40. Clarissa

I grasped the windowpane firmly, maintaining a good grip on it. The window was slightly ajar letting in a gentle breeze and I gazed at the wooden ladder propped against the wall outside leading down to the ground below aaa a mix of fear and determination.

"Clarissa, you need to go now," Genevieve said with urgency. "The ladder is sturdy and you won't fall. Even if you do, you can shift into your wolf and jump down."

"Okay, "I excelled and positioned my foot on the ladder and then the other foot. The cool night air hit my face and my heart pounded in my chest as I descended, the fear of being caught making my hands shake.

I took a deep breath to study myself and began climbing down the window. I had barely steadied

myself when I heard the sound of my bedroom door opening and my mum's voice echoed through the room.

"Clarissa, where are you? Genevieve, why isn't my daughter downstairs yet?"

Panic set in and I almost lost my footing as I heard my mother's voice. I increased my pace and