A Step Too Far
The sun was high, casting sharp shadows over the mansion.
I had no idea he was coming.
No idea Daniel would risk everything to get me out.
Donna Perch
*whispering* You again? Ha! I knew you’d come.
Daniel Reed
*startled* What the hell are you doing here?
Donna Perch
*grinning wildly* Watching. I always watch. They can't keep me outside. I know how to get in.
Daniel Reed
*eyes narrowing* Then show me.
Donna Perch
*tilting head* Why should I help you?
Daniel Reed
*urgently* Because you’re right. The people in there? Monsters. I think you need justice.
Donna Perch
*expression shifting* You get it… *grabs his arm* Come on! I’ve done this before.
I never knew how he got past the gates.
I only knew that one moment, I was safe, and the next, he was there.
Inside. Looking at me like I was someone to be saved.
Daniel Reed
*bursting into the room* Elise!
Elise Carter
*startled* Daniel?!
My heart lurched. He was here. He had come for me. I should have been happy—should have run into his arms, just like he wanted me to.
But I didn’t move. I couldn’t.
He crossed the room in two strides and pulled me into a tight embrace.
Daniel Reed
*softly* Thank God… I thought I lost you.
He kissed me. Urgent, desperate.
Elise Carter
*stiffens* Daniel—
Daniel Reed
*gripping her wrist* Come on. We have to go.
Elise Carter
*confused* What?
Daniel Reed
*firmly* I’m getting you out of here.
Elise Carter
*pulling back* No! I—Daniel, I’m not going back. I’m staying.
Daniel Reed
*jaw tightening* Elise, don’t be ridiculous. You’re not safe here.
Elise Carter
*desperate* You don’t understand—
Daniel Reed
*snapping* I understand perfectly! They’ve brainwashed you. That’s what they do. But I won’t let them keep you!
Elise Carter
*pushing against him* They didn’t keep me, Daniel! They saved me!
Daniel Reed
*darkly* No. They took you. I saw what happened. You left with one of them, you were hurt—
Elise Carter
*shouting* Because of Father Grace! He tried to—
Daniel Reed
*shaking head* No. He wouldn’t—
Elise Carter
*voice breaking* Adrian saved me, Daniel.
Daniel Reed
*gritting teeth* No. You’re coming with me.
He drags me toward the door. I struggle, but he’s stronger.
Adrian Verlais
*coldly* Let. Her. Go.
Daniel whips around to see Adrian and Theo standing at the threshold.
Daniel Reed
*smirking* You can’t stop me. We’re outside. You can’t touch us.
Theo Laurent
*pleading* Elise… come back inside.
Elise Carter
*struggling* Let me go!
And then, Adrian stepped into the sun.
Elise Carter
*gasping* Adrian, NO!
The scent of burning flesh filled the air. Adrian’s body smoked, his skin blistered instantly.
Daniel Reed
*staggering back* What—
Adrian gripped my wrist and yanked me back into the shadow.
Adrian Verlais
*gritted teeth, barely standing* She. Stays. Here.
Elise Carter
*panicked, shaking* Oh my God—
I reach for Adrian, horrified. His skin is peeling, his breath ragged.
Adrian Verlais
*forcing a smirk* I’ll be fine.
Daniel’s face twists in disbelief.
Theo takes a step forward, a silent warning in his eyes. If Daniel stepped back into the shadow, he wouldn’t make it out.
Elise Carter
*shaking* Go.
Finally, Daniel turned, retreating through the gardens.
The moment he was gone, more figures rushed out, grabbing Adrian.
Elise Carter
*urgent* You need help!
Adrian finally sags, allowing himself to be carried back into his room.
He had stepped into the sun.
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