Page 125 of Ravenrose

We both go for it.

Riggs goes for the blade, but I switch directions, going for him instead. My body slams into his, using his own momentum against him. I throw all of my weight forward, sending him crashing to the ground.

He lands hard, flat on his back. He wheezes and chokes as he works to recover his breath, losing valuable seconds.

Seconds I now have to reach the door.

I run, only glancing back once I’ve reached the threshold.

Riggs is still on the ground, coughing while struggling to get his feet back under him.

I pause long enough to meet his eye, giving him a small glimpse of my fangs before I speak. “Aww, little human,” I mock. “I hope you like your cage.”

Riggs scrambles harder, lunging for the door, but I slam it shut just before he crashes into the other side. The lock clicks into place automatically, and the door shakes violently as he roars behind it. Curse words spill out; threats and worse come pouring out of his mouth while I wipe the blood from my own, standing back to admire my handiwork with a grin.

My smile fades at the soft jingle of keys coming from inside the cell.

Shit.

I don’t wait around, turning and sprinting out into the main hallway.

To my surprise, the guard positions are empty. My eyes dart wildly around, body tense as I prepare to take on more soldiers. But the hallway is empty. I remember seeing them on the way down. Riggs must have dismissed them when he came slinking through.

Heart racing, I continue quickly down the long hall, forcing myself to slow as I near the corner, listening closely for any sounds before peeking out.

No one’s there.

I move. Fast. Adrenaline surges through my veins as I round another corner, looking for the armoury we’d come through—looking for the exit.

A loud crashing sound at my back has me breaking into a run. I find the armoury and skitter to a halt, nearly passing right by it. Another slam, and the sounds of boots chasing after me. I sprint through the armoury without stopping, diving for the nearest twisting set of stairs, taking them two at a time.

My legs feel like jelly beneath me when I finally reach the top landing. There I pause, unsure of the best path to take. To my left—a dark hallway waits; up—more stairs. I wince just thinking about it, and down—footsteps. Coming fast.

Instinct screams left. Decision made, I bolt to the left and down the hall.

It’s dark and difficult to see, but I know the dungeon cells were definitely underground, which means this level is likely the ground floor. My best chance for escape.

If I can just find a way out…

I need an exit, a window… anything.

I try each door as I pass it.

Locked. All of them locked.

“C’mon, c’mon,” I plead with yet another locked door. The last one in this hall. When it, too, refuses to open, I slam my fist against the heavy wood with a silent scream of frustration.

“Just wait till I get my hands on you, little fae,” Riggs’ voice echoes from down the hall, and my head whips back as panic rises. Shit, he’s closer than I thought.

I spin, sprinting in the opposite direction. I throw an arm out, swinging myself around the tight corner, not noticing how the rough stone changes over to marble until it’s too late.

I slip, and my feet fly out from under me. I catch myself at the last second, barely managing to stay upright, but before I can even lift my head, I collide with something solid.

The impact sends me reeling. I brace for the hard hit of the ground as I fall backward, but it never comes. A hand catches me mid-fall.

It’s strong. Unyielding.

I stop breathing.