Page 32 of Dark Elf's Good Girl

I hold a hand to my chest, actively regaining control of my breathing as it slows down. Pressing an ear to the door, I hear Calix’s angry footsteps marching around, praying they don’t come back my way. They stomp into another room, followed by the sound of a clicking lock.

“Phew,” I sigh with relief. “Looks like he won’t be bothering me for the rest of the night… Still, I cannot afford to take any further risks.”

I retreat to the edge of the bed, trying to think of a plan. I have to act as soon as possible, knowing I may not get so lucky next time.

“I’m going to escape,” I mutter. “I’ll do it tonight when everyone's asleep.”

I’m not even thinking about where I’ll go once I’m out of here. I know for a fact that anywhere is better than being trapped in the hands of a madman.

I move to the window, peering out of it as I wait for a while. When an hour has passed, I decide it's now or never.

Slowly, I twist the handle open, peeking my head out from the door frame. I shoot a look down both ends of the corridor before stepping out. I crouch low and keep my movements calculated, sticking to the shadows as I inch along the walls.

Each step is slow and planned out, the blood pumping within me as I get closer to the staircase. There’s no sounds in the manor other than the ticking of a nearby looming grandfather clock and the beating of my heart, the latter of which I hope no one else can hear.

I finally reach the top of the staircase. I’m about to take the first step when there comes the sudden boom of loud footsteps from the first floor. Panicking, I jump to the side of the grandfather clock, concealing myself in the penumbra.

There’s nothing to hide behind, so I pray the shadows are dark enough to keep me hidden should someone come out into the hallway.

Everyone is usually in bed at this hour, what the fuck are they doing up?

At that moment, not one but two sets of footsteps begin ascending the stairs.

“Calix has almost emptied our wine cellar by this point,” groans Rhamos.

“I know but he deserved to have a celebration today,” replies Talara.

“I suppose you’re right, he’s been doing some good things for the company as of late. As for Aiken, his performance on the other hand has been below par…”

There comes the glow of handheld lamps lighting up the hallway as they draw nearer to the topmost step. I hold my breath as they come close.

If I get caught now then I’ll be done for!

They continue murmuring between themselves as they pass by. For a brief moment, their lights illuminate me clearly as I freeze in fear. Luckily, they don’t look my way, continuing on down the corridor to their own quarters.

Too fucking close…

I press forward, walking down the stairs as lightly as I can while gripping the banister for support. I reach the bottom step, but in the darkness I do not catch sight of the vase sitting atop the start of the banister, knocking it over with my hands.

My heart rate spikes as I hear it fall from its place, blindly reaching out for it. A wave of relief comes over me when it lands in my arms. I place it back and glance towards the main entrance.

The sight of it is akin to finding a goldmine of treasure. Crawling up to it, I peer in between the door and door frame, seeing the lock has not been set in place.

Ha! The bastards forgot to lock up!

Letting out a gentle sigh of consolation, I reach out for the handle. The sensation of the metal knob in my hands is oddly comforting as I begin to twist it open.

That’s when a stray hand reaches out from the corner of my eye, snatching my wrist like an animal caught in a trap.

12

AIKEN

I don’t remember the last time I got a decent night’s sleep. My magic has been restless and my mind has been even more so. It’s something that has plagued me for a greater part of my life.

“Maybe another lap,” I mutter to myself as I tug my hand through my hair, another habit that seems to only be growing.

I reach the stairs on the base floor and stare up them, considering my options. I could go upstairs. I could do as Calix does and drink myself into a stupor – something I regretfully admit I’ve done a number of times just to give my body some rest.