The military car sped away from the Hidden Palace, disappearing into the darkness.
General Yu kept both hands firmly on the wheel. Two loyal soldiers sat nearby, watching through the windows and checking the road behind them. They were making sure no one had followed.
Only after several minutes did Cherry finally feel her breathing slow.
They had escaped.
At least for now.
She looked out the window at the dark road passing by. The Hidden Palace was already far behind them, but the fear it had left inside her had not disappeared.
Then she felt Gilbert's hand still holding hers.
His thumb moved gently across the back of her hand.
It was such a small gesture, but it helped.
Cherry turned toward him.
Gilbert looked calm, just as he always did when he wanted to hide what he was feeling. But Cherry had spent enough time beside him to notice the tension in his face.
He was worried too.
