Scarlett 

I paced the confines of Lord Darius's chamber, my frustration growing with each step. The door, a solid barrier of oak and iron, remained locked and impenetrable. The dim light of the flickering candle cast unsettling shadows on the walls, amplifying the sense of claustrophobia that had settled over me. Every time I thought I'd found a moment of calm, the reality of my imprisonment slammed back into my chest.

Lord Darius's orders had been clear and absolute. 

The estate was now a fortress, with guards stationed at every entrance and patrolling the halls. 

"You will be watching over her and make sure she doesn't leave the chamber," 

My heart sank whenever I overheard him assigning more like commanding orders on Eliza the task of watching over me. The knowledge that even she had been forced into this role was almost as painful as the isolation itself. I could only imagine the pressure he had put on her to comply.

Eliza's footsteps approached the chamber door, and I spun around, my heart pounding. She entered quietly, her face pale and eyes wide with a fear that mirrored my own.

"My Lady, I have news," she said, her voice trembling as she crossed the room to me.

"What news?" I demanded, my voice sharp with anxiety. "Has something happened?"

Eliza's gaze dropped to the floor, and she wrung her hands nervously. "Lord Darius has been absent from the estate for a week now," she began hesitantly. "And... and it's been rumored that Nikolai and Meredith have escaped from jail."

My heart skipped a beat, hope and dread colliding violently within me. 

"Escaped? How? When? I thought they were under heavy guard."

"That's what I heard. Someone on the inside must have helped them." Eliza said, her voice barely more than a whisper. 

It was as if the lord, the almighty heard my pleas and helped my sister. But this made me worried further understanding the situation that has turned darker now. 

The days that followed were a blur of monotony and dread. Eliza's visits, though frequent, were always tinged with fear. 

Her attempts at normal conversation felt strained, her eyes betraying the anxiety she struggled to mask. Despite her fear, she remained loyal, and that loyalty would become a lifeline.

One night, while I was struggling to find a semblance of sleep, I was jolted awake by a soft, yet distinct sound. I rushed to the window, my heart pounding with a mix of hope and trepidation. 

Through the glass, I noticed a small, crumpled piece of paper lying on the balcony outside. My pulse quickened.

I carefully opened the window, reaching out to retrieve the paper. It was a letter, its edges slightly singed from exposure to the elements. My hands trembled as I unfolded it, my breath catching in my throat as I read Meredith's familiar handwriting.

Scarlett,

I hope this letter finds you before it's too late. I've escaped from jail with Nikolai, and we are planning to leave the country. But I need to see you one last time before we go. Meet me in the next town by midnight. You must cross the lake to reach the town in time.

I know this is dangerous, but I need you to come. Please, Scarlett. I have so much to explain, and there's something you need to know before it's too late.

Meredith

My heart raced as I took in the urgency of the message. I could hardly breathe. The reality of Meredith's escape was both a relief and a new source of fear. Lord Darius's absence from the estate in recent days was a blessing, but it also meant that the guards might be even more vigilant.

I had to escape, but I couldn't do it alone. I turned to Eliza, who had just entered with a tray of food. Her eyes widened when she saw the letter in my hands.

"Eliza, you have to help me," I implored, my voice desperate. "Meredith needs me. I need to get out of here. Will you help me?"

Her face paled, and she looked around nervously. "But, Milady, Lord Darius—he's already said—"

"I know," I interrupted, my voice firm. "But Meredith is in danger, and I have to go. Please, I need your help. I have a letter for Julian. He can help us arrange a boat. You have to take it to him."

Eliza hesitated, her fear evident. "But if he finds out—"

"He won't find out," I said, trying to reassure her. "We have to act quickly. I'll make a plan to get out of the estate, but I need Julian's help to get across the lake."

With a resigned sigh, Eliza took the letter, her hands trembling as she accepted it. "I'll do it. But if we're caught, my lord will do nothing to you. But he will end my life."

"No, nothing will happen to you. I promise, we won't be caught," I said, more to convince myself than her. "Just get it to him as soon as you can."

