CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE

As we walk through the forest, my heart is racing with every step. Knox walks beside me, his face etched with worry. Teon and Knox are in the shadows, following us from a distance. If all goes according to plan, they will not reveal themselves until it is absolutely necessary.

“Cathy, I'm starting to doubt if this is a good idea.” Knox says, his voice low and urgent. “Master Alden would never forgive us if this goes wrong.”

I reach out and gently place my hand on his arm. “Don't worry, the plan is simple. You're here to take the antidote back to the castle, remember. Herb and Teon will follow us until the time is right to distract Lena for me to escape.”

I lean further until I am at eye level with him. “If all goes well, I will take the blame with Alden. He would never have agreed to this and Lena would definitely be expecting him to come after her.”

Knox nods, his eyes still wary and worried.

As we approach the clearing, I can see Lena waiting for us. She is with a strange woman. As