Chapter 70

Allens pov

“Hold on, Sarah,” I muttered through gritted teeth, my legs pumping as my body screamed in protest. The forest path back to the palace stretched on endlessly, every shadow a potential enemy. My left arm throbbed, blood dripping down my sleeve from the deep cut I’d sustained during the fight. The wind sliced through the trees, mocking my desperation.

"Allen," Sarah’s voice wavered, small and frightened against my chest. "I'm scared." “We’re almost there,” I lied, my breath hitching with pain. “Just hold on a bit longer.”

My vision blurred, and my legs wobbled beneath me, threatening to drop us both. My foot caught on a root, sending me sprawling to the ground. Sarah cried out as we hit the mud. Pain surged through my injured arm, and I had to bite down to keep from screaming.

I tried to push myself up, but my strength was failing me. Black spots danced in front of my eyes. Collapsing like this wasn't an option—not when their lives were on the line. Using my uninjured arm, I m