Chapter Fifty Two

Scarlett’s POV

My heart skipped a beat as the voice echoed through the night, piercing the fragile veil of silence. Panic surged within me, threatening to shatter my resolve. Without hesitation, I dove into the nearest bush, burying myself in its leafy embrace. I held my breath, praying that the darkness would cloak me from prying eyes.

A guard approached, his steps heavy with weariness. His companion walked beside him, their conversation muffled by the distance. They passed just a few feet away from my hiding spot, their voices a mere whisper on the wind.

"There was someone in the bushes," the guard said, his voice laced with suspicion.

His companion chuckled, a tired sound tinged with disbelief. "You're just tired and sleepy, my friend. It's playing tricks on your mind."

The guard sighed, his weariness evident. "Maybe you're right," he conceded. "I can't wait to get back home. This place drains the life out of me."

His words resonated within me, igniting a flicker of empathy. Even t