The day dragged on, and I locked myself away in my room, avoiding everyone. Benjamin knocked repeatedly, trying to coax me into opening up, but I refused to listen—not even for a moment.
When midnight arrived, and the mansion lay silent, I slowly clicked the door open and slipped out, closing it quietly behind me. I tiptoed down the stairs to the entrance, my heart racing as I turned the doorknob. To my surprise, it wasn't locked; it was as if the heavens had answered my silent prayers. I opened it cautiously and peered outside, relieved to see that none of the guards were awake. However, I noticed the gate was locked. Oddly enough, there were no CCTV cameras in sight. *Why would a mansion this grand be so lacking in security?* I pondered.
I crept around to the back of the mansion and spotted a ladder resting against the wall. With a sense of urgency, I ran over and began to climb. As I reached the top, I surveyed my surroundings, then hoisted myself over the fence. Without a second thought, I jumped down, landing effortlessly on the ground below. It was a small feat for me; my father had taught me how to leap from the tallest trees since I was six.
I sprinted deep into the forest, leaving behind the family I had come to despise. *"I will never belong to Lilith. Never!"* I vowed silently.
Halting in the heart of the forest, I inhaled sharply, the cool air filling my lungs. "Oh God, thank you. I owe you this one and—" My thoughts were interrupted as something darted past me. I froze, scanning my surroundings. In the distance, I spotted a figure cloaked in black, eyes as white as crystal fixed upon me. My heart pounded in my chest as it approached. Just as I turned to run, it was already standing before me, its gaze piercing through the darkness.
I stumbled backward, falling to the ground and breaking branches beneath me as I locked eyes with the creature.
It knelt down, pushing back its hood, and to my astonishment, revealed a strikingly handsome face—one that could bring worlds to their knees.
"What do you seek in my domain, little human?" it asked, its voice cold and commanding.
"I—I ran from hell. From the beasts that call themselves family. Please don't hurt me. My blood is bitter. You won't like the taste," I stammered, swallowing hard.
The figure extended its right hand toward me. With trembling fingers, I placed my hand in its. We stood together, and as it released my hand, its gaze remained locked on mine, an intensity that both terrified and intrigued me.