Chapter 4: Into the Dark

The silence that followed Dorian's ominous statement hung heavily in the cool night air. Ariella felt a chill run down her spine, and it wasn't from the breeze rustling the nearby trees. She wrapped her arms around herself, her gaze shifting from Dorian to the vast landscape that lay ahead.

"Me?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why?"

Dorian glanced back at the looming walls of Ardania, his expression thoughtful. "Because you're different. Special. And that scares them."

Ariella shook her head, confusion knitting her brow. "I don't understand. I didn't do anything wrong. The vision just... happened."

He sighed softly. "The academy doesn't take kindly to things they can't control. Your abilities—whatever they may be—are a threat to their order."

She sighed, her voice betraying a hint of frustration. "Where do we go now?"

Dorian gave her a long, assessing look. "You need to lay low for a while. Let the academy’s search cool off. There's a safehouse a few miles from here, just outside the city. We'll head there, but after that, you're on your own."

Ariella blinked. "What do you mean, 'on my own'? You said you were helping me."

"I said I'd help you get out of the city," Dorian corrected, his tone cool. "I'm not your bodyguard. I've got my own problems to deal with."

She bit back the retort that rose to her lips, too tired to argue. He was right. She couldn't expect anyone to stick their neck out for her, especially not someone like Dorian. He'd already done more than she could have asked for, and even if she didn't trust him, she owed him her life.

"Fine," she said quietly. "I'll manage."

Dorian nodded, though his expression remained guarded. "We should move. The sooner we get to the safehouse, the better."

They set off across the open fields, the city's towering walls shrinking behind them. The moon hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the rolling hills. The scent of pine and damp earth filled Ariella's lungs as they entered a dense forest.

Ariella struggled to keep up, her legs aching from the night's events. Every so often, Dorian glanced back to ensure she was still following, but he offered no words of comfort.

After what felt like hours, they arrived at a small clearing. Nestled among the trees was a weathered cabin, its wooden walls worn but sturdy.

"We're here," Dorian announced, motioning toward the cabin. "It's not much, but it'll keep you hidden for a while."

Ariella eyed the cabin, uncertainty swirling in her mind. "And after this? What am I supposed to do?"

Dorian met her gaze, his eyes dark and unreadable. "Survive."

With that, he turned to leave. Ariella watched him go, a strange mix of relief and unease settling in her chest. "Wait," she called after him.

He paused, looking back over his shoulder.

"Thank you," she said softly.

He gave a slight nod. "Stay safe, Ariella."

Without another word, he disappeared into the shadows of the forest.

Left alone, Ariella took a deep breath and approached the cabin. The door creaked as she pushed it open, revealing a simple interior—a single room with a modest bed, a small table, and a cold hearth. Dust covered the surfaces, and cobwebs clung to the corners.

She closed the door behind her, leaning against it as the weight of the night's events pressed down on her. Exhaustion tugged at her, but her mind raced with questions. What did the academy want with her? What did the vision mean? And could she really trust Dorian?

Crossing the room, she sank onto the bed, pulling her knees to her chest. The silence was overwhelming, broken only by the distant hoot of an owl and the rustling leaves outside.

"Survive," she whispered to herself. It sounded simple, yet felt impossibly daunting.

Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out the small pendant she always carried—a simple stone etched with a symbol she didn't recognize. It had been her mother's, the only keepsake she had left. She rubbed her thumb over the smooth surface, seeking comfort.

"I won't run forever," she murmured. Determination flickered within her. Whatever the academy feared, whatever secrets were hidden about her past, she would uncover them.

As fatigue overcame her, Ariella lay down, staring up at the wooden beams of the ceiling. Sleep crept in slowly, her thoughts a swirl of uncertainty and resolve.