Chapter 6
381words
Ella transformed her daily courtyard privileges into reconnaissance missions. No more aimless wandering—each step measured distances, each glance tracked guard rotations and patrol patterns. She mapped the shadows, hunting for the perfect escape route.
Everything was set except one vital piece—the access code for the outer perimeter. An invisible electronic fence surrounded the compound; without the code, they'd be trapped in the restricted zone even if they fled the nest itself.
Their chance came in the dead of night.
Ella lay counting seconds, listening to Carlos's steady breathing through the wall. When the moment was right, she bolted upright and unleashed a blood-curdling scream.
"AHHH!"
The door crashed open before her scream died. Carlos burst in wearing nothing but a towel, his muscled torso still damp from the shower, trailing steam and the scent of soap.
He found her huddled at the foot of the bed, face ghost-white, body shaking violently. His brow furrowed with impatience.
Ella's performance was flawless. Knees hugged to chest, eyes vacant, she mumbled broken phrases: "No… please… the smell…" Her portrayal of nightmare-induced trauma couldn't have been more convincing.
Carlos approached, looking down at her with irritation that quickly melted into smug satisfaction at his "handiwork." He bent and gathered her trembling form into his arms.
"Only a dream," he murmured, his tone soothing but his grip possessive. He pressed her face against his chest, his heat and scent engulfing her. "Breathe me in. Nothing can hurt you here."
Ella inhaled deeply, her trembling slowly subsiding. But from where he couldn't see, her eyes remained cold as ice.
Across the compound, Lina crept into Xavier's empty study like a shadow. With practiced ease, she accessed his terminal using the password she'd memorized weeks ago, navigating to the highest security clearance screen.
A complex temporary passcode—one that reset every twelve hours—appeared on the display.
The next day, during their final courtyard meeting, they shared a single meaningful look. As Lina passed by, her finger traced a sequence of letters and numbers on Ella's palm.
The escape plan was complete.
