Chapter 7 7

The oppressive tension within the home became unbearable for Lila. Though she'd been frightened by the previous night's disclosures, being inside those walls seemed like a cage. She wanted time alone, space to reflect, and maybe even a clearer picture of the estate, which felt as alien as it did menacing these days.

Lilila chose to venture outside despite the ominous advice to never walk the estate by herself. The early evening sky had been painted in muted tones, and the air felt cold. With its expansive grounds, tall trees, and dimly lit areas that seemed to be whispering secrets of their own, the estate was enormous. With a heavy heart, Lila marched determinedly down the trail. She wanted a complete view of the estate, to understand the home she shared with a man whose secrets went much deeper than she could have ever imagined.

She became more aware of the estate's remoteness as she meandered away from the mansion. Little light remained in the sky due to the towering hedges and old trees, creating lengthy shadows that moved with the wind. Lila felt completely alone for the first time as the sound of rustling leaves become increasingly audible.

Abruptly, something shifted in the periphery of her vision. Lila's heart raced as she whirled around. There was a shadowy figure at the edge of the forest line. Although she couldn't see the face, she could sense the ominous presence. The figure moved swiftly forward, and Lila felt a wave of terror come over her when she realized she was being followed. With her feet banging on the ground, she spun around and dashed into the security of the mansion. However, Lila's heart raced with fear as the attacker moved at an almost abnormally quick pace. As she tried to recall how to go back, the trail wound and turned and the woods appeared to press in about her. Lila realized she couldn't continue to outrun them as the figure approached her and the sound of their footsteps grew louder. She sprinted into the bush, breathing in ragged gasps, her motions driven by desperation.

The air was heavy with menace, and she could feel the figure drawing near. She faltered and fell hard to the ground just as she believed she could sprint much farther.

Her foot had hooked on a root. Even though Lila's ankle hurt, she forced herself to stand and moved forward with all of her remaining power. She noticed a little gate at the edge of the estate, partially obscured by overgrown ivy, just as the figure approached her. Lila hurled herself at it, pushing despite the pain, and barely in time to slip through the little opening before a hand tried to grab her. She flipped over and tumbled down a short hill, hitting the gravel path below with force.

Lila struggled to stand and turned around, gasping for air. Beneath the old iron bars that barred the gate, the figure stood on the other side. Their eyes locked for an instant, hard, calculating eyes that made her shudder. Lila shook and was left alone as the person vanished into the darkness without saying anything. Lila was so shaken that she rushed back to the mansion, her thoughts racing.

The assault had been planned and executed with care. Her death, or at least her removal, was desired by someone. The questions that tore at her mind were unabated, and she was unable to ignore the danger that surrounded her.

In actuality, what was happening? How far along was this? What had Ethan pulled her into, anyway?

Lila's body was still shaking from the event when she finally made it back to the estate and blasted through the doors. She was over the concealment. She needed clarification, and she needed it quickly.

She came upon Ethan in his study, pacing the floor while wearing a wrinkled brow, deep in contemplation. He looked up at her messy appearance, surprise flashing in his eyes at the sound of the door bursting open. But Lila raced toward him, her terror turning to anger, before he could say anything.

"What on earth is happening, Ethan?" With emotion trembling in her voice, she demanded. "Someone tried to kill me-I was just attacked outside!"

A mixture of fury and an unidentifiable emotion darkened Ethan's expression. "Lila, you shouldn't have gone out there by yourself," he murmured, his voice tense with barely suppressed rage. "I warned you it wasn't safe to go out alone."

"No! That's not right!" Lila retaliated angrily, her temper exploding. "I need to be totally aware of the situation here. That was who? How could someone desire to cause me harm? Ethan, you can't continue keeping things from me. I deserve to know the truth!"

Ethan ran a hand through his hair, unsure about whether to tell her how dangerous the situation really was or to keep her safe. Realizing now how mistaken he had been, he had concealed so much from her, thinking it was for her benefit. Whether he liked it or not, she was already enmeshed in this web.

His voice grew quieter and more regretful as he spoke, "Lila... You're not aware of what you've committed yourself to. Our marriage isn't the only thing at stake here. Beyond your wildest imagination, there are forces at work here. That agreement we signed is more than just a legal contract. We are bound by a very deadly pact with some people."

As his words took hold, Lila's eyes grew wide. "What are you trying to say? I don't understand any of what you're saying. These people are who? And why are they pursuing us?"

With a groan, the weight of his secrets threatening to topple him, Ethan's shoulders drooped. "They are extremely powerful and influential individuals with whom I previously had business. The purpose of the pact was to safeguard us and keep them at bay, but circumstances have changed. Now they are closing watching us and waiting for any hint of vulnerability. They'll pursue us both if they suspect that our marriage isn't what it looks to be. I'm to blame for your current peril, Lila."

Lila felt a chill of fear descend upon her. Her voice faltered as she questioned, "So, what do we do?"

Ethan looked back at her with a serious expression. "We need to use caution. We must come together to acknowledge that we cannot trust anyone. And now, we must rely on one another in order to survive this."

There was an obvious tension between them, an air laden with hidden worries and unresolved feelings. Lila became aware that they had both unexpectedly achieved a new and intense level in their relationship. Not only was their marriage uniting them, but the common danger that threatened them was also holding them together.

Lila knew there was no going back as soon as she met Ethan's eyes. They would have to face the perils ahead of them as a force or else risk losing everything since their lives had become entwined in ways she had never imagined.