Eloise managed to kick off her shoes as she ran. She abandoned the stone pathway since its rough surface hurt her bare feet, and cut across the grass instead.
Her laughter trailed behind her like a thread for Damien to follow, and though she tried her hardest to swallow it, she couldn't help herself.
It was every bit as fun as Iris had promised to run through the garden with the wind blowing through her hair and Damien not far behind her.
She dared not glance back just yet, certain enough that he couldn't be far.
Fortunately, Eloise had walked through this garden often enough to know its paths by heart, and she used that knowledge now to gain herself just a little more distance. She couldn't outrun him forever, but she could make sure the chase wasn't over too soon.
Damien stayed close behind her, thoroughly enjoying the sight of Eloise running through the garden ahead of him.
He couldn't help but smile each time her laughter reached his ears.
