Chapter 42 Captured - I

• Eulalia’s heart pounded wildly, as if it were trying to escape the nightmare on its own. She stopped running, her lungs burning, her legs shaking, and her body covered in scratches and mud. She was alone. Lost.
• The surrounding trees seemed to be watching, hunched like ancient creatures stalking their prey. She spun in circles, trying to find anything familiar—but there was only darkness and shadows. Fear tightened around her throat like a nose.
• “Alaric!” she cried, her voice choked, childlike. “Alaric, please help me!”