Sneaking through the mansion in the middle of the night felt like wandering through a crypt. The only sound was that of my movements and the thumping of my heart. After my first escape attempt, I thought this one would be easier, but of course it was proving the opposite.

At each corner, I stopped, looking around to make sure I was alone. My pace was slower, making my anxiety spike further.

My mind drifted back to when I first escaped, latching on to anything that would settle my nerves. A part of me wished I had stolen a maid’s outfit again. Unfortunately, that option was impossible, given the situation. Had I attempted it, the risk of being caught was too extreme.

I moved through the corridor, inching toward the exit. For a split second, I considered heading out the same door I had taken, but I pushed it aside. For all I knew, they would be watching it.

At the end of the hall, I stopped before the side door, glanced behind me once, and slipped out. Warm night air brushed across my skin. The faint sound of insects chirping in the distance filled the air. I rushed down the path, jumping when the loud hoot of an owl bounced off the walls of the building.

Damn it, Kyla. Calm down.

I took a deep, steadying breath and crept down the path for a few feet, before shifting into the underbrush. Sticks and twigs brushed against my legs, snagging every so often on my clothing. I brushed them aside as best I could. The trees surrounding me loomed overhead, as though they were watching my feeble attempt.

Would climbing them help me get over the wall? No. The walls were far too high even for the spindly branches. No doubt it was on purpose. The Duke couldn’t risk someone slipping inside and attacking him as he slept.

I shook my head, following the wall at a distance. If I got too close, the night guards would spot me. I scanned the segments each step, hoping there would be a gate. The further I moved, the faster the hope was squashed. No gates, not even a single hole, could be seen on its smooth surface.

What will the Thornevale’s do in case of emergency? There was always a chance something could happen and they would need to flee. I shook my head again, clearing out the useless thoughts. Why the mind grabs for anything to focus on when fear makes you sick was beyond me.

After what felt like hours, I finally reached the edge of the underbrush. A small shed appeared across the way and I froze when the sound of men’s voices reached my ears. Panicking, I ducked back down, heart pounding painfully against my ribcage.

A faint flicker of light, shimmered in the distance, outlining two shapes. Oblivious, they stood side to side, talking about shifts and wanting to take a vacation. Please just leave. I begged silently, clenching my fist. Leave and don’t come this way.

Several long minutes passed before they finally walked away, laughing. Thank god. I shifted, bouncing to my feet and darted behind the shed.

It’s okay. It’ll be fine. I assured myself, slowly shifting along its wall. They have no idea that I’m outside. If they did, they wouldn’t be lazing around.

Still, I couldn’t force myself to move until the sound of their footsteps completely faded away. You can do this. You have to do this. Taking a deep breath, I moved off the wall, creeping through the shadows.

More than once, I had to hide behind something as they made their rounds. A few times, I swore I made eye contact with a few of them, but they didn’t react to my presence. I chalked it off to paranoia, and pushed down the feeling that began to creep through my stomach.

What if it’s not paranoia? What if- I bit my lip, stopping the thought. I didn’t have the luxury of considering anything. I had to move before I lost all nerve.

I moved forward, as quietly as possible, stopping only when I reached the gate. From the vantage point I had, the area looked completely empty.

The nagging fear roared to life once more, forming a lump in my throat. The absence of people in this particular spot was like a giant spotlight. A brief thought of it being a trap passed through my mind.

They had to know how I escaped last time. There was no doubt about it, none at all. Despite the Duke being a complete piece of shit, he wasn’t stupid. If I were him, and I had locked someone in the attic, I would have kept eyes on every entrance to and from the estate.

I had two choices, either I take the gamble and make a run for it or I wait to be handed off to that monster. It’s not really a choice though is it?

I took a deep breath, swore, and sprinted toward the gate. Wind blew past me as I ran, drowned out by the huffing of my breath. My legs threatened to buckle at the sudden speed, but I ignored them. I had to run or die.

When the gate came into view, I skidded to a stop before it, tugging it open. Before I so much as had the chance to walk through – an amused chuckle flooded my ears. I froze, as a chill ran down my spine.

“How stupid.” Gerald laughed, taking a step from the shadows beyond the gate. “I guess once a rat, always a rat.”

My stomach sank and I felt my mouth go dry. Of all people, why did it have to be him?

“Where do you think you’re going, huh Kyla?” He sneered as two knights walked up beside him, looking mildly uncomfortable. “You stupid, stupid girl.”