The same night, with Eliza's departure to deliver my letter, I set my plan into motion. Dressed in Eliza's outfit, I moved swiftly and silently through the estate in the midnight.

The guards, used to seeing Eliza, paid me little attention. My heart pounded in my chest as I made my way to the balcony, the same way I'd seen Eliza leave the estate.

I climbed out onto the balcony, my heart racing with each step. The sky was still dark, but dawn was just beginning to break. I kept my head down, avoiding the gaze of the guards below as I crept along the ledge. When I reached the edge, I lowered myself down onto the ground.

Outside the estate walls, I moved quickly towards the lake where I expected Julian to be.

The shadows of dawn played tricks on my eyes, but the thought of seeing Meredith again and the possibility of escape fueled my determination. The lake stretched out before me, its surface reflecting the early morning light.

I saw Julian was already waiting by the water's edge, the boat ready and waiting. Relief washed over me as I approached him. 

"Julian," I called out, my voice strained but laced with a flicker of hope.

"Lady Scarlett," he replied, his face illuminated by the dim light of the moon. His expression was a mix of concern and relief. "Let's get you to the other side. We don't have much time."

As the boat glided silently across the lake, the water shimmering in the pale light, I stole a glance back at the Kingsley estate. Its imposing silhouette was slowly receding into the distance, and with it, my confinement and my fears. The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but my resolve to reach Meredith was unwavering.

"I know the whole story. I took it all out of Miss Eliza," Julian said, his voice carrying a note of frustration as he rowed steadily toward the other side. 

"This is so unfair. We know Lord Darius Kingsley is heartless, but how can he imprison his wife?"

I sat in silence for a moment, the chill of the air mingling with the turbulent thoughts in my mind. 

"He is doing what he thinks is right," I finally said, my voice steady despite the storm within me.

 "I knew it, Lady Scarlett. He's a devil in disguise." Julian shook his head, his brow furrowed with discontent.

"Julian," I said softly, trying to keep my voice calm. "He's lost his entire family. I understand it's hard to see, but he's doing what he believes is necessary. I know him; he cares for me. My sister has just fallen into this uncertainty, and I need to prove her innocence before Lord Darius."

Through the week of my confinement, as I struggled with my grief and despair, I had come to recognize the profound loss Lord Darius was enduring. The depth of his pain was almost unimaginable, and despite the cruel actions he had taken, I could not ignore the parallels between our suffering.

"And don't call him a devil," I added, my tone firmer now. "He's been a great husband."

Julian's eyes met mine, and he sighed. "He imprisoned you. How can you defend that?"

I chose not to answer, the truth too complex and painful to articulate. My legs and hands were still shaking with anticipation, the reality of my escape sinking in. The guards at the estate would have already discovered my absence, and I was sure they would have informed Lord Darius. 

He would be searching for me as we spoke.

The boat glided smoothly, the rhythmic sound of the oars dipping into the water a constant reminder of the perilous journey. 

Julian rowed with steady determination, and as the shore of the next town came into view, I prepared myself for the confrontation and revelations that awaited. 

Whatever lay in wait, I was ready to face it.

The boat scraped against the gravelly shore as Julian and I stepped onto solid ground, the town before us just beginning to stir in the light of morning. A chill hung in the air, and my breath misted before me. Julian's eyes scanned the surroundings, his concern evident as he took in the quiet streets and the distant buildings.

"Lady Scarlett," Julian said, his voice low and urgent as we started walking toward the town, "I don't trust Nikolai. I know he's with Meredith, but I feel it's better if I come with you. There's something about this situation that doesn't sit right with me."

I nodded, understanding his apprehension but also feeling a pang of gratitude for his willingness to help. 

"Thank you, Julian. I appreciate your help. We need to find Meredith and make sure she's safe."

As we walked through the town, the serenity of the morning was abruptly shattered. The peaceful streets were suddenly filled with the harsh clamor of soldiers marching and shouting.

 The unmistakable red coats of the British Army were visible in the distance, their disciplined ranks moving with a precision that spoke of urgent orders and relentless pursuit.

