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I kick off the bed, my feet landing on the plush carpet.

“Eighteen.”

I back away towards the door, focus fixed on him.

Adrenaline rushes through my body, making my knees tremble.

“Seventeen.”

I reach the door, pulling it open.

“Sixteen.”

With one last look at him, I dash out of the room, through the wooden corridors, and down the stairs.

Fifteen.

Finding my trainers, I slide them on, not pausing to tie my shoelaces.

Fourteen.

I fumble with the key in the keyhole, unlocking it and shoving the door open. The cold autumn air whips at my skin, making me shiver in just my oversized t-shirt and pants.

“Shit,” I gulp.

Thirteen.

I glance towards the stairs. Xander’s menacing shadow appears on the wall by the top of the staircase.

His deep voice comes into earshot. “Twelve.”

My heart is barrelling out of my chest, but I grab at the handle and run out of the house, slamming the door behind me.

Eleven.

The lodge’s warm outside lights fade out as my feet thump on the damp ground and darkness envelops me.

Ten.

I have no idea where I’m going. It’s completely pitch black. The image of Luke chasing after me flashes in my mind, but I growl, erasing it.

I’m safe with Xander.

Nine.

Twigs crunch under my feet as my feet carry me further into the forest.

Eight.

“Fuck. I can’t see shit,” I murmur, slowing down.

Seven.

I stop and take a second to catch my breath before holding my hands out in front of me and blindly searching for a tree to hide behind.

Six.

Five.