Kingdom On Fire
She always seemed to exert excessive effort to appear tough, almost always falling short.
Without saying a word, he gestured for her to follow him, leaving her momentarily hesitant before complying.
Sophie rubbed the drowsiness from her eyes as she trailed slightly behind, observing her new surroundings. The thought of halting and turning back crossed her mind, unsure of where he was leading her and for what purpose. But she repeatedly reminded herself that she wouldn't retreat; she wouldn't cower anymore.
Her newfound courage stemmed from the knife she had discreetly concealed at her waistline since morning. It wasn't originally hers, but she had made it her own the day she purloined it fro