Into the Void

17) The Great Escape (Kind Of)

Determination surged through me like caffeine in my veins on a Monday morning as I plotted my escape. I had to find a way out of this place —basically the world's worst place ever . My mind raced back to the few times I had wandered these halls, trying to remember the guards' schedules, the exits, and the shadowy spots where I could hide like a ninja.


I mentally mapped the halls, trying to remember the guards' routines and the shadowy spots I could hide in, preferably ninja-style.

Nightfall seemed like the best bet. Guards would be less attentive, probably indulging in whatever medieval reality show passed for entertainment. No way was I letting Keith or anyone else catch onto my plans. His gaze haunted me, and I didn't need him watching my every move.

But even as I plotted my escape, a nagging doubt crept in. What if escaping led me to something worse? What if the outside world held dangers I couldn't predict? I was ready to bolt, but would it just be trading one nightmare for another?

Sighing, I grabbed my "escape kit," which so far consisted of a fork I'd swiped during dinner—my own makeshift weapon. I tucked it into my waistband, its cold metal a reminder of my very serious "plan."

Suddenly, I remembered the villagers often wore cloaks, perfect for blending in. Where to get one? Alphine's chamber! She probably had a stash collecting dust, waiting for someone with my level of desperation.

I tiptoed through the corridors. Every creak in the floorboards was like the universe whispering, *Are you sure you want to do this?* Yes, yes, I did. The universe had no say in this.

I reached Alphine's chamber, assuming she'd be out watering plants. I slipped inside, immediately spotting a dark cloak draped over a chair, practically calling my name. *Convenient.* I wrapped it around myself, feeling oddly ninja-like, or at least as close as I'd ever get.

Just as I was about to leave, something caught my eye. On a nearby table, a silver dagger glinted, clearly waiting for a starring role in my escape. Beside it, a collection of herbs, a pile of questionable powders, I snatched them up with no real knowledge about herbs—my experience was limited to herbal tea that tasted like regret. After a quick inspection, I decided they were probably useless.
Tossing my good old fork aside I pocketed the silver dagger.

I was feeling ready for anything. "Alright, Xena," I muttered, channeling my inner action hero. "Freedom awaits."

But as I prepared to slip out, a flicker of doubt struck me. *Was I seriously leaving without a second thought?* Moral conflict wasn't on my to-do list, but apparently, they popped in, looked around, and decided not to linger.

"Next stop: freedom," I declared, ignoring the universe's nagging. And with that, 

Xena's POV
Realistically, I had no cash and even less of an idea how this world worked. How was I supposed to survive without money or a place to crash?
I glanced at the fancy jewelry Keith had given me, feeling both pathetic and slightly guilty about pawning it off. But hey, survival first. Being "nice" wasn't going to keep me alive out there.

So, I rifled through the collection, aiming for something that looked like the least valuable piece—which, of course, was still too fancy for my taste. My fingers landed on a silver brooch with dainty patterns and a sparkling emerald, practically screaming "Poor peasant !" at me. I sighed, tied my cloak together with it, and hoped I didn't look like I was cosplaying as royalty.

This cloak, by the way, was a tad bit of aristocratic for someone planning to disappear into the crowd of common people. But, whatever—I was too far into this to turn back now.
I'd spent months in this gloomy castle without so much as a single escape attempt until now. Naturally, the guards wouldn't expect me to bolt—they were probably used to me lurking around the hallways, minding my own business.
I had to use that to my advantage; they'd be off guard, maybe even bored out of their minds. Perfect timing for me to slip through the cracks.
My knowledge about the castle layout after all that wandering might come in handy.

Author's POV
She moved carefully through the dim corridor, trying to keep her footsteps quieter than a guilty conscience.
At the grand staircase, she clutched the banister, watching the torchlight cast suspiciously lively shadows on the portraits—because, naturally, even the artwork here had an opinion on her escape attempt. Peering over the edge, she couldn't shake the feeling that the whole castle was watching her, whispering, "Good luck, kid. You'll need it."
Her lack of planning might just make her endup in a cellar. But she was willing to take risks call it her stupidness or desperation to leave the place.

The plan? Slip out through the lower levels, where the guards were distracted with... well, absolutely nothing, but in a place this dull, that was probably enough. She was one step away from freedom. Almost. Reaching the main gates, she found them just as heavy and reinforced as her regrets. But—aha—there was a smaller side exit, meant for messengers or servants, that looked just tempting enough to be her escape.

Just then she spotted them: two guards, doing their best impression of actual security. Xena ducked behind statues and melted into lantern casted shadows, hoping she'd just fade from existence if anyone noticed her. She waited, heartbeat louder than it had any business being, until one guard turned away to check his pocket watch. Fantastic timing, she thought, sliding to the smaller gate. It creaked open because, of course, the castle had to add drama to her exit.
Begging all of the Gods that the sleep deprived guards might come to the conclusion that they were hearing things.
Taking one last look over her shoulder—mostly to be sure nothing else had come to judge her—Xena slipped through, cloak pulled tight, and disappeared into the shadows beyond the castle walls. Freedom at last, she thought, and almost expected a spotlight to swing down and give her a final "good luck."



After slipping past the gates, Xena finds herself on the outskirts of the castle grounds
Xena is hit by a wave of strange familiarity and discomfort at the sight of village. The streets are empty, the stalls are deserted, and there's a lingering scent of damp earth and smoke in the air. She feels a mix of relief and unease—relieved to have escaped the castle, yet anxious about her next steps.

With no money or real knowledge about this world, she navigates the quiet streets, hoping to find shelter in houses nearby. It might be a chance to discover more about where she is, maybe even piece together what exactly happened when she first arrived.

As Xena slips through the empty streets, she feels eyes on her. Shadows move in the alleys, figures lurking just out of sight. At first, she brushes it off, blaming her own nerves, but then she notices the glances directed not at her—but at her brooch.

A group of rough-looking guys step into her path, their gazes fixed on the silver brooch with an unsettling intensity. One of them, a wiry man with a sly grin, nods toward it.
The stocky guy leans closer, his breath reeking of alcohol . "Well, well, what do we have here? A pretty little thing just wandering into the wrong part of town. That shiny brooch ain't gonna do you any good hand it over sweetheart. "

"Or do you want us to show you how we have a good time around here? You look a bit too soft for these streets, love. We could have ourselves a real nice party." The other guy said as he licked his lips.
Felling horror crept up in her veins she fisted her silver dagger close to her. She knew she won't be a match for these guys she stepped back planning to make a run.
"Well, let's just say you'll wish you never stepped foot in this dump." the third guy said stepping dangerously close to her.
A scream left her lips as she lifted her dagger in clear attempt to hut the guy.
A binding flash of light emmited through her broach.
And for a moment she went blind due to the intensity of the flash.