Chapter 24 Attempt
Elena set the empty plate aside, her stomach only partially satisfied. The food had tasted bland, but she forced herself to finish it. She needed the energy. She needed to stay alert, strong, and ready.
Her eyes drifted toward the window once again—the only opening to the outside world. Though it was barred and old, it might still be her best chance.
She walked over to it, scanning the bolts that secured the bars into the wood. They were rusted, corroded from years of neglect. But they were still stubbornly in place.
She took the metal fork she had carefully hidden earlier and crouched beside the sill. With quick glances toward the door, she jabbed the prongs at one of the screws, trying to loosen it. The fork scraped and scratched, but the screw wouldn’t budge.
“Damn it,” she muttered under her breath.
The rust had fused the screw tightly in place. No matter how hard she twisted or pried, it refused to give.
She was still crouched when the door swung open.
She jumped and spun around, heart hammering in her chest. Her reflexes kicked in, and she quickly slid the fork into her pocket just before he entered.
It was the same man—the guard who had been delivering her meals.
He strolled in casually and glanced at the plate on the table, now empty.
“Well, well,” he said with a smirk. “Didn’t think you’d have such an appetite.”
Elena clenched her fists but forced a smile, standing slowly. Idiot. Of course I ate. I need the energy to escape you, fool.
“The food was good,” she said sweetly, keeping her tone neutral.
He gave a nod and turned back toward the door. “I’ll let the cook know. Maybe you’ll get dessert next time.”
“Wait,” she called after him.
He paused, looking over his shoulder.
“I need to use the restroom.”
He studied her for a moment, his gaze suspicious but not yet hostile. Then he tilted his head and gestured for her to follow.
“Fine. But make it quick.”
She walked behind him down a narrow hallway, her footsteps barely making a sound on the wooden floorboards. Every second was a calculation. Every breath was a chance.
He stopped in front of a door, pulled out a key, and unlocked it.
“Don’t try anything stupid,” he warned. “I’m standing right here.”
Elena nodded, stepped inside, and shut the door behind her. She quickly bolted it from the inside.
She knew she didn’t have long.
Turning on the tap slightly, she let the water run—just enough to mimic the sound of urination. Then she darted to the window, standing on the edge of the old bathtub to reach it.
It was smaller than the one in her room, but it had no bars—just a single, rusted latch.
She tried to lift it, but it creaked loudly and refused to move. Locked tight.
Still, she didn’t stop. Her fingers searched the sill, her eyes racing across every corner. There had to be another weakness. There had to be a way out.
Outside, the man was still waiting.