Entwined Fates: A Love written in Stars

Alina ran, the cold night air burning her lungs as she pushed herself forward. Branches scraped against her arms, but she barely felt them. The parchment was clutched tightly in her hands, her only anchor in the chaos.

Behind her, the sounds of battle raged—clashing steel, grunts of effort, and the occasional hiss of something *unnatural* being unleashed.

Kael was holding them back. But for how long?

Alina's mind raced. She needed a plan. Running blindly into the forest wouldn't save her. She needed to lose them—*all* of them.

Her eyes flickered to the stream ahead.

The water was cold and fast-moving, but she had no choice.

With a deep breath, she sprinted toward the edge and jumped.

The icy shock stole her breath as she hit the water. The current grabbed hold of her immediately, dragging her downstream. She barely managed to keep her head above the surface as she fought to steady herself.

The parchment.

She had to protect it.

Struggling against the current, she pulled it close to her chest, wrapping it beneath her cloak. The water threatened to tear her under, but she forced herself to stay calm.

The stream twisted and turned, carrying her further from the battle. The sounds of fighting faded behind her, replaced by the roaring water and her own gasping breaths.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the current began to slow.

Alina seized the opportunity, kicking toward the bank. Her limbs ached as she dragged herself onto the muddy shore, coughing up water.

She lay there for a moment, chest heaving.

She was alive.

But she was alone.

Shivering, she forced herself up. The parchment was still secure beneath her cloak, slightly damp but intact. A small victory.

But Kael—

She turned back toward the direction she had come from. There was no sign of him. No sign of pursuit, either.

For now.

Her fingers tightened around the parchment.

She had to keep moving. She had to reach the Ruins of Eldryn.

With a deep breath, she gathered what little strength she had left and pushed forward.

She could only hope Kael was still alive to find her.

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