My heart sank as I recognized the insignia on their uniforms. 

Julian's expression shifted from concern to alarm as he drew closer. 

"It appears Lord Darius's men have already been dispatched," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. "They must have discovered your escape. We need to move quickly."

Fear surged through me. If Lord Darius's soldiers were here, it meant he had learned of my escape from Eliza and had anticipated my path. I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the panic rising in my chest. Julian grabbed my hand, pulling me toward a narrow alleyway.

"Come on," Julian urged, grabbing my arm and pulling me away from the street. "We need to get out of sight before they spot us."

We darted into an alleyway, our footsteps echoing against the narrow walls. The soldiers' shouts grew louder, their voices filled with the urgency of a manhunt. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, heightening my senses and pushing me forward.

"Where do we go?" I asked, breathless as we moved through the tangled maze of alleys.

Julian's face was set in determination. 

"We head for the mountains. If we can make it through the woods, we'll have a better chance of avoiding them. The soldiers are unlikely to pursue us into the rough terrain."

We emerged from the alley and made our way to the outskirts of town, the soldiers scanning the area behind us, asking every one ruthlessly. The trees loomed ahead, their shadows promising concealment but also fraught with the unknown. The contrast between the town's manufactured safety and the wilderness's raw unpredictability was stark, but it was our only option.

The climb to the mountains was grueling, the jagged path winding upward as we pushed through the dense forest. The sun was now high in the sky, casting harsh light that made the shadows of the trees seem even more menacing.

As we crested a ridge, I spotted movement below, British soldiers patrolling the area.

"We need to hurry," Julian urged, his voice tense. "If we're spotted, we'll be cornered."

I nodded, my anxiety mounting as I thought of Meredith and the rapidly approaching midnight. We pushed onward, but the soldiers' search parties were relentless. Their voices grew louder as they drew closer, echoing through the trees.

Suddenly, a soldier's keen eyes spotted us. "There they are!" he shouted, pointing in our direction. Panic surged as the soldiers began to close in, their shouts growing louder.

Julian glanced at me with a look of determination. 

"I'll distract them. You need to keep moving. Get to Meredith, no matter what."

Before I could protest, Julian sprinted off in a different direction, drawing the soldiers away. I watched him disappear into the forest, a mixture of gratitude and fear gripping me. I had to make it to Meredith before midnight, and every second counted.

I ran as fast as my legs would carry me, the trees blurring past in a rush of dark green. But my escape was short-lived. A soldier, more ruthless than the others, emerged from the shadows and intercepted me. His eyes glinted with malicious intent as he grabbed my arm.

"Trying to run, are we?" he sneered, his grip vice-like. "What have you stolen from Lord kingsley?"

I stiffened, realizing he had no idea of my true identity. My heart raced as I struggled to free myself. I was dressed in a maid outfit, which had provided me some cover, but now it was a double-edged sword.

I wrenched my arm free and bolted, but the soldier was relentless. His footsteps pounded behind me, growing closer with every second. In my desperation, I stumbled and fell into a small water body, a shallow pond that left me drenched and shivering. It was already noon by now. A whole day of chaos.

The soldier reached me quickly, his face contorted with cruel delight. 

"Oh, look at you, all wet and dirty," he taunted. "I'll punish you worse than Lord Kingsley ever could, and then I'll bring you to his feet. He'll promote me for catching his dirty thief."

"You are making a grave mistake," I warned him, but this enraged him further.

He grabbed me by my hair, pulling me roughly from the water. My head throbbed with pain as he yanked me through the forest, the branches and underbrush scratching my skin. My thoughts raced. But I had other things as a priority.

I had to escape, Meredith was depending on me.

In the distance, I could see a group of figures standing in the clearing. I realised the tall figure almost immediately.

Lord Darius was among them, his imposing presence unmistakable even in the bright daylight. The soldier dragged me toward him, still boasting about his plans.

Lord Darius's gaze locked onto us, and his face twisted into an expression of rage. 

The soldier, grinning maliciously, continued to hold me by my hair. 

