Escape

After rescuing Mia from the cell, Sonea lent her a shoulder as they walked along the corridor, climbed the stairs, and escaped from underground.

Once they emerged from underground, a door leading to the courtyard stood right in front of them. Through a small window beside it, Sonea could see the rear gate.

"If we leave through the rear gate of the castle, there's a river and a bridge just beyond it. I've prepared a horse in the forest on the other side of the bridge. Once we make it that far, we'll be safe."

Sonea explained how they would escape from the castle.

"We'll leave the courtyard and make straight for the rear gate. It will be hard, but please hold on until we get there."

Sonea encouraged her, but Mia was breathing heavily. Her injuries were painful, and even that little movement had exhausted her.

Sonea wanted to let her rest, but if they delayed too long, they might be discovered. Besides, the courtyard was wide open, making it highly likely that someone would see them. Mia had to keep moving, no matter how painful it was.

"Let's go, Mia-san."

After waiting for Mia's breathing to settle, Sonea opened the door and stepped into the courtyard.

When she looked up, the pitch-black sky had begun to take on a faint blue tinge. Sunlight was beginning to shine in from the mountainside, and dawn was approaching...