Chapter 5: The Great Escape!
"Reya, do we really have to take the little girl along?" Lara asked, her voice dripping with indifference. She glanced at the child, whose small figure seemed fragile as she rested on Reya's back. In Lara's mind, the girl represented a distraction, an obstacle that could hinder her plans.
"Sister, I will not cause trouble," the little girl said softly. Her black, pleading eyes were invisible because of the darkness.
Lara pursed her lips. She walked ahead, leading the way toward the river.
"Miss, this is far enough." Reya lowered herself so the little girl could get off her back.
"You can take a moment to relieve yourselves now; I'll keep watch," Reya said, her voice calm as she glanced back at the darkened trail behind them. The faint glow of their campsite's flickering fire had vanished, swallowed by the darkness of the night.
Reya did not want to venture further into the shadows, but as the trees started to loom taller and the sound of nocturnal animals became louder, she realized that they were getting deeper into the embrace of the wilderness.
While her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she continued stumbling until Lara took her arm and led her.
"We are not stopping, Reya. We are escaping. Carry the child on your back, or I will leave her here," Lara announced, her voice hinting at coldness and commanding, similar to when General Odin would command his subordinates.
Reya was dumbfounded. "But, Miss, when those men catch up with us, we will severely be punished."