Well Beyond

26

We left the Castle in a hurry, barely pausing to glance back at the imposing structure that had been both a sanctuary and a prison. The urgency in our steps mirrored the pounding of my heart. Erik led the way, his grip on my hand firm and reassuring, while Emma followed close behind, her eyes scanning the surroundings nervously.

The black SUV that awaited us was nondescript, blending into the pre-dawn shadows. A tall, imposing driver greeted Erik with a curt nod, opening the back door swiftly. Erik helped me in first, then Emma, before climbing in himself. The vehicle's engine roared to life, and we sped off into the night, the castle's silhouette rapidly shrinking in the rearview mirror.

We drove in tense silence, the weight of our decision hanging heavily in the air. The city passed by in a blur of lights and shadows, the streets almost deserted at this hour. Erik's hand never left mine, his touch a silent promise of protection.

After what felt like an eternity, we arrived at Emma's apartment building. The familiar sight of it brought a momentary sense of relief, a stark contrast to the opulence of the Castle. Emma's home was modest, a cozy sanctuary in the heart of the city.

"Let's make this quick," Erik said, his voice low and urgent. "We don't have much time once he figures out you guys are gone."

"You think he'll be angry," Emma asks. Erik nods. 

"Absolutely, especially if he wanted either one of you as his Chosen," his tone almost tinged with disgust. 

We hurried up the stairs, the old wood creaking under our feet. Emma fumbled with her keys, her hands trembling slightly. Finally, the door swung open, and we stepped inside.

The apartment was small but warmly decorated, filled with the personal touches that made it Emma's. Photos of friends and family adorned the walls, and the scent of lavender hung in the air. There was no time to linger, though; we moved with purpose, gathering the essentials.

Emma darted into her bedroom, grabbing a duffel bag from her closet. She tossed clothes and personal items into it with practiced efficiency, her movements precise and deliberate. I stood in the doorway, torn between wanting to help and the urge to flee.

"Almost done," Emma called out, her voice steady despite the chaos.

Erik stood guard by the door, his eyes scanning the hallway outside. Every creak and whisper seemed magnified, each sound a potential threat. He glanced back at us, his expression softening as his gaze met mine.

Emma rejoined us, her bag slung over her shoulder. "Ready," she said, her voice firm.

We hurried back down the stairs, the tension in the air palpable. The SUV was still idling by the curb, the driver alert and ready. We piled in quickly, and the vehicle sped off into the night once more. The drive to the private airstrip was a blur. The enormity of what we were doing was sinking in, but there was no turning back now.

The airstrip was deserted, a lonely stretch of tarmac under the pre-dawn sky. The jet awaited us, its sleek silhouette promising escape and freedom. Erik helped me out of the SUV, his grip steady and strong as he guided me towards the plane.

Emma followed close behind, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination. We climbed the steps and entered the cabin, the door closing behind us with a final, reassuring click.

The interior of the jet was luxurious yet understated, a stark contrast to the frantic events of the past few hours. Erik directed us to seats near the front, then took a seat across from us. The engines roared to life, and the plane began to taxi.

"It's going to be okay," Erik repeated, his voice soothing. 

I nodded, my hands trembling as I buckled my seatbelt. Emma reached over, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. The plane picked up speed, and I pressed back into my seat as we lifted off the ground. The world outside the window tilted and fell away, the kingdom shrinking beneath us.