"I've caught this—this wench trying to escape. I've punished her and brought her to you."

Lord Darius's eyes flared with fury. He drew his sword with a swift, practiced motion, slicing through the air and striking the soldier's hand with a force that made him howl in pain. The soldier dropped me instantly, clutching his injured hand and cursing.

Lord Darius's voice was icy, each word dripping with contempt. "How dare you lay your hand on her."

"Nobody dares to treat her as such. She is my wife," his voice booming over the area.

The soldier, now trembling with fear and pain, fell to his knees at my feet, his earlier bravado gone. 

"Forgive me, My lady. I didn't know—it was a mistake," he pleaded, his eyes brimming with tears.

The British army's higher-ups moved quickly, taking the soldier into custody. His pleas for forgiveness echoed in the daylight as they led him away. Lord Darius watched with a mixture of rage and satisfaction, his sword still drawn as a symbol of his authority.

It was already late. I looked up, the sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden-orange hue over the landscape.

With the commotion taking center stage, I seized the opportunity. As the soldiers led the discredited guard away, I slipped back into the shadows. The sun was setting, and the chaos created a perfect cover for my escape. 

I hurried through the forest, my soaked clothes clinging to me as I fought to stay on the path to Meredith, my heart pounding like a drum in my ears while the cold air bit at my skin and my wet hair stuck to my face, making me look like a desperate, wild madwoman with nowhere to run, struggling to catch my breath but pushing myself to keep moving.

Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of hooves broke the stillness. The thunderous rhythm grew louder, and closer, and I whipped around, my pulse quickening. And there he was.

Lord Darius, astride his black horse, Obsidian. He cut a striking figure, the dark silhouette of man and beast blending with the shadows of the trees. His face was as calm as ever, but there was a dangerous edge to his demeanor that made my blood run cold.

He circled me slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt like prey, caught in the sights of a predator. The sword in his hand gleamed in the fading light, a reminder of the power he held over me. 

My breath hitched in my throat as he dismounted with an effortless grace, his boots crunching softly on the forest floor. With every step he took, the space between us shrank, and my chances of escape grew slimmer.

He cornered me against the rough bark of a tree, his presence overwhelming. 

The small, sly smile that played on his lips told me he was fully aware of my fear, and he was enjoying every second of it. I felt like a trapped animal, and he was the hunter who had finally closed in on his prey.

I tried to sidestep him, but he mirrored my movements with infuriating ease, blocking every attempt I made to get away. My pulse raced even faster, my desperation mounting as I realized just how thoroughly he had me cornered. 

He moved with quiet confidence, sheathing his sword with a deliberate motion that made my heart skip a beat.

With one hand, he placed it against the tree, his arm a barrier that prevented my escape. I tried to move the other way, but he was quicker, his other hand slamming against the tree trunk on the other side of me, caging me in completely. 

I was out of breath, my chest heaving as I stared up at him, the reality of my situation crashing down around me.

I dared to meet his gaze, and the smile on his face grew, a slow, predatory curve of his lips that made my stomach twist with both fear and something I had always ignored to acknowledge—love and lust. 

"You can never escape me," He leaned in, his breath warm against my skin as he whispered.

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I instinctively tried to pull away, but there was nowhere to go. He inched closer, his lips dangerously near to mine, and I turned my head slightly, trying to create distance between us.

"You're too close," I managed to say, my voice barely more than a whisper. "You're not asking for permission."

His low chuckle sent a ripple of unease through me. 

"You called me a demon," he murmured, his lips still following mine with a slow, deliberate movement, like a snake charmed by its prey. "And demons don't need permission."

Before I could react, his lips captured mine in a passionate, consuming kiss. My mind went blank, my body stiffening as I tried to resist, but the intensity of the moment left me breathless, overwhelmed by the force of his desire and the realization that, in this moment, I truly had nowhere to run.

I take an oath as an author that I will keep on playing with my reader's emotions. LOL

If I can get at least 10 comments I will update the next chapter on 30th of this month. 

I know I have "thirty" active readers.