"My lady… this way, please—run," Fiona's voice broke through the dense darkness, low and urgent as she half-dragged Gabriella between the towering trees. "They are close… I fear they are already upon us."
The forest swallowed their footsteps, branches clawing at their cloaks as they fled deeper into the night. Every breath came sharp, every heartbeat loud with terror.
"Can we… pause for a moment?" Gabriella's voice trembled, strained and thin with exhaustion. She staggered slightly, one hand instinctively pressing to her abdomen. "My stomach… it hurts terribly…"
Fiona's grip tightened at once, firm despite her fear.
"My lady," she said, struggling to keep her composure, "we cannot stop. Not even for breath. If they capture you… Lady Lola will show no mercy."
Gabriella's steps faltered, her strength wavering as pain and fear collided within her. Her free hand curled protectively over her belly, her face pale beneath the moonlight breaking through the trees.
