Chapter 12 — Do not look back


    <strong><span ss="userText">[Nivalis Silverfrost]</strong>


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis shifted her gaze towards the frosty window, her heart gripped by worry, just like a rainstorm that couldn''t escape her chest. She had to make absolutely sure that Haldor had left the house and wouldn''t return before she could even think about releasing a deep, rxing breath.


    <span ss="userText">The sky was gray, and the room had a slight chill, even though the window was shut tight. The wind outside whispered and moaned softly. She nced at her son, still snuggled in her arms, happily feeding. His tiny nostrils red with every breath, and his eyes fluttered open now and then.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis had been sitting like this in the bedroom for thest twenty minutes, keeping a close watch and praying for Haldor''s departure. The air was tense, suffocating, making her feel like an archer, arrow drawn, waiting to release it.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis sighed, the sound heavy and unusual. It felt like she''d held her breath for hours, but in reality, only a few moments had passed. But once Nivalis was certain Haldor was gone, the tension in her body vanished as though it had never been there at all. Her shoulders rxed, and her head drooped.


    <span ss="userText">"He''s gone," she thought, her breath escaping her like a fragile leaf fluttering in the breeze.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis gently withdrew her breast from her son''s mouth and carefully tucked it back into her blouse. She was grateful that her son remained calm, not crying or fussing. Instead, he gazed at her with his bright, golden eyes.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis smiled softly and stroked his rosy, round cheek. — "Let''s go get your sister and get out of here, okay, my precious?"


    <span ss="userText">Without wasting any time, Nivalis moved quickly through the house, making her way toward the bedroom where Silvia was resting. Her heart raced with anticipation as she opened the door.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia was still curled up in a tight ball, her face buried in the pillow, her silvery hair fanned out across the surface. She breathed deeply and steadily, her tiny body rising and falling with each breath.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis couldn''t help but smile, her heart warmed by the sight of her sleeping daughter. Gently, she walked over, the floor beneath her feet creaking softly, and knelt beside the bed. She brushed a wisp of silvery hair away from Silvia''s delicate forehead, her fingers trembling with a mixture of tenderness and urgency.— "Silvia," Nivalis whispered, gently shaking her daughter to rouse her from her disrupted sleep.


    <span ss="userText">"Mommy?" Silvia''s voice trembled as she awakened, her sleep disturbed once more.


    <span ss="userText">— "Shhh, hush," Nivalis replied, smiled reassuringly, and pressed her index finger against her own lips. The housey in eerie silence, and though there was no need for such caution, her nervousness forced her to be extra careful. "Your father won''t be home for at least a day, perhaps two. You and I must try to leave and hide."


    <span ss="userText">"Leave?" Silvia asked, her eyes widening in rm, like a young deer caught in the sudden snap of a twig in the forest.


    <span ss="userText">— "We''re not safe here, you know it, my love," Nivalis consoled, her voice tender and soothing, her words akin to a luby aimed at soothing her daughter''s fears. Her hands, no longer trembling, affectionately tucked Silvia''s hair behind her ears, a gesture of love and reassurance. "Haldor is... a bad man, and we cannot stay. We should try to escape."


    <span ss="userText">"But, Mommy, where will we go?" Silvia asked, her lower lip quivering, her voice full of uncertainty and fear. Her eyes were like two shimmering pools of doubt, seeking reassurance from her mother.


    <span ss="userText">— "As far from here as possible, my dear," Nivalis replied, her hand tenderly caressing her daughter''s cheek, her touch a soothing balm against the storm of emotions. "I will take you somewhere safe, somewhere where you can grow up and be free, far from here."


    <span ss="userText">Silvia couldn''t believe what was happening. Her mother was finally taking her away, breaking the chains of the evil man who had imed to be her father. Hope began to flicker within her like a delicate me, casting a warm, new light on her uncertain future.


    <span ss="userText">"Are we really going to leave?" she whispered, almost afraid to hope, as if speaking the words aloud might shatter the fragile dream.


    <span ss="userText">— "Yes, Silvia, we are," Nivalis dered, her eyes ame with determination and the promise of a better future.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia''s eyes glistened with tears, like morning dew on a delicate flower''s petal. "But how?" she asked, her voice quivering.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis leaned closer, her voice a soothing melody, like a luby that promised safety and warmth.— "I have a n," she assured her words like aforting embrace. "It won''t be easy, and the journey will be long, but we''ll make it."


    <span ss="userText">— "Now, sweetheart, we need to be quick," Nivalis said, her tone gentle yet firm. "I need you to gather your things."


