The woods behind them were now ablaze, the crackle of flames and the distant shouts of their pursuers echoing in Aria’s ears. She and Sebastian ran down the narrow path, breathless and disoriented, until the forest thinned and gave way to a clearing. The moon hung low, casting silver light across a forgotten stone structure.

“Where are we?” Aria gasped, her eyes darting to the ruins.

Sebastian, his chest heaving, took a moment to catch his breath before glancing around. “This is the old lighthouse,” he said, nodding to the half-toppled stone tower ahead. “It’s been abandoned for years.”

“But it’s on the edge of the forest. If we stay here, we’ll be cornered.” Aria's voice quivered, but determination sparked in her eyes.

Sebastian scanned their surroundings, the muscles in his jaw tightening. “It might be our only chance to figure out what we’re up against.”

A sudden scream echoed through the trees, a blood-curdling sound that made Aria’s skin prickle. Sebastian spun toward the noise, then grabbed her hand and pulled her into the shadows. The footsteps of their pursuers came closer, the men’s angry voices snapping through the night air.

“They’re coming this way,” Sebastian whispered, his voice barely audible.

“Do you think they know where we are?” Aria asked, her heart pounding so loudly she feared Sebastian could hear it.

“They might,” he replied, eyes glistening with urgency. “But we need to move. Now.”

They ducked behind a crumbling wall, and Sebastian pressed his hand to her arm. “Listen to me,” he said, eyes locked on hers. “If we get separated, you go straight to the harbour. Do you hear me?”

Aria nodded, fear swirling in her chest but trusting him with a certainty that surprised her. Before she could respond, the figures in the dark appeared, their silhouettes illuminated by the flickering glow of the fire behind them.

“Go!” Sebastian hissed, shoving her lightly toward the entrance of the lighthouse.

Aria stumbled but caught herself and ran. Her eyes adjusted quickly to the dim interior, and she ducked behind a fallen beam as a voice called from outside.

“Search every corner. We’re not letting them slip away.”

Aria’s heart stopped as footsteps entered the lighthouse. Shadows moved past her hiding spot, but none were close enough to see her. She held her breath, watching as Sebastian appeared in the doorway, a determined glint in his eye as he scanned the area.

“Sebastian!” Aria whispered.

He turned, motioning for her to follow him. As she slipped out of her hiding spot, a loud crash came from behind. A figure in a dark cloak lunged for Sebastian, knocking him into the wall. Aria screamed, rushing forward.

“Stop!” she shouted, eyes wide with panic.

Sebastian struggled, but his attacker was strong and relentless. Aria reached out, grabbing a piece of debris and swinging it at the figure. The man faltered, turning with eyes that glowed like embers in the moonlight.

“Get out of here, Aria!” Sebastian roared.

But Aria didn’t move. Her gaze locked on the figure, and a chill slithered down her spine. The face that stared back at her was unmistakable, though weathered by age—Samuel Hale.

The past she had spent days unravelling now stood before her, alive and haunted.

“Samuel?” she whispered.

The man’s eyes flickered with recognition before shifting into something darker. He pushed Sebastian away, stumbling back toward the shadows, and disappeared through the crumbling doorway of the lighthouse.

Sebastian grunted, getting up and pushing her behind him. “We need to go now.”

“No,” Aria said, her voice breaking. “That was him, Sebastian. Samuel. He’s alive.”

Sebastian's eyes softened, a mix of relief and disbelief. “I know. But we can’t catch him now. They’re coming.”

A loud shout from outside made her stomach drop. The men who had been searching the woods were now storming the lighthouse, their heavy boots pounding the stone floors.

“Come on, Aria!” Sebastian yelled, grabbing her hand.

They ran, the night air chilling as they burst outside and sprinted toward the distant glow of the harbour. The lighthouse creaked behind them, the sound of a warning that echoed in the back of Aria’s mind.

As they reached the edge of the clearing, Sebastian stopped. His face was serious, eyes locked on hers.

“We’re not safe yet,” he said. “But we know one thing for sure—Samuel Hale is alive, and we’re not the only ones looking for him.”

Aria nodded, her pulse hammering. The past, the mystery, and the promise of answers had just become much more dangerous.

“Let’s go,” she said, her voice steady.

Sebastian’s expression shifted, a small, reassuring smile breaking through the tension. “We’re just getting started.”