The moon hung low over the city as Austin and Alina raced through the streets. Behind them, the palace lights faded, but the sound of the riders chasing them only grew louder.
"Faster!" Austin shouted, leaning low over the horse's neck.
Alina clung to him tightly. They were riding on the same horse, having lost the other during an arrow attack. She wrapped her arms firmly around his waist, feeling the warmth of his blood seeping through his wound again.
"There they are!" one of the riders shouted. "Don't let them escape!"
Austin turned sharply into a narrow alley between merchant stalls, knocking over a stack of empty crates. The chaos slowed two of the riders but one managed to break through and caught up with them.
