KATHERINE

I lay on the ground for a second, catching my breath, staring at the distant treetops, filling my lungs with fresh oxygen.

I coughed softly and sat up.

Beside me stood the stone well I had just climbed out of.

In the distance, the silhouette of the castle faintly outlined itself against the evening sky, the last orange rays of the sun casting a glow.

This had to be some secret exit from the Duke’s residence.

I got to my feet—there was no time to lose. Every second counted.

Quickly wip