“Get out of my way.” I bit out, taking a cautious step back as he approached. “Now.”

“Who do you think you are to order me around?” He moved forward, grasping the gate – making it creak ominously under his grip.

“Just let me go,” I panted, taking another step back as he walked through. “If you do, you’ll never see me again for the rest of your life.”

“Are you trying to negotiate with me?” He tossed his head back, laughing darkly. “I already won’t have to see you come dawn. You’re just making my life difficult for no reason right now.”

“How long have you been waiting here?” I asked, stepping to the side. If they just move a fraction of an inch, I can slip by them.

“Why the hell do you care?” He took another step toward me. “Did you think we wouldn’t expect this? I may not know how you managed to get out, but you’re not going anywhere. Be the good little doll you are and turn around and match your bastard ass back inside.”

“No.” I snapped, feeling anger start to swell. “I’m leaving.”

Gerald let out a loud sigh and grinned. “It’s truly amusing to see you try and assert yourself. Don’t argue with me, you worthless bastard. Get back inside and-”

“No.” I cut him off, glaring. “Does cornering someone make you feel like you hold all the power? You’re pathetic.”

“What did you just say?” He snapped, eyes flashing. “You better watch yourself before I send the dogs after you again.”

“Go ahead.” I smirked, pulling out bravado I didn’t actually feel. “Despite what your tiny brain is thinking, I’m no longer a child.”

“No, you’re just a useless stain.” He waved a hand. “A pawn to marry that worm of a man. Stop trying to run away and go inside.”

“I’m leaving.” I shot forward, finally seeing the opening I needed.

Gerald reached out, snatching me around my forearm – stopping me in my tracks. He jerked me back, fingers biting into my flesh.

“Like hell you are.” He snapped, grabbing my other arm with his free hand. He leaned forward, the smell of his foul breath fanning across my face. “You can leave once you reach Blaine estate. You’re going to marry that man. You’re going to be useful for once in your damn life.”

“How is sending me to my death being useful?” I raised my arms, shoving his chest. He didn’t so much as flinch.

“How is it now?” He increased the pressure, a slow smile stretching across his face. “You’ll no longer be a problem. I wanted to have you “run away” and never be seen again, but my father doesn’t like to get his hands dirty.”

“You’re disgusting,” I recoiled back, spitting in his face. “You’re not even human.”

“You bitch.” Gerald released me, smacking me across the face.

I winced, twisting sideways and fell. The ground rose up, slamming hard into my hip. Damn it. I groaned, head spinning.

“You’re vile. I don’t know why my father took you in,” he pulled out a handkerchief, dabbing off the saliva. “We brought you in off the streets and gave you a roof over your head. We could have left you to die there instead. So damn ungrateful."

“I’d rather have grown up on the streets.” I spat, pushing off the ground. “At least then I’d have suffered far less.”

“Shut up and do as I say.” Gerald reached out, grabbing my wrist. “Throwing a fit won’t get you anywhere. No one cares about you.”

“Get your hands off of me.” I tugged my arm back, feeling a warm spreading through my chest. “You’re a brutish child.”

“The only one acting like a child is you,” He snarled, leaning toward me. “I’m getting sick and tired of dealing with you. You are marrying Lord pansy and you will accept what fate has given you. It’s far more than something like you deserves. Your life will be short, but what can you do?”

“What?” I froze, feeling my blood turn to ice. “You know the rumors about him? About how he kills everyone he’s married?”

“Are you so surprised?” He laughed. “It’s not exactly a secret now is it?”

“You scumbag.” I shoved him, shaking in anger – whether it was my own or Kyla’s I didn’t know. My vision started to redden and I wanted nothing more than to punch him in the face. “You’re sending off your only sister to death. You might as well kill me with your own hand.”

“Hah,” Gerald laughed, poking me in the chest. “I do not have a sister. Had my father not made a mistake one night, you wouldn’t even exist.”

I stared at him for a few minutes, wordlessly.

Just how screwed up is this family?

“I’m a person too you prick.” I snapped. “And you’re not much better than him. Are you going to treat your own bastard children the same? You think you own the estate already and harass maids to come warm your bed at night.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Are you-” He broke off, face turning dark red. “You disgusting mutt.” He reached out, snatching the front of my shirt and tugging me up to my toes. “Are you keeping tabs on me? Are you watching me?”

“Why the hell would I watch you?” I wrapped my fingers around his wrist, yanking on it. “You’re not even important enough to watch.”

