And they moved. Slowly. Together. The night air tasted like fear and freedom mixed. Cody watched the trees overhead. He listened to birds rustle in the branches. He smiled as if this was the first time he had ever felt alive.
Janessa felt terror and purpose and love coil together in her chest. The world ahead was unknown. The consequences unavoidable. But for the first time since she began working in that mansion, she felt like she was doing something right.
Somewhere between the last marble fountain and the first stretch of wilderness, Cody spoke again. His voice was soft but steady.
“Thank you,” he said. “For choosing me.”
Janessa swallowed the lump in her throat. “Thank you for asking me to.”
The guards were close enough now for her to hear their breathing. Still, she took one more step. Then another. Then another. Even if the whole world was after them, Cody finally felt safe. And that was enough to keep her going.
