Chapter 8

• As it turned out, the master never came home that day and the food was thrown out by late afternoon. I watched in disgust as some of the servants threw the food in the bin, wondering if they had ever thought of stealing food for us, or if they were afraid of Serena reading their minds.
• Then a thought crossed my mind, thinking that I could keep Serena out. Yes, I could think of the most random things instead of what I truly had planned. But from what distance could she read minds?
• With a new determination, I told myself that I would put this to the test.
• The day soon dragged on; each task began to blend into the next. My body ached, while my spirit felt crushed, I was hungry, my head hurts and it felt as if I was going to faint any minute now.
• As the sun set, bringing an end to another day of work, I returned to the small, uncomfortable quarters that served as our living space. And after eating more stale bread, with sour milk, I climbed under the table and settled in the hard cot on the floor.
• My muscles were sore, and I couldn’t help groaning as I rolled to my back, as I found it easier to fall asleep in that position. My mind was also weary, so it was hard to shout out the turmoil.
• The very next morning, I was testing my plan. I stood at a distance and thought of Serena’s name, when she glanced in my direction, I began to think of how pretty she was, only to see her smiling.
• The next hour, I did the same, but was at a little further away from her. And once again she looked in my direction, this time I thought about what she had done to Leni.
• I did it a few times throughout the day, until I was far enough for her to not look around, I even screamed her name in my head, and she still didn’t look around.
• But I kept my excitement out of my head, and also making sure to not think, just in case she was pretending to not hear my thoughts.
• I wanted to do the same with the mother as well, but I found out she wasn’t at home, which would make my escape much easier.
• And so, by night fall, I made sure no one was watching me as I hurried over to the small gate. My heart pounded in my chest as I got closer, and as I opened the gate, I had to cover my mouth so as not to cry out from excitement.
• I did not have a direction, and only hoped for the best, and as I walked deeper into the forest, my excitement grew. I didn’t hear any form pursuit I smiled and continued on.
• The office soon got dark, seeming more and more oppressive with growling shadows. The trees seemed to form a tangled labyrinth, which worked on my nerve as if they were closing in on me with each step.
• The moonlight barely pierced the dense treetops, and as I trudged on, my breathing came out sharp, and uneven as I stumbled over roots and rocks. There was a snapping sound off to my left, which caused my heart to race with fear.
• I bit back a cry when I unseeingly walked in a thorn bush, they cut at my skin, and even pulled at my hair. As I struggled to get out, my dress got ripped and I finally broke free, falling on my hands and knees.
• Through it all, I was still determined, though exhausted, I didn’t want to give up. And as I went on, I began to question how far back this forest truly went.
• My now torn dress clung to my body, it was damp from sweat and mud, maybe even blood.
• Every so often, the breeze rustled through the leaves, causing my hair to stand on end.
• My legs soon began to ache, and my feet were raw from the rough terrain. I didn’t know if I was excited for my escape, or if I was more terrified from the fact that no one was coming after me. Maybe these forests were deadly, and not even them dared to enter.
• What plagued me the most was how alive the forest felt, the creaks and groans of ancient trees amplifying my sense of vulnerability. The only solace was from the faint promise of freedom, but it seemed as distant as the stars blocked out by the trees.
• Just as I was about to collapse from exhaustion, she saw it… a figure emerging from the gloom. At first, it was just a silhouette against the dim light, but as the person stepped closer, my breath caught in my throat, and I had the feeling on an impending doom.
• The man got closer, but just so enough that I couldn’t make out his face, but I could still make out his commanding presence.
• He stood watching me for a while, as my breathing came out in a short, sharp rush and my heart pounded even more.
• Then he stepped out from under the canopy of trees, giving me the opportunity to fully make him out.
• His eyes were a fierce amber, glowing with an intensity that made my skin crawl. They seemed to pierce through the darkness and right into my soul. His features were sharply defined, with a strong jaw and high cheekbones, adding to the aura of authority he carried. His dark clothing seemed to merge with the night, adding to his almost otherworldly presence.
• I instinctively raised a branch, as if it could do any harm to these creatures, but it was my only defense, though it would be futile.
• "Who are you?'' I demanded, trying to sound firm even though my voice was shaking, from trying to sound firm.