ELIZABETH POV

Fear gripped me as I realized the guards were heading in my direction. I knew I had to act quickly to escape their grasp to be able to continue my investigation. 

Panic surged through my veins as I turned and sprinted away from where I stood. I decided to use the back bamboo tree to run into the woods for the meantime.

As I sprinted towards the bamboo wilderness, the tall stalks provided some cover, concealing me from the guards' view. The rustling sound of the bamboo leaves masked my footsteps, making it harder for them to track my movements.

Branches whipped against my skin, and the underbrush...