Page 19 of Hell Storm

This was only the second consecutive night guards hadn’t been placed outside my door. And here I was, preparing to violate Julian’s trust already.

There was a small part of me that regretted how deeply disappointed he would be once I’d gone, once he realized I betrayed his trust.

But … there was no other way. When faced with the option to choose between staying here and returning to my team, I’d always choose my team.

My walk with Elle had given me so much hope today. It proved the palace wasn’t completely airtight like I once thought. Yes, there was likely security and obstacles I couldn’t prepare for, but I couldn’t let fear stop me. I’d never be able to live with myself if I didn’t at least try.

The hinges of my bedroom door squealed ever so slightly, and I winced, standing motionless as my heart thudded. When no one came to investigate, I was on the move again.

Tonight was all about recon. I needed to figure out how easy it would be to slip out in the middle of the night, exactly where the door to the tunnels was located, and how to navigate them. Once I had a sufficient lay of the land, so to speak, I could prepare to make the cleanest break I could manage.

If I’d been allowed to venture around the estate on my own, maneuvering through the darkness would have been much simpler. But seeing as how that hadn’t been an option, I was forced to feel my way through, praying I didn’t knock something over as I navigated.

I took the stairs slowly, feeling the smooth marble beneath my feet. The thin, white gown Elle brought tonight fluttered against my skin when I reached the bottom and gained speed. I had a general idea of where the staff kitchen was. This morning, when breakfast was served, the staff entered from the right. So, once I passed the dining room, I assumed that would mean I was close.

Crossing the foyer, I made it to the corridor and sighed. The manmade cloud canopy dissipated every evening, leaving the moon and stars exposed—if the weather permitted. However, as I observed the large window-lined passageway, I couldn’t help but to think how nice it would have been to have the natural light blacked out tonight. Outside the window was a massive courtyard that showcased evenmorewindows from other rooms in the house. This path was all that stood between me and my destination. Moonlight flooded the space and it would have been impossible to hide if someone other than me was lurking about, if Julian or one of his guests happened to peer out in this direction.

Just breathe and run for it.

The thought crossed my mind, and then I followed through seconds later.

My bare feet thudded against the tile as I raced through the corridor, only stopping when I reached the other side. With my back pressed to the wall, I breathed deep, searching the shadows.

No one.

I was still alone.

The dining room came into view and I hurried past it, knowing the kitchen couldn’t have been far. I turned the corner, unsure of what I’d find, but didn’t expect the spooky sight that stopped me dead in my tracks. I stood there, facing a brick archway that led to a room so dark I wasn’t certain the darkness wasn’t a living entity. This had to be it, and yet, I couldn’t make myself enter.

I took a hesitant step and stalled again.

You don’t have time for this, Cori. Someone could realize you’re missing and ruin everything. Time is of the essence.

Too much was riding on me getting this right, so I pushed myself forward.

The darkness engulfed me, and I was uneasy, refusing to even breathe. Instead, I found the edge of the counter and used it as my guide to walk the perimeter of the room, since turning on lights was out of the question. My feet shuffled across the floor and I kept reminding myself that I only needed to find the door.

The counter ended and I stubbed my toe on the leg of a wooden chair beside it. I held my mouth, mumbling a few choice words against my palm. At least I was positive I wouldn’t forget it was there next time.

Pushing forward again, I ran my hands over the wall, feeling for a door I knew led to freedom.

However, as I ambled through the room, I didn’t quite find what I hoped I would. Instead, my fingertips landed on a firm, bare chest.

The once dark kitchen was suddenly bathed in bright light. Squinting, I focused on the very suspicious, silver gaze that made my stomach drop. Levi tilted his head, casually lifting a glass to his lips. It was then that I realized why we met like this. I’d come in search of a door, while he’d been in search of wine.

Wearing an expression I found unnervingly difficult to read, Levi stared with a question within his gaze.

“Looking for something, Love?”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Corina

“I … I was just coming down for a glass of water,” I lied.

Levi studied my posture and expression. After several grueling, heart-pounding seconds, he aimed a lengthy finger toward the cupboard to his left. My eyes darted from him as I shuffled that way, trying to hide how my hands shook while opening the cabinet door to remove a cup.

“Thank you.”

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