Alessia's POV
“Run.”
That was the first word that came to my mind. I didn’t need to say it aloud before I moved.
I didn’t overthink. I just acted.
My feet were bare, and I didn’t care. I tiptoed across the cold stone of the balcony floor and swung my legs over the low railing. I landed on the muddy earth below and twisted my ankle. A groan rose in my throat, but I clamped a hand over my mouth to keep the sound in.
I knew I had to leave before anyone noticed I was gone.
I rolled down the slope toward the line of trees behind the mansion.
Branches tore at my clothes, and thorns bit into my skin. Finally, I slipped deep into the forest and let it swallow me whole. The mansion lights faded behind me until I couldn’t see the windows anymore.
I pushed myself up and ran until my chest bur
