Adeline moved as quietly as she could, trying to retrace her steps, but everything looked the same. The stone walls and dimly lit halls stretched on forever, and her heart started to race. She needed to get out fast. Just when she thought she was making progress, her foot caught on a loose stone.
She stumbled forward, barely catching herself by pressing a hand against the wall. The impact made a dull thud that echoed down the hallway. Her eyes widened. For a second, there was silence—then she heard the sound of boots approaching.
"Great," she muttered under her breath, panic setting in. A group of guards must have heard the noise. She didn't have much time to think. If she fought them, it would get loud, and the people in the grand hall would definitely notice. If she ran, they'd still sound the alarm, but at least she'd have a chance to get away and find Aaron and Layla.