“Don’t lie to me, you worthless-”

“I may be worthless, but at least I don’t use my status to force maids into my bed at night.”

“Shut your mouth.” He hissed, tossing me backwards.

I stumbled back, catching myself before I fell. “The truth is unsettling isn’t it?” I flickered my eyes, to the left. If I distract him enough, he might be too off kilter to stop me from running.

“Didn’t I tell you to shut up?” He snapped, running a hand through his hair. “Your words mean nothing to me.”

He shifted sideways, turning his head toward the knights. I didn’t hesitate and sprang forward, running around him. I made it two feet when the knights, apparently more aware of their surroundings, jumped into my path. I slid to a stop, frantically trying to find another way around them, when Gerald’s hand snapped out, grabbing a fistful of my hair.

“What do you think you’re doing?” He snarled, tugging me backwards and spinning me to face him. “I don’t know where you think you’re going. There’s nowhere for you to run.”

“Let go of me.” I slapped at him, as he started tugging me toward the manor.

“I’m going to have you beaten before you leave. I doubt that slimeball will care if you come with a few bruises.”

Damn it. I straightened my legs, digging in my heels as tears sprang to my eyes. How the hell am I supposed to get out of this now?

“What are you doing now?” Gerald turned half-way around, glaring at me. “You can throw a fit all you want, but you’re not getting your way.”

I didn’t answer him, instead I glanced around, trying to find anything that could help me in the situation. The chances of escaping now were next to zero, but I wouldn’t go willingly to that manor.

Gerlad leaned forward, lips in a thin line. “You should be happy that you’re getting out, even if it’s going to lead you to death.”

“Go to hell.” I spat, twisting in his grasp. God, why does hair pulling hurt so much?

“Yeah, yeah.” He turned and something faint glimmered at his hip.

I blinked a few times, seeing the faint outline of a sword hilt on his side. He yanked me forward again and an idea flashed through my mind. As he continued to ramble at me, I used the moment of his pulling and sprang forward, winding my hands around the sword.

“What are you-” Gerald stopped, looking down at me.

I flashed a grin, and tugged out his sword. Before he could react I raised the sword, about to slice his hand. Gerald let out a yelp, and bounced back as the sword swooshed through the air. Damn it. I huffed, tightening my grip as the tips of my hair fluttered to the ground. So close. I almost sliced him.

“Drop the weapon!” One of the knights behind me bellowed.

“Drop it now, Kyla!” Gerald screamed.

“I don’t think I will.” I raised the tip to his chest, pressing in deep enough to cause discomfort. Gerald flinched as I turned sideways, keeping both him and the knights in view. “Step back or I’ll stab him.”

The knights hesitated, hands resting on the swords at their waist. They looked between the two of us, evidently unsure if I would go through with my threat.

“What are you idiots doing?” Gerald snapped, face turning white. “Stop standing there with your thumbs up your ass and disarm her!”

“I don’t think so.” I leapt behind him, raising the edge of the blade to his throat. It’s a good thing he’s not much taller than me. This would have been impossible otherwise. “Don’t take another step or your little master won’t be breathing for long.”

The knights looked at each other, murmuring something I couldn’t hear. Gerald stiffened, body beginning to shake.

“S-she won’t actually h-hurt me.” Gerald stuttered. “Stop her!”

The knights took another step forward and I pressed the blade closer against his throat – drawing blood. Gerald let out a whimper and both knights froze.

“I won’t, huh?” I laughed, the sound coming out manic and wild. “Are you sure you want to test that theory?”

“Damn it.” Gerald mumbled, legs buckling.

“You two.” I jerked my head toward the knights. “Back away slowly, hands raised.”

The knights stiffened, shifting uncomfortably. For several seconds they didn’t move – most likely considering their options. The shorter of the two muttered something to the other knight, before holding up his hands and stepping back. The other knight begrudgingly followed suit, backing up slowly.

“Stop backing up, dammit!” Gerald croaked. “S-she won’t do it.”

“Why do you assume that I won’t?” I pressed a hand into his shoulder, nudging him toward the gate. “Move.”

“B-becasue we share blood. Because we’re s-sibilings” Gerald stumbled, flinching when the blade brushed deeper against his throat.

“Are we though?” I walked him forward, never once removing my eyes from the knights. “I distinctly recall you saying you have no sister a few minutes ago. Does having a sword against your neck make you see things so differently?”

“Damn it, you’re crazy. Let me go. Father won-”

“Sorry to tell you,” I pushed him harder, careful to make sure the sword didn’t graze any deeper. He would be useless to me dead. “But your father isn’t here to save you.”

