Chapter 12. No Way Home

VESTA

Four hours later...

The light from a few lamps hanging beside the numerous red tents remained the sole source of illumination as I tiptoed through thick clouds of fog, tiny particles of snow persisting in the air, lining my nostrils. With each breath I took, my lungs squealed with discomfort.

The whistling of the wind and rustling of trees were the only sounds that pierced through the ethereal silence. The smell of frozen leftover foods littered on the wooden plates nearby was a testament to the abundance the soldiers enjoyed despite the obvious precarious situation.

Having managed to put my daughter to sleep, I had snuck out of Xerxes’ bed hours after he had fallen asleep on my body after ravaging me to his fill. His intense snores were enough proof that it was time to make a move.

Evading the night guards on posts seemed to be an easier task compared to slithering out of Xerxes’ tent. I had even managed to conceal myself with a black cloak to bl