AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We’ll be safe soon,” I murmured, even though uncertainty gnawed at me. “I’ll tell you everything then. Just hold on.”
The last echoes of the town faded away as we raced deeper into the countryside.
The promise of safety, while not yet realized, was at least a little closer.
* * *
The rhythmic thud of the Hiikas’ feet against the dirt path filled the air, punctuated only by the nocturnal calls of distant creatures.
The cooling evening wind swept against my face, carrying with it the fragrance of blooming nocturnal flowers.
It was almost enough to distract me from the weight on my heart.
Almost.
Suddenly, Isla’s Hiika pulled alongside mine, its soft, chirping call breaking through my daze.
The inquisitive gaze she threw my way made my chest tighten. “Thillak,” her voice was filled with both concern and determination, “why are we running?”
“We’re being followed,” I began, realizing that, indeed, there was more to our story than I’d previously divulged.
Not because I didn’t trust her, but because I’d hoped this chase would never resume.
She shot me a confused look, silver moonlight reflecting off her eyes. “By who? And why?”
Drawing a deep breath, I savored the crispness of the night air, a slight tang underlying its freshness. “There’s more to our past than I’ve shared. I wasn’t completely sure until… until I picked up on a certain scent back at the inn.”
Her face contorted in confusion. “Whose scent?”
My grip tightened on the reins, the worn leather feeling rough and calloused beneath my fingers. “The Balance,” I whispered.
Every few moments, I’d throw anxious glances over my shoulder, certain I’d caught the hint of a shadow, or the faint rustling of leaves that didn’t fit with the natural rhythm of the forest.
Each time I looked back, it increased the tight knot of anxiety in my stomach.
“The Balance?” she echoed, her voice trembling slightly.
I nodded, taking another quick glance behind us. “They believe our recurring romance, our love story that defies time and reincarnation, is a mockery of Fate and her plans. They think no one should have knowledge of their past, let alone the ability to see into the future.”
Her eyes widened in realization and disbelief. “But why? Why do they care about us?”
Exhaling, I brushed a hand through my hair, feeling the slight dampness from exertion. “Every time we find each other, every time we fall in love, our bond grows stronger, crossing lifetimes. This bond gives us a power very few possess: the ability to not only glimpse the future but to see it.”
I watched as the implications settled in her mind. “So, they’re after us because of our bond? Because we’re… powerful together?”
“Exactly,” I affirmed. “And they’ll stop at nothing to ensure that power isn’t realized.”
She fell silent, taking in the enormity of the situation.
All around us, the night seemed to hum with energy, with potential threats lurking in every shadow.
The glow from the Zireflyes cast dancing specks of light on the path, both illuminating our way and casting deeper shadows.
A faint light appeared on the horizon, signaling the approach of a dwelling.
As we neared, I recognized it as a quaint cottage, nestled between two sloping hills.
Warm light emanated from its windows, casting a soft orange glow against the twilight backdrop.
