C29 NOWHERE IS SAFE

The warmth of Oliver’s cottage did little to ease the tension in the air. The flickering fire cast long shadows against the wooden walls, creating a quiet intimacy that contrasted with the storm raging inside Eleanor’s mind. She had made her choice. She had walked away from everything she had ever known.

But now, reality was setting in.

She and Lucas had nowhere to go. No money. No protection. And her father’s men were scouring the city, searching for them like criminals.

Eleanor sat on the edge of the small wooden chair, her fingers curled around the bowl of stew Oliver had given her. She had eaten most of it in silence, the warmth of the broth soothing the ache in her empty stomach, but now she was just pushing around the remaining vegetables with her spoon.

Lucas sat across from her, his eyes scanning the room, ever alert, ever cautious. Oliver leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching them both with an expression that was somewhere between amusement and concern.

“So,” Oliver finally said, breaking the silence. “You two have a death wish, or are you just really bad at planning?”

Eleanor shot him a glare. “We didn’t exactly have time to draft a strategy.”

Oliver smirked. “Clearly.”

Lucas leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “We need to get out of town. Tonight.”

Oliver raised a brow. “And go where?”

Lucas hesitated. He hadn’t gotten that far, and Eleanor could see the frustration in his expression.

“Somewhere they won’t expect,” Lucas finally said.

Oliver let out a dry laugh. “Harlington expects you to run. He’ll have men stationed at every road leading out of town. You won’t get far before they drag you both back in chains.”

Eleanor’s stomach twisted. She could see the truth in his words. Her father was a powerful man. He wouldn’t just let her disappear without a fight.

She placed the bowl on the table and straightened her shoulders. “Then we need to leave in a way they won’t anticipate.”

Oliver smirked. “You have something in mind, Princess?”

Eleanor ignored the nickname and turned to Lucas. “What about the river? The docks?”

Lucas considered it. “Too many guards. They’ll be expecting that route.”

Oliver tapped his fingers against the wooden table. “There might be another way.”

Both Eleanor and Lucas looked at him expectantly.

“There’s a merchant caravan heading out at dawn,” Oliver said. “They’re traveling west, toward the smaller villages. Harlington's men won’t be watching those roads as closely.”

Eleanor frowned. “A merchant caravan?”

Oliver nodded. “They take in extra passengers, for a price.”

Lucas leaned back, shaking his head. “We don’t have any money.”

Oliver smirked. “Lucky for you, I still owe you a favor.”

Eleanor blinked in surprise. “You’d do that for us?”

Oliver shrugged. “Lucas saved my life once. I figure I can at least help him save his own.”

Lucas exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I appreciate it, Oliver.”

Oliver grinned. “Don’t thank me yet. The caravan leaves in a few hours. If Harlington’s men catch wind of it, we’re all as good as dead.”

THE NIGHT ESCAPE

Time was against them.

Lucas and Eleanor stayed low as they followed Oliver through the darkened streets. The air was cold, and the distant sounds of the city felt sharper in the silence.

Eleanor kept her hood pulled over her head, her heart hammering in her chest. She had spent years walking these streets with confidence, but now, every shadow felt like a threat.

Lucas walked close beside her, his hand grazing hers in silent reassurance. She wanted to take it, to hold onto him for comfort, but she forced herself to stay focused.

Oliver led them toward a small warehouse near the outskirts of town. The building was old, the wooden walls weathered from time, but there was movement inside, merchants preparing for their long journey at dawn.

“This is it,” Oliver whispered, peering around the corner. “The caravan master’s name is Gideon. He’s a good man, but he doesn’t take risks. If he even suspects you two are running from trouble, he won’t let you on.”

Eleanor took a deep breath. “Then we convince him we’re not trouble.”

Oliver smirked. “I like your confidence, Princess.”

Lucas exhaled. “Let’s just hope it’s enough.”

A DANGEROUS DEAL

Inside the warehouse, crates were stacked high, filled with goods meant for trade. Merchants bustled about, loading wagons, checking supplies. At the center of it all stood a burly man with graying hair and sharp eyes, Gideon.

Oliver led them forward. “Gideon,” he called.

The man turned, his gaze narrowing as he took in the newcomers. “Oliver.” His voice was gruff. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Oliver grinned. “I have some friends in need of safe passage.”

Gideon’s gaze flickered to Eleanor and Lucas. “Friends?” His tone was skeptical. “They look like trouble.”

Eleanor straightened. “We can pay.”

Gideon raised a brow. “Oh? And what exactly do you have to offer?”

Eleanor hesitated. They had nothing.

Lucas stepped forward. “We’ll work for our passage. Whatever you need. Just get us out of here.”

Gideon studied them for a long moment. Then, finally, he sighed. “Fine. You work, you ride. But if you bring trouble to my caravan, I’ll throw you both off myself.”

Lucas nodded. “Understood.”

Gideon gestured toward one of the wagons. “You start now. Get to work.”

Eleanor exhaled in relief, sharing a glance with Lucas. They had done it. They had secured a way out.

But as they turned to follow Gideon, a sharp voice cut through the air....

“There they are!”

Eleanor’s blood ran cold.

Her father’s men had found them.

THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM

Chaos erupted.

Lucas grabbed Eleanor’s hand, yanking her behind him as the guards rushed forward. Oliver moved fast, pulling a knife from his belt and lunging toward the nearest man.

Gideon cursed. “What the hell did you bring into my warehouse?”

“No time to explain!” Oliver shouted, blocking a guard’s strike.

Lucas turned to Eleanor. “Run. Now.”

She hesitated. “I’m not leaving you”

“Eleanor, go!”

A guard lunged toward them, and Lucas met him with a brutal punch. The man staggered, but another was already closing in.

Eleanor’s heart pounded. She wanted to fight. To stay by his side.

But then she saw Oliver take down another man, yelling, “Get to the wagons!”

Gideon swore. “Damn it! Get them in the caravan before they kill each other!”

Eleanor clenched her fists. Then she made her choice.

She ran.

She sprinted toward the wagons, dodging crates and barrels. Behind her, she could hear Lucas fighting, Oliver cursing, guards shouting.

Then.....

A strong hand grabbed her wrist.

She gasped, twisting to see Thomas.

Her father’s right-hand man.

“Your father is done with your games, Eleanor,” Thomas said.

Eleanor struggled. “Let me go!”

Thomas didn’t flinch. “It’s over.”

Eleanor’s heart raced. No. It couldn’t end like this.

Then, just as Thomas pulled her forward

A fist slammed into his jaw.

Lucas.

Thomas staggered back, releasing her. Lucas grabbed Eleanor’s arm, pulling her toward the wagon.

“Go!”

She didn’t hesitate this time. She climbed onto the moving cart, Lucas right behind her.

As the horses pulled the caravan forward, Oliver jumped onto another wagon, barely making it in time.

The last thing Eleanor saw was Thomas, staring after them, his face filled with fury.

They had escaped.

For now.