Under the dim moonlight, Princess Elaria stumbled through the forest, her breaths ragged, her heart pounding like a war drum in her chest. Every step grew heavier, but she couldn't stop—she mustn't stop. Above her, the mechanical crow piloted by Ren continued to fly, guiding her through the darkness, but the sound of galloping hooves behind her grew louder, pressing her closer to the edge of panic.
Dark memories of her treatment at the hands of the humans haunted her. Their cruel eyes, the rough grips, the vile threats that cut at her dignity—she refused to fall into their clutches again. She would rather die than return to that hell.
"Haah... Haah..." Her breath grew shorter, pain flaring in her legs as it spread through her whole body, but she forced herself to keep going.
