“Master Adrian?”

Adrian froze, his heart doing dives as he registered the voice. When the lid of the dumpster creaked open, it revealed not a guard, but a familiar face staring down at him with a fierce, determined expression. It was Calum, the stable boy loyal to Adrian since childhood, his eyes blazing with a mixture of fear and devotion. Adrian hadn’t expected to see him, let alone here, in the midst of such danger.

Let him track back. Calum, his best friend since childhood, someone he trusted with his life, and someone who knew about Zara.

“Calum?” Adrian’s voice was thick with disbelief. He glanced at Zara, then backed up at him. “What are you doing here?”

Calum grinned, unflinching, his face smudged with soot but his gaze steady. “Tracking you, of course, my lord. I couldn’t very well let you handle this alone.” He reached down, urging them both to climb out. “Come on, quickly. It’s nearly dawn, and we don’t have much time.”

The thought of Calum betraying him might have crossed his mind once, but looking at his face, all dirty and with an infectious smile, he knew in his heart that it wasn’t Calum who told his secret about Zara.

And he had never told him about Zara being pregnant.

Adrian still hesitated, glancing toward the narrow alleyway, but Calum’s confidence was unwavering. Once they were out, Calum guided them down the shadowed passage, stopping occasionally to listen for guards. He led them with skill, clearly prepared for the risk he was taking.

“How did you even find us?” Adrian whispered as they ducked through a secluded path.

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Calum pulled a small, gleaming card from his pocket. It shimmered faintly even in the dim light of the alleyway. “I, ah, borrowed a Scent-Seeker Card from your father’s collection, among other things. Allows me to track down anyone by the scent of their clothes. Figured it might come in handy.”

Adrian’s brows shot up. “Calum, that’s a serious offense. If my father finds out…”

Calum shrugged, flashing an irreverent grin. “Doesn’t really matter. I’m loyal to you, not the duke household. And Master Bran helped me. Now, let’s get you and Lady Zara somewhere safe.”

Bran?

Bran helped him?

He tried to think more about it, he was thinking of shutting off his brain about the things that could be held for the future.

Without waiting for more protests, Calum led them through the winding alleyways until they reached an old, abandoned shack at the edge of the capital’s quieter district. Once inside, they took a moment to catch their breath. The shack was dark and dusty, and Adrian didn’t even know something like this place even existed.

Adrian took a deep breath, steadying himself as they entered the dim, dusty shack. It felt strange, standing there with Calum, who had shown up as if from nowhere, carrying more surprises with him than Adrian could have ever anticipated.

As the adrenaline of their escape began to wear off, Adrian turned to his old friend, unable to contain his questions any longer. “Calum, what on earth did you do? How are you here? What’s been happening back at home? My father… my siblings…are they—”

Calum raised a hand, motioning for both Adrian and Zara to sit down. “I’ll answer everything, Master Adrian, but first, let’s take care of that leg.”

Before Adrian could protest, Calum crouched down and examined his injury with practiced care, his expression shifting to one of concern. “This arrow’s in deep. Hold still,” he muttered. With surprising precision, Calum took hold of the arrow’s shaft, gritted his teeth, and, in a swift movement, pulled it free. Adrian clenched his jaw, stifling a cry, while Zara reached over, her face pale with worry.

Once the arrow was out, Calum rummaged through a small pouch he had tied to his waist, pulling out a strip of cloth. He tied it around Adrian’s leg, rough but effective. “It’ll hold for now. But we’ll need to clean it properly when we have the chance.”

Adrian steadied his breathing, watching as Calum worked. Despite his gruff demeanor, Calum’s hands moved gently, his touch careful. Once he finished, he sat back and let out a breath, his expression growing solemn. He had to say, Calum was a little bit surprised at the goofy Calum’s skills.

“Your father… he’s more than furious,” Calum said, his voice laced with barely concealed anger. “The Duke’s thrown the entire house into chaos. He’s calling in every favor, and threatening anyone who dares question his authority, sending men to every corner of the kingdom to find you. He even swore to disown you outright.” Calum clenched his fists, visibly holding back his frustration. “Everyone else was sad. Bran, Rowena…even Aldric and the others were sad. And Bran and Rowena… they helped me. They risked everything to get me what I needed to find you.”

