The tavern erupted into chaos. Patrons scrambled for exits, their shouts and panicked movements turning the dimly lit space into a frenzy. Lucas grabbed Emilia's arm, pulling her toward the back door.
"Stay low and stay with me," he barked, his eyes scanning the room for threats.
Edward followed close behind, his gaze darting nervously around. "This way! There's a hidden passage!"
Lucas shoved Emilia toward Edward. "Go. I'll cover our backs."
They pushed through the thrashing crowd, the sounds of splattering wood and angry shouts growing louder. Outside, torches flickered as crown soldiers closed in, their voices barking orders to surround the tavern.
Edward yanked open a hidden panel beneath a tattered rug, gesturing frurgiously. "In here!"
Emilia ducked into the narrow passage, her breath trapped in her throat. Lucas and Edward followed, pulling the panel shut just as soldiers burst through the back door.
Darkness swallowed them. Emilia's ears strained, her heart pounding in sync with the muffled shouts outside. Lucas's hand found hers, his grip steady.
"Everyone okay?" he whispered.
Edward's breathing was ragged. "Yeah. But how did they know we were here?"
Lucas's voice was low and grim. "Either someone tipped them off, or they're monitoring rebel hideouts. Either way, we can't stay long."
Emilia's mind spun. Who could have betrayed them? Her thoughts flicked to Isabella—had someone seen her help Emilia prepare to leave?
"We need to get out of Blackwood," Lucas said, his voice breaking into her thoughts. "The forest's too dangerous now. We have a safe house in Ravenshire, two days' ride from here."
Edward nodded, though tension radiated from him. "Sounds like a plan."
As they began moving through the cramped passage, Emilia's thoughts churned. Ravenshire was a day's ride from her family's estate. Could they trust anyone there?
The darkness seemed to press in, the air thick with uncertainty. Suddenly, Lucas stopped, his ear pressed to a wooden panel ahead.
"What's wrong?" Emilia whispered.
Lucas's voice was barely audible. "Sounds like we're not alone. Stay quiet."
He eased the panel open, revealing a dimly lit alley. Moonlight sliced through gaps in the buildings, casting eerie shadows. Lucas peered out, then nodded.
"Clear. Let's move."
They slipped into the alley, the cool night air a relief after the stifling passage. Lucas led them swiftly through winding streets, avoiding main roads. The silence between them was thick with unspoken questions.
As they approached the forest's edge, Edward spoke up, his voice low. "Emilia, what about Father? He'll be worried."
Emilia's jaw clenched. "He knows you're safe for now. That's all that matters."
Edward's gaze dropped, guilt flickering on his face. "I didn't mean to drag you into this, sis."
Lucas intervened, his tone firm but gentle. "We'll figure this out. For now, we need to focus on getting to Ravenshire."
A rustling sound echoed through the trees ahead. Lucas's hand went to his sword.
"Get behind me," he murmured.
But it was too late. Figures emerged from the shadows, their faces obscured by hoods. Lucas pushed Emilia back, his sword drawn.
"Identify yourselves," he growled.
The lead figure stepped forward, voice low and familiar. "No need for that, Sir Lucas. We're here to help."
Emilia's eyes narrowed. Something about the voice seemed... off.
The figure pushed back his hood, revealing a sharp-jawed man with piercing green eyes. Emilia's breath caught.
"Marcus," Lucas said, his tone wary. "What are you doing here?"
Marcus smiled, his gaze flicking to Emilia and Edward. "I could ask you the same. You're quite the trio of fugitives."
Emilia's instincts screamed warning. Who was Marcus, and why was he here?
Lucas's posture remained tense. "How did you find us?"
Marcus chuckled, gesturing to his companions. "Let's just say we have our ways. And I think we can help each other. You're heading to Ravenshire, yes?"
Edward exchanged a skeptical look with Lucas. "How do you know that?"
Marcus's smile widened. "I have my sources. Look, we can stand here discussing this, or we can escort you to safety. Your choice."
Lucas's gaze narrowed, weighing options. Emilia sensed his hesitation and spoke up.
"Who are you working for, Marcus?"
The man's green eyes sparkled with amusement. "Ah, Lady Emilia. Let's just say I have allegiances to... multiple parties. But my goal aligns with yours: keeping you and your brother alive."
The air hung with tension. Could they trust Marcus?
Lucas made the decision, sheathing his sword. "We'll take our chances. Lead the way."
As Marcus nodded, beckoning them to follow, Emilia felt a creeping sense of unease. Were they trading one danger for another?
The forest seemed to darken around them, shadows twisting into threats. And Emilia couldn't shake the feeling they were walking into a trap.