Chapter 37
Few hours ago when she's been kidnapped.
Lady Emilia's mind raced, taking in her surroundings and trying to think of a way out.
Knowing that time was of the importance, her heart raced as she weighed her options.
She looked about, seeing how things were laid out and where possible ways out may be.
She saw a window with thick drapes covering its panes, yet a glimmer of moonlight was visible through the material.
Though it was unlikely, it was preferable to passively waiting for her kidnappers to decide how to proceed.
Lady Emilia moved quickly and deliberately toward the window, exuding a strong sense of resolve.
Her fingers trembled from adrenaline as she reached out to grab the curtains and drew them aside to show the glass pane beyond.
Lady Emilia took a long breath to calm herself down before opening the window and letting the crisp night air welcome her.
She made sure the room was still empty by casting a quick peek over her shoulder before pulling herself up onto the ledge.
Lady Emilia took one last look at the room she was leaving behind, braced herself, and jumped out into the darkness.
With a gentle thud, she descended to the earth below. Her heart was beating as she shot off into the darkness, thinking only of gaining as much distance as she could from her captors.
Lady Emilia's thoughts were racing due to the urgency of the situation when she touched down outside.
She concentrated on the energy that was dormant inside of her, her heart thumping in her chest.
Shutting her eyes, she summoned the strength from her spirit, feeling it course through her body like a furious river.
She summoned the elements with a murmured invocation, telling them to help her when she needed it.
As she used her magic, the atmosphere around her erupted with energy, and reality itself seemed to bow to her will.
She was able to move quickly and stealthily through the night by conjuring up a blast of wind with a simple flick of her wrist.
Lady Emilia tore at her exquisite gown, ripping the cloth to bits till it hung in tatters around her, in a desperate attempt to gain her freedom.
Her will to break free from her captors' grasp grew stronger with every tear, burning within her like a fierce fire.
With her clothing transformed into an improvised fighting outfit, Lady Emilia confronted the thugs with an intense resolve in her gaze.
She ignored the pain from her ripped clothes and concentrated only on the task at hand: battling her way out of captivity.
She deftly sidestepped their blows and retaliated with lightning-fast, devastating blows of her own.
Her beautiful, flowing motions revealed the years of covert training she had received.
Lady Emilia battled with a desperation that came from hearing the criminals' cries and curses as they closed in on her.
She was resolved to regain her independence and pave her own way ahead, refusing to remain a victim any longer.
She had a surge of empowerment with every strike she delivered, a constant reminder that she was stronger than her opponents could have ever imagined.
She knew that no matter what happened, she would never again allow herself to be bound by the chains of oppression as she battled on with an unwavering spirit.
In present
Lady Emilia's pulse raced with excitement as she walked toward the elaborate door that stood in front of her in the dimly lighted Ruthven Mansion corridor.
She reached out and gripped the handle with shaky hands, a thrill shooting through her body.
She gave the door a firm shove, and the opulence of the mansion's interior illuminated by the gentle glow of candles was revealed.
She felt at ease and like she belonged when she saw the familiar sight since it brought back memories of the struggle she had gone through to regain her freedom and find her place in the world.
As Lady Emilia stepped into the crowd, a hush fell over the assembled guests, their expressions a mix of shock, disbelief, and relief.
Whispers rippled through the crowd as they struggled to comprehend her sudden appearance after her mysterious disappearance.
When Duke Matheo finally saw Lady Emilia, his eyes grew wide with surprise as a mix of perplexity and worry raced through his heart.
Pushing through the mob, he kept his eyes fixed on her, both overwhelmed with happiness that she was safe and unhurt and yearning for answers.
With tears welling up in their eyes, Duchess Philippa and Duke Hudson hurried over to give her daughter a firm embrace.
Her daughter was overcome with relief and thankfulness. With a shaky voice, Duchess Philippa whispered, "My dear Emilia, thank the heavens you're safe."
When Lady Austine and Princess Ashley realized their intentions had been foiled and their secrets revealed, they stood there stunned and expressionless.
They glanced at each other nervously, knowing that they would soon have to face up to what they had done. Guilt and guilt swept over them.
But even in the middle of all the turmoil and mayhem, Lady Emilia maintained her composure and directed her steady stare at the assembly.
With a firm, determined voice, she started, "I apologize for the concern I have caused." "But rest assured, I am unharmed and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead."
As a result of their duplicity and treachery, Lady Austine and Princess Ashley were made to answer for their deeds.
Duke Matheo made sure that justice was carried out promptly and equitably, with the help of Lady Emilia and her family.
After the chaos subsided and the evildoers were apprehended, the visitors progressively left and made their way back to their residences with a mixture of relief and reflection.
They could now finally put the trauma behind them. The evening's events had been unexpected, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a joyful celebration.
Exhaustion weighed heavy on Lady Emilia as she reached her chamber, each step a struggle against the fatigue that threatened to overtake her.
She let out a deep breath and collapsed onto the luxurious bed pillows, her muscles aching with every motion.
Sasha walked over, her brow pinched in anxiety as she saw Lady Emilia slump back on the bed.
Sasha asked gently, her voice tinged with real concern, "Lady Emilia, are you alright?"
Lady Emilia forced a half grin, but there was still a trace of exhaustion in her eyes. Weary but determined, she answered, "I'll be fine, Sasha. Just a bit tired from all the excitement of the evening."
With a sympathetic nod, Sasha continued to stare at Lady Emilia with a mixture of adoration and worry.
With a tone full of sincere admiration, she said, "You were so brave out there, my lady. Facing off against those gangsters took incredible courage."
Despite the accolades, Lady Emilia's expression remained modest as she shrugged.
With a note of tiredness in her voice, she answered, "I had to do what it took to escape, Sasha. There was no other choice."
Sasha nodded in agreement, her face serious as she thought back on the evening's events.
Her tone was real appreciation as she said, "Well, you certainly showed them that you're not to be underestimated, my lady. Your strength and determination are truly inspiring."
Lady Emilia smiled gratefully, Sasha's steadfast support warming her heart. "Your words mean a great deal to me, Sasha. Thank you," she said, her voice gentle with appreciation.
After speaking with Lady Emilia's parents, Duke Matheo visited her room and saw her lying on the bed, the lovely glow of the bedside lamp softening her features.
He walked over to her, feeling both relieved and concerned at the same time, his thoughts still clouded by what had happened that evening. "Are you still awake?" said Duke Matheo.
Lady Emilia, looking thankful yet exhausted, looked up from where she was sitting on the bed. "Just barely," she said, giving him an understated smile. "I couldn't seem to settle my mind after everything that happened tonight."
Duke Matheo took one look at her exhausted looks and nodded sympathetically. "I can't say I blame you," he said, seeming sympathetic. "It was a horrible ordeal for us all."
With a sigh, Lady Emilia continued to reflect on the evening's occurrences. "I simply can't get rid of the feeling that there's more to come," she admitted, her voice trailing off into fear. "Lady Austine and Princess Ashley won't give up so easily."
Duke Matheo stretched out and gave her a comforting grip on the hand. His voice hard with resolution, "We'll face whatever challenges come our way together," he vowed. "I won't let anything harm you, I swear it."