Chapter 9 An Escape

A dull, pounding ache thundered in my skull as I stirred awake. I blinked, disoriented, the velvet texture of the carpet scratching against my cheek. My limbs were heavy, stiff from whatever twisted position I'd fallen asleep in on the floor.

God, how long had I been out?

I groaned and pushed myself upright slowly. The room was still dim, a cool hush clinging to everything. The fire in the hearth had burned low. I rubbed my temples, trying to push away the fog in my head.

I didn't remember lying down. But I remembered everything else. Layla's memory-gone. Damian's cold, final words. The wolves. The lies. This... prison.

I sat back, leaning against the edge of the chair I'd clung to during my breakdown. My breath hitched, but the tears wouldn't come again. I was past crying. Now, I was furious. No, beyond furious.

I hated Damian Thorne.

Not just the kind of hatred you toss around after a bad breakup or a cruel insult. No, this was a deep, burning loathing I'd never known I was capable of. I hated him for stealing me from my life, for caging me like a prized possession, for robbing Layla of her memories, and for standing there, smug and untouchable, while I fell apart.

I wasn't going to wait around for his next power trip. I was getting out of here, and I have to do it now.

I forced myself to my feet, wincing as my muscles screamed in protest. The room was still cloaked in shadows, but the window revealed the faintest gray light on the horizon. Early morning, just before dawn.

Perfect.

I crept to the door and turned the knob, heart already racing, but It didn't budge. I twisted harder. Yanked it, but still nothing. I've been locked again. Like some goddamn prisoner.

"Of course you did," I hissed under my breath, biting down the rage.

I scanned the room, eyes darting to the tall window. It was open, left ajar during the night. A soft breeze whispered through it, tugging at the gauzy curtains. That is my only chance of getting out of here.

I crossed the room quietly, bare feet silent against the floor, and approached the window. I leaned out and peered down. A small sigh of relief escaped my lips when I realised it wasn't too high. Maybe eight or nine feet. There was a narrow ledge below, then a sloped stone wall that descended toward a lower patio. I could manage it. I had to. This was no time for fear.

I gripped the windowsill, hoisted myself up, and swung one leg over. The early morning air was cold against my skin, making goosebumps rise along my arms, but I didn't care about the cold. I exhaled slowly, braced myself, and then pushed off.

I landed hard on the ledge, knees bending instinctively. One foot slipped, but I caught myself, teeth clenching. Using the wall for support, I climbed down until I could drop the rest of the way to the ground.

I hit the floor with a thud, knees stinging, but I didn't stop.

I ran.

I sprinted through the courtyard, breath tight in my chest, my nightgown catching on low shrubs as I bolted past fountains, hedges, and shadowy marble statues. I didn't care where I was going, only that I got away.

Ahead, beyond the stone paths and manicured lawn, the estate gave way to thick, looming trees. Woods. A forest. Dark and deep, and far more dangerous than the manicured prison behind me.

But I didn't hesitate. I pushed into the treeline and ran like my life depended on it, because truly, it did.

Branches scratched at my arms. Roots tugged at my feet. I ducked under low-hanging limbs and vaulted over fallen logs, lungs burning with each breath. Freedom. I could feel it in my bones, I just need to get a little farther.

I was still focused on my running when I heard the snap of a branch. And then, it was followed by a low, guttural growl. My heart immediately dropped.

No-no. I turned my head, still running, and at the sight of what was behind me, my blood turned to ice.

Two massive wolves thundered after me, all muscle and fury. One black, one silvery-gray, but both massive enough to put nightmares to shame. Their eyes glowed in the shadows. And one of them, its eyes were red. The same glowing red I'd seen in the clearing days ago.

Panic gripped me, and I ran faster, lungs screaming, but they were faster. Silent and swift and closing in like shadows with claws. I didn't stand a chance, but I was so determined to escape my prison.

My foot caught on a gnarled root, and I fell hard, dirt and leaves flying up around me. Pain flared in my wrist and hip, but I didn't stop. I flipped onto my back and scrambled backward, digging my hands into the earth. The wolves prowled forward, closing in, eyes locked on me. They were snarling, their teeth bared.

So close now I could see the glint of their fangs, the heave of their chests, the rippling muscle beneath their fur. One-the red-eyed beast-lowered its head, lips curled in a snarl that promised one thing: Death.

"You never cease to amaze me, Evelyn." The voice cut through the night like a blade, causing me to freeze on my spot.

Damian.

He stepped from the trees, calm and unbothered, his shirt pristine despite the chaos. Beside him stood the male he came into my room with the previous day. I couldn't remember his name, but he was staring at me, his arms crossed, expression unreadable. I turned my head to glare at Damian, my chest heaving, hands trembling as the wolves remained on either side of me, close enough to lunge and tear me apart.

He took a slow step forward, tilting his head. "You really thought you'd just climb out a window and stroll off into the woods?"

My voice trembled with fury. "You sick bastard."

One of the wolves snarled, snapping it's teeth at me. Elias shifted beside Damian but said nothing.

"I told you," Damian murmured, "I'm not your enemy, Evelyn. But you keep acting like a reckless child, forcing my hand."

''Go to hell," I spat.

His eyes darkened. "Already been there."

''Good. Stay there."

The male beside Damian opened his mouth to say something, but I snapped my gaze to him. "Don't," I growled. "Don't you dare try to say a word." Something like surprise and amusement flashed on his face, but he didn't say a word.

The wolves hadn't moved. They flanked me like sentinels, breath hot and reeking of the wild. I didn't know how much longer I could hold their gaze without screaming.

Damian's voice was cold. "You could've died, Evelyn. Do you think this world is kind to outsiders? That there aren't worse things out there than me?"

"I'd take my chances," I whispered.

And then suddenly, someone was in front of me, their hand landing on my neck. Pain bloomed behind my eyes. My vision blurred, colors swimming together into a dark haze. My head spun, and the ground lurched beneath me. I swayed on my feet. And then-nothing. Everything went black.