Devil's Sinner (Fallen Dynasty 3)

Being on my own two feet felt more liberating than being free from the ropes. I tried to take a step and almost collapsed, but I pressed on. Panic shot through my veins and swelled up in my throat. I swallowed it. The last thing I needed to do was have a panic attack when I was so close to freedom.

The adrenaline pushed me forward. Willpower did the rest. I kept walking until my hands were on the door and I was able to push it open. The sun blinded me again with even more fury than the glimmer, and it took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust--then I saw where I was.

“You fucking asshole…” I cursed Connor as I stared at the withered remains of Cabot Vineyard.

The vineyard was a gift from my paternal grandfather to my parents when they got married. After my mother died, it was left to rot. It was one place nobody would go if they were searching for me, that was for damn sure. My feet moved along the path between vines that had dried up as they died. I had a slight limp, but my gait steadied with every step. There was a house ahead that used to belong to the caretaker. I had no idea what was inside, but if there was a telephone--one phone call could put an end to everything.

I made it to the house, and the door was locked, but I could see a phone through the window. I scrambled around, fell to my knees in the dirt, and finally found a rock. I hurled it at the window and the glass shattered, but the rock went right through. I pressed on the glass and broke more of it off, but cut my hand in the process. My limbs were no longer numb, so the pain registered, but I ignored it.

As soon as I broke enough of the glass away, I carefully pulled myself through the window. There was still enough glass left to slice me open, but thankfully, all I got were a few scrapes. My hand grabbed the telephone--my shot at freedom was so close I could taste it.

“No!” I screamed as the phone responded with silence--I slammed my hand on the base and realized it was dead.

I reached for a light switch and was met with the same result. Everything had been turned off. I stumbled to the sink and a prayer left my lips as I twisted the knob. The rush of water was almost enough to make me squeal with excitement. The vineyard probably had a well, so that was the one thing that didn’t get shut off. I drank from the faucet until my stomach felt like it was swollen, and started trying to clean my wounds.

The realization set in that my only way of escape from Cabot Vineyard was by foot. I was naked and miles from civilization. I didn’t know if my legs could handle the walk, but collapsing in the forest nearby sounded a lot better than waiting for Connor to return. I searched the house for clothes, but all I found was an old blanket. It still smelled like the grapes that used to grow in the vineyard. I wrapped it around my body and walked to the door.

My freedom was mine to earn. I started walking towards the wooded area. That seemed safer than trying to follow the road. The grass was overgrown and I didn’t even want to think about what I could be stepping in. My feet weren’t used to the terrain, but I did my best to ignore the pain--it was still a slow trek--and I regretted not pushing my limits when I heard a car.

“Fuck. That has to be Connor!” I pushed my protesting muscles to move faster.

I tried to run, but I simply couldn’t support that kind of effort. My system was too weak. The water had given me a hint of nourishment, but not nearly enough. The car veered from the road and started plowing through the overgrown grass. Connor had spotted me. I refused to give up and begged for more adrenaline as I broke through the edge of the wooded area.

The car stopped. I didn’t. I heard Connor’s voice behind me--shouting--profanities--they didn’t stop me either. I just kept moving as fast as my weary legs could carry me. The blanket did it’s best to protect my skin, but a few jagged pieces of the bushes I waded through still dug into my flesh. I heard stomping behind me and I dared to glance over my shoulder when I saw a shadow--a split second before Connor tackled me to the ground.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?” Connor flipped me over and jerked the blanket away.

“Anywhere but here!” I writhed and fought--I slung my arms wildly and one of my jagged nails caught Connor underneath his eye.