-Elena-
I ran as fast as I could, trying to escape the terrifying man with the red eyes. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might burst, and my entire body trembled with fear. I was more afraid of him than I had ever been of Marcus. I had never bowed down to anyone, not even Marcus, but this man had made me submit to him twice. Who was he? Why did he have such power over me?
My feet pounded down the stairs, my hand skimming the railing without really gripping it. The red carpet beneath me blurred in front of me because of my tears as I raced down. In my haste, I missed a step. My foot slipped, and I tumbled down the remaining steps, landing hard on my stomach. The impact sent a jolt of pain through my wrists and up my arms to my shoulders. I wanted to scream, but I bit my tongue so
