Chapter 23: Escape 2

Words : 1330 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 23: Escape 2Ariana’s lips pressed together for an unknown reason. The chicken was finally calm, quietly pecking at the floor as if searching for something only it understood. The silence settled in, and Ariana’s body relaxed slightly with a quiet sigh of relief. ’At least, the chicken madness has stopped’ She inched forward, pressing herself against the wall as she moved away from the inner side, her steps light and cautious. If she could just make it a bit farther and dash across, she’d reach the gate faster. But as she paused and turned to run, footsteps echoed nearby. Oh heavens, she prayed inwardly. Please don’t let that be another chicken. The sound got closer. Ariana’s eyes widened further. She couldn’t believe it—those steps were louder. Her heart thundered in her chest as she spun back toward the inner wall. The chicken lifted its head and tilted it, sensing the shift. Just as it opened its beak to cluck, Ariana acted on instinct. Her hands moved quickly, grabbing the chicken and clutching it tightly to her chest. She flattened herself against the wall, praying for silence. The chicken tilted its head to one side. Ariana stared at it, eyes still wide, as if her gaze alone could silence it. It tilted its head to the other side again, watching her curiously. "Please be quiet," she whispered inwardly. "And if you stay calm, I’ll give you corn." She pressed her pointer finger to her lips again, hoping that was enough—enough to tell the chicken. Enough to hope it understood. Right? Surprisingly, the chicken went still. It didn’t make a sound. It was almost as if it had actually heard her—even though no words had left her lips. It simply stared at her, as if curious about why she was carrying it. She moved, peeping. And just as she peeked out, she realized—no one was there. Her lips parted slightly as she stepped back. But she really heard footsteps? Or was her mind playing tricks on her? At least no one was visible. So this was her chance, right? Yes, this was her chance. She needed to move fast. She had wasted enough time already—she couldn’t afford to get caught. Her eyes dropped to the chicken in her arms, and she glared at it. And then... she moved. Gently, she crouched and set the chicken down, patting its head softly. "You deserve a corn," she said to herself inwardly with a small smile. For some unknown reason, the chicken remained calm. At least it had been cooperative, which genuinely surprised her. She gave it a pointed look and waved. At least it had been a good chicken—if only for a little while. Just as she turned to leave, a tall figure stood before her. Her body froze. She stumbled back in shock, her eyes locking onto the familiar face. "Z...Zavren..." A slow smile spread across Zavren’s lips as he watched Ariana’s shocked expression. Her mouth opened, trembling slightly. ’Ho-ho-how?’ she stammered inwardly. She thought he had left—how did he know she was here? Her body trembled as Zavren chuckled—a dark, emotionless sound that echoed through the quiet garden like a forbidden spell. It was as if her fear amused him. But she had checked. She had peeked. No one had been there—so how had he gotten here? He stepped closer, and with a gentle touch, lifted her chin. A cold smile curled on his lips as he spoke: "So brave... thinking you can escape me. No matter how far you run or where you hide, I’ll always be a step behind you." His deep voice rang in her ears, laced with silk and danger. Shivers ran down her spine her head spun as she tried to think how everything had happened and what was happening... His eyes flicked toward the chicken and then back to her. She immediately shook her head, trying to act natural. Pointing at the chicken, she met his gaze, attempting to explain. "I just went for a walk, nothing more..." she thought, but how could she explain this when he didn’t understand sign language? She pressed her lips together tightly. He was silent for a moment before speaking again, voice low and measured. "Why are you out so late? What exactly were you doing?" His tone was dangerously calm like he knew the answer but still just decided to ask. "Where would you even run to if you escaped? Or..." he leaned closer, his voice dropping further, "...are you planning to sleep in the bushes tonight?" His eyes danced with mockery. Ariana’s heart sank. If she escaped—where exactly would she go? She had no relatives, and her father might disown her. Her reputation was already stained... an ex-husband and pregnant before marriage. She bit her lip softly, turning her face to the side, her lips trembling slightly as pain shot through her chest. "You’ve caused quite a problem," Zavren said quietly. "Your personal maid thought you’d gone missing. Seems you had other plans." His gaze shifted briefly to the exit gate, then back to her. He didn’t need to say more—she already understood what that meant. She trembled beneath the weight of his cold stare. The night breeze brushed against her skin, raising goosebumps. Zavren’s menacing grin widened. "I see you were trying to play ghost tonight, huh?" he said, eyes drifting down her white gown. Ariana bit her lip hard. Zavren’s sharp eyes followed the motion, watching intently as a thin trail of blood slipped from her lip—a vivid contrast to her pale skin. Then, without warning, his hand moved—wrapping around her neck as he used his wrist to tilt her chin upward, forcing her to look at him. Ariana’s eyes widened, her heartbeat erratic. The way he held her felt both possessive and threatening—it felt like both a claim and a warning. Zavren leaned in, his face mere inches from hers. His tongue slowly trailed up from her chin to just below her lips intimately. Ariana’s body shivered in response. The heat of his tongue against her cold skin sent a rush of warmth through her, igniting something forbidden beneath the surface—despite the chill of the night. "I told you, sweetheart..." he murmured, voice low and dangerous. "Bite it again, and next time, I’ll move my tongue straight to the source." Ariana’s lips parted in shock. Did he just say that?! Her entire body froze, stunned beyond belief. Without another word, Zavren slipped off his cloak and draped it over her shoulders. The warmth of it—and him—seeped into her skin. Before she could react, he scooped her effortlessly into his arms. Her breath hitched. She looked up, golden-hazel eyes wide, heart pounding, unable to read the expression on his face as usual she did not know what was going through his head. "Next time you attempt an escape," he said, jaw tightening slightly, "at least wear something thicker." Was he seriously giving her escape tips?! Her mind reeled She couldn’t understand this man—his thoughts, his calmness, his complete contradiction of everything that made sense She stared at his sharp jawline as he carried her back toward the castle. Even from this angle, he was frustratingly perfect. His intoxicating scent curled around her like a second blanket, making it impossible to focus. Her mind kept replaying his earlier words. Flustered, Ariana lifted a hand and softly smacked her forehead repeatedly, desperate to erase the memory. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. Please stop. Stop... she pleaded silently to herself. Zavren suddenly paused. She looked up—only to find his eyes already watching her. Oh heavens... Her blush deepened. He must think she was insane. And yet—how was he so calm after what he just did? After that... that tongue thing?! Then he spoke, voice barely above a whisper. "Tomorrow night..." he paused, locking his storm-grey eyes with hers. His voice, smooth and dangerously silk, wrapped around her like a vow. "...We will be getting married."

Chapter 23: Escape 2

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