Chapter Thirty-nine

I could hear the sound of their footsteps behind me, pounding the ground with each step. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, propelling me forward as I ran for my life. But no matter how fast I ran, the guards were always right behind me.

One of the guards lunged forward, his arm outstretched to grab me. I could feel his fingers graze my clothes, but I managed to twist out of his grip and keep running. Another guard tried to cut me off, but I darted to the side and continued on my path.

I could hear them shouting, angry that I had managed to slip away from them. They were getting closer, their voices growing louder with each passing second. I could see their forms in the distance, silhouetted against the moonlight.

As I ran, I stumbled over a tree root and nearly fell. My heart pounded in my chest as I scrambled to my feet and kept going. The guards were getting closer, their breath hot on my neck.

But I refused to give up. I pushed myself harder, my legs aching wit