Chapter 710

---- 384.

SAVING MY DAUGHTER KATHERINE Ilay on the ground for a second, catching my breath, staring at the distant treetops, filling my lungs with fresh oxygen.

T coughed softly and sat up.

Beside me stood the stone well I had just climbed out of.

In the distance, the silhouette of the castle faintly outlined itself against the evening sky, the last orange rays of the sun casting a glow.

This had to be some secret exit from the Dukes residence.

I got to my feetthere was no time to lose.

Every second counted.

Quickly wiping the dirt from my palms, I checked the red seal, concentrating.

The signal hadnt faded, and it was pointing me ina direction through this tangled woodland.

With a furious tug, I tore the skirts of my dress, ripping away several layers.

I needed more agilitythey had nearly tripped me several times, and the weight was unbearable.

Now with my boots free, I took off running toward the path traced by the red line.

Jobb Crouching behind the bushes, I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady my breathing.

---- I peered through the thick white mist rising around me, darkness quickly swallowing this old forest.

A wooden cabin stood in the clearing rustic, isolated.

My eyes narrowed, trying to make out the figures moving behind the dirty windowpanes.

A dim light flickered inside.

Two people.

That had to be him and his treacherous mother.

What do I do now? Goddess, light my way, please.

I scanned the area, searching for a weapon, and spotted a thick branch fallen from a cypress tree.

Crawling, staying low, I moved to grab it.

I couldnt see much, and that worried methis area was dangerous.

I had heard there were swamps.

Iwas preparing to move closer, silently creeping toward the cabin, when a commotion caught my attention.

My heart nearly leaped out of my chest as the door burst open and a small figure dashed out.

Lavinia! I sprang to my feet, ready to run to her, to call her namebut she disappeared into the forest before I had the chance.

She was fast, and with the shouting and cursing coming from inside the cabin, she wouldnt hear me.

You useless fool! I told you not to untie her!" ---- Run! She cant have gotten far!" They were arguing, but I didnt waste another second.

I sprinted through the trees like a madwoman.

My plan was to cut Lavinia off before she got lostor worse.