Chapter 17. A Daring Escape

Ally's POV

"Absolutely." Elliot's eyes are steady on mine, his certainty a balm to the chaos of my heart. "I saw her- the witch- hand him the potion. I heard his incantations in the dead of night. There is no doubt."

"Then we must move quickly." Dawn stirs within me, her energy feeding my resolve. This isn't just a physical escape; it's spiritual freedom.

Elliot nods, his features etched with the gravity of our endeavour. "We leave tonight. Under the cover of darkness, you'll slip away unnoticed. By dawn, you'll be free of this place."

"Free of Nathan," I correct him, my voice a mere whisper. My fear is not of what I'm running from, but of the unknown I'm running toward.

"Free to live your life," he confirms and offers me a small, conspiratorial smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. They hold a depth of understanding that only comes from having li