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“Damn,” I mutter, pushing myself up from the tangled sheets. I need to clear my head, to find some solace amidst the chaos that surrounds me. My sister’s grave calls to me, a promise of tranquility and understanding. Yes, that’s what I need—a run and a visit to her resting place.
I slip out of bed, pulling on my running attire quietly so as not to disturb anyone. As I lace up my shoes, my fingers tremble with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. I tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear, my emerald eyes glistening with determination in the dim light.
“Annalise?” A faint voice reaches my ears, startling me.
“Who’s there?” I call out, my heart racing.
“Sorry, it’s just me, Cassius,” he replies, his voice soft and concerned. “Can’t sleep either?”
“No,” I admit, swallowing hard. “There’s just too much going on in my head.”
“Understandable,” he says, stepping closer, his blue eyes full of empathy. “Did you want to talk about it?”
“Not tonight,” I sigh, shaking my head. “I need to do something to clear my mind. I’m going for a run.”
“Be careful,” he warns, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You know how dangerous the streets can be at night.”
“Trust me, I can handle myself.” I flash him a small smile before slipping past him and out the door.
As I jog through the quiet streets, the night air cool against my skin, I can’t help but feel a surge of power coursing through me. If I accept Nikhil’s proposal, I would become a true Volkov, bound by blood and loyalty to this powerful family. But at what cost?
My thoughts drift to Damian as I run. His brooding presence and protective nature have always been a source of comfort to me, even when he’s infuriatingly stubborn. Yet, his recent confrontation with Cassius has left me shaken, uncertain of where I stand with him.
“Come on, Annalise,” I whisper to myself, quickening my pace. “You need to focus.”
Finally, after four miles of pushing myself to my limits, I reach the cemetery. The wrought-iron gates creak open as I enter, and the familiar rows of headstones offer a sense of peace I’ve been craving. My heart pounds in my chest, both from exertion and the uncertainty that plagues me.
“Hey, sis,” I say softly as I collapse beside her grave, my breath ragged and labored. “I could really use your guidance right now.”
The moon casts an eerie glow through the sheer curtains, illuminating my bedroom as I change into a pair of leggings and a sports bra. With every movement, I feel the weight of my decisions bearing down on me, tightening like a vise around my chest. I need to clear my head before I suffocate beneath it all.
“Focus, Annalise,” I whisper to myself, pulling my long brown hair into a high ponytail. “You can do this.”
I pad silently through the darkened hallway, my bare feet whispering against the hardwood floor. As I near the kitchen, the familiar scent of cleaning supplies wafts toward me, mingling with the faint aroma of coffee.
“Portia?” I call softly, not wanting to startle her.
“Annalise!” Portia exclaims, turning from the sink where she’s scrubbing a pot. She wipes her hands on a dish towel, her eyes wide with surprise. “What are you doing up so late?”
“Couldn’t sleep,” I admit, leaning against the doorframe. “Thought I’d go for a run and visit my sister’s grave. You know, clear my head a bit.”
“Ah, I see.” Portia frowns, concern etching lines across her otherwise youthful face. “Is everything alright? Did something happen with Damian and Cassius?”
I hesitate for a moment, my thoughts threatening to spiral out of control once more. But instead of speaking the words that have been haunting me, I offer her a small smile. “Just normal family drama, I suppose.”
“Very well,” she says, though I can tell she isn’t entirely convinced. “Would you like me to pack you a snack for your run? Something to keep your energy up?”
“Thank you, Portia, but no,” I reply gently, pushing away from the doorframe. “I’ll be fine.”
“Alright, if you’re sure,” she says, her eyes searching mine for any signs of doubt. “Be careful out there.”
“Always.” I give her a reassuring smile before slipping out the front door and into the night.
As the cool breeze grazes my skin, I take a deep breath, savoring the freedom that comes with each step forward. I push myself to run faster, harder, desperate to outrun the turmoil raging within.
The moonlight casts a haunting glow over the estate as I approach the gates, my heart pounding with each step. The wrought-iron bars loom before me like the cage I’m determined to escape.
“Miss Tryst.” A gruff voice interrupts my thoughts. A burly guard steps out from the shadows, his arms crossed over his chest. “I can’t let you leave without someone accompanying you.”
