In a panic, she grabbed his hand and tried to move with weakened steps, but she stumbled and fell to the ground after a few steps. Raphael hurriedly helped her up, but a sharp pain shot through her ankle, causing her to lose balance once again. Her legs could no longer support her, and she found herself leaning against his damp body.

As they listened to the approaching sound of hooves and the voices of pursuers, Raphael''s expression turned grave. Yet, he tried to remain calm as he whispered to her, "Let''s see if there''s anywhere to hide around here, at least for now."

Placing one hand beneath her knee and the other lifting her neck, he scooped her up, carrying her forward.

They soon discovered a nearby cave, its edges covered in overgrown weeds. Without hesitation, Raphael supported Edith and bent down, entering the cave, then used some weeds to conceal the hidden entrance.

The space within the cave was cramped, and the two held each other tightly, able to hear the pounding of their hearts in their chests. It didn''t take long before the search party arrived in the vicinity, poking around, scanning their surroundings.

The faint glow of torches seeped into the cave, causing sweat to form in Edith''s palms. Raphael squeezed her hand and spoke with the utmost composure, "Edith, we need to venture further into the depths."

She cautiously followed the young man as they ventured deeper into the cave, relieved that the clamour from the outside gradually faded away. He settled her in a corner, urging her to continue resting.