The sun had just begun to sink in the sky, when I heard the sound of the door unlocking.

I walked quietly across the room– candlestick in hand. Please let this work. I thought, tightening my fingers around the cold metal. Everything depended on this moment.

The door knob rotated slowly– far too slowly. A creek sounded and the door opened revealing a maid holding something that looked inedible again.

I didn't hesitate– I swung forward and hit her upside the head. Her eyes widened in shock and pain and she fell to the ground– spilling the brown liquid across the floor.

It worked. But it's not over yet.

I set the candlestick on the ground and slowly peered out into the hall. An empty shadowed corridor looked back– completely silent. Thank the gods.

I turned back to the woman and dragged her further inside. With my fingers shaking from adrenaline, I took off her outfit and began to change into it. I braided my hair quickly and shoved it under a faded cap.

"I'd apologize." I said, tugging on her shoes. "But, you're not worth the effort."

Her soft snores were the only response back. The outfit and shoes were a bit small, but it would work for now. Once I get outside, I can find something else to wear.

I walked behind the door, grabbing a small pouch that held various jewels I had been able to pry off my old dresses. It wasn't worth too much, but I would be able to live off it for maybe five or six months if the pawnshop was generous.

I dropped the pouch into my pocket, grabbed the keys the maid had, slipped into the hall and locked the door behind me. Let's see how much you like being locked in.

I made my way down the hall without any problems. A few times I had to stop myself from sprinting. I can't mess this up. Don't run. Don't look anyone in the eye.

The journey down the long winding servants stairs seemed to take years instead of minutes. Occasionally, I had to stop when I heard maids voices from the halls. Thankfully, none of them came in my direction.

When I reached the bottom floor, I pulled the cap low to better hide my face. No one so much as looked at me as I brushed past.

So far so good.

When I passed the kitchen, heading toward the servants entrance to the mansion, a voice stopped me dead in my tracks.

"You there, maid." Gerald's voice sounded behind me. "I came all the way because someone gave me the wrong bread."

Dammit. If he sees me…No calm down, he didn't call your name.

"I am so sorry, young master." I said, deepening my voice as I turned and bowed low before him. My heartbeat spiked loud enough I was sure everyone could hear it. "I will get you the correct food."

"Hah." He snorted. "And how are you going to make it up to me?" He took a step forward, crossing his arms.

"I will take whatever punishment you see fit, young master."

"Then," He reached out, rubbing my shoulder. "Come to my room tonight." He bent down, whispering near my ear. "And don't wear that hat. You understand what I'm saying, yeah?"

"Yes…" I said, disgusted. He's a carbon copy of the Duke after all. "I will do as you say."

"Good." He smacked my shoulder playfully, turned, and disappeared down the hall.

Slime ball. I shifted upright and spun, yanking open the door.

I stepped out into the darkening world and briskly walked toward the back gate. Servants moved around– seeing me without actually seeing a thing. They must be getting ready to settle down for the night.

Once I reached the gate, I pushed it open about to step outside when I heard my name.

How did they find out already? There's no way they found the maid yet.

"Yeah, I heard she was being sold off to Lord Blaine." A female voice giggled.

"Really?" Another woman laughed. "There's so many bad rumors about him."

"There are, but it's way more than that bastard deserves."

"She'll end up like his last wife." The first one snickered. "I give her a week before she 'vanishes.'"

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and shook my head. So everyone already knows about the rumors. I had no doubt that the Duke wasn't aware. He knew and yet he still sold me off to that man?

I shook my head, cleared my thoughts, and walked through the gate. It was no longer my problem.

The entire Thornevale family can rot for all I cared. I quickened my steps and walked through the underbrush, heading toward the village.

The further I got from the mansion, the more I felt my body begin to relax. At first, each snap of a twig made me jump. Each distant sound of voices had my anxiety spiking.

Yet each time, no one ran after me. There were shouts or threats telling me to stop.

After a long time, and when the sun had long set– I finally managed to arrive at the edge of the city. People, commoners, moved around, some drunk, some closing shop. A few children ran by, trying to snag the last bit of coin before night life kicked off.

I took a step forward– about to leave the alley I had been in– when Sayvren appeared before me.

"What are you doing?" He asked, tilting his head. "Why didn't you call for me?"

"Me? What about you?" I grabbed him, and turned my back to the crowd. "What if someone sees you?"

"Huh?" He blinked a few times. "What do you mean? Only you can see me right now."

"What? No, never mind. I don't have time to deal with you right now." I released him and turned.

"Where are we going?" Sayvren floated after me, swirling around my head. "An adventure to fight a mythical being? Or maybe a journey to find a lost relic?"

"Shut up." I hissed under my breath, walking past a group of drunk men.

"You're not fun." Sayvren laughed. "So what's the plan?"

I didn't answer him and continued walking toward where the novel described the pawn shop would be.

The building was easy to spot and in the exact location it should have been in. I stopped outside the doors and glanced over at the sprite.

"Wait outside."

"Are you sure? I can-"

"Do not follow me in." I snapped pulling the door open.

"Fine, fine." Sayvren held up his hands. "I'll wait."

I hope he actually does.

I walked inside, heading toward an unknown future.