She slowly turned toward the door and opened it carefully, making no sound. The hallway was empty, except for a single soldier standing with his back to her, talking on the phone. His voice was low, and the words he spoke made her hesitate.
— How are you? Are you okay?
A brief pause.
— Yeah, I’m fine. The doctors took care of me.
Another pause. His voice became more emotional.
— How’s Samantha? Did the birth go well?
Astra held her breath. She felt she shouldn’t be listening to this conversation, but at the same time, the soldier was the only obstacle between her and freedom.
— She’s sleeping. She’s excited to see her father.
The man let out a heavy sigh, pain clearly present in his voice.
— I know... I’m sorry I can’t be with you right now.
— It’s okay. We understand, replied the female voice on the other end.
That moment of vulnerability gave Astra the perfect chance. She slipped along the wall, stepping lightly, barely touching the floor. Heart pounding, she reached the stairs and hurried down, feeling like she was escaping an invisible trap.
Finally, she made it outside the castle. The night air hit her like a cold wave, filling her lungs. She took a deep breath and looked around, trying to figure out where to go.
But a voice froze her blood.
— Out for a midnight stroll?
Astra flinched and looked up. On a balcony above, Arthur leaned against the railing, staring at the sky. He looked relaxed, but his tone had a hint of irony.
Before she could respond, the castle door slammed behind her, and the soldier came rushing out.
— Hey, you! Get back inside, you’re going to get me in trouble!
Astra stepped back, feeling cornered. But to her surprise, Arthur stepped in.
— Marcus!
The soldier stopped in his tracks.
— Oh, sir? I’m sorry, I was just...
— Marcus!!! Arthur said again, more firmly.
— I-I had a really important call, one that couldn’t wait!
— MARCUS!!!
Arthur’s voice turned cold as steel. The soldier swallowed hard and looked down.
— Yes... my apologies, sir...
Arthur sighed and looked up at the sky, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
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— You seem stressed. I think you could use a few days off. I’ll take it from here.
— What?! Marcus stammered.
— I just realized I’ve been overworking you lately. You deserve some time with your family.
Marcus didn’t know how to react. His eyes welled up with tears.
— Thank you, sir! he said, bowing deeply before quickly leaving.
— Oh, and one more thing, Marcus, Arthur added with a kind smile. Send my best to Adriana and Samantha.
Marcus froze, took a deep breath, and replied with a trembling voice:
— Thank you very much, sir...
Astra watched the entire scene in silence, surprised. Arthur wasn’t just a commanding leader, he was someone who understood people. And for the first time, she began to doubt her decision to run.
Arthur gently jumped down from the balcony, landing near her.
— Come, I want to show you something, he said.
Astra didn’t move.
— Come on, I’m not going to hurt you, Arthur insisted.
She looked at him hesitantly, but eventually followed.
They reached a high hill, the city below stretched out like a glowing tapestry. Arthur sat on a bench. Astra remained standing, looking around in awe.
— What a peaceful city… she murmured.
— It is, Arthur replied, also gazing out. But it wasn’t always like this.
For a moment, his eyes drifted into the past. He saw fragments of memory shadows from childhood, a bed he used to hide under, his mother’s screams, his father’s blood splattered across the floor. A knife on the ground... his trembling hands... his brother’s tear-stained face... and their home engulfed in flames.
Then, suddenly, a soft voice snapped him back to reality.
— Excuse me?
— My name is Astra.
Arthur smiled gently.
— Nice to meet you, Astra. I’m Arthur. So... what were those creatures chasing you?
Astra lowered her gaze, her hands tightening in her lap.
— They... were my family. I ran away from home.
Arthur looked surprised.
— Your family? But you don’t really look alike.
— They were part of my adoptive family. A big one.
— I see... but why did you run away?
Astra said nothing.
— Well, you can stay here as long as you want. Nothing will happen to you in this place.
Astra gave him a grateful look, but exhaustion crept over her. She let herself slowly lean back.
Astra felt her eyelids growing heavy. Without realizing it, she rested her head on Arthur’s shoulder. He flinched slightly, surprised by the unconscious gesture, but said nothing. He looked down at her tired face and noticed the calmness that had taken over her.
Her breathing had become steady, her expression serene. Arthur realized she had fallen asleep.
He stared at the starlit sky for a few moments, then sighed softly and ran a hand through his hair.
— So... this is Astra, he murmured to himself.
He raised his hand, unsure what to do. He hesitated, then let his arm fall back down, thinking it wasn’t his place to disturb her sleep.
But he couldn’t leave her there.
Arthur stood slowly from the bench, careful not to wake her, and gently lifted her in his arms. Astra stirred slightly but didn’t wake up.
— You really sleep like a rock... Arthur whispered, glancing at her peaceful face.
He turned and walked back down the hill toward the castle. The city lights shimmered in the distance, the night breeze rustling his hair.
When he arrived, Vincent was already waiting at the door. He raised an eyebrow at the sight of Astra in Arthur’s arms but said nothing.
— Prepare her bed, Arthur ordered, and Vincent nodded, opening the guest room door.
Arthur laid her down gently, adjusting the pillow beneath her head. He looked at her for a moment, then tilted his head back and sighed.
— Tomorrow, we need to learn more about her... he said quietly.
He turned to Vincent.
— Make sure she doesn’t leave again. Post someone to guard the door, but tell them not to enter the room.
— Of course, sir.
Arthur took one last look at Astra, then left the room and closed the door behind him.
