Leena stepped out into the chill night air, relief washing over her like a fleeting breeze. But then, from the shadows, a voice called out — smooth, cold, and unmistakably familiar.
"Leaving so soon, little healer? You're not free yet."
Her breath hitched, heart pounding. The nightmare was far from over.
She turned slowly, coming face to face with Ram Sharan. His eyes glinted in the moonlight, calm yet intense, and his presence alone sent a shiver down her spine.
Fear twisted in her gut, but she swallowed it down.
"I'm going with you," she said firmly, "but you have to promise me one thing."
Ram raised an eyebrow.
"And what's that?"
"Don't hurt the prince. Not a single scratch."
Ram's face softened just enough for a faint smile.
"You have my word."
Without hesitation, he gestured toward a waiting carriage nearby. Leena followed silently, the weight of her fate pressing down on her.
POV – Li Wei
In the gloom, Li Wei's eyes flickered open. Blurred shapes danced before him; the lingering haze of the drug clouded his mind, but a surge of determination pushed him forward. His wrists burned from the tight ropes binding him, the coarse fibers digging into his skin.
I won't be stopped, he thought through the haze.
He stretched his feet toward a shard of glass. And slid it up into his hands. The jagged edges cut lightly into his palms, but he gripped it firmly. With one final, determined effort, he sawed through the ropes and, with a ragged gasp, freed himself. The sting in his hands was nothing compared to the fire igniting in his chest. Freedom.
Through the cracks in the decrepit walls, he caught a flicker of movement—a carriage rolling steadily away, its wheels crunching against the forest path. His breath caught.
That must be Leena.
The world swayed, but Li Wei forced his legs into motion. Panic sharpened his senses, clearing the fog from his brain just enough. The carriage moved faster now, disappearing into the dark trees.
Vision blurring, body aching, he staggered into the cold night, each step fueled by desperation. He would not let her be taken from him—not tonight.
Inside the Carriage
The interior was dim, lit faintly by a lantern swaying with each bump of the wheels.
Leena sat rigid, eyes fixed on the dark window. Ram watched her silently, his calm exterior belying the storm inside.
Finally, he broke the silence.
"I don't understand."
Leena turned to him, wary.
"Understand what?"
"Why you care so much about that man."
She swallowed, tension knotting her stomach.
"I care for all my patients," she said quietly.
Ram's voice softened but carried a weight of yearning.
"But this time, it's different."
He leaned closer, searching her face.
"Why can't you love me the way you love him?"
The question struck her like a lightning bolt. Her throat tightened, words caught between truth and denial.
Love the prince? Impossible. Crazy. Yet...
She looked away, her heart pounding fiercely in her chest.
Before she could respond, the carriage jolted violently.
Metal screeched. The horses panicked, pulling wildly.
The world tipped sharply.
Leena's breath hitched as the carriage lurched uncontrollably toward the edge of the path.