Escape Route

Seven

The building where the gala was being held was magnificent. It was easily ten stories tall and there were different coloured lights on each floor.

"They really go all out for these event," I said.

"Yeah, you should see the party they threw at the beginning of the year," Killian laughed as he helped me out of the cruiser.

I looked at his outfit. He wore a crisp, white dress shirt, a black blazer, black dress pants, and his scruffy black running shoes.

"I thought you would at least wear a tie," I said as we walked up to the building, where a very long line was waiting to get in.

"Nah, I don't wear ties," he shrugged, steering me away from the crowd.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"We're taking a shortcut. Don't worry, Jasper knows I do this. In fact, he actually encourages it," Killian assured me.

"That's inconsiderate to those who have to wait," I said in a disapproving tone.

"Oh, I didn't realize I have a goody-two-shoes for a date," he said sarcastically.

"Um, excuse me? I am no such thing. Do you not remember how we met? I'm pretty sure that broke more than one rule," I said, getting defensive.

"Okay, I'll give you that," he said, opening a door.

Nobody was around and I followed Killian up a flight of stairs.

"You know that it's incredibly hard to walk up stairs in heels?" I asked, pulling up my dress above my ankles.

"Fine," he said, scooping me up in his arms.

"Killian! Put me down! Put me down right now!" I screamed, struggling to get out of his grasp.

"If you don't stop struggling now, I'm going to drop you down the stairs," he grumbled, doing his best not to.

I gave up trying too get him to put me down and let him carry me up to the second floor. When he finally set me down, I threw a punch his way, hitting his arm.

"Ouch, what was that for?" he asked, rubbing his arm.

"Picking me up against my will," I said, glaring at him.

"You're the one who complained about walking up the stairs," he pointed out.

"Whatever," I said, storming off towards the crowd, hoping to disappear from Killian's sight.

I weaved in and out of people I didn't know, trying my best not to step on anyone's feet. I had no idea where I was going, but I eventually found myself out on a balcony by myself. I looked out over the hidden city, momentarily forgetting that the entire Rebellion base was hidden beneath the planets surface. I spotted a building off in the distance that had something painted on the walls.

"That's the training building," somebody said, causing me to jump.

"Oh, thanks for telling me," I said, looking over to see the person beside me.

A handsome man around my age stood beside me, a boyish grin on his face. He had short brown hair that he has gelled up, along with bright emerald eyes that sparkled with mischief. Unlike Killian, the boy standing next to my had a pale complexion, with freckles splashed on his cheeks and nose.

"I'm Lorenzo," he said, smiling at me.

"Autumn," I replied.

"You're not from around here, are you?" he asked.

"No, I came here a few days ago. I grew up in Tiamat," I told him.

"Cool, I used to live in Acciaioli. It's basically a jungle planet," he said.

"I've heard of it. I would like to visit it one day," I said.

Lorenzo and I stood in silence, looking out over the balcony until somebody grabbed my wrist, causing me to jump. I turned to see a very angry-looking Killian.

"What do you think you're doing?" he hissed, glaring at me.

"Meeting new people, Killian. I am allowed to have friends other than you," I snapped.

"Jasper requests to speak with you," he said, grabbing my hand.

"I'll see you around, Lorenzo," I said, giving him a quick wave.

Killian led me through the crowd of people. I could hear music being played from the floor above. I hoped that Killian would take me up there after we spoke with Jasper.

Jasper Kendricks stood by a table filled with glasses of some type of drink that I didn't recognize.

"Ah, Autumn, it's wonderful to see you again. You look beautiful,"Jasper said, giving me a warm smile.

"Thank you, sir. It's nice to see you again too," I said, returning the smile.

"Just call me Jasper," the Meradin told me.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" I asked.

"I just wanted to let you know that your training starts tomorrow. Killian will be teaching you everything you need to know," he said.

"Okay, thank you for letting me know," I said before he walked away.

"Where to now?" Killian asked me.

"I want to watch the dancing," I said.

"Well then, follow me," he said, grabbing my hand and leading me up a flight of stairs.

I let go of Killian's and watched in awe as people twirled around the dance floor to the music a small band was playing on the other side of the room.

"Would you care to dance?" Killian asked, offering me his hand.

"I don't know how to dance," I told him.

"It's easy, I'll show you," he said, taking my hand and leading me onto the dance floor.

He moved my hand to rest on his shoulder before placing his hand on my waist. Killian twirled me around the dance floor, cringing each and every time I stepped on his feet. I smiled and laughed as the music changed from slow music to a faster, more upbeat song.

"How are you supposed to dance to something like this?" I asked, watching as other dance couples split apart.

"Basically, you flail your arms around like a maniac and try not to hit anybody around you," he said, letting go of me and began flailing his arms around, making me laugh.

I watched him for a few moments before trying to copy what he was doing. It didn't take long until I made contact with somebody's face.

"Oh, I am so sorry," I said, turning to face whoever I had punched.

"Leave it to you to punch me in the face," Killian laughed, holding his cheek, which was slowly turning red.

"I didn't mean to, Killian. You told me to flail my arms around," I said, reaching my hand up to touch his cheek.

"I also told you to try not to hit anyone either," he laughed.

I let out a small giggle before getting lost in his beautiful eyes. The way he was looking at me made my legs feel wobbly. The song had finally come to an end, switching back to a slow song. Killian placed both of his hands on my waist, pulling me closer to him. Instinctively, I placed my hands on his shoulders.

"This dance is much easier," he said as we swayed to the music.

Everything around us seemed to disappear. I felt as though we were dancing on a cloud, thousands of feet above the ground. I looked up to see Killian looking down at me, a small smile etched on his face.

"What are you looking at?" I asked, becoming concerned with the idea that there may be something on my face.

"Oh Princess, you worry far to much," he said, pushing a stray piece of hair out of my face.

Without so much as a warning, he leaned down, pressing his soft lips against my own. From that moment, the entire universe melted away as I merely enjoyed the moment.