The Stolen Heir’s Bond

The wind howled through the trees as Elaria and Kael tore through the forest, their horses kicking up snow and dirt.

Branches whipped past her face, the night air burning in her lungs, but she didn't dare slow down. Behind them, the furious cries of the hunters still echoed. They wouldn't give up easily.

"They'll have trackers," Kael shouted over the wind. "We need to lose them before dawn."

Elaria scanned the woods ahead, heart racing. The terrain was uneven, thick with undergrowth and jagged rocks. They had one advantage—the bounty hunters' camp had been set in a clearing, meaning the pursuers would have to navigate into rougher terrain.

But that wouldn't stop them for long.

"Follow me!" she called, veering left toward a narrow deer trail. It was barely wide enough for a horse, but that was the point. If they couldn't ride side by side, the hunters would slow down.

Kael didn't question her. He yanked on the reins, guiding his horse after her. The animals stumbled slightly on the tight path, but they pushed forward.

The sound of pursuit grew fainter.

Elaria's pulse pounded. They weren't safe yet, but the gap was widening.

Then—a whistle in the air.

She barely had time to react before an arrow embedded itself in a tree trunk inches from her head.

"Damn it!"

She twisted in the saddle, catching a glimpse of their pursuers through the trees. Three riders, fast and relentless.

Kael swore under his breath. "They split from the main group."

Of course they had. The smarter ones always did.

Another arrow shot past them, this one grazing the edge of her cloak.

They wouldn't outrun them forever.

Her magic was still drained from breaking the shackles, but she didn't have a choice.

Gritting her teeth, she raised one hand, forcing what little power she had left into the air around them. A low hum vibrated through the trees as the wind shifted, the temperature dropping sharply.

Then, in a single, desperate burst, she let it go.

A dense, icy fog exploded outward, swallowing the forest in thick mist.

Kael's horse reared slightly at the sudden cold, but he steadied it with practiced ease. "Nice trick."

"Don't thank me yet," she panted. The spell had cost her more than she expected—her vision swam, her body sluggish with exhaustion.

But it worked.

The hunters' shouts turned frantic as they lost sight of them in the fog.

"Keep moving," she urged. "We need to get across the river."

Kael nodded, guiding his horse forward. "If we make it to the water, we can break the trail."

The river wasn't far—half a mile, maybe less. But Elaria's strength was fading fast. Every breath felt heavier, every movement slower.

Kael must have noticed. He nudged his horse closer to hers. "Stay awake."

"I'm fine," she lied.

"Terrible liar," he muttered.

She didn't have the energy to argue.

The ground sloped downward, and suddenly, the sound of rushing water filled the air. The river.

Elaria's heart leapt. Almost there.

Kael spurred his horse forward, reaching the bank first. Without hesitation, he guided the animal straight into the water. The current surged around them, icy and strong, but the horse pushed through.

Elaria followed, the cold shocking her senses. Her fingers tightened around the reins as they fought against the pull of the river.

Behind them, the fog was beginning to thin.

By the time they reached the other side, her limbs were numb, her body trembling from exhaustion and cold.

Kael dismounted, quickly grabbing her reins before she could slide off her horse. His grip was steady, his golden eyes sharp with concern.

"Breathe," he said quietly. "We're safe. For now."

Elaria swallowed hard, forcing herself to nod. But even as she tried to steady herself, one thought burned in her mind.

Who had sent those hunters after her?

And more importantly—what did they want?