    <span ss="userText">Silvia nodded, her small hands clutching her beloved nket. "Yes, Mommy."


    <span ss="userText">— "That''s my brave girl," Nivalis whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Silvia''s face as they began to pack. Her eyes constantly nced out of the window for any sign of Haldor''s return.


    <span ss="userText">As they began packing their belongings, Nivalis carefully chose what to take. She picked out the most essential items, prioritizing food and medicine. However, she knew they had no choice but to leave some necessities behind.


    <span ss="userText">She grabbed a leather backpack and began filling it with their essentials. Silvia''s clothes, her cherished nket, and a few other necessities were carefully packed away.


    <span ss="userText">While Nivalis was busy packing their belongings, she noticed that Silvia was struggling to put on her clothes, the simple task proving difficult for a child her age.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis couldn''t help but smile. With tender movements, she approached her daughter, offering a helping hand.


    <span ss="userText">— "Here, let me help you," Nivalis whispered, her fingers nimble and deft as she helped Silvia dress.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia smiled, a hint of sadness tinging her expression. "Thank you, Mommy," she murmured, her voiceden with uncertainty.


    <span ss="userText">— "You''re wee, my darling," Nivalis replied, her hands moving swiftly, finishing the task at hand. "All done."


    <span ss="userText">Once everything was gathered up in Silvia''s room, they moved next. Her body quivered with adrenaline and fear as she reached her room to pick out a few clothes for herself. Her eyes were filled with determination as she rummaged through the wooden chest, choosing her outfit carefully, yet her gaze was constantly directed towards the door. Part of her expected Haldor to rush in and stop her. But luckily, he didn''t.


    <span ss="userText">She decided to wear a pair of warm andfortable trousers. The thick woolen pants were made for enduring cold weather, and the material was durable enough to withstand rough use.


    <span ss="userText">Next, she picked a white tunic made from sturdy cotton. It was designed for ease of movement, and it''s lightweight, allowing her to move freely without restricting her body.


    <span ss="userText">Last but not least, she selected a long, hooded cloak made from wool. Its warm, cozy fabric would protect her from the cold. She was pleased to find that the cloak had a fur-lined interior, adding an extrayer of warmth.


    <span ss="userText">— "Perfect," she thought, satisfied with her choice of outfit.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis quickly changed her clothes, eager to move on with her n. The garments fit snugly around her body, providing protection and warmth.


    Then she turned her attention to collecting all the clothes she might require for their challenging journey. She knew that being prepared for the unpredictable weather was crucial.


    <span ss="userText">Once it was done as well, she leaned down to Silvia, her voice hushed with urgency.— "Remember, we must be quick and silent. No one should know that we''re leaving, or they may tell your father," Nivalis whispered to her young daughter.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia nodded, determination etched across her youthful face. "Yes, Mommy," she replied with a sense of purpose.


    <span ss="userText">With a gentle touch, Nivalis scooped up Aster, swaddling him in soft nkets for warmth and security. Only his bright, golden eyes peeked out from the cocoon offort like two twinkling stars in the night sky.


    <span ss="userText">— "Sweetie, you''ll carry your little brother, alright?" Nivalis said, carefully passing him into Silvia''s arms. The surprise on her daughter''s face was evident; she''d never been responsible for something so precious.


    <span ss="userText">"Mommy, I can''t..." Silvia protested, her voice trembling with fear.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis reassured her with a warm smile.— "You can do it, Silvia. I need your help so I can carry the heavier things we might needter. Can you do that?" Her voice overflowed with hope and encouragement.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia hesitated for a moment, her gaze locked onto her brother''s delicate form. But then, she straightened her tiny shoulders and held her brother close. "Okay, I can do it," she nodded, eyes wide and determined.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis offered some advice, and her voice was soft and caring.— "Hold him tight, Silvia. He''s not used to being carried while walking yet," she whispered as she made her way to the kitchen.


    <span ss="userText">"I will, Mommy," Silvia replied, her voice determined and brave.


    <span ss="userText">— "Thank you, my love," Nivalis smiled, her expression filled with pride and gratitude.


    <span ss="userText">Inside the dimly lit kitchen, Nivalis and Silvia moved with utmost caution, trying their best to avoid making a sound. The tension in the air was palpable as the realization of their risky journey began to sink in. Nivalis scanned the room for anyst-minute supplies, her narrowed eyes reflecting determination and concern. Her heart raced when she spotted a sturdy bag nestled in a corner, waiting to be filled with the provisions that would help them on their adventure.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia stood there, cradling her baby brother in her arms, her eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety. Her gaze fell on the bag in her mother''s hands, which was slowly filling with food and other supplies, but her mind was elsewhere. They were finally going to escape, something she had dreamed about for so long. So why did she feel this overpowering fear inside her?


