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After hurrying down the stairs, I quickly gathered food rations, stuffing them in my satchel and remaining mindful of my surroundings. While in the storage room, a loud noise rang out from my left, and I backed against the wall, attempting to hold my breath.
Lamplight filtered through the otherwise darkened kitchen, and I could scarcely maintain my silence.
“Is anyone about?” I heard Chef call out.
Not moving an inch, I maintained my silence, inhaling small, muted breaths through my nose. I could hear the pounding of my heart thudding wildly in my ears.
The light seemed to draw nearer, and I crouched to the floor, shuffling behind a shelf as quietly as possible. I did not want anyone to know of my leaving. Light poured into the small space, reaching every corner, and thankfully, it did not touch me. I was growing light-headed.
“Must be a cat.” Chef audibly shuddered. “Oh, I do hope it is not rodents. I must take this up with the duchess in the morn.”
I could hear retreating footsteps and breathed a sigh of relief.
Standing from my crouch, I slung my satchel over my shoulder, crept within the shadows, and made my way outside through the rear entrance of the manor.
Stealing my nerve, I fled into the star-filled night.
