Guarded Hearts ✓

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

"Are you sure about this?"

"I'm sure."

"You haven't planned this. There's no diversion or structure. If even one person catches sight of what you're doing then that's it. You only get one shot." There was a small pause. "Are you sure now is the right time?"

I tried to smile, but it felt too forced. 

"You want me gone right? So here's me going."

Alyanna cleared her throat and tucked her hair behind her ear. 

"I do."

"Then what's stoppin-"

"But I also didn't expect you to leave so soon. I don't know what that means for me and Damien..."

"If you don't help me and do this then you'll always be wondering 'what if'. Now's your chance. He might not be the guy for me. But he's certainly the guy for you. Show him that."

"You're right." She smiled. 

It wasn't a cruel or calculating smile but a genuine smile. I slowly smiled back. 

I saw Matthew watching me impatiently from the corner of my eye. He leaned against a large white pillar, from his place outside in the hallway we stood in. He eyed me and raised an eyebrow in question. 

I turned back to Alyanna. "Can you look after Kathy for me? At least until I come back."

Alyanna nodded. I was about to say something when we heard footsteps in the corridor.

"Someone's coming. You and Matthew hide quick!" she whispered frantically. 

I took off my heels and quickly turned the corner in the hallway, when I heard a voice that made me stop. I peeked from my view behind the corridor's wall at the sight of Alyanna and Damien.

My heart raced. 

"What are you doing!" Matthew whispered from behind me and grabbed at my arm.

"Wait."

I saw Alyanna lean in and kiss Damien, placing her hands on his face. She pulled away and stared at him. 

It's not working. It's not going to work. In a minute he's going to come over here and see us and put two together and-

Damien leaned forward and kissed Alyanna passionately back. I smiled at the sight and turned back to Matthew. 

"Now we can go."

He grabbed at my arm and started running down the corridor, checking around every few seconds. 

This was a massive deal for me. If I get caught- I don't even want to know what will happen. But, if Matthew gets caught...

I eyed Matthew as we ran. His grip held firm, almost clingy, like he's scared I'd suddenly run off and leave him.

We got to a door that looked identical to every other door in the castle. I turned to look at Matthew in question, my eyes beyond confused. 

"Why are we here? I thought we were getting out of here!" I half scream, my eyes darting around to make sure I wasn't heard.

He turned the round door knob left, then right, then right again before finally left. Pulled the door knob slight towards him and then pushed it back before it managed to open for him. 

Unlike the other doors in the castle, this led outside to the gardens. 

I stepped forward into the reddish glow of the night, feeling a slight breeze.