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis turned toward Silvia, and she couldn''t help but notice the fear etched in her daughter''s eyes.<span ss="aiText"> With a kind and gentle voice, she approached her, her hand reaching out and affectionately cupping Silvia''s cheek. — "What is wrong, my love?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.


    <span ss="aiText">Silvia took a deep breath and spoke her concerns, her voice heavy with worry and fear.— "Mommy, what if we can''t make it?"


    <span ss="userText">With a tenderness only a mother could muster in such dire circumstances, she reached for a cup and filled it with water from a nearby jug, her hands trembling ever so slightly.


    <span ss="userText">— "Here, darling," Nivalis whispered, her voice gentle. She handed the cup to Silvia, taking great care not to spill a single drop.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia epted the cup with tiny, trembling hands. Each sip of water seemed to calm the storm of emotions swirling within her. She stole a quick nce at her mother, findingfort in Nivalis''s presence.


    <span ss="aiText">With the fear in her daughter''s eyes lessening, Nivalis spoke softly, her voice carrying a calm assurance.— "I will be with you, sweetheart, and so will your little brother," she assured, her words infused with warmth and care. "I will do everything I can to protect you both, no matter what happens. Do you believe me?"


    <span ss="aiText">Silvia looked up at her mother, her eyes still full of doubt, but her resolve strengthened. "I do, Mommy," she said, nodding.


    <span ss="userText">— "Good girl," Nivalis murmured, her heart aching with a mix of pride and sorrow. She reached out, her hand gently squeezing Silvia''s shoulder, reassuring her that they were in this together no matter what came their way.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis waited patiently as Silvia finished the water. She knew they couldn''t afford to linger, but a moment of respite was necessary for both their sakes.


    <span ss="userText">As they stood in the quiet kitchen, Nivalis and Silvia looked around onest time. They both shared a silent understanding that this might be thest time they would see this ce.


    <span ss="aiText">The kitchen was a stark reminder of the life they''d lived. It was a humble room with a firece and a stone hearth. The wooden beams on the ceiling were low, giving the space a cozy feel. The walls were made of wood, and the floor was covered in a thinyer of dirt.


    <span ss="aiText">A sturdy table upied the center of the room, surrounded by several wooden chairs. A few pots and pans hung from hooks above the firece. An iron pot, a cauldron, and a skillet rested on the hearth, the embers in the firece having long gone out.


    <span ss="userText">When a minute of silence ended, they made their way through the kitchen toward the front door, their hearts pounding in their chests like the distant drums of an impending battle.


    <span ss="userText">The sound of the wind echoed through the chilly air when they opened the door. The snow crunched beneath their feet, and the scent of pine trees hung thick in the cold breeze. The cold wind nipped at their skin. Nivalis swiftly closed the door behind them, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and fear.


    <span ss="userText">— "We need to make our way to the barn," Nivalis whispered, her voice barely above the rustling wind.


    <span ss="userText">"Why, Mommy?" Silvia asked, her teeth chattering from the cold.


    <span ss="userText">— "I''ve prepared a sled for us and gathered some supplies," Nivalis exined, her voice strained with urgency.


    <span ss="userText">"And where is Dad?" Silvia inquired while carrying her baby brother in her hands, her eyes wide with worry.


    <span ss="userText">— "Celebrating the birth of his first son, I guess. I think he won''t be home until tomorrow, maybe even longer. That''s why we have to move quickly and get as far away as possible so he won''t be able to find us," Nivalis replied, her hand gently resting on her daughter''s shoulder.


    <span ss="userText">As they walked towards the barn, Nivalis''s thoughts raced like a sprinting rabbit. She kept ncing over her shoulder, half-expecting Haldor to appear any second. But the only sounds were the wind''s mournful howl and the crisp crunch of snow underfoot.


    <span ss="userText">When they finally reached the barn, Nivalis swiftly pulled the creaky door open and led her children inside. Her sharp eyes scanned the interior, searching for any signs of danger. Yet the barn remained silent and empty.


