Chapter 94

Vlad walked into Alex’s room, interrupting his normal morning study of the Elder Tome. It had been nearly a month since Alex had seen him, and nearly four months since Vlad had hinted the escape needed to be delayed.

Anna had visited a few times, but she’d been incoherent and babbled about Devin and random things Alex hadn’t understood. He’d asked Vlad for an explanation, but all he would say was that she was entirely under Devin’s control and that Alex had to be patient.

Alex had moved beyond patience and had sunk into a deep depression. He’d spent more time staring at the book that morning than actually reading it. Why was he even still bothering to study?

“Anna is gone.”

Alex looked up. “What? What do you mean ‘gone’?”

Vlad’s face was inscrutable. “She ran away from Devin.”

Alex’s jaw dropped and he stared at Vlad, struggling to process the Elder’s words. “Ran away?” he repeated and jumped to his feet. “How? Is she safe? Where is she?” Questions shot through his head like a bullet ricocheting off steel plates.

“She had help. Yes, she is safe.” Vlad’s eyes softened. “She’s with friends.”

“Do you know where?”

Vlad didn’t answer, but strode to the window and looked out. “Our Spring Gathering is next week outside of Moscow.” He turned to look at Alex. “I, of course, must attend and will have to take much of my household with me.” He frowned. “The guards remaining are... not loyal to me.”

Alex’s heart pounded. Is this our opportunity to escape? “Oh?”

Vlad nodded. He looked like he wanted to say something, but hesitated. “Have you explored much of the house?”

Alex shook his head. “Your father kept us on a tight leash.” He motioned to the book in his lap. “And I’ve been... busy.”

Vlad allowed a smile to breach his face. “I can imagine.” He turned back to the window. “My father liked to keep things he thought could be useful. He kept them in a locked storage room under the house.” He paused. “It has a door to a tunnel that leads outside the property.”

Alex’s heart pounded even harder. “Th-that’s interesting.” He did his best to keep his voice even, though he couldn’t keep a slight tremble out of it.

“Of course, the room is guarded, but only by one man sent here by... someone else.” He turned around. “Midnight snacks are tasty, aren’t they?”

Alex nodded slowly. The room and tunnel had to be near the kitchen. His brows twitched. “It can be dangerous, wandering a house at night.”

Vlad nodded. “It can be. If you’re not careful. But rewarding as well.” His eyes turned pleading. “Sometimes someone else’s safety is worth the risk. Elder protections can only last so long against stronger men.”

Alex swallowed. He needed to be ready to go when Vlad left for the Gathering.

“We leave on Monday. I know I can trust you to... do the right thing.” He put his hands in his pockets and then drew them out again, and something hit the floor with a soft thud. “You’re a good man, Alex. I’m sorry I ever distrusted you.”

Alex nodded, hardly believing what Vlad had said. It was time. It was finally time!

Vlad walked out of the room and closed the door quietly behind him.

Alex stood for a moment, staring at the closed door and reflecting on what Vlad had said, and then stood to pick up the cloth bundle Vlad had dropped. Inside were several ancient-looking keys. He looked to the ceiling with a grateful heart, then hurried out of his room to tell the others. They had a lot to do over the next few days to be ready for Monday.