Chapter 16: Hide and Seek
Despite her best efforts, Tarah eventually came to the conclusion that escape was impossible. The enemies had cunningly blocked every exit route available. Gritting her teeth, Tarah sprinted upstairs, desperation fueling her every step.
The only thing she could do now was pray that their side would emerge victorious in the impending clash. Fortunately, she already mustered some of her magical abilities, even if it was primarily focused on healing. While she considered herself a fighter, she acknowledged that her skills were not yet on par with a seasoned warrior.
In a stroke of luck, Tarah spotted the hidden room upstairs from the great grand hall. She used to hide inside it whenever she played hide and seek with her friends back when she was younger. The door seamlessly blended into the wall, offering a perfect hiding spot.
Without hesitation, she rushed toward it, the weight of Leviticus in her arms driving her forward as her heart pounded with resolve. Pushing open the door, they slipped inside the concealed space, praying that this refuge would keep them safe in the meantime.
"Levi, you need to stay quiet, okay?"
Tara whispered into her little brother’s ear, gently patting him as she began to sway him in an attempt to lull him to sleep. Despite her efforts, however, Levi remained restless, and Tarah sensed the imminent threat of his cries. In their current situation, silence was paramount.
"Levi, please sleep for now," she hummed with a soothing melody and chant, hoping to coax her brother into a peaceful slumber. "It will be over soon..."
Those words were form of encouragement, and it was more for herself as a rather than it was for her brother. She put in her best efforts to keep her thoughts positive, but Tarah couldn’t fight the urge to think of the worst.
Yes, she could only hope for their side to win this battle. But what would she do if they lost? She and Levi needed to escape.