Chapter 47: On the Brink of Freedom Lucas POV

As we climbed the stairs, the dungeon's damp, cold air gave way to a little draft. Every step we took was a calculated risk, and the sound of our footsteps was so loud it made my heart race. Anna, breathing steadily but shallowly, was directly behind me.

"Do you believe this leads out?" Her voice was hardly heard as she whispered.

I answered, "It has to," but I wasn't sure. "Stay close."

A massive wooden door marked the sudden conclusion of the stairs. I strained to hear any movement on the other side as I put my ear to it.

"Anything?" With her hand on the dagger's hilt that we had stolen from the guard, Anna asked.

I turned my head away. "It's silent."

I tried moving the handle, but it stayed in place. Locked. It was, of course, locked.

Anna pushed past me and said, "Step back. Let me try."

She took the stolen keys out of her pocket and started testing them one by one before I could object. It seemed to take forever for the tumblers to click.

"Hurry up," I said, looking over my shoulder. The stairway beneath us was still empty, but it wouldn't be for long.

With the door cracking open just enough for us to squeeze through, she said, "Got it."

We exited into a small, dimly lit hallway. I was somewhat pleased that the air was fresher here, but my chest still felt tense.

As Anna looked around the hallway, she mumbled, "This doesn't look like an exit."

I tightened my grip on the dagger and observed, "It's a step closer. Let's go."

We stayed as close to the shadows as possible as we moved along the passageway. We froze as we heard voices up ahead. I put a finger to my lips and drew Anna into a private alcove.

Two guards came around the bend, their rifles ready but their talk lighthearted.

One of them was saying, "He's angry. Said heads will roll if they aren't found by morning."

The other guard chuckled. "Glad my head isn't on the line."

With my heart racing, we slid out of the nook as soon as they were gone and continued. Kane was near. Too near.

Anna's voice faltered a little as she added, "Lucas, what if we don't make it?"

I strongly stated, "We will," yet my own voice betrayed me with its skepticism. "We must."

There was another door ahead, slightly open. I took a quick look inside and noticed what looked to be a garage. Barrels and containers were piled on shelves that ran the length of the walls.

I drew Anna in and said, "In here."

As she gathered her breath, she pressed her back against the door and shut it behind us. "Now what?"

I looked around the room for anything that would be useful to us. The window I saw was small enough for us to fit through, and it was close to the roof.

I pointed and said, "There."

Anna looked at me and scowled. "That fits really tight."

I walked over to the glass and said, "It's our only option." I made a temporary ladder by placing a few crates.

Anna stepped forward and said, "Give me a boost."

I nodded and lifted her up by linking my fingers. Climbing onto the crates, she grunted and reached for the window, pushing it open.

"Almost there," she stated in a strained tone.

My blood ran cold when I heard footsteps in the hallway.

I said, "Hurry," while turning to face the door.

Anna moved quickly but quietly as she dragged herself through the window. She gave me another look. "Come on."

I made my way up the crates and grabbed for the window, but before I could get through, the door flew open.

"They're there!"

With his blade shining in the low light, a guard lunged at me. He was knocked back against the other guard behind him when I kicked him out.

"Lucas!" Anna sounded frantic.

"I'll be right over!" I dashed through the window and yelled.

One of the guards grabbed my ankle as I tried to pull myself up, but they recovered swiftly. With my free foot, I kicked at him, causing him to stumble back.

Anna took hold of my arms and carried me the rest of the way. The chilly night air was a sharp contrast to the oppressive heat of the prison when we fell in a heap on the opposite side.

I pulled her to her feet and said, "We have to get moving."

Now the guards were yelling, their voices echoing through the darkness.

Anna said, "This way," and started to head for the tree line.

The sound of pursuit got louder behind us as I followed her. The darkness was deep and confusing, and the forest was thick, but we kept going.

With each step, the uneven ground threatened to trip me, and branches whipped at my face. Anna moved faster and more firmly than I did.

Even though the effort was burning my lungs, I forced them to keep going.

The howl of a wolf broke the atmosphere, sending shivers down my spine.

Anna's voice was tight with fear as she said, "They're shifting."

I pushed myself to run faster and yelled, "We can't let them catch us."

The trees started to thin, and I could make out the dim moonlight ahead. A clearing.

With hope and urgency in her voice, Anna stated, "We're almost there."

We rushed into the clearing, but we were only briefly relieved. Kane was standing at the edge of the forest, his eyes gleaming with focused predation.

"Well, well," he stated in a demeaning and icy tone. "You didn't think you could get away from me, did you?"

He moved closer, his presence exuding danger, and my heart fell.

I gripped the dagger tighter and whispered to Anna, "Run."

With a shaky but determined voice, she vowed, "I'm not leaving you."

With my gaze fixed on Kane, I stated, "We have no other option."

The promise of violence permeated the air, and the tension was clear.

Then Kane lunged without notice.