Chapter 33
BRIANNA’S POV
*****
Outside, the downpour was descending heavily. I stood by the window, my breath creating a small mist on the glass as I peered outside. The rhythmic tap-tap of raindrops against the windowpane created a soothing melody that evoked nostalgic memories in me.
When I was little, I liked to go out in the rain and play. I loved the sensation of the wet grasses beneath my feet as I danced around in the open space. I loved the fresh scent of the purified air in my nostrils. I loved the way the cool droplets landed on my skin, sending shivers all over me but at the same time washing away my worries and troubles. I loved the joy and freedom. I loved it all.
But after all that, I always came down with a cold. My mom will scream at me, ground little me for weeks and threaten not to make pancakes which were my favourite then ever again. Father just laughed it out saying, “Leave her. She’s just a kid.”
Anyways, I still went out to play in the rain when Mom wasn’t around.
Stubborn little Brianna.
A gentle smile curved my lips as I remembered all that. I wished I could turn the wheels of time and go back to that time in my life. I wished I could go out there in that rain and relive those feelings. Those happy moments. But instead, I was stuck here in Hermes’s hellhole, thinking of how to escape.
As I continued watching the rain from the window, an idea suddenly clicked in my head. An idea of my escape plan.
In this case, I likened myself to the raindrops and my room as the gateway to freedom. The raindrops couldn’t get through into the room because of the closed window which acted as the barrier. There were only two ways the raindrops could get through. One was if they had enough force to break through the glass which I doubted will happen and wasn’t applicable in my state. The second was if there was an insider who could open the window from inside.
And that was it! My only hope of getting out of this hellhole was to count on one of the castle maids who will be the insider to help me get rid of the guards guarding my chamber door and unlock not only the room door but also the castle’s main entrance door. That main entrance door was my gateway to freedom.
I didn’t know if it was the best plan. Didn’t know if it’ll work out just like I thought it will. But I was hopeful. I kept my fingers crossed as I waited for the maid that’ll bring my breakfast.
In no distant time, my room door squeaked open and a castle maid walked in, carrying a tray with a plate laden with bacon and pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and some fruit toppings.
Just the perfect combo I was thinking of. The only good thing about Hermes’s castle was the food. Even though I was starved multiple times as punishment.
“Lovely morning, Miss Brianna,” she said with an unnatural smile as she dropped the tray on a small table in front of my bed. “Here is your breakfast. Do let me know if you need anything else.”
I didn’t respond. But only pressed my lips together and nodded at her, thinking of how best to tell her I needed her help to get out of this place.
As she dropped the tray and was about to rise and leave, I held her wrist.
“Please help me,” I pleaded, my mind a crazy mixture of hope and fear as I stared at her. “Help me get out of this place. I don’t think I can survive it in here if I stayed any longer.”
A chill black silence enveloped us and I saw something like fear flash brightly in her jet-black eyes. In an instant, she freed herself from my grip and rushed out the door without saying anything.
No! No!! No!!! I buried my face in my palms. This was pointless. I had messed up big time. I shouldn’t have asked for her help. Perhaps she ran out to go report to Hermes. And if she did, then today might be my last day of living.
Not only was I scared, knowing she might have gone to tell Hermes. She had also ended up killing the little hope I had to leave this hellhole. Now I was stuck here. With Hermes. Forever. And that is if he doesn’t punish me to death before then.
My stomach knotted itself up with worry, fear and uneasiness. I lost my appetite and only nibbled at the breakfast, leaving a large portion untouched.
I kept pacing my room restlessly. Like a crazed scientist as the rain stopped and the morning quickly drifted to afternoon and then to evening. Just the thought of Hermes learning about this tore me to shreds on the inside.
But it had taken too much time already. And I haven’t seen her or Hermes or any of the guards storm in to grab me. Hasn’t she told him? Was she still about to? Or maybe Hermes was waiting for the right time to strike.
Amid my disarray, the door locks chinked and it creaked open. The same maid walked in, carrying my lunch. Her head was lowered to her chest as she dropped it on the table, carrying my leftover breakfast.
I had been so occupied with my pessimistic thoughts, I forgot about lunch. But I wasn’t hungry. I just stood fixated on the spot, watching her nervous moves. I needed to know if she had told Hermes about what I said to her. But the problem was that I didn’t know how to ask her.
“Miss Brianna,” she called out with an apologetic tone, her gaze still on the floor. “Please I’m sorry for bringing your lunch late. And not coming earlier to clear your breakfast.”
“It’s nothing. I’m not even hungry,” I said, wishing she’ll look me straight in the eye and tell me if she told Hermes or not.
I walked slowly to her and closed the gap between us.
“Look at me,” that was meant to be a command, yet it sounded more like a plea. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Lily, Miss Brianna,” she pronounced nervously, her depthless, jet-black eyes finally meeting mine.
“Ok, Lily. Please I need to know if you told Alpha King Hermes of what I said to you this morning,” my gaze was intent on her, hungry for an answer as strings of icy fear twisted around my heart making it beat unsteadily.
“No,” she replied with emphasis, her eyes widening. “I’ll never do that. I’m here to help you. I want to help you escape this place tonight.”