Through My Eyes

Chapter Twelve

@athenesnowman I know I dedicated the last chapter to you as well, but you were my 100th fan and that means the world to me so I couldn't stop myself from dedicating again!! Hope you don't mind :)

P.S. the picture is of Emmanuel

Chapter Twelve

When I wake, I wake suddenly to the sound of my door closing. Beside my legs is a tray of crumpets and a folded dress. I unfold the dress and hold it in front of me. It has long sleeves, is modestly cut, has no embroidery and is completely black.

As though I'm in mourning.

What does this mean? Is Mother trying to tell me something? Is she trying to give me a message... about Damon?

Damon! Is he okay?!

I get to my feet and pace the room, trying to come up with an idea with which I can make sure Damon is okay. I run a hand through my uncombed, unruly hair. I pace more urgently, my hands trembling with the need to see Damon. Whatever should I do? There are guards posted outside my door, there is a padlock on my window, there is only one exit. How can I leave the house without being possibly strapped down to my bed? There must be a way, there has to be a way! There has to be! I can't sit here for another moment wondering whether Damon is alive or.... No! I musn't allow myself to think like this! I can't allow myself to think like this! Damon... Damon is completely okay - he has to be! I rack my mind desperately, biting down on my lip so hard that I draw blood.

Then it comes to me as abruptly as lightning in a thunder storm. I can do something. Fighting the urge to punch the air like a man would, I take a deep breath and calm myself.

Reaching under my pillow, I take out the spare key to my restroom, clenching it in my fist.

I walk over to the restroom door and wrench it open. Then I slam it closed as hard as I can, making myself panic on purpose, increasing the speed of my breath and purposely heaving my chest up and down, "There's someone in my restroom. Please help me, there's someone there!"

Immediately, both of the guards rush into the room, pull two rifles out and cautiously head to the restroom, guns pointed in front of them. Once they're both inside the room and checking all the crevices of the room for for my imaginary intruder, I shut the door firmly and lock it with my key.

Then I stuff it into my skirt and sneak out of the room, my back pressed into the wall, oblivious to the yelling and knocking emanating from my restroom. I approach the staircase, peering at the parlour door. It is closed. Slowly, biting my lip to ensure no one hears me coming, I cautiously step down the staircase and tip-toe to the servant's quarters.

Then, abandoning all rationality, I run through the corridors and burst through the exit, hitching my dress up and running through the mud in the direction of the stables.

I hear a cry behind me and I turn my head to see who it is. Emmanuel and the two masked men are on my trail, all three of them nearing me. They must have found the men locked in my restroom. Cursing Emmanuel under my breath (for a woman should not use foul language), I run faster, trying to outrun them. I spot the stables and my heart rate increases.

I am not going to turn back before I've seen him.

I run through the door of the stables and see Chastity bending over a topless, wounded body. A bruised face turns to me.

Damon!

I run to him, collapsing to the floor by his side and taking my hand in his. Damon's face is covered in bruises and swollen patches of dark skin.

I rip a piece of cloth from my dress and dab at some dried blood on his lip.

"I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry." I mumble, tending to his injuries, cleaning his face. The extent of his wounds quickly become clear to me. I run my hands over his scarred, bloody body, "You really need a doctor. I am ever so sorry, Damon."