Chapter 15 – The First Escape Attempt

(Jasmine's POV)

The moment I stepped out of that dining room, I knew one thing for sure—I had to get out of here.

Draven thought he could just take me and expect me to follow his rules?

Not a chance.

But running blind wasn't an option.

If I wanted to escape and stay gone, I needed to be smart.

Draven was strong, fast, and way too damn perceptive.

Kade and Elias? Just as dangerous in their own ways.

And I couldn't rely on luck.

I needed a plan.

A perfect plan.

The rest of the day, I played along.

I let them think I was adjusting.

That I was accepting my new reality.

I wandered around, acting curious.

Letting people get used to me being there.

That was the key—familiarity.

If people saw me enough, they'd stop watching me so closely.

And that's exactly what I needed.

Because in the process, I learned things.

I learned that Draven wasn't the only one giving orders.

Kade oversaw security. He controlled the gates, the shifts, the night patrols.

Elias? He ran the logistics—people, food, supplies.

The staff came and went through a separate entrance at the back of the estate.

An entrance that was never locked during deliveries.

And if I timed it right?

I could slip out without anyone noticing.

The Distraction.

It had to be big.

Something that would pull all eyes away from me.

And I had just the thing.

Dinner was in full swing.

Kade and Elias were arguing over something ridiculous.

Lyra was laughing.

Draven was silent but watchful.

I excused myself, muttering something about needing fresh air.

No one stopped me.

Perfect.

I slipped into the hall and made my way toward the training yard.

That's where I found exactly what I needed.

A set of weapons lined up against the far wall.

Swords, knives, and—crossbows.

I exhaled. Too risky.

Then, just beside them, I spotted something better.

A rack of training dummies.

Each one stuffed with dried hay.

And right next to it?

A lantern burning low.

I smirked.

That'll do.

I grabbed a small torch and lit the edge of the driest dummy.

The flame spread instantly.

Not too fast.

Not enough to destroy anything.

But just enough to get attention.

Then, I slipped away.

By the time I reached the back entrance, chaos had begun.

Shouts echoed from the training yard.

Boots pounded against the stone as warriors rushed to put out the fire.

I kept moving, head down, pace calm.

Panic would get me caught.

Confidence would get me out.

A few workers passed me, too distracted to look twice.

I reached the service entrance—the one staff used for deliveries.

And just like I had guessed—

The door was open.

My heart pounded.

This is it.

I stepped forward, slipping past the last few workers.

Then—I was outside.

Cold air hit my skin.

The gravel crunched beneath my feet as I stepped onto the path leading away from the estate.

Freedom.

I had done it.

I forced myself not to run.

Not yet.

Not until I was far enough away.

I made my way down the hidden trail I had memorized earlier, heart racing with every step.

I could see the road ahead.

I just needed to—

"Going somewhere, little flower?"

My entire body froze.

A shadow stepped out from behind a tree.

Tall. Unyielding. Predatory.

Draven.

I inhaled sharply. No.

This wasn't possible.

I had been so careful.

Draven tilted his head, watching me with quiet amusement.

"Nice trick," he murmured.

His silver eyes glowed in the moonlight.

"You actually had me impressed for a second."

My stomach sank.

He had known.

He had known the whole time.

And he had let me get this far just to see if I would try.

I clenched my fists. "How did you find me?"

Draven smirked, taking a slow step forward.

"I could hear your heartbeat from the second you stepped out that door."

I swallowed hard.

Damn it.

"You were watching me."

His smirk deepened.

"Always."

I took a step back.

He took a step forward.

I turned to run—

He was in front of me before I could even move.

I gasped, stepping back. "That's not fair."

Draven let out a low chuckle.

"No, sweetheart," he murmured. "It's not."

Then, in one smooth motion, he had me pinned against a tree.

Trapped.

His body pressed against mine, his hands braced beside my head.

I swallowed hard, refusing to let him see how breathless I was.

"You're wasting your energy," he said, his voice low, teasing.

I glared. "I hate you."

His smirk deepened.

"No, you don't."

His fingers grazed my jaw, tracing the delicate line of my neck.

I sucked in a sharp breath.

"You're trembling," he murmured, his lips brushing against my temple. "Why?"

I clenched my jaw, refusing to answer.

His hand slid lower, his palm pressing against my waist.

I hated the way my body reacted.

Hated the heat curling low in my stomach.

Draven leaned in, his breath hot against my skin.

"You feel it, don't you?" he whispered.

I turned my head sharply, our noses almost touching.

"You're delusional," I hissed.

His silver eyes burned into mine.

"Maybe," he admitted. "But you still can't look away from me."

My breath hitched.

His thumb brushed my lower lip.

I stiffened.

"Go ahead," he murmured. "Try again if you want. Run. Fight me. But we both know how this ends."

I hated him.

Hated that he was right.

And yet—I couldn't move.

I clenched my fists.

"This isn't over," I whispered.

Draven chuckled, his grip tightening around my waist.

"I certainly hope not," he murmured.

Then, just as easily as he had caught me, he stepped back.

"Come now, little flower," he said smoothly. "Let's take you home."

I gritted my teeth.

I had lost this round.