Sofia's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. Who was this stranger, and why was he claiming to protect her? "What do you mean, the king sent men to find me?" she asked, her voice firm. Arin's expression was serious, his eyes scanning the surrounding forest. "Your father has offered a reward for your safe return, Princess. The men will stop at nothing to find you." Leila's hand was on Sofia's arm, her voice urgent. "We should go, Princess. Now."
Arin nodded, his eyes flicking to Leila. "Yes, we should. We need to get you to safety." Sofia hesitated, unsure if she could trust this stranger. But something about him seemed...different. He didn't seem to have any ulterior motives, and he was right - they couldn't stay here. "Okay," she said finally, her voice firm. "We'll go with you." Arin nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good choice, Princess.
As they rode, Arin leading the way, Sofia couldn't shake the feeling that she was being led into the unknown. Leila rode close beside her, her eyes scanning the forest. "Do you trust him, Princess?" she whispered. Sofia hesitated, unsure. She didn't know what to think. But Arin seemed to know what he was doing, and he had a way of making her feel...safe. "'ll be careful," she said finally, her voice low.
The forest grew darker, the trees thicker, as they rode. Sofia felt like they were being swallowed whole, the shadows closing in around them. Arin stopped suddenly, his head cocked to one side.
"What is it?" Sofia asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Arin's eyes were narrowed, his expression tense. "Riders," he said, his voice low.
"We need to move, now."