    <span ss="userText">— "Silvia,e here and have a seat," Nivalis whispered, her gentle hands guiding her daughter onto the sturdy sled — Silvia nestled in, her tiny arms cradling her baby brother. The sled was a tough, reliable one, with a robust wooden frame and securely fastened leather straps. It had been built to endure the harshest winter weather.


    <span ss="userText">— "Now, let''s get this sled ready," Nivalis continued, her sharp eyes scanning the barn for her hidden supplies. Some were hidden under the hay, while others were cleverly concealed behind wooden panels. Her hands moved swiftly, her mind focused on the task at hand. She ensured that the food, extra clothes, tools, and other must-haves were all in ce.


    <span ss="userText">After gathering what she needed, Nivalis set to work on her preparations. She loaded the sled with the items she''d collected, taking great care to ensure the load was evenly distributed. Thest thing she needed was for the sled to be unbnced, slowing them down or even toppling the whole thing.


    <span ss="userText">Her fingers danced with an agile grace, deftly tying the ropes around their supplies and securing them with tight knots. She checked and rechecked each one, her heart thudding in her chest with a mix of determination and anxiety.


    <span ss="userText">— "Alright, I think that''s everything we''ll need," Nivalis dered, her breath forming misty clouds in the air. She stepped back, examining the loaded sled with a critical eye. Her keen gaze darted from side to side, looking for any loose ends.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia, her cheeks pale from the cold, shivered under theyers of nkets.


    <span ss="userText">As Nivalis finished loading the sled, her eyesnded on a bow hidden in a corner, along with a bunch of arrows. It belonged to Haldor.


    <span ss="userText">— "We''ll need this," she whispered, her voice heavy with determination. She knew that the bow and arrows could serve them well for hunting and protection.


    <span ss="userText">She bundled the bow and arrows together, securing them tightly to the sled. She looked at the barn door, her heart racing. Time was running out, and they needed to leave as soon as possible.


    <span ss="userText">"Are we ready, Mommy?" Silvia inquired, her small frame perched on the sled, her baby brother cradled in herp.


    <span ss="userText">— "Almost, my sweet," Nivalis replied, her voice tinged with anxiety. She scoured the barn for a sturdy piece of rope and deftly fastened it to the front of the sled. Then, she wrapped the rope around her waist, tying a tight, secure knot. Her body was still weary from giving birth, but the surge of adrenaline and determination pushed her beyond her physical limits.


    <span ss="userText">— "I''m ready," she whispered, her eyes shining with determination meeting Silvia''s.


    <span ss="userText">"Why do you need that rope, Mommy?" Silvia inquired, her curiosity evident.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis exined, — "You''ll sit in front, and I will take the rope and pull you and your brother." Her voice wasced with a hint of anxiety, and her eyes nced at the door once more.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia, her voice trembling with fear and concern, protested, "It is too heavy! You can''t do it alone, Mommy. I want to help!"


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis reassured her with a tender smile, her fingers running through Silvia''s hair. — "I know you want to help, my dear. But I am strong, and I need you to look after your brother for me to make sure he''s warm, alright?"


    <span ss="userText">Silvia nodded, her eyes drifting to the sled and her precious bundle of a brother.


    <span ss="userText">Kneeling before her daughter, Nivalis, her eyes brimming with emotion, struggled to find the words to express her deep love and admiration for Silvia''s courage and determination.— "I am so proud of you, Silvia," she murmured, nting the gentlest of kisses on her daughter''s forehead.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia wrapped her arms around her mother''s neck, her face buried in her chest. Her tiny body quivered with a mixture of emotions.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis whispered soothingly, — "We will be okay, my love. I promise." Her hand moved gently in circles on her daughter''s back, offeringfort and reassurance.


    <span ss="userText">Silvia nodded, her small hand gripping the edge of the sled.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis grabbed the rope and began pulling the sled. Her muscles tensed, her breathing in short gasps. The sled slowly moved forward, its wooden frame creaking with each step. Once they reached the snow outside the barn, their journey became noticeably easier as the sled glided smoothly over the snowy surface.


    <span ss="userText">Nivalis didn''t dare look back. Her eyes were fixed on the forest ahead, her heart filled with hope and fear. There was no turning back now; they were fullymitted to their escape.


    <span ss="userText">"You can do it. Do it for your children," she thought, her voice filled with determination.


    <span ss="userText">Her body was shaking with exertion, her breath ragged. But she didn''t stop, her legs carrying her forward. The rope dug into her flesh, the cold wind stung her cheeks, and the sled''s weight felt like a heavy burden.


    <span ss="userText">But it was nothingpared to what awaited her if she stayed here any longer.