*Ember*

Aside from the library, the garden was my favorite part of the manor.

Though Alec had given me permission to explore the village on my own, I hadn’t been able to bring myself to leave yet. I told myself that it was because I would only get one chance at escaping, that I had to be absolutely sure that I could get away. If I ran away and was caught, I knew there would be serious consequences.

That’s the excuse I told myself, at least, as I enjoyed ...