Chapter 54. No Room for Escape

Her eyes darted to the back wall—the vent.

Dropping to her knees, she pried it open with a sharp blade and crawled in, dragging her bag behind her. The metal scraped her skin, and her shoulder burned with every movement, but she gritted her teeth and pressed forward. She had mapped this passage years ago—one of the old maintenance shafts that led past the back fence near the far gardens.

Freedom. If she could get there in time.

***

In the Vents

Sisi crawled faster now, breath ragged, sweat soaking her brow.

Her vision blurred from blood loss, but she saw it—moonlight—shimmering through the grate at the end.

She was almost out. Below, the thunder of boots grew louder.

Shouts. Doors slamming open. Furniture toppling over as the pack warriors stormed the estate with ruthless precision.

“They’re getting closer,” she hissed to herself, crawling as fast as her battered body would allow.

***

Main Hall – Downstairs

Dami