_Leah's POV_

Tariq and I rushed back through the woods, our feet barely touching the ground as we moved swiftly. The trees blurred around us, and the only sound was the pounding of our footsteps against the earth. Tariq led the way, his familiarity with the forest evident as he guided us through a shortcut. The urgency in his voice earlier still echoed in my mind.

"We have to move quickly," Tariq had said.

"Kayden's guards might still be out here looking for you, and if they catch us, it ...