Chapter 163: Secret Door
Kai’s screams echoed faintly in the distance, but Lorelai didn’t dare turn around to see how far—or how close—he was. She was certain that if she stopped for even a moment, he would catch up to her, and this time, he wouldn’t let her go so easily.
The acrid smell of burning wood and fabric filled her lungs, clinging to her skin like invisible claws, as though the fire itself was trying to drag her back to the king’s chambers. The stench was overpowering, making it harder to breathe, but still, she didn’t stop.
She had no idea how long she’d been running or if Kai’s voice behind her was real or a figment of her spiraling fear. Her legs moved on instinct, refusing to falter, until she came to an abrupt halt.
A dead end.
She had reached the corner of the annexed building connected to the main palace. Her heart plummeted as the realization hit her—she was trapped.
It was over.
Lorelai’s entire body trembled, the shaking so violent she feared she might shatter like fragile porcelain.
Her knees buckled, and she sank to the cold floor, her hands flying up to cover her face as hot tears streamed down her cheeks, unstoppable and unrelenting.
Suddenly, the piercing barks of hunting dogs shattered the stillness, cutting through the night like a blade. Lorelai froze, terror surging anew in her veins, her breath hitching painfully in her chest.