The night bled into dawn as they followed the ridge northward.
Mist curled along the valley like smoke from a dying fire.
Evelyn's cloak snapped in the wind, her fingers brushing the hilt of the dagger Edward had given her.
For hours they walked in silence until a distant sound broke through — the steady rhythm of hooves.
Edward's expression hardened. "They've found us."
They ran. Branches tore at their clothes, roots snared their boots, but they didn't stop until the forest opened into a clearing — and there, waiting in the rising light, were riders clad in black and silver.
At their head was a man Edward hadn't seen in years.
"Hello, brother," the rider said, dismounting. His voice was calm, almost casual. "You've run far enough."
Edward froze. "William."
William of Harrow — the King's favored son, once Edward's dearest friend — now stood before him in a cloak embroidered with the Hunter's Crest.
Evelyn's breath caught. "He's your—"
"My blood," Edward said coldly. "And my betrayal."
William smiled faintly. "You make it sound personal. It's not. You broke the laws of the crown, Edward. You deserted your post and consorted with the enemy's blood."
He turned to Evelyn. "The daughter of a man who nearly ended England's command."
Evelyn's eyes flashed. "My father was betrayed — by your court, not his conscience."
William's gaze softened, almost regretful. "Perhaps. But history won't remember it that way."
Edward stepped forward, drawing his sword. "Then history will be rewritten."
The two brothers circled each other, tension humming like a drawn bowstring. The forest held its breath.
Steel met steel. Sparks flew. The clash echoed across the clearing — old loyalty shattering beneath every strike.
Evelyn watched, torn between fear and fury, until she saw William's blade twist beneath Edward's guard.
She screamed — "Edward!" — and the sound made him falter just enough for William's sword to slice his arm.
Edward stumbled back, bleeding but defiant.
William lowered his weapon. "Still alive," he said. "That's something. But the next time we meet, I won't hesitate."
He turned to his men. "Leave them. For now."
And just like that, they rode off — the forest swallowing them whole.
When silence returned, Evelyn rushed to Edward's side, binding his wound.
He winced but managed a grim smile. "He's changed."
She shook her head. "No. He's just finally showing who he's always been."
Edward's eyes darkened. "Then it's time I stopped running from my blood — and started reclaiming it."