Leo awoke suddenly as someone shook her.

“Get up. We need to leave.”

She blinked surprised at the words and Carsein’s hardened tone and rose from the bed. “What’s going on?” she asked as she watched him turn and rummage with the bags.

“A guard came by asking about the guy I hurt last night. I made him leave but if we don’t move now, more will surely follow.”

Leo gasped. “Won’t they come after us if we run?”

“Maybe. But we’re too close to the capital and De Raugh territory right now. If they come to know our identities, we could be on much bigger trouble.”

She nodded even though Carsein was too busy packing their bags to see the gesture. She quickly put on her shoes and as she stood up, her bag landed on the bed with a thud. They’d bought it for her yesterday so she could help carry some of the load. It wasn’t as large as Carsein’s, but having one made her feel like less of a burden. She took it and strapped it on her back as Carsein slung his new bow and quiver across his shoulder ready to leave.

He quickly peered through the doorway and gestured that the coast was clear, before they slipped into the hallway. The scene reminded her of their escape from Arwin’s mansion and had her heart racing. She tried to remember if there were any exits from the guest quarters of the inn that didn’t lead back to the dining hall. Down the steps that led back to the main part of the inn they spotted a window with shutters held closed by an integrated lock. Carsein frowned but then slipped his sword out of its sheath and in a swift motion jammed it in between the hinges and the frame. She was worried the sword would crack under the force he applied, but it was sturdier than expected, and the shutter fell to the floor with a clang.

He turned to Leo and extended his hand to help her through and into the outside courtyard. He himself had trouble getting through, however. With his large built and all the equipment he carried the passageway was tight fit, so he had to hand all of his belongings, including his sword, to Leo to be able to squeeze through. Leo sweated nervously, hoping that no one would find them in this awkward position. However, as soon as he was through, he was reequipped in an instant and they were ready to move once more.

Then they suddenly heart something that sounded like footsteps. I seemed to be coming from dining hall of the inn, but the noise grew like, in a moment, they would enter the hallway they’d just exited.

Carsein’s quickly grabbed her hand and dragging her along behind him he bolted for the courtyard exit. Just as they went through the gate, they heard voices yelling behind them. They didn’t have time to look back and sprinted down the narrow alley and out onto the street. Carsein quickly glanced around before choosing a direction, his hand not letting go of hers as they ran.

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“There he is!” someone shouted behind them and she did her best to keep up as he quickened his pace. They stormed onto the main street and Leo glanced behind her, catching the glimpse of three armored guards running after them.

She huffed and puffed, screaming internally for her muscles to move. They bolted passed people, the street already crawling with people, pulling carts or doing daily chores. They scampered at the sight of Carsein’s hulking body storming towards them and he accidentally knocked over a cart in passing. However, that was a good thing as that became an obstacle to their pursuers and Leo noticed their voices diminish as they made progress down the street. Further down Carsein glanced back and before Leo had time to react, he swung around a corner of a building down a narrow alley. They ducked in between two houses and he slung them up against the side.

She felt the heat radiate from him as his body pressed her against the wall in the narrow space. She looked up at him. His jaw was tense, and his face was turned towards the alley, in deep concentration.

She tried to calm her racing heart and panting breaths and suddenly his hand flew up to cover her mouth. Then she heard the footsteps as well and for a moment she closed her eyes, too anxious to look. Luckily, they seemed to run past the alley and when Carsein finally let go she gasped, relief flooding her. He didn’t move, however, and his posture witnessed that he was still on guard.

Finally he looked down at her and his breath was so close to her face it made her shiver. There was something in his gaze she couldn’t determine.

A sound of footsteps in the alley surprised them and he whipped his head towards the sound and Leo’s heart started pounding once more. But someone laughed and it didn’t sound like a guard. She couldn’t be relieved just yet, however. Standing in the dark alley pressed between two buildings was suspicious. She felt panic well up as the footsteps neared. Then Carsein bent down to whisper in her ear: “Sorry princess, but just go with it.”

Then he grabbed her head and before she had time to react his mouth closed over hers. The jolt of electricity that sparked from her lips at the touch, had her eyes widen in surprise. But she quickly closed them as his tongue slipped in between them, the sensation overwhelming her.

She heard someone gasp but couldn’t turn her head to see who they were. Footsteps leading away, told her that whoever had entered the alley had left. Carsein lifted his head and as their eyes met, she felt heat stain her cheeks.

“Sorry. I hope that wasn’t too uncomfortable” he said, a flash of emotion crossing his features before they went back to the serious, wary expression. She was too stunned to say anything and just stared at him wide-eyed.

He turned his attention to the alley, took a breath and shuffled out from their hiding spot. She shuddered as the warmth of his body disappeared. Trembling fingers rose to her lips as if they wanted to check whether the kiss was still there, the tingling feeling lingering.

“Come on.” Carsein’s voice woke her from her trance and she jolted and skittered into the alley after him. Where it met the main street, he poked out his head and when he was certain the coast was clear, he waved Leo after him.

“Just walk calmly, only run if they spot us” he whispered to her in her ear, his warm breath making her shiver. She nodded and he took her hand to lead them out of town.