Blood spilled from the woman’s mouth when a sinister smile stretched her lips—
My body jerked upwards, struggling to free myself from the web that choked me from within. My heart squeezed in panic as I fought with the invisible barrier that kept me in place until my thoughts gained some clarity; my eyes searched the room I’d learned to call mine.
I forced my lungs to expand, leaving nothing but the dreadful emptiness.
My hands clung to the wrinkled sheets underneath my body—the evidence of my never–ending, restless nights.This must end now.
My mind fought through the black widow’s web of my thoughts as I forced myself out of the bed—
I glanced out the window. The Moon was barely visible in the snowstorm.
Cold. The window was cold to the touch.
I put on the trousers—that Roxanne had gifted me all those weeks ago—atop the woolen stockings I found in my drawer:the winter was in its full glory, bestowing us with its cruel, cold spells, making my upcoming trip a lot less tolerant.
I placed a dagger in my boot; another at the belt of my trousers.I will die before I get the chance to use them.
I would die.
He would die.
He would die and I would find peace I did not deserve. Perhaps the Moon would show me kindness for once and reunite me with my family—
The window frame stood unmoving under my struggles as if it hadn’t been opened for centuries. I fought against the rusty latch until it jerked free with a horrible screech.
Third story.
My hands stretched for the closest tree branch. I could only hope it was as strong as it looked.
The last time I had climbed trees, before Mother had prohibited me from such anoutrageous act,was lost in my memory—
The branch slipped through my hand, sending my heart to my heels.
My skin throbbed as my hold tightened around the end of the branch. The snowstorm sang its serenade—
Several minutes and a few scratches later, my feet felt the ground.
The snow scrunched underneath my steps, though the sound was lost in the hum of the wind. The white snow turned black in the darkness of the night—
The stables were dark and cold. I forced my mind to calm and allow my vision to adjust, remembering Francis’ words of our kind’s ability to see in the darkness.Our kind. Our curse.The curse that made me kill—
Annabelle nickered in greeting as I prepared her for the trip she might have to come back from alone.
Once the saddle was in its place, I yanked on each strap until it sat secure.
Last time I’d found myself in this position, Francis had caught me before I’d managed to escape the stables. Only this time, if he found me, he would chain me to my bed for the rest of my days.
Still and all that wouldn’t stop me from keeping the promise I had given toher. Still and all, nothing would have stopped me from ordering Annabelle towards the Royal palace.
