CHAPTER 013
Silence was engulfing the Carter home, but it wasn't tranquil. It was the suffocating silence that gave you the impression that something was waiting in the shadows. The events of the previous few days were playing back in my head like an unavoidable horror film as I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling.
Everything has changed because of the murder.
Outside, the guards patrolled the corridors, their boots clicking on the shiny floors. Over closed doors, servants whispered. Fear was thick and oppressive, clinging to the air like smoke.
I rolled over on my side and pulled the blanket in tighter. However, the chill that was creeping down my spine would not go away no matter how warm it got. I felt watched, not just afraid. It felt as though someone was anticipating the perfect moment to strike.
My breathing caught when I heard a faint sound outside my door.
A murmur. Then another.
My heart pounded in my chest as I held my breath. The voices were whispered murmurs of something I shouldn't have heard, too low to make out.
The doorknob then turned.
I was filled with panic. Before my intellect could react, my body moved. My fingers were so tight on the heavy candle holder that my knuckles turned white when I snatched it from the nightstand.
The door opened with a squeak.
I made a swing.
In midair, a powerful hand grabbed my wrist. My pulse soared as my gaze snapped up—to Lucas.
His gaze was opaque, but his hold was tight, his fingers locked around my wrist, stopping my attack like it was nothing.
"You have quick reflexes," he said in a quiet, low voice.
I tore my arm off. "Lucas, what the devil? Why are you entering my room without permission in the middle of the night?
He didn't respond right away. His eyes darted from me to the window. He then turned his attention to the corridor.
There was a problem.
I scowled. "Lucas—"
He closed the door behind him and entered. My stomach tightened when the lock clicked.
He finally replied, "You're not safe here," in a hushed tone. "And I think I know who's after you."
My breath caught as I gazed at him. "What?"
His presence filled the gap between us as he took a step closer. "It wasn't a random murder. There was a message. For you.
I got a lump in my throat. "Why would someone kill a servant just to send me a message?"
Lucas's mouth clenched. "They aim to instill fear in you." They want you to be aware that they can reach you.
The air was oppressive, suffocating, and heavy. I took a deep breath. "Who?"
A loud crash reverberated from the hallway before he could respond. A groan of motion emanated from something—someone.
Before I could say anything, Lucas's hand sprang out and covered my mouth. His eyes met mine, blazing silently with warning.
Steps. Slow. Intentional. directly outside my door.
I was barely breathing.
Lucas's head tipped slightly as though he was listening, and his body stiffened. His fingers trailed down to my jaw before dropping his hand completely, loosening his hold on my mouth.
A silhouette shifted beneath the door.
I wanted to run away and hide, but Lucas's chest held me in place. The only thing preventing me from falling apart was his warmth.
Then—
Quiet.
No footsteps. Don't whisper.
Nothing.
Lucas let out a slow breath. "Who else knows you're in this room?"
I gave a head shake. "Just the guards, maybe."
His gaze grew gloomy. "We need to get you out of here."
I felt a chill go through me. "Lucas, what aren't you telling me?"
After hesitating, he leaned closer and touched my skin with his breath. "Eva, someone wants you dead." And they might well obtain what they want if we don't depart right away."
My heart struck my ribs hard.
Then there was a gentle scratching sound against the door. We both heard it, but it was very weak, nearly undetectable.
Lucas was the first to move. He took hold of my wrist and dragged me over to the window.
He whispered, "We're not taking the door," but remained firm. "Come on."
After a brief moment of hesitation, I nodded. This was due to Lucas Carter, despite his potential for danger.
It was even riskier outside.