Chapter 7

Lila's eyes widened in shock at my desperate plea. She quickly ushered me into her room, shutting the door behind us. The dimly lit space offered a moment of respite from the grandeur and opulence of the estate.

"What are you talking about?" Lila whispered urgently, her voice laced with concern.

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding with fear and determination. "Isabella is a threat, Lila. I know her, she is my mother's sister daughter. After my mother's death, she's taken everything from me—my birthright, my dignity, my freedom. And now, with Adrian choosing her as his mate, she'll stop at nothing to eliminate any competition. She'll kill me and my child, I'm certain of it."

Lila's brow furrowed as she processed my words. "Adrian wouldn't allow that," she countered, her voice filled with uncertainty.

I shook my head, tears welling up in my eyes. "You don't understand, Lila. Adrian may be the alpha, but he's also been cruel and unpredictable. I can't trust him to protect me or our child. I can't stay here and wait for Isabella to strike."

I pleaded with Lila, my voice cracking with emotion. "Please, help me escape. I need a chance at a life where I can raise my child in safety, away from this madness."

Lila's hesitation was evident, but she finally relented. "There is a secret back door," she admitted in a hushed tone. "It leads out of the estate and down a route to the market. But you must promise me, Selena, that you'll be careful and keep your child safe."

I nodded fervently, gratitude flooding my heart. "I promise, Lila. Thank you for helping me. I'll forever be in your debt."

With a sense of urgency, Lila began outlining the plan for my escape. She provided me with a small bag of essentials, including a change of clothes and some supplies for the journey ahead. We discussed a rendezvous point at the market, a place where I could find safety and assistance.

As I prepared to leave, Lila offered me a final piece of advice. "Stay low, keep your identity hidden, and don't trust anyone easily. This world can be harsh, but you must protect yourself and your child."

With that, I hugged Lila tightly, tears streaming down my cheeks. She had given me a lifeline, a chance to break free from the captivity I had endured for far too long.

As she slipped out of my room and ventured into the darkened corridors of the estate, my heart raced with a mixture of fear and hope. Finally, I could be free.

Finally.

*****

Panic coursed through my veins as I tiptoed through the dimly lit corridors of Adrian's estate. Disguised as one of the maids, I wore an outfit I had stolen from the laundry room, praying that it would help me blend in and avoid suspicion. Every creaking floorboard and faint echo of voices made my heart race, and I couldn't help but feel like I was walking on a tightrope between freedom and captivity.

I recalled every detail of Lila's instructions, my mind working overtime to ensure I followed her guidance precisely. As I approached the guards stationed near the entrance, my palms grew sweaty, and I had to fight to keep my breathing steady. The disguise and my acting skills were my only shields against their scrutiny.

One of the guards cast a sidelong glance in my direction, his brows furrowing slightly. My heart skipped a beat, but I maintained a facade of calm, lowering my gaze to avoid eye contact. Just as he was about to speak, his comrade called out to him, diverting his attention. It was the stroke of luck I desperately needed.

With bated breath, I continued my brisk walk towards the exit. Once outside, the cool night air filled my lungs, and I felt a glimmer of hope. Lila had said to follow the path leading to the market, where someone would be waiting for me. I held tightly onto that promise as I hurried down the moonlit path, my steps quickening with each passing moment.

But when I reached the designated meeting spot, my heart sank. There was no one there, just a small box addressed to me. My hands trembled as I hesitated to open it, fearing what I might find inside. When I finally mustered the courage to do so, my world shattered.

Inside the box lay Lila's severed head, her once-kind eyes now lifeless and hollow. I gasped in horror, my hand flying to my mouth to stifle a scream. Tears streamed down my face as I cradled the head, my cries of anguish echoing in the empty night.

I couldn't comprehend the brutality of this act. Lila had risked everything to help me, and now she had paid the ultimate price. My heart ached with grief, and I felt a profound sense of guilt for involving her in my desperate escape.

As I wept over Lila's lifeless form, a folded piece of paper slipped from the box. My trembling fingers unfolded it, revealing a chilling message written in dark ink: "You ran away from me, darling. Better run far because I love a good game of hide and seek."

The words sent shivers down my spine, and a wave of terror washed over me.

"I am sorry… Lila."

With Lila's sacrifice fresh in my mind, I knew I couldn't let her death be in vain.

I stumbled through the dense, moonlit forest, my breath ragged, and my heart pounding in my chest. The night air was filled with the haunting sounds of the wilderness, but all I could hear was the desperate rhythm of my footsteps. I dared not look back; the fear of being pursued by Isabella and her henchmen drove me forward, deeper into the labyrinthine woods.

My paranoia intensified with each passing moment. Every rustle of leaves, every whisper of the wind, sent shivers down my spine, convincing me that I was being followed. I moved faster, my hand instinctively cradling my swollen belly as I ran.

The forest floor was uneven, and I struggled to maintain my balance as I darted between towering trees and leaped over exposed roots. My mind raced, and the image of Lila's lifeless head haunted my thoughts, a constant reminder of the brutality I was escaping.

Suddenly, I lost my footing, and my world tumbled into chaos. My body twisted and rolled down a steep incline, leaves, and twigs scratching against my skin. The pain was searing, and I let out a scream as I finally came to a stop at the base of the hill.

I lay there, gasping for breath, my vision blurred by tears of pain and fear. My body ached, and I could feel the warmth of blood trickling down my legs, staining the ground beneath me. Panic gripped me as I clutched my stomach, terrified of the life growing within me.

Amidst the agony and confusion, a figure appeared before me, a beacon of hope in the darkness. He was a man of striking handsomeness, with chiseled features and broad shoulders. His eyes, illuminated by the moonlight, held a mixture of concern and compassion as he extended his hand to me.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice soothing and gentle. But I couldn't answer; the words caught in my throat as I stared at him, tears streaming down my face. I was terrified that my unborn child's life was slipping away.

The stranger's expression turned urgent as he helped me to my feet, his strong arms supporting my trembling body. "We need to get you help," he said, his voice unwavering. He glanced down at my bloodied legs and swallowed hard, his concern deepening.

As we began to move, my strength waned, and I leaned heavily on the stranger for support. Each step was a painful reminder of the fragile life I carried, and I couldn't bear the thought of losing my baby. My voice shook as I finally found the words to speak.

"My baby... it's dying," I whispered, my words barely audible.