Chapter three

Seraphina's POV

Janet's words echoed in my mind long after she left.

"We need to get you out of here."

For the first time in a week, I felt something other than fear and despair—I felt hope. But that hope was fragile, like a flame flickering in the wind. Dante wasn't just any man. He was ruthless, powerful, and always five steps ahead. If we made a mistake, I wouldn't just be trapped—I'd be destroyed.

I wiped my tears, forcing myself to stand. I had spent enough time cowering in the dark. If I wanted freedom, I had to fight for it.

I walked to my dresser, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My pale skin bore the evidence of Dante's cruelty—his handprint still faintly visible around my throat. I traced the marks lightly, anger bubbling beneath my sorrow. I would not let him break me.

Just then, a knock at the door made me jump.

"Not again…"

I hesitated, my pulse quickening. Was it Janet? Or Dante?

I forced myself to move, my fingers trembling as I unlocked the door.

To my relief, Janet slipped inside, her face filled with concern.

"Phina, we need to talk. Now." She closed the door behind her, checking over her shoulder nervously.

I swallowed, stepping back. "What is it?"

Janet took a deep breath before whispering, "I overheard something… something bad."

My stomach twisted. "Tell me."

She hesitated before speaking. "Dante… he's planning something. I heard him talking with one of his men. He said, 'She won't need freedom for long. Soon, she'll be exactly where I want her.'"

A chill crawled down my spine.

"What does that mean?" I whispered.

Janet's face paled. "I don't know, but Phina, it sounded dangerous. He wants you here. Whatever he's planning… it's not good."

I sucked in a shaky breath. It wasn't enough that he trapped me here—he had bigger plans for me. And knowing Dante, those plans weren't in my favor.

I clenched my fists. "We need to move fast. If he's planning something, we have to get out before it's too late."

Janet nodded. "I might have a way."

I stared at her. "How?"

She hesitated before speaking. "There's a servant's entrance in the back of the mansion. It's barely guarded at night. If we time it right, we could sneak you out."

Hope surged through me, but doubt followed closely behind. "Are you sure? Dante has eyes everywhere."

She nodded. "Yes. But we have to be careful. If we get caught, I don't know what he'll do to us."

I swallowed hard. I knew what he'd do.

Still, it was my only chance.

"When do we do it?" I asked.

Janet looked at the clock. "Tonight. Midnight. When everyone is asleep."

***************************

Midnight

I sat on my bed, my heart pounding.....This was it.

I had on a simple outfit—black leggings, a dark hoodie, and sneakers. Something easy to move in. I tied my hair into a low bun, making sure nothing would slow me down.

A soft knock came at my door.

I took a deep breath before opening it.

Janet stood there, dressed similarly. "Are you ready?"

I nodded. "Let's go."

We stepped into the dark hallway, our footsteps silent against the marble floors. My breath came in shallow gasps as we moved quickly, avoiding the cameras and patrolling guards.

So far, so good.

Janet led me through the grand hall, past the enormous staircase. The mansion was eerily quiet, the only sound being the faint ticking of an unseen clock.

Just a little farther.

We reached the back hallway leading to the servant's entrance. My heart pounded as Janet peeked around the corner.

"Clear," she whispered.

We moved quickly, slipping through the shadows. The entrance was only a few feet away now.

We were going to make it.

Janet reached for the handle—And the lights flickered on.

My heart stopped.

A slow, deliberate clap echoed through the hallway...….Dread filled my stomach.

I turned around.

Dante stood a few feet away, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Leaving so soon, mi amore?"

I couldn't breathe.

How? How did he know?

His dark eyes flicked to Janet. "You've disappointed me, Janet."

Janet trembled beside me. "I-I was just—"

"Silence." His voice was quiet, but filled with danger.

She shut her mouth instantly.

Dante took a slow step forward. "I thought you would last longer, Seraphina. But here you are, running like a scared little rabbit."

I forced myself to stand tall. "You can't keep me here forever, Dante."

His smirk deepened. "Oh, but I can."

Panic clawed at my chest. I had to think—had to do something.

Dante's gaze darkened. "Tell me, mi amore, what should I do with you now?"

I swallowed hard. "Let me go."

His laughter sent chills through me. "And why would I do that?"

I clenched my fists. "Because if you don't, I swear I will make your life a living hell."

His amusement faded slightly, replaced with something far more dangerous.

He took another step forward, closing the distance between us. "You already are, Seraphina."

I glared at him, refusing to back down. "Then kill me, because I will never stop trying to leave."

His jaw tensed. For a moment, I thought he might actually do it.

But then… he smiled.

"No, my love. Killing you would be too easy."

He leaned in close, his breath brushing against my ear.

"I'd rather watch you break down, slowly from the inside."

I felt my blood turn to ice.

Before I could react, Dante snapped his fingers.

Two guards appeared, grabbing Janet. She let out a sharp cry.

"NO!" I lunged for her, but Dante caught me, his grip like steel.

"Let her go!" I screamed, thrashing against him.

Dante only smirked. "Actions have consequences, mi amore. And yours… have just begun."

"Please!" Janet sobbed, struggling against the guards.

I fought harder, but Dante held me back effortlessly.

I turned to him, desperate. "Dante, don't do this!"

His expression remained unreadable. "Take her to the basement."

"No!" Janet's terrified screams echoed through the hallway as the guards dragged her away.

Tears blurred my vision. "Dante, please!"

He looked down at me, his gaze unreadable.

"You wanted to leave, Seraphina." His voice was quiet, deadly.

"Now, you'll understand what it costs to defy me."

And with that, he dragged me away.