Chapter 38: Past
The moonlight bathed the cobblestone streets of Fein in a silver glow, but there was no peace in the city tonight. Twelve-year-old Dune clutched his younger brother Ned's hand tightly as they dashed through the narrow alleys, the shouts of guards echoing behind them.
"Keep running, Ned!" Dune hissed, his heart pounding.
Ned gasped for breath, his legs struggling to keep up. "Dune, I'm tired!"
"We can't stop!" Dune growled, dragging him forward.
The clatter of boots grew louder. Dune turned a sharp corner, searching for any escape route. That's when a voice called out from a nearby doorway.
"This way!"
A man stood in the shadows, beckoning them inside. Beside him were a woman and a teenage girl, their faces tense but kind.
"Come on, hurry!" the man urged.
Dune hesitated, his instincts screaming not to trust them. But Ned was wheezing, and the guards were getting closer.
"Please, Dune," Ned whispered, his voice trembling.
Dune gritted his teeth and nodded. They slipped inside, and the man bolted the door behind them.