𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓
𝙰𝚗𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚊'𝚜 𝙿𝙾𝚅

"Ye don't talk much, ya know," the Scottish man remarked, his sharp words echoing against the cold, stone walls of the dungeon. The flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows, emphasizing the rugged features of the man who stood guard.

I shot him a glare, my arms crossed tightly over my chest in a futile attempt to ward off the chill. My soaked clothes clung uncomfortably to me, and water droplets trailed down my arms. 'Oh really?" I retorted, my irritation unmistakable.

I shifted from one foot to the other, the cold seeping through my shoes, and my wet hair clung in heavy strands around my face. The dampness weighed on me, making me shiver involuntarily. "Just fancied drenching me in a bucket of water, did ya?" I remarked, imitating his annoying accent.

He grinned, his accent growing thicker. "Aye, lass, just thought ye could use a wee bit of the highlands to liven up yer stay." The other guards stationed by exchanged amused glances.

My teeth chattered together as I sighed, the cold and dampness sinking into my bones. "My stay? Don't worry I'll be sure to write up a 5 star review on of this place, don't worry." I quipped, wringing water from my hair. The guards chuckled.

The Scottish man leaned against the stone wall, crossing his arms over his chest as he regarded me with an amused glint in his eyes. "Ye've got spunk, I'll give yer that," he said, the burr in his voice unmistakable.

The torchlight flickered, casting shadows that danced across his face, adding to the eerie ambience of the dungeon.

I shot him a defiant look, despite the discomfort that clung to me like a second skin " I'd prefer a cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, but here I am enjoying the "highland hospitality," I replied, a hint of sarcasm in my tone.

The cold seemed to seep deeper into my bones with every passing moment, and I couldn't shake off the persistent shivers.

The guard chuckled, his accent growing more pronounced. "Yer a brave one. Most prisoners we get in here are sobbin' by this point." He gestured around the dreary dungeon, the damp air hanging heavily. "But here ya are, still sassin' away."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Well, sobbing won't change the fact that I'm stuck in this place. I may as well keep my sense of humor intact." I shot him a wry smile, though the cold had turned my lips slightly blue.

"Ye might want to save some of that wit for when the real fun begins." As he spoke, my eyes darted around the dungeon, taking in the dismal surroundings.

It was then that I noticed a peculiar detail- I was no longer in my own clothes. I looked down at the worn, oversized garments I now wore, a mix of confusion and irritation crossing my face.

"Who the hell changed me?" I exclaimed, glancing at the guard. He slowly backed away.

"Aye don't get your panties in a twist, we had one of the maids change yer while you were sleeping'. Didn't want to get yer beautiful ballgown all dirty did we?" His eyes darted around my face, a smirk playing on his lips.

I narrowed my eyes on him. "Ballgown? You mean the clothes I was wearing when I was kidnapped? They had sentimental value!" I huffed, crossing my arms defensively over my chest, forgetting for a moment the dampness that clung to me.

"Sentimental value? Well ye won't be needin' fancy dresses where yer headed. Might as well get used to the practical attire."

My irritation grew, but I suppressed it, knowing there was little use arguing with my captors. Instead, I took a deep breath, the cold air stinging my lungs. 

"Fine, keep the gown. I just want to know why I'm here and when I can leave this charming establishment." I glanced pointedly at the dismal surroundings, my attempt at sarcasm not lost on the guard.

He grinned, the mischievous glint returning to his eyes. "Ah that's the real fun part, lass. The when and why will reveal themselves in due time. For now, enjoy the accommodations." With that he sauntered off, leaving me in the cold, damp dungeon.

As the guard moved away, I couldn't help but notice the glint of a tiny silver object hanging from his belt loop. A key.

My eyes glimmered, there was hope I could get out of here. My mind raced as I finally had a plan. A sly grin crossed my face, and I shifted my approach. "You know," I purred, he turned around, "maybe you could give me a little hint about what's to come. A girl could use some excitement in this dreary place, don't you think?" I winced at my words. Gross, gross, gross.

