Chapter 46: A Desperate Gamble. Lucas POV

Only the creak of the dungeon walls occasionally disturbed the suffocating silence that had fallen upon us like a dense fog. Anna's breathing was faint but regular as she sat with her legs pulled up to her chest. Her eyes seemed to be burning holes in the back of my head, even though they were unseen in the darkness.

We couldn't stay here. Starvation would do the job our captors had not yet chosen to complete if we waited any longer.

Mostly to myself, I mumbled, "We need a way out."

Anna took a while to react, and when she did, her tone was cold. "Lucas, we've already dealt with this. We're stuck unless you've instantly gained the superhuman strength to tear these bars to pieces."

I was hurt by what she said, but I didn't let it stop me. "I'm not giving up," I firmly stated.

"Well done," she said drearily.

Ignoring the sting, I moved to lean against the damp, cold wall and tried to think. A way had to exist. In the lack of brute force, trickery would have to be used.

After a lengthy pause, I muttered in a hushed voice, "Anna."

"What?"

"I've got a thought. It's dangerous, but it could be successful."

She sounded doubtful. "Risky? Given our present situation, that's putting it gently. Lucas, what is your amazing plan?"

Knowing she wouldn't like it, I paused. "We must force them to come to us."

With a note of interest in her voice, she asked, "And how do you propose we do that?"

I breathed deeply. "I'll make it look as though you're having a seizure. I'll call for help, and we'll surprise them when they arrive."

The following hush was deafening. Her voice was filled with surprise when she finally spoke. "You want to attack the guards and say there's a medical emergency? Are you crazy?"

I tried to keep a steady tone as I said, "It's the only way. They won't expect it, and it will allow us to get away."

She gave a sour laugh. "A possibility? It's more akin to death. What if they fail to show up? What if they just let us decay?"

Though uncertainty gnawed at the edges of my resolve, I replied with confidence, "They'll come. They won't want to take the chance of losing their inmates before they've achieved their goals."

She stayed silent, and I could tell she was considering the possibilities.

I whispered to Anna, "I know it's risky, but it's better than just sitting here and dying."

She waited a long moment before letting out a sigh. "All right. However, I will hold you responsible if this goes wrong."

In spite of the pressure, I couldn't help but smile. "All right."

With my heart pounding, I took a step toward her. "All right, go limp when I grab you. Make it seem reasonable. I'll take care of the rest."

Her breath came out shakily. "Lucas, this better work."

I said, "It will," even though I wasn't entirely sure.

I stood behind her with my hands just above her neck. "All set?"

"As I will always be," she whispered.

Not enough to cause harm, but enough to make it appear genuine, I tightened my hold around her neck. Her body convulsed slightly as she gasped and became limp in my arms.

"Help!" My voice echoed throughout the basement as I yelled. "She is having a seizure! Help, someone!"

Nothing but silence for a moment. Then footsteps resounded down the hallway, getting louder by the second. My heartbeat quickened.

I mumbled to Anna, "Get ready," but I wasn't sure if she could hear me because she was performing.

Two guards, their features shadowed but careful, emerged at the cell door as the torchlight flickered.

"What's happening?" one of them yelled.

"She's choking!" My voice was laced with fear as I spoke. "Take action, or she will die!"

We looked at one another, and I could sense the uncertainty in their eyes. Before either of them could act, one of them pulled out a key and grumbled something under his breath.

With a creak, the door opened, and the two guards carefully entered. While the second one continued to stare at me, the first one bent down to study Anna.

The second guard, with his palm on his dagger’s hilt, ordered, "Move back."

I raised my hands in surrender and complied. But I instantly acted as the first guard knelt down.

I grabbed the second guard's wrist and gave it a violent twist as I rushed toward him. The knife clattered to the ground, and he let out a cry of pain. I sent him falling after slamming my elbow into his face before he could recover.

With shocked eyes, the first guard turned. He lost his balance when Anna jumped up and kicked out. I picked up the dropped knife and put it to his throat.

"Stay put," I snarled.

With his hands raised in defeat, the guard froze. Anna's eyes were burning with resolve as she stumbled to her feet.

"Keys," she said, extending her hand.

The guard paused, but a brief touch of the blade against his skin dissuaded him. He gave over the keys, fumbling with his belt.

"Good," I replied in a chilly tone. "Now, don’t follow us. Stay down."

The cell door was unlocked by Anna, and we exited into the hallway. My heart was pounding, but I couldn't waste any more time thinking about how good we were.

I took her hand and said, "We have to move."

She gave a nod, and we started walking down the dark hallway, our footsteps resonating in the quiet.

The dungeon was a labyrinth, but we endured due to our sheer willpower and adrenaline. Every shadow seemed like a possible danger, and every turn felt like a risk.

"Are you even aware of our destination?" Anna said in a strained voice.

"Not precisely," I said, "but anywhere is better than that cell."

We froze as faraway noises could be heard. As the shouts increased in volume, I dragged Anna into a nearby nook and pressed my back against the wall.

Two guards walked past, talking casually. They didn’t seem to notice us, but I tightened my hold on the knife.

We resumed our escape when it was safe to do so, moving quickly but carefully.

With a voice barely audible above a whisper, Anna stated, "We must figure out a way out."

"I understand," I said, looking around the hallway for an exit.

At last, we reached a staircase that led upward. Hope filled my heart.

I stated, "This must lead somewhere."

Anna nodded, and we started to climb, led by the dim glow of independence.