The hidden valley was covered in rain and thick mist. Alina and Thomas reached it first, their horses stumbling from exhaustion. An old watchtower stood on a rocky hill overlooking the valley. Its walls were cracked, and upper floors were partially collapsed, but it was the only shelter in sight.
"Up there," Alina said.
She climbed down from her horse and helped Thomas dismount. His shoulder wound was bleeding again. It looked like he would collapse anytime.
They led the horses inside the lower level of the tower and blocked the broken door with fallen stones and a heavy beam. Then Alina climbed the narrow, damaged stairs to a high window. Thomas leaned against the wall below, struggling to catch his breath.
Suddenly, they heard a growl. Alina froze. A tracking dog burst from the treeline, followed by six of Crane's men with their swords drawn.
"They found us," Alina whispered.
