34

Thirty four

*Freya*

I was so certain I was doing the right thing when I decided to leave Rafe and the palace, but now that I was lost in the forest, the wind and tree wigs snapping at my skin so harshly, I was rethinking my decision.

It was so dark that I could barely make out a thing. I was completely lost and it felt like it would rain anytime soon. It seemed like even the world was against me at this point.

I ran breathlessly through the forest, my heart pounding in my chest. The trees towered above me, their branches reaching out like skeletal hands ready to ensnare me in their grasp. Though it was daytime, the dark forest blocked out most of the sunlight, shrouding everything in an oppressive gloom. Shadows danced at the edges of my vision. I could barely see where I was going.

Sticks cracked under my feet as I sprinted blindly forward. I had no idea where I was, no sense of direction in this huge wilderness. What was I thinking, running into the woods all alone? Away from t