His eyes widened, clearly caught off guard by my sudden change in demeanor. "Well, lass, I supposed a little excitement never hurt anyone," he replied, his accent thickening as he played along. He began to eagerly walk towards me.

As we continued our banter, my fingers expertly worked their way to the key on his belt. The distraction was working like a charm.

The guard, too engrossed in my poorly attempted flirting, failed to notice the subtle movement. I could feel the cold metal against my fingertips and with a swift, calculated motion, I snatched the key.

Before he could register what happened, I quickly slid the key into the pocket of my coat. "Thanks for the chat, but I think I'll find my own way to enjoy the 'accommodation.' With a coy smile,  I turned away, leaving the bewildered guard behind.

As I walked toward the far end of the dungeon, I could hear him muttering to himself, realizing the key was missing.

The other guards, caught up in their own conversations, remained oblivious. The key to my escape, unknown to them, now rested in the palm of my hand.

My steps were slow, savoring each moment of freedom within the confines of captivity. The guard's muttered curses faded behind me as I reached the far end of the dungeon.

Leaning against the damp wall, I could feel the cold seeping through the fabric of my stolen coat. I took a moment to assess my surroundings, my mind working through the details of my plan.

I slowly stepped down onto the old mattress beneath me, I grasped the covers covering myself. Warmth spread through my small body as I closed my eyes, allowing the rhythmic drops of water and distant echoes to create a hypnotic lullaby. Thoughts of the key drifting me to sleep. Soon. I would run.

...

The hours slipped away, marked only by the faint echoes of distant footsteps and the shifting shadows that played on the walls. The slow pace of time, almost tangible, tested my resolve.

Yet, as the moon's gentle glow seeped into the dungeon's small window, I knew the moment had arrived.

With deliberate calmness, I slowly arose from my makeshift resting place. However my eyes widened when I realized a new guard stood watch.

I slowly approached him with a carefully crafted sense of urgency. "E-excuse me," I began, placing a hand on my stomach, "Um where is the other guard?" My voice quivered with desperation.

The new guard eyed me with a mix of suspicion and mild annoyance. "He's off tendon to some trouble someone stirred up. What do you want?"

I bit my lip, feigning discomfort. "I...I don't know what happened. I was feeling fine, and suddenly, this intense pain hit me. I need to see someone from the infirmary, if you have one, or I might pass out. Please, h-help me." I mumbled. My eyebrows furrowed in pain.

The guard glanced at me, his expression initially stoic. However, a subtle flicker of awkwardness crossed his features as he hesitated. His gaze dropped to the hand on my stomach.

"Look I'm not a nurse. You'll have to wait until the morning, " He replied dismissively.
Ignoring his response, I doubled over, feigning intense pain. "Oh, gods," I gasped, my voice strained. "My body is tearing itself from the inside out... I think I'm gonna die."

I dropped to the cold, stone floor, my body contorted in a dramatic display of agony.

The guard's eyes widened, his discomfort palpable. He glanced down, clearly unsure of how to handle the situation. "I don't get paid enough for this shite," he muttered under his breath, spurring curse words. 

Groaning in agony, I continued my act, playing on his discomfort. "Please, I need something for the pain. It feels like a thousand fiery demons are dancing in my stomach," I moaned, my voice quivering with pretend suffering.

The guard, caught between duty and apparent discomfort, reluctantly backed away. "Fine, fine. I'll get you something," he grumbled, darting off in search of nonexistent relief for my imaginary pain.

As he hurried away, I seized the opportunity. With the key in hand, I stood up, abandoning the act of pain. A sly grin played on my lips.

Silently, I unlocked the door, the creaking sound nearly lost in the ambient noises of the dungeon. The corridor stretched ahead, dimly lit, and I moved with a cat-like grace, making my way toward the exit. The moonlight spilled through the barred window, guiding my path to liberty.

