Page 2 of Captive Heart

"Take it," she says, her voice urgent.

I hesitate. "What is it?"

"Just take it," Brin insists. "You have to take it with you."

"Why?" I ask, my curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

Brin's expression turns serious. "You either escape with it or you don't escape at all."

I stare at her for a moment, trying to decide what to do. I don't like the idea of taking something without knowing what it is or why it's important. But at the same time, I don't want to jeopardize our chance at escape.

"Fine," I say, snatching the necklace from her hand.

Brin grabs a cloak from a nearby crate and wraps it around my shoulders. The rough fabric scratches against my skin, but I welcome the warmth it provides. She begins to explain her plan in hushed tones, her eyes darting around the shed as if expecting someone to burst in at any moment.

"You need to wait for my signal," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "When you see a light coming from the kitchen window, that's when you make your move."

I nod, my heart pounding in my chest. I can feel the weight of the necklace around my neck, a constant reminder of the risk we're taking.

"Once you see the light, head to the northeast wall," Brin continues. "A tree fell during last night's storm, and the guards were too busy with the dinner party to take care of it. Climb the tree and head east toward the docks."

I listen carefully, committing every detail to memory. I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, my body preparing for the escape.

But as Brin continues to speak, I suddenly realize that she's speaking as though she isn't going to come with me. My heart sinks, and I can't help but ask, "What about you?"

She hesitates, her eyes avoiding mine. "I can't come with you," she says, her voice barely audible. "I have to stay behind and create a distraction."

I stare at her in disbelief. "But you'll be caught," I protest. "You'll be punished."

She shakes her head. "It's a risk I have to take," she says, her voice firm. "But you have to go. You have to get as far away from here as possible. Wait for my signal."

And just as quickly as before, Brin disappears.

My heart is racing, but I know that I have to do this. I have to be brave, for both of us. I do each of the steps as she said them. Wait for her signal. Climb the tree. Run toward the docks, north—no, east.

I run as fast as I can, my feet pounding against the ground as I make my way towards the docks. I can hear the sounds of the city behind me, but I don't dare look back. I know that if I do, I might lose my nerve.

Only, when I arrive, no one is there. Nobody is waiting for me like Brin promised. Which means I won’t be able to escape.

“Hurry up!” someone shouts from down the docks. “The Captain wanted to be on the open sea long ago!”

“Yes, sir, this is the last crate! Sorry sir, so sorry.”

I peer around the corner and spot the men as they load the last crate onto a ship that already has its masts drawn and ready.

This is it, Lyra. Your chance at freedom.

Hand clutching Brin’s necklace, I wonder what exactly that means.

I don’t know where they’re going, and I don’t care. All I know is that my ticket to a new life was supposed to be gone already and, for some reason, it’s still here. I’ve never believed in fate, but as I sneak up the plank and dive behind a pile of sacks, I consider that tonight it might be on my side.

2

ZOLDRYN

"Look over there."

I patrol the coast of Fouuer Island, my wings slicing through the humid air. The sun dips below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the lush vegetation that covers the base of Bloodstorm Peak. The island's volcanic activity keeps the peak hot and covered in ash, but the surrounding area is a tropical paradise.

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