His name was Nathaniel

7

The night was unusually still as Adaliya made her way to the secluded spot where she and Nathaniel had first met. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the landscape, and the only sounds were the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant hum of the city. She felt a mix of anticipation and nerves, her heart racing as she neared the edge of the woods.

When she reached the clearing, she saw Nathaniel already there, leaning against a tree with his hands in his pockets. He looked up as she approached, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Hey," he greeted her softly, his eyes lighting up in a way that made her chest tighten.

"Hey yourself," she replied, feeling that familiar flutter in her stomach. "I was starting to think you might not show."

Nathaniel chuckled, pushing off the tree and walking toward her. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. I just had to be extra careful tonight."

As they stood there in the quiet of the night, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their own little bubble. For a moment, they simply enjoyed the peace, the closeness that had grown between them in such a short time.

But then, Adaliya noticed something—a movement in the shadows, just beyond the tree line. Her smile faltered as she squinted into the darkness, trying to make out what it was.

"Nathaniel," she whispered, her voice tense. "Did you see that?"

He turned his head sharply in the direction she was looking, his expression immediately growing serious. "What did you see?"

"I don't know," she admitted, her eyes scanning the area. "But I think someone's out there."

Nathaniel's posture shifted, becoming more alert. "Stay close to me," he said, his voice low but commanding. He took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring as they both slowly backed away from the clearing.

They hadn't gone far when the sound of a twig snapping made them both freeze. Nathaniel's eyes darted around, his mind racing with possibilities. Whoever—or whatever—was out there, they couldn't afford to be seen.

"Come on," he whispered urgently, pulling her deeper into the trees. "We need to get out of here."

"Where?" Adaliya asked, her pulse quickening with fear. "Where do we go?"

Nathaniel hesitated for a split second before making a decision. "My house," he said. "It's the only place nearby where we can hide."

Adaliya's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure? What if we get caught?"

He squeezed her hand, his expression determined. "It's risky, but we don't have a choice. Trust me."

She nodded, her fear overshadowed by the trust she had in him. Together, they moved as quickly and quietly as they could through the trees, Nathaniel leading the way. They didn't dare look back, afraid of what—or who—they might see.

The mansion loomed ahead of them, its tall, imposing structure almost eerie in the moonlight. Nathaniel paused at the edge of the property, scanning the area for any signs of movement. Satisfied that the coast was clear, he guided Adaliya to a side entrance that led to the staff quarters.

"This way," he whispered, his voice barely audible as he pushed open a door that creaked slightly on its hinges.

Adaliya followed him inside, her heart pounding in her chest. The mansion was vast and silent, the only sound their muffled footsteps on the marble floors. She had never been inside a place like this—so grand, so filled with history and wealth. Every corner they turned revealed something new: ornate paintings, antique furniture, and hallways that seemed to stretch on forever.