I had one shot.
If I missed?—
If I miscalculated?—
I would fall. Hard.
And it would be a messy death.
I stared at the iron railing, my fingers flexing, my breath ragged with exertion.
There was no turning back.
I had to try.
I crouched low, gathered every ounce of strength, and jumped.
My fingers brushed the railing, but slipped.
My stomach lurched as I plummeted downward, barely managing to catch the dormer roof at the last second.
“Shit.” My heart thundered against my ribs, the burn in my arms searing.
That was too close.
I looked up, recalculating the distance, adjusting my angle, my timing.
This time?—
I leaped again.
My fingers caught the railing.
Ashuddering breath left me as my other hand scrambled for purchase, my grip clenching tight around the iron bars.
I swung my body forward and back, building momentum, my muscles screaming with the effort.
Then—
With a final powerful swing, I kicked my legs upward, catching the landing, my hand grasping the top bar.
I pulled myself over with trembling effort, collapsing onto the balcony floor, gasping.
For a few moments, I just lay there, chest heaving, every muscle burning.
Whoever was inside had to have heard that clatter.
I pressed my palm to the brass doorknob?—
And twisted.
The door gave way, swinging open without resistance.
A flood of relief rushed through me.
I crept inside, the room bathed in shadows and moonlight, my gaze instantly finding her.
Emily.
