I've been left alone in the room for hours, the silence growing heavier with each passing minute. In the hall, Kian and Tristan stand watch, their presence a silent barrier between me and the outside world.
Zaria has her own tasks to attend to, so I don’t assume she’ll be with me constantly. She mentioned earlier that she had errands to run, so it makes sense that she’s preoccupied. As for Nix, I haven’t seen her all day either. Usually, she hangs out with me, but today seems different. It’s unusual not having both Zaria or Nix around, but I know they’ll be by later.
Since I left Maxon's room two days ago, I hadn't laid eyes on him, and a strong desire to be close to him makes my skin crawl. It’s a bizarre sensation, one I can't say I've ever experienced before. But Zaria informed me that he’s preparing for hiscoronation.
I walk out onto the balcony and feel the warm breeze against my face as I peer down at the vibrant colors of the garden. Maybe I can climb down . . .
My gaze sweeps across the balcony, and I notice the tendrils of vines clinging to the side of the castle walls. The lush green vines cascade down the side, they look strong enough to hold me. Hiking up my long tulle skirt, I sit on the stone ledge, the cool breeze playing with the hair around my face, carrying the scent of damp earth from the garden below. The vibrant green vines sway gently in the wind, their leaves rustling softly, as if beckoning me forward.
Am I seriously considering this?
A sense of restlessness writhes within, as if the walls of the room are closing in on me, urging me to go. But as I tug on the vine, feeling its sturdy grip in my hand, doubt begins to creep in.
Am I being foolish?
Is this reckless longing worth the potential risks?
The little voice in my head, a nagging reminder of caution, questions my motives.
No, I won't be confined to a room all day, not when there's a beautiful garden waiting below. Gripping the vine tightly in my hand, I can feel the adrenaline rush through my veins as I slip off the ledge.
"You got this, Everly," I mutter to myself, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.
Inch by inch, I descend the vine, my arms quivering with the strain until I finally reach the next balcony and carefully land on it. Flexing my aching hands, I can feel the sweat trickling down my forehead as I peer over the edge, contemplating the two remaining levels below. The distance seems daunting, but theadrenaline pumping through my veins fuels my determination. Or perhaps I can quietly slip away through this room. I steal a quick glance at the door that opens into the room, and bite down on my bottom lip as I ponder my next move.
Curiosity gets the best of me, so I peek in the window and survey the room. Seeing it’s empty, I quietly push open the doors and step inside. It’s furnished similar to mine and seems to be where a woman stayed, based on what I can gather from all the jewelry and fabrics scattered about.
Not wanting to be caught in someone else's room, I quickly hurry toward the door, opening it up and slipping into the hall. I let out a deep breath as I softly click the door shut behind me. The tension in my body ebbs, and I look both ways down the wide hall, not seeing a single soul. A smile stretches across my face, and I start toward the stairs feeling a sense of triumph stirring in my chest.
Escaping my room and guards has given me a little bounce in my step. I look down, admiring the way my dress is flowing around my ankles, unable to help myself. I do a twirl, watching the skirt flare out around me, a small laugh escaping me.
Out of thin air, three fae women materialize before me. I jerk to a stop, my eyes flaring in surprise, but before I can speak, two of them forcefully grab my arms.
“Wait!” I rasp, desperately trying to break free.
A sharp tang of fear hits the back of my throat, and as if on cue, the third woman positions herself directly in my line of sight, causing me to lose focus on everything else. With laughter dancing in her eyes, she raises her hand between us, twirling it in circles, her lighter purple eyes deepening in color just everso slightly. A cruel smirk twists her lips, causing my stomach to plummet. I feel as if something is taking the air from my body.
Opening my mouth, I attempt to scream, but my voice fails me. I can’t breathe. Panic widens my eyes as the three women cruelly laugh and begin dragging me down the corridor.
Dammit.
I didn’t intend to draw attention to myself by coming out here; I simply wanted some solitude in the garden.
They drag me to a door at the end of the corridor and forcefully toss me into the darkened room. My knees hit the ground with a force that sends a jarring shock through my body.
My throat finally opens, and I gasp, drawing in lungfuls of air. I glance nervously behind me, my heart pounding in my chest, and come face-to-face with the piercing stare of the leader. The dim light reflects off her icy eyes, sending a shiver down my spine.
“What does he see in you?” she sneers, her voice filled with disdain. “You’re a weak, pathetic human. I am destined to marry the prince. Don’t you dare stand in my way, you wretched filth.”
I’m so confused, what is she on about? Before I can ask, they slam the door shut. Utter darkness engulfs me, and I scramble to my feet, lunging for the door. My heart races, and my palms grow sweaty as I push and pound on the door, but it remains immovable. I try to cry out for help, but no sound escapes my lips. Tears cascade down my face, and my claustrophobia amplifies, causing my chest to constrict in pain.
I sink to the ground on my knees, pounding my fist against the unforgiving wooden door.
“Help . . . ” I breathe, unable to scream like I want to.
Even though I only caught a quick glimpse of the room, I know I’m in a small storage closet, and I can feel the walls pressingin on me. The air feels hot and suffocating as I struggle to calm my breathing. If I don’t get myself under control, I am going to pass out.
“Please . . . ” I sob.
