The Escape

I might have fallen asleep from all that crying and heartbreak I experienced from my mom's visit earlier on. When I woke up the cell was a bit darker and I assumed that it was either around midnight or early morning. While I was still trying to figure out the date and time, a small figure hurried into my cell, casting a furtive glance over her shoulder. Her scent easily gave her away, it was Eira,  my family's most trusted house helper, her face lined with concern.

“Oh my Bella. Luna Arissa has already left,” Eira whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. “She has not yet spoken to the other Alpha, but he is known to be more merciless than any before him. I overheard him telling our Beta earlier today that tomorrow he will set a good example with you.  That he will restore our lack to order. ”

Eira’s words sent a shudder of fear through my heart. I knew all too well the reputation of this other Alpha, a fearsome warrior whose justice was swift and brutal. I was too stunned to even comment on the matter. Reality was heavily settling in that I was really going to die. 

“We must get you out of here Bella,” Eira whispered urgently, her eyes darting nervously around the cell. “I am not even supposed to be here. I managed to drug that other guard temporarily and we don't have a lot of time. I will lead you through the back passages, where the guards hardly patrol. We must hurry Bella.”

I nodded, finally getting a taste of hope. Eira quickly unlocked my cage and gripped my arm tightly, leading me through the shadows of the cell and into a hidden passageway behind a panel in the wall. The tunnel was dark and narrow, the air stale and damp, but I followed Eira’s lead, my heart pounding with fear and anticipation. As we crept through the tunnel, Eira whispered instructions, her voice barely audible over the sound of our footsteps. 

“The exit will lead you into the forest. From there, you must make your way to the old cottage on the edge of the pack’s territory. It is hidden but my brother and his mate occasionally used it before he passed away last year, so I believe it still has some foodstuffs to sustain you for a while.”

“The cottage is abandoned,” Eira continued, her words hurried and tense. “There you can get as many foodstuffs and medications as you can carry and run off to your hiding place.  Then, when the night is darkest and the moon’s light is obscured by the clouds, you must continue to flee. There is a human settlement to the south. It's a three-day run from here. You must be careful, Bella. The Alpha will not rest until he has found you. He will send his best hunters, trackers, and scouts. But if you can make it to the human settlement, you may find safety.”

Eira guided me through the tunnel, our steps echoing in the darkness. At last, we emerged from the tunnel’s mouth, the cool night air washing over us like everything was alright with my world.

The forest was quiet, save for the rustling of leaves in the wind. Eira pointed towards the edge of the clearing. “The cottage is over there,” she whispered. “Go now, Bella. Do not hesitate and do not try to stay a moment later there.”

I turned, my gaze meeting Eira’s. “Thank you so much, Eira. I love you so much and I will always be indebted to you.”Eira nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. “You must go, Bella, NOW! And you must not return.” Eira quickly took a scarf and some of her old maid clothes to cover me up as a disguise, so no one would notice it's me. She spread some oil on me to cover up my scent for a while. 

My throat tightened,  tears threatening to spill over any minute. “I will not forget your kindness, Eira,” I whispered, emotionally. 

Eira turned away, her shoulders sagging with the weight of her secret. “Go, Bella. And may the goddess watch over you.”

I turned and fled into the forest, my heart racing and my mind fighting to keep all what-ifs at bay. The darkness pressed in around me, the shadows surprisingly being a welcome aspect. But I pressed onward, my legs moving on instinct, guided by the faint light of the moon. I ran for what felt like an eternity, until at last I saw the outline of the cottage through the trees. 

I stumbled towards it, exhaustion and fear dragging at my limbs. As I neared the cottage, a chilling howl rose through the night just behind me. The howl sent a shiver of fear down my spine. I knew that my life was now over. “Who are you and where do you think you are going this late? Turn around and look at me.” One of the two guards who had emerged from nowhere growled at me.