Page 20 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

Before leaving my room, I’d rummaged through the pile of clothes from Zola and changed into soft leggings and a T-shirt. It pained me leave Ania’s gown behind, but she would forgive me. As for the heels? They had to go.

I didn’t need a broken ankle.

Going barefoot wasn’t ideal, but I wasn’t letting that minor detail stop my plans. I might never get a better opportunity to escape. I was a fighter. Rolling over and giving up? That wasn’t in my vocabulary.

Sucking in a breath, I darted toward an enclosed stairwell. I listened at the top, straining to hear any sign of movement, then descended. The cold wood was a direct contrast against my bare feet. I emerged into another hallway and kept going. The silence was almost…eerie.

That was a good sign, right?

I couldn’t take the sunlight rule for granted. There was a reason Zola hadn’t confirmed which rumors about vampires were true. I really had no idea, but I’d take my chances.

Not all of the manor’s doors were closed. I paused before an arched set leading into a drawing room. My eyes lingered over the furniture, snagging on the grand piano. Its wood was white, the top propped open revealing its strings. The brand wasn’t visible, but I knew what something like it cost.

I pulled my gaze away and moved on. Eventually I found the giant staircase leading down into the entryway. There was no movement, no sound. Was the manor as dead as the vampires occupying it?

I crept down and quickened my pace toward the front doors.

Every muscle in my body was clenched tight, ready for action. The doors opened with a loud click. I froze, my heart taking off into a gallop.

Seconds ticked by as I waited, but nothing happened. The door swung open on silent hinges. I fought the urge to sprint through it, everything within me screaming to run. Taking a deep breath, I listened. There was still nothing.

Could it really be this easy?

Slipping out, I paused on the wide steps. There was a ready excuse on my lips. I wasn’t running away. I was out for a casual morning stroll. Fresh air and all that.

As I crossed the lawn, each breath came faster. I didn’t break my stride.

My muscles trembled as I hauled my body up and over the decorative rod iron fencing. Some of my tension eased when my feet hit the ground. I glanced behind me. The manor stood silent, like a sentinel guarding the landscape.

The road was nearby, disappearing into the woods. That was where I needed to go for cover. The tree line was two hundreds yards, perhaps a little more.

I just needed to cross this field. Its soil was uneven and rocky. I winced, my feet struggling with each step, picking up speed as desperation took hold.

I started running, stumbling, gasping for breath, until the shade of the woods swallowed me up. My belly swooped, a hint of lightness overcoming my limbs. Tears blurred my vision, accompanied by absolute, profound relief. I leaned against the nearest tree, keeping my gasps quiet, catching my breath.

I could literally taste it now—freedom.

Everything would be all right. I’d get through these woods, stay out of sight, find the road further ahead. Back on the main interstate, there’d be someone, a car I could flag down. I’d call the police. I’d call Ania. This whole thing would be over in the next hour or two.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I set off through the maze of woods. My surroundings were alive in the early dawn. Birds chirping, squirrels darting from tree to tree, insects buzzing. I just had to⁠—

A branch snapped. I froze, pawing at my eyes to clear my vision. Silence fell. The hairs on the back of my neck lifted.

I held my breath as the seconds ticked by. Eventually, life returned to the woods. I stepped more cautiously this time. The ground was a mix of pine needles, twigs, and rocks. Each step was uncomfortable, but I ignored the pain.

Far to my left, I caught sight of a break in the trees—the road leading to the interstate. I debated, lips pressed into a thin line. The asphalt would be easier to traverse, but I’d be more exposed. I shook my head, deciding to remain hidden.

I took a step forward and cursed, coming down hard on a jagged rock. A flash of pain radiated up my leg, followed by the welling of blood.

The cut was deep.

The woods had gone completely silent again. This time, a sudden urge to flee settled heavy in my limbs. I glanced toward the road again.

Time seemed to slow, my breaths lengthening⁠—

My body reacted before my mind, jumping forward. One moment I was standing still, the next, my legs were pumping into a full sprint for the road. As if that would save me. There was nothing logical in my movements.

Just the urge to go.