Elara

Elara’s breath came in ragged gasps as she darted through the narrow alleys, her heart hammering against her ribs. The shouts behind her grew fainter, but she knew better than to slow down. Her boots splashed through a puddle as she turned a corner—too fast. She collided hard into a stranger, her small frame almost toppling over. Panic surged through her as she instinctively reached for her knife.