Chapter Thirty-Six: The Escape from Oxford

All Souls Courtyard, 2009

Taking a deep breath, Matthew summoned all his courage and stepped closer, reaching out to her. He finally managed to wrap his arms around Lauren, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "I'm here," he whispered, trying to break through the storm of her emotions. "You're not alone. Let me help you."

He could feel her trembling against him, the tension in her body slowly beginning to melt away. As he held her, he focused on grounding her, reminding her of the love and support that surrounded them. "Just breathe," he urged softly.

Lauren began to calm down and breathe, but exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she passed out in his arms from using too much of her magic.

Matthew tightened his grip, cradling her gently as he assessed their surroundings. The night was dark, but the moonlight illuminated the path ahead. He knew he needed to get her to safety, away from whatever had drained her energy. With determination, he started running, his heart racing not just from the physical exertion but from concern for Lauren.

Suddenly, from behind him, he heard Peter Knox say, "Damn you, Matthew de Clermont."

Matthew's pulse quickened as he recognized Peter's voice, filled with anger and betrayal. He glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of Peter emerging from the shadows, his figure looming ominously. Matthew knew he had to act fast; he couldn't let Peter catch up to them.

With Lauren still unconscious in his arms, he sprinted toward his car parked nearby, the engine already humming with anticipation. He gently placed her in the passenger seat, ensuring she was comfortable, and quickly buckled her in.

The stakes had never been higher, and he could feel the weight of their predicament pressing down on him.

As he slid into the driver's seat, he could hear Peter's footsteps growing louder, his voice echoing with fury. "You won't get away with this!" Peter shouted, his words laced with the threat of power.

Matthew gripped the steering wheel tightly, fighting back the fear that threatened to consume him.

"Just hold on, Lauren," he whispered, his eyes focused on the road ahead.

After driving for half an hour, Matthew finally dialed Mariam's number. He could still feel the weight of their predicament pressing down on him, but he knew he needed her support.

As the phone rang, he recalled Peter's furious voice echoing in his mind, "You won't get away with this!" Matthew took a deep breath, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he fought back the fear that threatened to consume him.

"Just hold on, Lauren," he whispered again, his eyes still focused on the road ahead. When Mariam answered, he could hear the concern in her voice, and it gave him a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Mariam answered the phone, her voice laced with concern. "Matthew? Where are you?"

Matthew took a moment to gather himself, fighting off the overwhelming panic. "I'm on the road, Mariam."

Mariam's voice softened further, sensing the tension in his tone. "Why are you on the road, Matthew? What's going on?" She could hear the urgency in his voice, and it worried her.

"Listen, Mariam," Matthew began, his heart racing as he tried to explain. "I... I saved Lauren from Peter Knox."

There was a brief silence on the other end, and he could practically hear Mariam processing the information. "What do you mean you saved her?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Matthew took a deep breath, his mind racing with the events of the day. "I found her just in time. Knox was about to—" He paused, not wanting to overwhelm her with the details. "But she's safe now, and that's what matters."

Mariam sighed with relief. "Thank goodness. But where are you going to take Lauren?"

Matthew hesitated for a moment, knowing the weight of his next words. "I'm taking her to my home in the French countryside. It's secluded, and I think it'll be a safe place for her to recover."

Mariam's eyes widened in surprise as she talked to Matthew over the phone. "The French countryside? Is that really the best option?"

Matthew took a deep breath, trying to reassure her. "Yes, it is. It's quiet and far from any danger. You can trust me; I have carefully considered the matter. She needs a peaceful environment to heal."

After a moment of hesitation, Mariam replied, "Okay, I agree. If you think that's what's best for her, then I trust your judgment."

After their conversation, Matthew said, "Thank you for understanding, Mariam. Could you please call Marcus and ask him to meet me there?"

Mariam nodded and said, "Of course. But why do I need to call Marcus?"

Matthew replied, "I need him to do a checkup on Lauren to make sure she's going to be okay and to make sure she doesn't have any serious injuries from her attack." He says over the phone.

On the other end of the line, Mariam responded, "Okay, I'll call Marcus right after we hang up."

Matthew expressed his gratitude before hanging up the phone. He kept his eyes on the road, focusing on the winding path ahead as he drove to the countryside, with Lauren lying unconscious beside him.

Matthew gently reassured the unconscious Lauren, "You're going to be just fine." He spoke softly, trying to instill a sense of calm in the tense atmosphere of the car.

The countryside unfolded before him, a blur of greens and browns, yet his mind was consumed with thoughts of what lay ahead. He had to get her help—fast.

Each turn in the road felt like a race against time, and he pushed the accelerator a bit harder, determined to reach their destination as quickly as possible.

The sun dipped lower in the sky, creating long shadows that covered the landscape.

Matthew's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his heart racing with a mixture of fear and hope. "Stay with me, Lauren," he murmured, glancing at her again. "We're almost there."

With each passing mile, he fought to maintain his focus, blocking out the anxiety swirling in his mind.

Back at the lab, Mariam paced nervously as she dialed Marcus's number. The phone rang a few times before he picked up. "Marcus, it's Mariam. We need to talk," she said, urgency in her voice.

"What's going on?" Marcus replied, his tone instantly serious.

Mariam took a deep breath before continuing. "It's Matthew. He needs your help at his place in the French countryside home."

Marcus furrowed his brow, a mix of concern and curiosity washing over him. "What does he need? Is everything okay?"

Mariam hesitated for a moment before responding. "No, everything is not okay. Matthew's one true love was attacked by Peter Knox."

Marcus's expression shifted, a wave of shock crossing his face. "Attacked? What do you mean? Is she hurt?"

"Yes," Mariam said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "She's in awful shape, and Matthew is beside himself. He doesn't know what to do."

Marcus's concern deepened as he processed Mariam's words. "Where are they right now?" he asked urgently.

Mariam took a deep breath before responding. "They're at the French countryside house. It's the only place where Matthew feels he can keep her safe for now."

Marcus's eyes widened in disbelief while on the phone with Mariam. "The French house? Why there?"

"Because it's secluded and away from Peter's reach," Mariam explained.

Marcus took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I'll head over there right now," he said, determination rising in his voice.

"Thank you, Marcus," Mariam said, relief washing over her. After a brief pause, she added, "I really appreciate your help. So does Matthew."

"Of course," Marcus replied.

With that, Mariam hung up the phone, feeling a mix of hope and concern.