Adrian’s eyes widened. “Bran and Rowena?”

Calum nodded, his eyes twinkling with pride. “I stole a…dimensional bag. Bran and Rowena stuffed it with whatever they thought you’d need.” He patted the pouch on his belt, which now looked much too small to contain any substantial supplies. “Some clothes, a few potions, maps, food…anything they thought might help. Bran even threw in a few books he thought you’d like.” His eyes took a dangerous glint as he continued, “I even took a few cards from your dad’s Card Library.” He huffed, “Serves him right for beating me that time when I actually hadn’t stolen anything.”

His father was… a stickler. And he didn’t actually believe all his siblings were worried about him. Also, even though he had help, he still couldn’t believe Calum of all people pulled off such a big heist.

Despite himself, Adrian smiled a little and shook his head, caught between amazement and worry. “You stole a dimensional bag?” he asked, his tone both incredulous and reprimanding. “Calum, that’s serious.”

Calum just shrugged, an unapologetic grin on his face. “I did what I had to, Master Adrian. When it comes to keeping you safe, I don’t answer to anyone else. Not the Duke, not even the King.”

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Adrian’s stoic facade wavered, and a mix of emotions crossed his face—gratitude, relief, and a fierce protectiveness. Without a word, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Calum in a brief, rough hug. Calum stiffened for a moment, surprised, but then he relaxed, patting Adrian’s shoulder.

“Don’t ever put yourself in danger like this again,” Adrian muttered, pulling back but still holding his friend’s gaze. “And don’t steal again. Ever.”

Calum’s grin softened, his eyes filled with loyalty. “Can’t promise that, Master Adrian,” he said quietly.

Adrian looked him right in the eyes and said, “I’m serious. Promise me. Never steal from anyone ever again.”

Calum looked taken aback for a moment, but then smiled, “I know you don’t like stealing, Master Adrian. But I also know you taught me to do what I think is right. And I don’t think killing someone for love is right. Oh, you also taught me to stand up for what I believe in. And I believe these things belong to you too.” He then gave a solemn expression, “But I promise not to steal again.”

Adrian felt a little weirded out with Calum’s arguments. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it, but the little brat was always good with words. So he just smiled, “Honestly, Calum...”

He couldn’t do anything except ruffle his hair.

Calum glanced around, his expression turning serious. “The situation everywhere has become worse since your escape. The royal guards and the Duke’s men are looking over every inch of the kingdom, and it’s only a matter of time before they catch our trail here in the capital. We don’t have much time before they close in.”

Zara nodded, her face grim. “Even if we manage to escape the capital, Adrian, we’re not safe. There’s nowhere in any human or demon territory that would willingly take us in. Not with the charges against us.”

Adrian considered her words, his mind racing as he searched for a solution. Finally, he took a steadying breath and looked between them. “There is… one place that might offer us sanctuary. But it won’t be easy.”

Calum perked up, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. “Where?”

“The Beast Kingdom of Vanthor,” Adrian replied, his voice low. “It’s far, and as far as I know, they don’t have prejudice about interspecies relations. They don’t answer to the kingdoms here, and they don’t follow our laws. But the only route there—the one where we’ll be least likely to get caught—is through the Ebony Forest.”

Zara’s eyes widened slightly, and even Calum’s usual confidence wavered. Everyone knew the forest’s reputation, its twisted paths filled with creatures that most travelers wouldn’t dare face. But after a moment’s silence, Calum shrugged, his grin reappearing, albeit a bit strained.

“Well, if it’s Vanthor or nothing, I say we take our chances with the forest. It’s better than waiting here for people trying to find us for killing,” Calum said, his tone resolute.

“So it’s already decided that you are coming with us?”

Calum’s grin faltered, and for a moment, his bravado seemed to slip away, his face showing a raw, almost vulnerable look that Adrian had rarely seen. His eyes shimmered, and his mouth opened, but no words came out as he swallowed hard, struggling to keep his composure.

“Master Adrian,” he began, his voice wavering, “you’re not… you’re not thinking of leaving me behind, are you?” His fists clenched at his sides, and the hint of tears filled his eyes. “I’d… I’d follow you anywhere. I mean it. Please, don’t—”

Adrian stepped forward, cutting him off with a light clap on the shoulder. “Calum, I’m kidding,” he said, smiling warmly. “After everything you’ve done? After stealing from the Duke, finding us here, and putting yourself in danger? There’s no way I’d dare leave you behind. I’d never do that to you.”

