Suddenly, a burst of gunfire erupted, sending loud shots piercing the still night air. Even though it was pitch black outside the edges of the firelight, I could see many Red Coats moving in, hiding around us in the forest. Acantha dropped the plate she was holding.

"Acantha, run!" I shouted, pushing her toward safety. Then, everything seemed to happen in slow motion as she reached for her gun, already loaded and ready. She looked up at me with surprise in her eyes, when a bullet ...