He leaned into me, until his shockingly green eyes filled my wavering world. His full lips brushed mine as he commanded, “Fly, little bird.”

He released me abruptly, and I stumbled back, gasping for air. My lungs burned, and the trees swam before me. I took a stumbling step away from the monster, desperate to escape. His low laugh drew a shudder to the surface of my skin, and I lurched toward the woods.

“Four minutes and fifty-two seconds,” he prompted. “You’ll have to move faster than that, pet.”

A growl caught in my abused throat, and I kicked off the high heels that hobbled me. My fists sank into the organza skirt that hampered my movement, hiking up the material until it cascaded around my upper thighs. I didn’t have time for embarrassment to stall my flight for so much as another thundering heartbeat; I had to get away from Dante.

My feet pounded against the cold asphalt as I raced down the driveway, sticking to the smoother track for as long as possible. I’d have to veer off into the trees soon, but I would spare my tender soles for the first few minutes to put distance between myself and my insane captor. Taking to the woods would be my only option if I wanted to hide from him, but I had no idea how to get off the grounds if I strayed too far from the drive.

His laughter faded beneath the whoosh of my own panting breaths as I sprinted away from him. When the drive curved to the left, hiding me from his view, I sped right, breaking into the tree line. Slick leaves cushioned my bare feet, a small mercy that protected me from rocks that might pierce my skin.

“Nora!” Dante thundered my name from the direction of the path, and I pressed deeper into the woods, away from him. He’d started to pursue me. I would have to evade him amongst the trees and pray that I could find my way off his property somehow.

Something grasped my skirt, yanking me to a stop. I shrieked, terror spiking through me at the prospect that Dante had caught me. I stumbled and fell, the organza ripping as I tumbled into the leaves. I clamped my mouth shut, cursing myself for my scream.

“Nora.” This time, his voice was melodic, amused at my folly. He was getting closer.

I grasped my skirt and wrenched it free from the tangle of thorns that’d caught it. Some of the gossamer material remained strewn over the grasping vines, but I didn’t have time to cover my tracks; I’d already given away my location when I’d cried out, and Dante was too close.