Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 31: The Demon's Bride

Scarlett 

I paced the confines of Lord Darius's chamber, my frustration growing with each step. The door, a solid barrier of oak and iron, remained locked and impenetrable. The dim light of the flickering candle cast unsettling shadows on the walls, amplifying the sense of claustrophobia that had settled over me. Every time I thought I'd found a moment of calm, the reality of my imprisonment slammed back into my chest.

Lord Darius's orders had been clear and absolute. 

The estate was now a fortress, with guards stationed at every entrance and patrolling the halls. 

"You will be watching over her and make sure she doesn't leave the chamber," 

My heart sank whenever I overheard him assigning more like commanding orders on Eliza the task of watching over me. The knowledge that even she had been forced into this role was almost as painful as the isolation itself. I could only imagine the pressure he had put on her to comply.

Eliza's footsteps approached the chamber door, and I spun around, my heart pounding. She entered quietly, her face pale and eyes wide with a fear that mirrored my own.

"My Lady, I have news," she said, her voice trembling as she crossed the room to me.

"What news?" I demanded, my voice sharp with anxiety. "Has something happened?"

Eliza's gaze dropped to the floor, and she wrung her hands nervously. "Lord Darius has been absent from the estate for a week now," she began hesitantly. "And... and it's been rumored that Nikolai and Meredith have escaped from jail."

My heart skipped a beat, hope and dread colliding violently within me. 

"Escaped? How? When? I thought they were under heavy guard."

"That's what I heard. Someone on the inside must have helped them." Eliza said, her voice barely more than a whisper. 

It was as if the lord, the almighty heard my pleas and helped my sister. But this made me worried further understanding the situation that has turned darker now. 

The days that followed were a blur of monotony and dread. Eliza's visits, though frequent, were always tinged with fear. 

Her attempts at normal conversation felt strained, her eyes betraying the anxiety she struggled to mask. Despite her fear, she remained loyal, and that loyalty would become a lifeline.

One night, while I was struggling to find a semblance of sleep, I was jolted awake by a soft, yet distinct sound. I rushed to the window, my heart pounding with a mix of hope and trepidation. 

Through the glass, I noticed a small, crumpled piece of paper lying on the balcony outside. My pulse quickened.

I carefully opened the window, reaching out to retrieve the paper. It was a letter, its edges slightly singed from exposure to the elements. My hands trembled as I unfolded it, my breath catching in my throat as I read Meredith's familiar handwriting.

Scarlett,

I hope this letter finds you before it's too late. I've escaped from jail with Nikolai, and we are planning to leave the country. But I need to see you one last time before we go. Meet me in the next town by midnight. You must cross the lake to reach the town in time.

I know this is dangerous, but I need you to come. Please, Scarlett. I have so much to explain, and there's something you need to know before it's too late.

Meredith

My heart raced as I took in the urgency of the message. I could hardly breathe. The reality of Meredith's escape was both a relief and a new source of fear. Lord Darius's absence from the estate in recent days was a blessing, but it also meant that the guards might be even more vigilant.