Patch of Druid-Chapter 16 – Escape Through the Desert 1/2

A few hours later, Alex and Lyra noticed the dark figures beginning to vanish. He stood still, watching in disbelief as the monsters faded into the air, dissolving into a gray-black mist, as if they had never existed. But Lyra didn't let him stare for long. With a swift motion, she pulled him forward, leading him out of the slippery depths of the tunnels and onto the uneven, muddy bank of the river.

They pressed close to the tall grass, moving almost silently. Their movements were sharp and urgent, driven by pure instinct to get as far away as possible from the place they had just escaped. Their eyes were still adjusting to the light when the harsh clang of gates and barking voices rang out in the distance. Despite their exhaustion, they dove closer to the river, pushing through the thick vegetation and hiding within the reeds.

In a brief moment of rest, they filled their water flasks, gulping down the river water with desperation. Alex scanned the horizon—everything looked calm, but unease still tugged at his mind. The grass rustled faintly, and then came the sound they had been dreading.

Lyra immediately turned toward the source of the noise. Without a word, she grabbed Alex's arm and pulled him deeper into the thicket.

"They're looking for us," she whispered.

The words hit Alex like a splash of cold water. Images of cramped cells, closing bars, and suffocating corridors came rushing back. They flattened against the earth, hidden in the underbrush, blending into the landscape like prey on the run.

They crawled through low shrubs and slid beneath thick bushes, their arms scratched by branches, their breaths short and ragged. They crouched in silence, staring in the direction of the approaching patrol.

Four silhouettes emerged over the hill, dragging hairy, stocky creatures on leashes. Alex and Lyra watched every step, motionless.

"They're tracking..." Alex whispered. "They're following our trail."

His voice trembled. His gaze darted toward the river, as if hoping for a way out. The beasts sniffed the air, raising their snouts. One of the guards kicked sand toward them, and the creatures growled... but suddenly turned and moved off in the opposite direction.

They stayed still for several more minutes, ready to flee at the slightest sound. Only when they were sure the patrol had passed did they cautiously move toward the river again. Their steps became more assured.

In the distance, other shapes flickered—creatures they didn't want to meet. They kept to the shadows, and Alex kept glancing over his shoulder.

When the danger finally passed, they collapsed onto the damp earth. Their bodies were exhausted, but their minds remained alert, ready for the next threat.

The water brought a brief sense of relief. Even their ragged, uneven breathing began to slow. Alex looked at Lyra, who silently gathered plants nearby. Her dark hair hung over her face, her hands deftly picking fruits and stuffing them into the backpack. She wasted no time. Always moving, always ready.

At one point, she looked up at him.

"Shall we keep going?" she asked quietly, more rhetorically than expecting an answer.

There was no need for words. They both knew it wasn't over yet.

"Just a minute," he said, walking toward the water and stepping in without hesitation, washing off the filth of the tunnels.

A moment later, Lyra joined him. She submerged up to her shoulders, washing blood and grime from her skin. As she emerged, her eyes sparkled. She lifted a hand, signaling Alex to stop. Her gaze was fixed on the water. She raised her dagger.

A flash—barely visible—and in a single motion, she plunged the blade into the water and pulled out a large, writhing fish.

Alex froze in awe.

"How... How did you do that?"

The elf smirked faintly, revealing perfect white teeth.

"Years of practice. Finally, we'll eat something better than that slop," she said casually, tossing the fish into her pack and stepping out of the water.

Her soaked clothes clung to her, highlighting every curve. The cold water left goosebumps on her skin, and the thin fabric made her nipples clearly visible. Alex stood paralyzed, staring, unable to move.

Lyra tossed over her shoulder, "You coming? Or are you just going to stand there until they find us again?"

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Snapped out of it, Alex quickly followed.

Despite the exhaustion, they pushed forward. They found a shallow crossing and continued along the riverbank, staying in the shadows. Against all logic, they chose the longer path, hoping to confuse their trackers.

They moved cautiously, silently. Lyra often paused, as if listening for something beyond human senses. Sometimes she'd hold her breath, spin on her heel, and change direction.

Alex, though barely holding himself upright, refused to fall behind. He pushed on, jaw clenched, too proud to show how close he was to collapse. He wiped sweat from his brow, his thoughts drifting to memories—real or imagined. The past had become a flickering blur, a shadow of what was long lost.