Particles of dust flew everywhere. The room should be emptied soon. Clothes, her coat, money–that should be it. Auretta took a quick glance around her room. Her novels–perhaps she should bring them along. “Needing these when I’m bored.” she muttered, forming a subtle smile on her face.

A dark piece of cloth caught the corner of her eye. She tilted her head, glancing at the dark cloak, hanging right next to the door of the room–the cloak Heron had given her.

She buckled on her bag, standing on her feet with ease. It was light after all. Auretta yanked the dark fabric, rubbing onto the thick and rough surfaces of it. If fate lets her–she’d return it to Heron.

All her things are now packed, her farewell messages have been passed to the innkeeper. Perfect.

Auretta thought that her plan was going well. All that was left was to find a way to get to the borders–that’d be the best decision given the circumstances. That was until she heard troubling noises by the window.

Her pace quickened, leaning onto the window pane to see–two or three men, covered in dark clothing similar to that man who was with Truce. “Have you seen her?” growled the man, holding out a piece of paper as he gritted his teeth at a lady, squeezing her shoulder tightly.

The contents of the paper couldn’t be seen by Auretta, she bent closer, squinting her eyes. It was a sketch of her face.

Completely infuriated, Auretta bit her inner lip, clenching her jaw and fists. To think the passers-by aren’t doing anything to help the lady as well as she trembled, giving the men an idea she had never seen before.

What did they even want from Auretta? She’s nothing special–just a girl who ran away from the orphanage.

“She’s right there!” yelled one of them pointing at Auretta.

Her heart dropped to her stomach. Auretta swore she could collapse any moment–don’t come here. She shook her head, taking quick glances everywhere. The men were on their way here to the inn. She couldn’t exit through the stairs.

There was only one way–the canopy in front of her. Auretha let out a soft scream. She didn’t want to jump, there was no way she wouldn’t slip and fall.

She leaned further, there were hay beneath her. It was die or jump. Auretha took a deep breath, stepping slowly onto the smooth canopy in front of her. A gasp escaped her lips as she gripped tightly onto the window pane.

Bang.

The door behind her opened. “She’s escaping!”

Auretta panicked–she lost her balance, slipping off the canopy and landing on the hay. “Ouch!” she felt the impact underneath her. She tilted her head upwards, heart beating faster as she saw the men stepping out of the canopy.

She quickly stood up, quickening her footsteps. All she’s been doing was running.

“Excuse me! Excuse me!” Auretta screamed, making her way through the crowds, halting as she nearly tripped. “Sorry!” she shouted, earning a glare from a man she accidentally stepped on.

Where to go–where to go?!

Auretta passed by several stalls, not turning her head. Still, she could still hear the mad howlings of the men behind her. Of course they’re quick.

She passed by another alleyway, freezing as a hand gripped onto her, yanking her to the alleyway. A scream escaped her lungs, but it was stifled as a hand was clamped over her mouth.

“Ouch!” winced the young man who dragged her into the alleyway as she bit the palm over her face. She glanced at the man. Having a hood slipped over his head, she studied his features underneath–to her surprise, “Heron?!” she shouted. “Why I’m so happy-” he covered her mouth.

Heron places a finger over his mouth, cueing her to stay silent. “Follow me,” he muttered, letting go of Auretta as he stepped forward.

Auretta gave him a subtle nod. He was rather quick on his feet, giving Auretta difficulty to follow him. “Just tell me if I’m too fast.” “You are fast.”

He sighed, slowing down his pace, groaning slightly as he clutched his chest. Auretta’s eyes widened, taking a quick glance at Heron. “Are you hurt? Or injured?” “No?-” a pebble dropped from above, catching both of their attention. One of the men was on the rooftops.

Heron pushed Auretta aside as the man dropped down, pinning Heron onto the ground with his sword.

He stroked a piece of Heron’s hair, raising his brow. “Heron!” Auretta screamed as the man chuckled, locking eye contact with the dark haired young man. “Ah, so it’s one of you cursed beings-”

The man jerked back as Auretta threw a stone at face.

Seeing the opportunity, Heron swiftly swung his elbow at the man’s face, kicking him across the stomach as he winced. Heron slipped his hood back, getting dragged by Auretta by the hem of his sleeves.

She quickened her pace, leading Heron to the end of the alleyway. “Do you even know where to go?” he asked, receiving a nod. “You can just lead the way when we've reached the end of the alleyway.” She turned her head, widening her eyes as the man rubbed his jaw, getting back on his feet.

As he straightened his position, he clutched onto the sword, aiming it at Auretta. “Heron—!”

Heron pulled her away, sprinting towards the blade which landed on the ground. “This could be of good use.” he muttered, tracing the hilt of the blade, pushing Auretta to the ground as he swung the sword right above her, knocking another of the men out.

“Where did he even come from?” she hissed as Heron reached out his hand towards her, helping her up until they reached the end of the alleyway.

“Do you know how to ride a horse?” he asked, pulling Auretta as they hid behind a stall.

Auretta shook her head, furrowing her brows. “Don’t we have the wagon?” she asked, warning a soft smile from Heron as he shook his head.

“The wagon would slow the horse down—you know what it doesn’t matter.” “How did you even know I was being followed?” she questioned, raising her brows at him as she crossed her arms.

He tugged her through the bustling streets, frightening some of the passers-by by their speed. “Heron—where are we going?!” “Later I’ll answer your question.” he responded, quickening his pace as they’re near the gates.

“Just trust me—we’re almost there!” Heron added as Auretta struggled nearly tripping. “You’re too fast!” she winced, gripping tightly on his wrist as he threw the blade away to an empty space.

They halted, eyes lingering on the dark stallion they were using earlier. “There they are!” Auretta perked up turning her head around—two of the men were getting close.

She followed Heron, standing next to the horse—not having any knowledge on how to mount on one. “Doesn’t it need a saddle to ride on one?” she asked. “The reins are enough,” he stated, hopping onto it.

He reached out his hand towards Auretta. “Come on, hurry—!” he said, waiting for Auretta to take his hand. She gasped, reaching for his hand as he pulled her, helping her settle behind him.

“Hold onto me.” he ordered. Auretta’s cheeks flushed, thinking his idea was absurd. “I’m not doing that—!” She screamed, leaning forward to wrap her arms around his waist as he galloped the horse out of the city.

Auretta glanced back, watching the figure of the men shrink by the distance. “They sure do look angry…” she muttered.

“I’m…taking you back,” he muttered as he cleared his throat. Auretta shook her head, gazing at him. “Wait but—” “It’s the safest option. They most likely won’t stop finding you.” Auretta took a quick glance at him, noticing his jaw tightening as he gripped harder onto the reins. Was he uncomfortable with their position right now?

A sigh escaped Auretta’s lips as her gaze drifted to the ground beneath them. She felt too ashamed to ask him such a question now.

“Thank you…” she whispered, biting her inner lip, feeling a sense of guilt.