting desperately. Her foot caught on a rock, and she stumbled, hitting the ground hard.
Pain shot up her arm, but she didn't have time to react.
The woman grabbed her wrist, fingers digging into her skin. "You should have listened," she hissed.
Alina struggled, but the grip was ironclad.
Then, from the darkness, a voice rang out—sharp and familiar.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
The robed figures stiffened.
Alina's chest tightened as she turned toward the source of the voice.
Kael.
Bruised, bloodied—but alive.
And his sword was drawn.
---