~Amara~
Back in my bedroom, I sat cross-legged, as that fiery-haired maid stood before me, massaging my feet.
“Today marks the third month that I haven't seen a blood stain on your bedsheets, Amara. A sign that you must be pregnant. Aren't you sure you should inform the king and get you a doctor? You don't know if it's healthy that the king touches you in this stage, my dear”
The woman, Elsie, was a middle-aged woman. The first maid I saw when I arrived at this estate.
Elsie has been by my side since. And I trusted her more than anyone. She only took care of my bed sheets after I had told her that I did not want the other maids to inform Lucian after I got pregnant because I had a plan.
“There is no need for that, Elsie. And for the other thing? Is it ready?” I said in a low voice.
Elsie nodded. “Yes. It is. You would have to dress like a maid to escape the estate. Once Lucian leaves, I could distract the guards while you make your way with the other maids to be marketed. Just remember that once you are out, you have to switch into your Werewolf form and run south. Through the woods. Just go south and eventually, you will get to Nightshade pack. Ask for Georgia. She will assist you. She is my cousin and a sweet soul”
I nodded. “Thank you Elsie for this. But…I hope nothing bad is going to happen to you once I am gone?”
Elsie chuckled. “Worry about yourself, honey. I have known Lucian since he was a child. He has lost his track after past traumas. He is a good kid, though he doesn't seem like that now”
I shrugged. “I would never know. I would like to leave tonight. As soon as he is gone, I should be gone too. Would take him a long time before he would come back and realize I am gone. Within three days, I am sure I would have gotten to Georgia”
Elsie nodded. “You are right,” Elsie removed her hands from my feet. “But may I ask sweetheart, why do you want to leave? Any girl would be happy to be in your position.”
I relaxed back on the cushion of the sofa I was seated on. “Any girl that doesn't have empathy for their child. Once Lucian finds out about this child, he will keep me more secluded. Once the child is given birth to, I am discarded. I have nothing to support me with. No family. Just shame on my name. And my child, I know it will be trained…but I just can't, Elsie. Lucian treats me like a pet. I…can't just relax. I can't just keep on feeling like a used toy. And my child to…be…” I choked on my tears. “Just look at it from my point of view Elsie. It's not easy”
Elsie nodded, patting my shoulders. “I understand sweetheart. You leave tonight. Just be careful. It's not just you anymore, it's you and your child”
*********************************
Two months of preparation for this day.
The day I finally stepped foot on the soil once again and it worked perfectly. The moment I was out of the estate gate, I sneaked away from the other maids and walked into the forest, taking the mask off my face.
I looked out at the dark horizon.
It was a risky thought. I could have waited till morning before doing this but it's a little bit late to say sorry. I looked back at the estate behind me before turning and walking down the pathway of the forest.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, feeling the familiar tingling sensation all over my body. My muscles twitched and convulsed as my bones cracked and shifted, reshaping into a new form. Fur sprouted all over my skin, and my fingers and toes curled into paws as my nails turned into sharp claws.
When my transformation was completed, I opened my eyes and looked around, taking in my surroundings with new senses. The forest was no longer dark and blurry, but bright and vivid, every leaf and twig and pebble in sharp focus. I could smell the damp earth, the scent of pine trees, and the faint trace of prey.
With a powerful leap, I took off into the night, my paws hitting the ground with a steady rhythm. The wind blew through my fur, and I felt the rush of freedom that only came with running in my wolf form. My heart beat fast, and my breath came in short pants as I picked up speed, my body a blur of motion in the moonlight.
As I ran through the forest, my senses on high alert, I felt a presence following me. I couldn't see anyone, but my instincts told me that someone was there.
As I continued running, I heard the sound of a bow being drawn and an arrow whistling through the air. It missed me by inches, lodging itself into a tree trunk.
I spun around, ready to face my attacker, but I saw no one. Suddenly, a voice came from behind me, sending shivers down my spine.
“Well, well, well, look what we got here,” the voice said, dripping with sarcasm.