Claudia's eyes were red, her face pale, and she gasped for breath as her struggles grew weaker. The man laughed triumphantly, releasing one hand to tug at her dress.
In a sudden burst of defiance, Claudia lifted her head and headbutted him with all her might. Taking advantage of his momentary pain as he clutched his forehead, she scrambled towards the door, screaming at the top of her lungs, "Help!"
The manor was brightly lit and bustling with activity. But inside the house, apart from the busy staff in the kitchen, the long corridors were empty. Her desperate scream echoed, disappearing without anyone hearing it.
The man, caught off guard by Claudia’s resistance, stumbled over the sofa in his path and yanked her back just as her fingers brushed the doorknob.
So close.
She was just in
