Dangerous Situation

Skylar

The keys felt like a lifeline in my hand. My heart pounded loudly as I stepped toward the door.

The lock clicked softly when the key turned, and I froze, listening for any footsteps outside. Nothing. Just silence.

Slowly, I opened the door and stepped into the hallway. For the first time in three suffocating days, I was free from that room. I forced myself to stay quiet, tiptoeing toward the staircase.

At the base of the stairs, I stopped. My eyes darted toward the front door. I thought of going through it, but I knew Cole’s guards were there. He may even have instructed them not to let me leave.

I bit down hard on my lip, thinking of what to do.

Then Ingrid’s words flashed in my mind.

The servant’s quarters… the broken door… fewer guards.

Of course. Ingrid. That wise, old woman!

Without wasting another second, I turned away from the front doo