Helena pulled her hood lower, her cloak whipping behind her as she rushed out through the inn's back exit. Her breath came fast, chest tight with a sudden spike of unease. Damn it, she cursed silently, darting down a narrow alley that led to the edge of the small town. Who were they? How did they know I was here?
Her steps quickened at the sound of a door slamming behind her. No—she couldn't risk being caught. If they were following her, she had to disappear before night fully settled.
Did Eric fail to keep my departure to the Cursed Valley secret? Or… are they King Maximillian's men?
The thought twisted in her stomach. If the king knew she was searching for the Fruit of Immortality, the consequences could be dire—not just for her, but for Imogen and Raphael too.
