The Chase in the Shadows

Evelyn's heartbeat thundered in her ears as she and Rosaline slipped into the hidden passage. The moment the door closed behind them, the sound of heavy footsteps entered the conservatory. Someone was looking for them.

Rosaline tightened her grip on Evelyn's wrist and whispered, "We must be quiet."

The passage was narrow, lined with cold stone walls that smelled of earth and dust. The only light came from the faint glow of torches at the far end. Rosaline led the way, her emerald gown barely making a sound as they moved through the dark corridor.

A muffled voice called from the conservatory. "Search the area. She was here."

Evelyn recognized the voice instantly—Lord Davenport.

Her breath caught in her throat. If he found them now, there would be no escape. She clutched the leather-bound book against her chest, its presence grounding her in the storm of her fear.

Rosaline pressed a finger to her lips, signaling for silence, before guiding Evelyn toward a spiraling staircase at the end of the passage. "This leads to the servant's wing," she whispered. "We can exit through the back gardens."

Evelyn hesitated. "What if he sees us?"

Rosaline's gaze hardened. "Then we run."

With no other choice, Evelyn followed as they ascended the staircase. Every step felt agonizingly slow, the weight of danger pressing down on them. The moment they reached the top, Rosaline pushed open a wooden panel, revealing a quiet hallway lined with faded tapestries.

They slipped out, quickly closing the panel behind them. The scent of fresh roses wafted through the air from the gardens beyond the open archway at the end of the hall. Freedom was just a few steps away.

Then—

"Going somewhere?"

The deep, knowing voice made Evelyn freeze.

She turned slowly, dread pooling in her stomach.

Lord Davenport stood at the other end of the hall, a smirk playing on his lips. His piercing gaze flickered between Evelyn and the book in her arms. "That belongs to me, I believe."

Evelyn took an instinctive step back. "This book isn't yours."

Davenport chuckled, though there was no humor in his voice. "Oh, my dear, everything in this house is mine."

Rosaline moved in front of Evelyn, shielding her. "You have no right to interfere."

Davenport's smile widened. "Interfere? My dear Lady Rosaline, I am simply ensuring that our dear guest understands the rules of this world."

Evelyn's grip tightened on the book. Every instinct screamed at her to run, but she knew that with Davenport blocking their only exit, they were trapped.

A sudden gust of wind swept through the hallway, making the torches flicker. Davenport's expression darkened. "Hand over the book, Miss Evelyn. Now."

Evelyn swallowed hard, her mind racing.

She had a choice to make. And whatever she chose, there would be no turning back.