Chaos erupted as Valtorian soldiers stormed the room, massacring everyone in sight.

Jana didn't understand a thing; they had already signed the treaty. Then a handsome man with eyes drained of life, looking like he had just lost his soul, came to the center of the room. "This treacherous country took advantage of our retreating troops to kill my dear sister," he burst into tears. "Princess Joana," he changed his expression quickly, saying, "and now you will all die."

The king, in a moment of defiance, uttered, "At least we will all die tonight." Before he could finish, the prince silenced him with one blow, his sword severing the king's head in a swift, brutal motion.

Panic ensued. People were running everywhere, and the king's head was the first to fall. Jana, in her heavy gown, tried to reach her chamber and escape with Elowen. During her escape, a Valtorian soldier was about to kill a frail man, one of the few who had ever looked her in the eye. Seeing this as a chance for redemption for what she had done to the princess, she saved him.

The man, grateful and shaken, began to follow them. All this was happening at night, adding to the chaos and confusion. When they were outside the palace, Jana stopped him, turning to face him.

"You can't come with us," Jana said firmly.

The man shook his head, his eyes pleading. " I have a house deep in the woods near the border. I left it behind because of the war, I am sure you have nowhere to hide."

Jana hesitated, unsure of his intentions. "Why should I trust you? We don't even know each other."

"You saved my life, I must repay you," he replied earnestly. "Please, let me help."

Reluctantly, Jana nodded. "Fine."

Jana sighed, wondering if she had saved his life only to take it with her own hands or if he would become a friend in this unwanted situation.

They moved quickly, the sounds of battle and the cries of the dying fading into the distance as they navigated through the darkened streets and into the forest. The man's knowledge of the area was invaluable, guiding them through hidden paths and dense underbrush.

After hours of trekking, they reached a small, secluded cabin. It was modest but sturdy, nestled deep within the forest. Jana helped Elowen inside, laying her on a makeshift bed. The man, who introduced himself as Corin, quickly set about gathering supplies and preparing a meal.

The woods were peaceful, but the looming threat of discovery always hung over them. Jana and Elowen began to heal, both physically and emotionally, finding solace in the quiet refuge.

Days passed, and Corin proved himself trustworthy. They were together all the time, and while they couldn't plot freely about their next move, trust gradually built between them. They confided in Corin about their mission, and although he was skeptical at first, they showed him one of the few remaining functions of their bracelets: a soft, ethereal glow that illuminated the room, dispelling his doubts and convincing him of their incredible story.

Life in the woods settled into a routine. Days became months, and the relationship between Elowen and Corin deepened. They found solace in each other's company, their shared experiences forging a connection that grew stronger with each passing day. They taught him everything they knew, including how to read and write. From time to time, one of them would sneak out to gather news and bring back food.

One day, while Elowen and Jana were immersed in household duties, Corin burst into the house, his face pale with urgency. "They're saying one of the bodies is missing," he gasped. " The princess—her body wasn't found among the burnt royal family. The Valtorians have been trying to keep it quiet, but word has spread. Now, the people are demanding her return to the throne, believing she is the one who liberated them from her father's rule."

The news disturbed their peaceful life, it was the bell ringing to wake her from her playhouse fantasy. In their hidden refuge, Elowen was the mother, Corin the father, and Jana the lover who was endangering their fragile sanctuary.

Uprisings were happening all over Drakovia, with the people demanding their rightful ruler. The Valtorians, not as ruthless as the Drakorians, saw the necessity of finding the princess to quell the unrest. A faction tied to the previous Drakorian regime wanted a marriage between the two kingdoms to ease the people's pleas, while the Valtorians, confident in their victory, wanted nothing to do with her.

Searches became more frequent, drawing closer to their hideout. Jana decided it was time to leave Elowen and Corin behind to avoid putting them in further danger. Standing at the window, she stared out into the dense forest, the peaceful life they had built crumbling around them. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on her shoulders. She turned to Elowen and Corin, who watched her with worried eyes.

"I am leaving," she said sadly, her voice tinged with regret. She then revealed her plan, though she kept the details vague to protect herself and them. She knew all too well that in dire situations, even the strongest bonds of loyalty could be tested, leading people to betray their closest allies. Jana's gaze lingered on Elowen and Corin, their worried eyes reflecting the heavy burden of the unknown.

Elowen stepped forward, placing a hand on Jana's arm. "You can't do this alone. Let us come with you."

She took a deep breath, her voice softening with emotion. "I can't risk your lives any longer."

Elowen shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "Please, Jana, there has to be another way."

Jana sighed, the weight of her decision evident in her eyes. "I've thought it through. This is the best chance we have. I'll find a way to communicate with you both, but I can't stay here any longer."

Corin sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "We know you're right, but it doesn't make it any easier. Just... promise us you'll find a way to stay safe."

Jana nodded, her expression determined. "I promise. And I will find a way to communicate with you both. We'll still be in this together, even if we're apart." These words felt strange to her; she was known for her icy personality. Her time in the woods had softened her, and she hoped that this newfound vulnerability wouldn't jeopardize her future missions.

"We'll keep looking for the timekeepers and continue the mission," Corin said, his voice firm. "And we'll be waiting for your signal."

The gravity of the situation settled over them like a heavy fog. They shared a long, silent embrace, each of them finding solace in the connection they had forged during their time together.Elowen and Corin eventually let go, their eyes filled with a mixture of hope and sorrow. They watched as Jana gathered her few belongings, every item packed with the precision of someone who understood the importance of preparation.

As she approached the edge of the forest, the silhouette of a grand, imposing structure came into view. Doubt gnawed at her as she moved closer—an incredibly risky place to stay, hidden in plain sight. The towers pierced the sky, and the flags fluttered in the wind, their colors vibrant against the stark backdrop marking it unmistakably as Valtorian territory. In the harsh light of day, the dark stone walls loomed ominously, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch out like grasping hands, an outline both familiar and foreboding. She had returned home.