Brothers Obsession

Escape and Freedom

Every step seemed like an eternity, every flicker of a light a potential threat.

My pulse quickened as I approached the office. I opened the door to find it was deserted and empty, which calmed me slightly. We weren't out of danger yet.

Inside I closed the door, locked it and pushed the desk in front of it just in case.

Finding the hidden door became a mission in itself. I pushed and prodded various bookshelves, scanned paintings for hidden switches, and finally when I grabbed a sconce, a faint click signaled my success. The bookshelf slowly swung open to reveal a passage, just as Francis had promised. I laughed out loud in relief. So far so good.

With Alistair and Lucius in tow, I stepped into the concealed corridor. Once all of us were inside it slowly closed behind us and clicked, indicating it locked and concealed itself once again. The air was thick with history and intrigue, and I couldn't help but wonder about the secrets this hidden passage had witnessed. We journeyed deeper into the darkness, guided only by my hands on the wall. Good thing it was a straight path.

The oppressive silence and eerie darkness were only broken by the faint echo of my footsteps and the wheels of the cart. Anxiety gnawed at me with each step, still fearing the unknown that lay ahead.

As I approached the end of the passage, the soft murmur of voices and the flickering glow of light filtered through the narrow opening ahead, sent shivers down my spine. My heart pounded with apprehension. Could it be danger lying in wait?

Preparing myself for the worst, I gently pushed the brothers farther behind me, careful not to make a sound. My hand reached inside my apron, gripping the handle of the small concealed weapon I carried. My eyes darted around the corner, ready to face whatever threat awaited me.

But as I peered into the chamber beyond, my tense muscles relaxed, and relief washed over me. It was Francis, their loyal butler, standing with a group of others, their faces a mix of worry and fear. I recognized the faces of trusted allies and workers.

Tears welled in my eyes as I rushed forward, embracing Francis. The weight of the world, the fear and uncertainty that had been pressing down on me, lifted slightly more in that moment. I wasn't alone in this endeavor.

The sense of joy and gratitude was overwhelming. We were not alone in this fight, and our chances of success had just multiplied.

As I looked into his eyes, I saw a moment of bewilderment, then growing concern. "Seraphina you remembered. Ho- are you alright? I'm very glad you are alive."

Soon, the others gathered in the chamber joined our reunion, and their initial happiness gave way to confusion. Their eyes widened with shock and horror as they noticed the state I was in: my clothes torn, bloodstains on my hands, and exhaustion etched across my face. It wasn't a pretty sight, I'm sure.

Their collective gaze then shifted from me to the cart behind me.

"Wait. " One of the female maids spoke up. "Where are the Kings?"

Panic and accusations hung heavy in the air. The room buzzed with suspicion as they assumed the worst.

"Wait!" I pleaded desperately, my voice cracking with emotion. "They're right here. They're unconscious. One of the maids she- " I swallowed a lump in my throat.

Francis hadn't said a word yet which I was grateful for. He was giving me a chance to explain myself.

"I left to get wine and when I came back they were on the floor. They drank whatever she gave them." I rambled shaking and eyes watering, " They're still breathing and everything, but I think this was what she gave them."

I reached into the apron to take out the extra vial and hand it to Francis. He carefully took it and handed it to a woman behind him. She herself took it and started to examine it.

"It seems this is SweetRuby." She smelled it and poured a bit onto her hand. "It's a street drug that's used to incapacitate someone for about 24 hours. They can physically feel everything but are basically in a coma. Some use it to catch up on sleep, others to torture enemies."

"S-So theyre okay?" I asked hopeful.

The woman nodded but pocketed the vial. "It has slight side effects but I can use this to make an antidote and wake them up."

As I let out a sigh of relief, the tension in the room began to ease as Francis examined the brothers, confirming that they were indeed unharmed. The truth of my intentions sank in, and the expressions of disbelief transformed into relief and gratitude.

"Thank you for saving them lady Seraphina." Francis bowed, "I know you have a complicated history with them but these boys mean alot to me and the country. You have done us a greater service then you know."

"I couldn't just leave them behind..." I weakly smiled.

We continued on our way down the path after we got everything in order.

As we approached what seemed to be the passage's exit, our excitement was dampened by a new challenge. One of the servants peeked outside and saw a group of people, armed and menacing, looming on the other side. Panic surged through the group as they realized there was no easy way out.

Francis and the group huddled together, discussing their options, but all seemed bleak.

It was then when a brilliant idea came to me. Something that had not once came to me in this whole ordeal. I stepped forward with determination.

"I'll go back and create a distraction," I offered, knowing the risk involved. They had figured hunters were involved in the attack with how fast they found all the vampires. That means they have a way of finding who is and isn't one. It leaves it to someone who is a human, they have a better chance at hiding.

All I would have to do is go back and set fire to something, scream, or pretend I'm on their side and lead them in a different direction, I don't know. Anything would help them and give everyone a fighting chance.

But also, a big reason I wanted to be the one to go, is freedom. I can save everyone, and slip away to finally be free. No one would be there to stop me either. Alistair and Lucius are unconscious and haven't seen me since I left to get wine. No one would probably question anything since they see me as weak. They'll probably think I died.

Just thinking about this gave me excitement and desperation. I can finally have my own life.

Everyone immediately protested though, unwilling to let me sacrifice myself.

Francis, with tears welling in his eyes, shook his head. "No. Absolutely not. The last thing we need is something to happen to you. We can't lose you, Seraphina. We'll find another way." The group chimed in, echoing their fear. I internally rolled my eyes. They were probably just terrified of what would happen when the boys woke up to see I wasn't there. No one wants to be the reason their bride is dead. But that's not my problem, and I was resolute.

I took Francis' hands and looked into his eyes, my voice steady. "If I don't do this, we might all be captured or worse. I won't let that happen to you. Trust me. I have the best chance compared to any of you. All of you have families to get back to."

They were all silent. I was right and they knew it.

"But- what about-" Francis began looking at Alistair and Lucius. They were very beautiful even in their sleep, and I do admit looking at them made me hesitate slightly. But I shook the thoughts away and looked back at Francis.

"They'll understand this is for the greater good. If roles were reversed they would do the same." I smiled. The group started hushed whispers of agreement but Francis was still hesitant.

"Alright. I get it. That is what we will do. Everyone get your things ready." Francis took my hand and walked me back to the entrance of the tunnel. His hand was shaking along with mine. But I doubt it was for the same reason.

At the door he turned and grabbed my shoulders. "You do know if you die I'll have hell to pay."

"But-"

"I know. I know." He examined my eyes, "But... are you going to find us if you live?"

The look he gave told me everything he suspected. I gave him a sad smile in return.

"If you were me... would you?"

He let out a nervous chuckle and looked at the ground.

"No. But the hell you are going to pay if you live and dissappear is worse then mine. "

We both laughed and embraced each other. I felt wetness on my cheek and I realized I teared up. If I am gonna miss anyone it would definitely be him. He knows the whole story and understands me.

"Whatever happens," he pulled away and I heard a click and a door sliding open," Good Luck." He gave me one last smile.

With one last glance at Francis, I stepped out into the open.