“I ended up needing those lessons sooner than I thought,” Enya mumbled, trailing behind Noah in the marketplace. A small smile played at her lips. “Thank you, Sir Kaigode.”

“Huh? Did you say something?” Noah asked, glancing over his shoulder. Enya shook her head.

“No, it was nothing.” Enya picked up the pace and scanned the surrounding areas. Seeing no suspicious people in sight, Enya asked, “What do you think we should do? Those people are after us, and continuing to flee from them is getting us nowhere.”

“We still don't know why they're chasing us either. If only we could catch one, they could tell us...” Enya's steps froze but only for a moment.

No... If we did, they could spill my secret. Noah and Pandora can't know I'm a princess. It could put them in even more danger, danger I'm not willing to risk for such valuable information. Enya turned to look at Noah with a convincing smile. “I don't think they would tell us, even if we threatened to kill them. They're professionals, after all.”

“But, remember those guys who ran after seeing Belia? If we caught someone as terrified as them, we could ask her to intimidate them.”

Enya let out a hesitant chuckle, saying, “That might work, but how would we capture them in the first place? They're getting smarter with each attack. Last night, they attacked us in the night, remember?” Noah lowered his gaze.

“But, I'm tired of running. I just want to live a peaceful life where I can visit the marketplace and socialize, where I can live with Belia in our cave. Be happy.” Noah clenched his fists, his lower lip quivering. “After everything, this is what my struggles amount to? I thought I had finally achieved the perfect life someone like me could have, but my life is a disaster. Because of them, my dreams are in shambles. It's not fair.”

Enya's hand wavered in the air as she pondered whether to comfort him. She brought Noah into this. It was Rayburn's fault Noah's life had been turned upside down. All of this happened because of her engagement to that damn man.

Enya shook her head.

No, this happened because I couldn't accept it. If I stayed and married him, Noah would be smiling like always as he played with Belia. Pandora wouldn't have been dragged into this either. She'd have found some other girl to cling on to. Everything's my fault.

Placing a gentle hand on Noah's shoulder, Enya told him, “I'm sorry, Noah. I'll find a way to get you back to your life, no matter what it takes.” Noah looked up at her through his lashes, his aqua eyes peering deep into her soul.

“There's no reason for you to say such a thing. It's not like this is your fault.” Enya fought the urge to avert her gaze, to escape his shaming stare.

“Still.” Enya quickened her pace, making it hard for Noah to keep up with her. She racked her brain for a way to get everyone far from here where they could be safe for a while. The maps of the kingdom on her father's desk flashed in her mind. Enya tried to picture their location on the top one. If we're here... Going in this direction leads to a heavily forested area. We could hide in the trees. The image of Noah falling out of a tree from their first meeting colored Enya's vision. Ah, no we can't. Noah can't climb. The eye of Enya's mind shifted. Maybe this way. If I can lead them, I'm sure we'll be safe for a day. Enya glanced over her shoulder to see Noah struggling to keep up with her. She halted and turned around. “Let's go get the others. I have a plan.” Noah followed after Enya as she headed towards Pandora.

Finding her standing before the raven-haired girl, Enya wondered what Pandora did to make the girl's cheeks so red.

“Pandora, we need to go,” Enya told her. Pandora glanced at her before telling the girl, “Seems I have to go, but I'll be sure to find you, my queen of the night.” Pandora winked at the girl as her mouth fell agape before following after Enya through the forest's entrance. She waved goodbye to the girl and sighed, “She was so pretty. Why'd you make me leave, Enya? The girl was right in the palm of my hands.” Pandora crossed her arms over her chest and puffed out her lower lip. “Hmph, I didn't even get her name.”

“You could have stayed,” Enya said. Pandora's eyes lit up, the idea of going back consuming her every thought. The corners of Enya's lips lifted smugly. “We wouldn't wait for you, though.” The sparkle in Pandora's eyes faded, becoming as dark as a stormy night. Noah nudged Enya in the side.

“Don't tease her so much, Enya. She just wanted to see if there was a chance between her and that girl.” Noah rubbed Pandora's back. “Don't listen to her, Pandora. She's just anxious because of those people from last night. We don't want to get captured, right?” Pandora nodded her head.

“I guess.” Noah showed her an encouraging smile.

“You'll meet more beautiful girls, so don't let it get you down too much.”

“Mmm.” Noah cast his gaze forward and whistled.

Within seconds, Belia's flapping roared through the forest. She lowered herself to the ground, running up to Noah and nuzzling her cheek against his. Noah stroked her fur, giggling.

“I missed you, too, girl.” Noah peered over at Enya and asked, “So, where you taking us?”

“Somewhere safe.”