Chapter 19

There was a shuttle that ran between the resort and the manor, and she was currently seated in the back, the slow-moving vehicle taking her up to check out her countryside-themed retreat. Being one of the more well-known resorts, it had just the right amount of visitors—not too crowded, not too quiet. She glanced at some roadside stalls and, out of curiosity, bought a sugar painting. Walking up the path while nibbling on it, she felt completely at ease—sweet taste on her lips, the chill vibe wrapping around her like a cozy blanket. She hadn't had this kind of sugary snack since her mom last took her to an amusement park... Elizabeth paused mid-bite. Her eyes narrowed as she instinctively turned her head toward the darker end of the woods. That split-second sensation of being locked on by someone—it was unmistakable. Years on the battlefield had honed her senses like a blade. When it came to this kind of threat, she didn't miss. Someone brought a gun into her territory and thought they