EZRA
Lucius sat across from me, swirling his glass of whiskey as he watched me with those sharp, calculating eyes. "You've been awfully curious about her lately," he mused, tilting his head slightly. "Why do you care so much about a woman you've never met?"
I swallowed the lump in my throat, keeping my face as neutral as possible. "Because she's a part of this, isn't she? A piece in this game you and Malachai are playing." I forced a small, almost timid smile. "I just want to understand you more, Lucius. Isn't that what you wanted?"
His expression softened, pleased by my words. He reached forward, brushing his fingers against my jaw. The touch made me want to recoil, but I kept still. "You're finally seeing things my way, Ezra." He exhaled as if relieved. "She's in the old storage building behind the west wing. Safe and sound." He smirked. "For now."
I nodded slowly, filing away the information in my head. "And she's really Malachai's wife?"
Lucius gave a dark chuckle. "Yes. Though it seems he cares more about you than her. She's just a burden to him now." He traced my bottom lip with his thumb. "But not you. You belong to me now."
I forced another smile, leaning slightly into his touch. It made my skin crawl, but I had to keep up the act. "I'm starting to think you might be right."
His pleased smirk was my confirmation that he had fallen for it.
That night, I waited. Lucius had started trusting me more, allowing me to move around without guards. It was the perfect opportunity.
I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my trembling legs. Walking was still a struggle. I could stand, but moving any real distance was excruciating. Still, I had to do this.
Slowly, I pushed myself up, gripping the nightstand for balance. My knees screamed in protest, but I gritted my teeth and forced myself forward. One step. Then another. Each movement was slow and agonizing, but I refused to stop. I had been locked in this hellhole for too long.
By the time I reached the door, sweat coated my skin, my breathing uneven. My legs felt like they could give out at any second, but I had no choice. I had to get to her.
I carefully opened the door, peeking outside. The hallway was empty. Good.
Step by step, I moved forward, leaning on the wall for support. The mansion was eerily silent at this hour, the faint flickering of candlelight casting long shadows across the floors.
After what felt like forever, I reached the stairs. My stomach clenched as I looked down at them. How the hell was I supposed to do this?
Gripping the railing, I lowered myself onto the first step, using my hands to brace my weight. It was slow…painfully slow…but I made my way down, step by step, until I reached the bottom. My legs ached, but I pushed forward.
Navigating through the halls, I kept my breathing steady. If anyone caught me, it would all be over.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I reached the back doors leading to the storage building.
I took a deep breath and pushed them open.
The night air was cold against my skin, but I welcomed it. I hobbled across the courtyard, every step agony. The storage building loomed ahead, its old wooden doors slightly ajar.
Inside, the woman sat against the far wall, her swollen belly visible even in the dim light. Her eyes widened as she saw me.
"You're…"
"No time," I rasped, grabbing her hand. "We have to go. Now."
She hesitated, looking at my weakened state. "You can barely walk."
"I don't care," I shot back. "Come on."
I helped her up, supporting her as best as I could. Every step was torture, but we made it out of the building. I led her toward the forest behind the estate, my heart hammering in my chest.
And then… I saw movement.
My breath caught.
Figures emerged from the darkness, weapons drawn. My stomach twisted in fear.
And then….
Malachai.
He was there, standing among them, his eyes locking onto mine. The shock on his face was clear, but it was nothing compared to the raw pain that flashed through them when he saw me walking.