Chapter 16

Dinner had proceeded much as it had the previous night. She had been feeling more refreshed and less hungry, but Draken's questions and her answers had been the same. He had kept his temper this time, leaving her with a bow and a satanic smile, and she had been escorted back to her new room. She had tried to ask about her old clothes but had received only stony silence in response.

She freshened up in the bathroom, splashing the warm water onto her face then turning on the cold tap and cupping her hands so she could drink. Shutting the drapes against the sun, she fell on top of the bed, not bothering to get undressed or climb under the covers.

She wasn't sure how long she had been asleep before she was woken by a sharp pinging sound. Through her sleepy stupor, it took her a moment to ascertain the origin of the noise.

She clambered off the bed and walked to the window, listening through the drape. Another ping, close to her ear, made her take a step back. Her heart was pumping wildly as she pulled open the drape and looked outside.

At first, she could see nothing out of the ordinary, but suddenly a shape appeared at the window and she uttered a cry, jumping backwards. Then she recognised the figure perched precariously on the windowsill.

Will raised a finger to his lips and indicated for her to open the latch. The metal pin was small and cold, stiff from lack of use. Her fingers scrabbled at it, pressing, pulling, cajoling, until she was finally able to wrench it up.

Luckily the window was a decent size and Will had enough space to swing his legs over the ledge and pull himself inside. The moment he was on his feet, he pulled Darci towards him, wrapping his arms around her.

She returned the embrace, burying her head into his chest as his fingers gently stroked her hair. Two sets of conflicting emotions warred within her. She was so relieved to see Will, so happy. She wanted to tell him never to leave her again. At the same time, she wanted to rage at him, send him away, tell him he was mad to come back here and risk capture.

"I'm sorry if I startled you just now," he said at last. "There were several heartbeats within the house, but only one alone and separate from the others. I thought it had to be you, but I couldn't reveal myself until I was completely sure."

"Will, why did you come? If Draken finds you—"

"It's daylight. The vampires are all asleep, and I can deal with any humans we encounter. Darci, I wasn't going to leave you here. I… I love you, and I had to come for you."

"I love you too, Will." The words had barely left her mouth in a breathless gasp before his lips met hers.

Her body trembled as he deepened the kiss, her legs going weak, but his arms supported her, keeping her from falling. His lips were cool yet soft as he trailed kisses down her neck. She could have stayed like that forever, but soon he broke away, planting a final kiss on her forehead.

"We must get out of here. I can't risk taking you with me through the window. Even with my help, the landing could injure you. We'll have to go downstairs and out through the front door. Are you ready?"

Darci nodded, not sure she could trust herself to speak. The kiss had excited her more than she liked to admit, and the thought of leaving here with Will brought on a rush of adrenaline. Still, she feared moving through the house. Even if the vampires were out of action, the other humans would try to stop their escape and could do them harm.

"I will probably have to fight," Will said, giving voice to the worst of her fears. "I want you to keep behind me and do not try to help. I can handle it."

He walked past her towards the door. She stood back, watching as he tested the handle. "Darci, cover your eyes."

She did as he asked, and a few seconds later, there was an almighty crash and the sound of splintering wood. Another crash followed, then another. A couple of splinters flew against her arms, stinging like mosquito bites until she brushed them off. When all fell silent, she opened her eyes.

He'd punched a ragged hole through the thick timber door. Large shards of wood were strewn across the floor of the corridor outside, though others maintained a timorous hold on the frame, jagged teeth sticking out.

"Come on," Will said, stepping through the gap. "I doubt even the soundest of sleepers could have remained dreaming through that. The human guards are probably on their way."

She took his outstretched hands, leaning on him to steady herself as she twisted her body through the decimated doorway, ducking beneath sharp wooden stalactites. She had only taken two steps forward when she found herself tugged backwards. When she looked round, she saw the train of her dress had caught on one of the larger shards. She pulled at it, tugging fiercely, but it would not budge.

"Will!"

Will hurried to her side and grabbed the material, ripping it clear in a single stroke. The bottom of the skirt came away, freeing up her legs and feet, then he yanked off the two sleeves, the sound of material and stitching tearing loud in her ears.

Now that she could move unhindered, they dashed along the corridor towards the staircase. They were halfway down when Will stopped suddenly and held an arm out to keep her back.

She craned her neck to see past him then wished she hadn't. At the bottom of the stairs stood a group of men, guns at the ready, aimed in their direction. For a long moment, no one moved and no one spoke; an awkward silence hung leaden in the air.

Finally, one of the men took a step forward, clearing his throat. "You are to come with us to await the pleasure of Lord Draken."

Even Darci could hear the quiver in the man's voice, and it emboldened her. These guards were all afraid of Will, and that could only be advantageous for their escape.

Will walked down a few steps, drawing closer to the leader of the group. "I thank you for your kind invitation, gentlemen, but I am afraid we have other plans and are unable to acquiesce to your request."

"S… stay back!" the leader warned, as he pulled back the slide and cocked his semi-automatic. He pointed the barrel at Will who continued to advance down the stairs.

"Darci, get down and keep low," Will said as she started to follow him. She did as he said, crouching down on the stairs, making herself as small as possible.

"I said, stay back!"

The first shot rang out as Will reached the final step. Darci had to cover her ears as multiple gunshots echoed around the corridor. One stray bullet hit the step above her head, and she ducked down farther, squeezing her eyes shut.

She didn't realise it was over until Will grasped her arm, pulling her up. Her ears were still ringing as she stumbled forward. At the bottom of the stairs, she stopped and stared. The men all lay prone on the ground, quiet and unmoving.

"Do not worry, they will all live," Will assured her as he inched her towards the door. "Though killing them might have been the more merciful thing. I don't suppose Draken will be happy with them when he wakes up. Perhaps they'll have the sense to run when they come to."

Will yanked open the front door, and they darted out. Darci stumbled. The gravel cut into the soles of her bare feet as she ran, each step bringing fresh pain. She clenched her teeth, biting back a whimper. It was a relief when Will scooped her up into his arms, barely breaking stride as he hurried them away from the house.