“Just think about this, you’re being irrational and-”

“Stop talking, Gerald.” I pushed him again, toward the gate. “Your life is in my hands not yours.”

Gerald shivered, staggering as I turned him around and backed up toward the gate. The knights stopped moving, glaring at me.

“Think about what you’re doing, my lady.” The taller knight called. “This is attempted murder.”

“It’s not attempted.” I tossed back, pressing a finger into Gerald’s back. “Close the gate and latch it.”

“G-get help.” Gerald screamed, shakily doing as told. “Get my father!”

“Don’t move.” I commanded, pulling Gerald back. “Not until you can no longer see us.”

“What are you-”

“Do you think I’m going to let them run to your daddy?” I snapped, cutting Gerald off.

The knights froze in place as we backtracked into the trees. Once we were far enough away, I forced Gerald to spin around and march forward.

“You’re going to regret this.” Gerald mumbled.

“I don’t think so.” I tightened my hold on the sword.

How much longer can I keep this up? The sword itself wasn’t very large, but it was significantly growing heavier the longer I held it. Being a noble’s child and female, I highly doubt Kyla had ever held one in her life. It doesn’t help that I have no muscle tone.

“You don’t have the ability to hurt me.” Gerald persisted, stumbling over a hole. “You don’t have the mental strength to-”

“Do you really think my mental strength is in question right now?” I scoffed, pressing the sword harder against his throat. “I’m sure you’ve tortured animals in your spare time. Do they willingly lie down and allow you to harm them without biting back?”

“I never-”

“Stop talking.” I commanded, pushing his shoulder for the hundredth time. “Your words are meaningless and you’re a fool.”

Gerald grumbled something under his breath, but finally stopped talking. We moved on in silence for a long time, the sounds of the night wrapping around us. The further we made our way down the path, the more I felt like we were being watched.

At first, I assumed it was the knights, trailing behind us, but I hadn’t heard the sound of footsteps. Then why do I feel so uncomfortable? I glanced around the area, feeling a cold sensation run down my spine. Something isn’t right. I pushed him forward again, scanning the path ahead and froze when a shadow moved along the path.

Gerald stopped abruptly and began to laugh. “You’re done for now, Kyla.”

“What do you-” I broke off as five shapes emerged from the darkness, shimmering in the pale moonlight. Shit. A faint memory from the novel passed through my mind. They weren’t knights, but mages. High level ones at that. How did they get here so quickly?

“Don’t come any closer.” I snapped, looking between them. “If you do, he will die.”

“Foolish girl.” An old man’s voice snapped from the center of the group. “Do you think that blade will save you from us?”

“Even a mage won’t use their magic in this situation.” I snapped. “If you do he will-”

I didn’t get a chance to finish my sentence. An ice cold sensation wound around my body, freezing me in place. The sword fell from my hands, thunking against the ground. Gerald, seeing an open, sprang forward, grabbing the sword.

Damn it. What kind of magic is this?

I turned my head when a gust of wind spun toward me. One moment I was on the ground – the next I was spiraling through the air. The world around me twisted as I rotated, making my head spin. I opened my mouth to scream or swear, I didn’t know which, but I didn’t get the opportunity.

Something hard and solid slammed into my back – making my breath woosh from my lungs. I gasped trying to suck in a breath as a pain stabbed simultaneously through my lungs and head.

Vaguely, I saw Gerald stomp over, sword in one hand, the other pressed against his bloody throat.

“Loef,” he looked to his left side, a bitter sneer on his face. “Knock that traitor out and carry her. I don’t want to touch something so disgusting."

A man appeared beside Gerald the next moment – shimmering into existence. He walked forward, crouching down before me. He reached out a hand, pressing it to my head. Eyes, one a deep silver, and one gold, looked at me bored.

“It won’t hurt much, my lady.” He whispered.

Warmth spread from his hand, wrapping around my mind. Everything around me began to blur as though I was in a thick fog. I blinked a few times, trying to clear it – without any luck. Moments later my vision turned black and all sounds faded away.

I tried to open my mouth, tried to curse him out – but it was in vain.

I slipped into the darkness, knowing everything I had done led to complete and utter failure.

I tried to escape, only to end up following down a path that circled back.

The novel's iron grip had made damn sure I was following my fate.

Even as I faded into the dark void, I knew that I wouldn’t give up.

I would refuse my fate until my last, final breath.