Stuck In Between

Chapter Twenty

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𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 𝓣𝓦𝓔𝓝𝓣𝓨
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╰➢ Chapter 20, let's go!

Y/n perched atop the luggage secured to the carriage, a smirk tugging at her lips. The rhythmic clatter of wheels against the dirt road blended with the occasional creak of wood, masking her presence. She had hitched a ride without the knowledge of the carriage's occupants, who were undoubtedly wealthy. The ornate design of the luggage—carved with intricate floral motifs and inlaid with gold filigree—spoke volumes about their status. High Elves. She scoffed at the thought, her disdain evident.

The forest around them was dense, the thick canopy of trees casting dappled shadows on the dirt road. Y/n slipped down from her perch, her movements swift and quiet as a shadow. She clung to the middle luggage strapped to the carriage and deftly opened the lid of the top trunk. Curiosity got the better of her, though she had no intention of stealing anything. Her fingers brushed against fine silks and embroidered fabrics, confirming her assumption of the elves' affluence. Nestled amongst the clothes was a large pouch. She glanced at it but quickly closed the lid, securing the lock as it was before.

Still, she decided to put on a show. Y/n retrieved her own worn leather pouch and clutched it in a way that suggested she had stolen something. Her reasoning was simple: she needed to send a message to the group of pursuers she had noticed trailing the carriage. They were stealthy, but not stealthy enough for Y/n to miss. The elves inside the carriage, however, seemed blissfully unaware of the danger lurking just beyond the tree line.

Y/n climbed back atop the luggage, her pouch clutched tightly as if it were the stolen one. She cast a glance over her shoulder at the forest. Sure enough, the pursuers took notice. They shifted their focus away from her and zeroed in on the carriage's driver. Y/n leaned back, observing them with calm detachment. It was only a matter of time now. She counted down in her head.

At five, two figures moved closer to the edge of the forest. At four, a pair of them emerged from the trees and began running directly behind the carriage. At three, Y/n flashed them a smile and waved as if encouraging their plan. At two, more figures appeared, this time flanking the carriage on both sides. Y/n motioned with her hand toward the two trailing behind, signaling them to make their move. At one, the attack began in earnest. Two figures leaped out from the trees, overpowering the driver and seizing control of the horses.

The carriage came to an abrupt halt, jostling the passengers inside. Screams of confusion and fear echoed from within. Y/n, unfazed, jumped down from her perch and landed lightly on the dirt road. She observed the chaos unfolding with a critical eye.

Ten thieves? For one carriage? Y/n thought, unimpressed. Overkill.

She watched as eight of the thieves dragged the elves out of the carriage, weapons brandished to intimidate their captives. The two High Elves—clad in fine garments befitting their station—looked terrified. They barely noticed Y/n strolling toward the scene, her steps casual, almost leisurely. The thieves, however, did notice. They eyed her warily, unsure of her intentions. Ally or foe? Their answer came swiftly.

Without a word, Y/n kicked the sword out of one thief's hand. In the same fluid motion, she drew her dagger and slashed his throat. Blood sprayed onto the dirt as the man crumpled to the ground. The remaining thieves froze, shocked by the sudden brutality. Y/n turned to the elves, her voice sharp and commanding.