In the darkness of twilight, with my bag slung over my shoulder, I quickly made my way out of the Blackwood estate, taking steady steps.

Even at a fast pace, I knew it would be impossible to leave the estate by dawn, so securing transportation was my first priority. I briefly considered stealing one of the horses from the Blackwood stables, but doing so would undoubtedly give Harold an excuse to pursue me.

Harold had gone out of his way to let me leave without incident, and creating a reason for him to capture me would only increase my chances …