CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX: Escaping Danger

I have no idea where exactly we are or how far we have strayed from danger.

Inside a cave, I huddle over Marius' frail form. I’ve done my best, using the meager leaves blanched in boiled water to patch his wounds, but it isn't enough. He still has a high fever with labored breathing.

I can't leave him to seek help. Yet, if no help arrives soon, he may not make it through the day.

The raw terror of losing him gnaws at my insides, and I can't think straight of what to do next.

Dawn comes unnoticed, and my exhaustion and hunger begins to take a toll on me.

Suddenly, voices echo and shadows dance at the cave's entrance. Then, a jolt of fear courses through me when Vincent and his men emerge with villainous smirks.

"Found’ya," Vincent wickedly teases.

"No, please," My voice trembles as I position myself protectively in front of Marius. "Don't kill us. Let us go."

"And why would we do that, Lilian’s enemy number one?" Vincent sneers as he steps closer.

He then motions for his men to gr