The narrow corridor stretched before me like a serpentine maze, its twists and turns shrouded in darkness. My footsteps, muffled by the worn carpet beneath, echoed through the silent halls. The air was thick with the scent of aged wood and musty tapestries.

I passed by carved doors, their designs telling tales of forgotten nobility. The castle bore the weight of centuries in its weathered stones. I reached a grand staircase, its marble steps worn smooth by the passage of time. Moonlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the cold floor.

My hands glided across  faded portraits that lined the walls- noble figures frozen in time, their eyes following my every move. The silence was punctured by the soft rustle of the curtain stirred by a breeze.

I passed through doorways, entering rooms frozen in a state of suspended animation. Dust-covered furniture, draped in moth-eaten fabrics, stood as a silent witness to the passage of time. The castle's heart, once vibrant with life, now beats only in the whispers of memories.

A clash of plates erupted through the silence as heavy footsteps echoed about. I gasped as I quickly descended the rest of the staircase.

My footsteps are quick and punctual. In the flickering light I spotted a door ajar and dove behind it, my heart pounding in my head. I held my breath, praying to be overlooked. The servant cast a casual glance around the corridor, seemingly unaware of my concealed form. As the door swung shut, I breathed out a sigh of relief.

As I rested against the wooden door, I was pushed backwards. My body toppled over and downwards, grass brushed up against my legs as my face planted right into the dirt.

A gasp escaped my lips as I glanced around, disoriented by the abrupt change in surroundings. The moon hung in the night sky, its silvery glow casting a surreal ambiance over the land.

What the hell...? I lay there for a moment, drinking in the cooling feeling. Adrenaline washed over me as I realized I was no longer confined by the palace walls.

The courtyard stretched before me, shadows danced among the leaves creating a mosaic of light and darkness. In the stillness, I could almost believe the castle was but a distant dream. But the sirens buzzing around me awoke me from my peaceful slumber.

"Oh f*ck. Oh f*ck me. I'm so screwed. Sh*t. Ana  how the hell do you do this to yourself." I trampled over my feet. My legs got twisted together as I ran as fast as I could through the darkness.

My breath came in ragged gasps as I veered through the tall bushes, desperately seeking cover. The darkened trees loomed like spectral sentinels. The sirens continued to wail, a relentless reminder that my newfound freedom hung by the thinnest of threads.

The uneven terrain beneath my feet threatened to betray my desperate escape. The moon cast fleeting shadows that danced around me, and every rustle of leaves sent shivers down my spine.

The castle, now a haunting silhouette against the night sky taunted me. Come on Ana.

Flashes of the encounter I had with the phantom mangle together, his dark brooding eyes flashing through my mind. His cold gaze, the warnings from the maids, the dangerous aura that surrounded him all merged into a disorienting montage of fear.

I pushed myself to run harder, the pain in my knee causing tears to spur my vision.

As I sprinted through the moonlight, I noticed a small cave nestled beneath an overhang of rocks, partially concealed by creeping vines. A momentary sense of relief washed through me, I quickly limped over to it, seeking refuge within its depths.

The cave seemed untouched, undisturbed by the darkness that encroached upon the castle. The only sign I was still within the dome was by the way my skin seemed to sparkle under the night sky.

My skin was still a bit pearlescent underneath the twinkling lights. I hoped it wouldn't give away my spot underneath the brush.

"Home sweet home." I mumbled.

As I walked deeper within the cave, its chambers widened and the soft carpet of moss provided a pillowing blanket that relaxed my figure. The dripping of water created a soothing melody, unlike the one in my cave that, though rhythmic, reminded me of my capture.

The air was tinged with the scent of the earth but it carried a strange purity that hinted at the untouched troubles that awaited me outside.

As I settled deeper into the cave's embrace, my exhaustion caught up with me. The adrenaline that fueled my escape began to wane, leaving me acutely aware of the pain in my knee and the unanswered questions that lingered.

However,  the fragile quiet of the cave, I allowed myself a moment of respite, contemplating the mysterious twists that had led me to this refuge.

Word count: (2395 words)

𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭!

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