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 wiping the dirt from my palms, I checked the red seal, concentrating. The signal hadn’t faded, and it was pointing me in a direction through this tangled woodland.

With a furious tug, I tore the skirts of my dress, ripping away several layers. I needed more agility—they had nearly tripped me several times, and the weight was unbearable.

Now with my boots free, I took off running toward the path traced by the red line.

*****

Crouching behind the bushes, I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady