章 42: A Desperate Chase Through the Night

As they trudged back to the castle, exhaustion weighed heavily on Madison's shoulders. The events of the day replayed in her mind - the ambush, the fight with Caden, and that strange burst of power she'd unleashed. Questions swirled through her thoughts, but answers remained frustratingly out of reach.

Wald's voice cut through her musings. "We need to move faster. Caden may have allies waiting to spring him loose."

Madison nodded, picking up the pace despite her aching muscles. They'd bound Caden tightly and gagged him for good measure, but the traitor's eyes still burned with hatred as two guards dragged him along.

The forest grew darker as night fell, the trees creaking ominously in the wind. Madison's nerves jangled, every shadow seeming to hide a potential threat. She kept her hand on her sword, ready for anything.