Calum exhaled a shaky breath, his shoulders relaxing as a mixture of relief and embarrassment crossed his face. “Right. Well… good,” he murmured, trying to regain his composure. He glanced away, rubbing the back of his neck and wiping at his eyes with a quick swipe. “Because you couldn’t get rid of me even if you tried,” he added, a small, wobbly grin breaking through.

Adrian laughed. He wasn’t blind to his flaws—he knew he could be reckless, stubborn, and far from perfect. And he probably made a lot of people angry or worried, or sad or frustrated, but he knew what his mother had said to him before dying.

“Adrian,” she had said, her hand resting gently on his, her voice both firm and kind, “it’s not about being perfect or always making the right choices. It’s about standing by those you care about, even when things get difficult. Protect the people you love, and you’ll always find your way back to yourself.”

He might have to leave a lot of people he cared about behind, but after what he did, the best thing he could do for them is to be far away from them. Calum pulled out two loaves of bread out of his pack thingy and after eating, they waited, on full alert.

As nightfall blanketed the capital, the trio gathered in the silent shadows near the city’s edge, where Calum had managed to secure an old, weather-worn cart piled high with hay—plenty to bury and conceal anyone beneath. Adrian and Zara, cloaked and hooded, exchanged a determined glance before looking at the makeshift escape plan. The cart’s rough wooden frame creaked under the weight, and hay spilled over the edges, its tangled layers offering a dense, seemingly impenetrable cover for them to hide beneath.

Calum gave them each a nod, his face determined as he adjusted his cap and tucked his own features into the shadows of his disguise—a worn cloak and hat borrowed from the stablemaster, dusted with dirt and soot to make him look the part. “Get comfortable,” he muttered, glancing back at Adrian and Zara as they climbed in and wriggled beneath the scratchy hay.

The hay was dry, prickling their skin as they nestled themselves deep beneath the layers, its rough, earthy scent filling the air. Adrian felt Zara’s hand grasp his tightly in the darkness as they settled in. Above them, the faint sounds of Calum climbing onto the front of the cart creaked through the night.

Once everything was in place, Calum clicked his tongue, urging the old draft horse forward. The cart jolted into motion, creaking and rattling as it rolled along the cobblestone streets toward the city gates. The journey felt agonizingly slow, each step seeming to echo louder in Adrian’s ears as they approached the looming gate, where two guards held their positions, their armor glinting in the moonlight.

“Oi, there!” one of the guards called, stepping forward as Calum brought the cart to a halt. His voice was gruff, his gaze sharp as he looked Calum over, suspicion evident in his eyes. “What’s your business? Odd time of night for transporting hay.”

Calum scratched his head, his posture slouched as he looked at the guard with a feigned lack of concern. “Ah, yes, sir. Apologies for the late hour. I’m just a stablehand bringing fresh bedding to the farm outside the gates. The cattle… well, they ain’t exactly concerned with curfew,” he said with a chuckle, putting on a convincingly lazy grin.

The guard narrowed his eyes, not entirely convinced. “And where’s this farm, exactly?”

“Near Blod Village, in the far east,” Calum answered without missing a beat, his tone confident as he met the guard’s gaze.

The guard huffed, glancing over to his companion. The second guard approached the cart, eyeing it with suspicion as he walked along its side, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “Strange night for hay delivery,” he muttered. “And looks like an awful lot for just a few animals.”

Calum shrugged, maintaining his calm. “Farmer’s orders, sir. Wants to make sure he’s stocked up before winter sets in. Cold nights like these, they get mighty restless without enough hay.” He forced a nervous laugh, casting his eyes down respectfully.

The guards exchanged a look, their expressions unreadable beneath their helmets. The first guard approached the side of the cart, tapping the wooden frame with the end of his sword, and the faintest glint of suspicion crossed his face. He leaned closer, studying the cart with a more scrutinizing gaze, and then straightened.

“Just to be sure…” he murmured to his partner, who nodded.

Without warning, the guard unsheathed his sword and, with a swift, fluid movement, plunged it into the haystack.