Page 68 of Silent Oaths
Ishove through them, stumbling into the empty space beyond.Theair is colder here, the music from inside duller.Iwhip my head left, then right, trying to decide which way to go.
Itake off to the left, my gaze darting around, frantic.DidIgo the right way?
Straightahead,Isee a door markedEXIT.
Achoked sound escapes me, and relief surges through my body so violently, my knees almost buckle.It’shappening.I’mreally doing it.Freedom.
JustasIreach for the handle, an arm snakes around my waist, yanking me back asIshriek.
Theworld tilts asItwist in their grip, my heart slamming against my ribs.WhenImeet the gaze behind the mask, a fresh wave of horror crashes through me.Julian.
Ithrash against him, panic clawing up my throat. “No—no?—”
Somehow, by sheer desperation,Imanage to rip myself free.Myheels scrape against the floor asIbolt the other way.
Fuck.
Idon’t dare look back, butIcan feel him.He’sway too silent, which terrifies me the most.Hedoesn’t yell, doesn’t curse, doesn’t call for anyone.
Hejust comes after me.
Atthe end of the corridor,Inotice an unfamiliar door.Ihead toward it and shove it open.
Itake in my surroundings, my breath still coming fast and ragged.Thishallway isn’t like the others.It’scleaner, more refined.Thefloors are polished to perfection, and there’s a massive mahogany door that looks heavy and imposing.Itmust beMaxwell’soffice.
Mypulse pounds in my chest asIbolt past it, my only thought beingkeep going, keep going, keep going.
Idon’t have to look back to knowJulianis right behind me, and unlike before, he’s gaining on me.
Panicsurges up my throat asIpush my legs harder, my heels slipping against the slick floor.I’mrunning out of options untilIspot a staircase ahead.
Ithrow myself down the steps, nearly tripping in my haste.
ThedeeperIgo, the louder the music becomes.Thethumping bass rattles my bones.
Shit.
Thisleads straight back into the club, but that’s a good thing.It’llbe easier to lose him in a crowd.
Themoment my heels hit the bottom step,I’mswallowed into a sea of bodies.Peoplepress in on all sides, their laughter and drunken murmurs washing over me.Theheat, the perfume, the sweat—it’s all suffocating.
Iduck low, weaving between people, trying not to shove too hard or draw attention to myself.Idon’t know whereI’mgoing, only thatIneed to move.
WhenIfinally glance over my shoulder, my stomach twists into knots.Julianis gone.
Ilet out a shaky breath, relief washing over me briefly, butIknow better than to celebrate.
He’sstill here.They’restill here.Somewherein this club, they’re lurking, watching.
Iscan the crowd, searching for any sign ofRonnie, but she’s nowhere to be found.Ihave no idea if she made it out.
Alump forms in my throat.Iwas so close.
Valeriamust be heartbroken knowing the plan didn’t work out.Butat least now,Iknow for sure she hasn’t given up on me.
25
THEODORE
