NORA
My stepfather stood before me, frozen in disbelief. His eyes widened as they met mine, recognition flickering in them. I turned away, my heart pounding in my chest. Without a second thought, I bolted away, desperate to escape the impending confrontation.
As I raced through the yard, my guard, assigned to follow me at a distance, struggled to keep up with my frantic pace. I maneuvered through the garden, ducking over a bench, in a desperate bid to reach the safety of the outside world.
Adrenaline coursed through my veins, numbing the pain in my legs as I pushed myself to run faster. I could hear footsteps behind me, but they were fading into the background. The guard was losing ground, unable to match my speed and determination.
With every stride, I felt a mix of fear and determina
