"Cynthia, what do you think you are doing? You have cleaning that needs to be done yet here you are daydreaming out the window." I hear Lainey yell, her voice sharp and piercing. The sun streaming through the glass casts a warm glow on the cluttered room.

I sigh, trying to shake off the lingering images of a fairy tale world that seem to invade my thoughts whenever I let my guard down. But it's hard not to escape into fantasy when reality is so harsh. My stepmother may not be an evil witch, but she certainly fits the role of a cruel stepmother.

"How many times do I have to warn you Cynthia?" She screams, her voice full of venom and rage. Suddenly, her hand snaps across my face with a loud smack. Stunned, I turn my head to look at her in shock as tears spring to my eyes. Finished with the cleaning, I am once again reminded that she hates me for reasons unknown.

My eyes burn with a mix of emotions - frustration, anger, disappointment - as I try to process everything. "You're lucky you are good at what you do around here or you would be out of here in a second," my stepmother threatens, a dangerous glint in her eye. "You are on a fine line Cynthia. Do not push my buttons."

Taking a deep breath, I force myself to focus on the present moment and ignore the pain still radiating from my cheek. I made sure not to be late getting the cleaning done today, knowing that I had plans to meet Jaq and Cordelia at the Glass Slipper before work. It was our favorite spot for coffee and gossip.

As I watch my stepmother's figure grow smaller in the distance, I can't help but sneak another glance out the window. Memories of the creature I just came face to face with replay in my mind. It was a giant on two legs, covered in silky black fur that seemed to glisten like ink. Its eyes were mesmerizing pools of metallic silver, and I couldn't tear my gaze away.

I had never seen a supernatural creature in its true form before - just the humans they choose to portray themselves as. And while some may have been afraid, I found the creature beautiful. Unapologetically itself. I couldn't help but feel sorry for these beings forced to hide their true nature for fear of persecution or capture.

Lost in thought and lost in the creature's eyes, I am startled when I hear my stepmother approaching again. I didn't want it to become another addition to her collection of mythical creatures she displayed around the house. My heart aches at the thought of it being trapped and used for decoration.

Before it could get any closer, I watch as the creature scurries off into the distance on all fours. A small smile tugs at my lips, grateful that it will remain free from my stepmother's grasp. But as always, there is a twinge of sadness knowing that it will never know its own beauty and magic without risking everything.

As I hurriedly make my way to meet Jaq and Cordelia, the atmosphere at The Glass Slipper is different before the rush of customers arrives. The floors are clean, the air is quiet, a sharp contrast to the rowdy and chaotic scene that will soon take over. Stepping through the dimly lit hallway, I head towards the back room where Jaq and I wait for rooms to become available for cleaning.

"Cyndi, finally. What took you so long? We were getting worried," Jaq's voice greets me.

"I had to deal with The Lady herself," I reply.

Cordelia seems to be in better spirits today compared to yesterday. Her emerald eyes sparkle with renewed energy and a small smile graces her fair complexion.

"Feeling better, Cordelia?" I ask her.

"Yes, especially after talking with Jaq today. And I'm sorry for what my family put you through. I never knew what Duke did to you," she says softly.

"That was a long time ago, Cordelia. You were the only one who treated me with basic decency," I answer.

"We were thinking, or dreaming, you could say," Jaq chimes in.

"What do you mean?" I ask, confused by their giddy expressions.

"Well, you never wanted to leave here because you don't think you can make it on your own," Jaq begins.

"You never had anyone to have your back," Cordelia adds.

"So how about we all leave here together?" Jaq proposes.

"What?" I question, taken aback by their suggestion.

"The three of us. We would be together and we could find somewhere to live. We would protect each other," Jaq clarifies.

"Away from this hell hole that is eating away at our souls," Cordelia adds passionately.

"But what if we get caught?" I raise the obvious concern.

"We won't. We will plan it out perfectly. There will be no chance of failure," Cordelia reassures me.

"We will survive together," Jaq adds confidently.

My mind races through all the different scenarios and consequences, but I can't help but focus on the possibility of a life outside of this place, with people who care about me.

"It sounds like a good idea. But we cannot rush it, we have to make sure we plan out every detail," I state.

"Well, I already know when. We will have to use that time to plan every detail of how and where to go," Cordelia shares.

"When?" I ask, intrigued by her conviction.

"In one month is the traditional auction my mother and Duke hold. Only certain people are allowed, handpicked by mother to work the event. They have to meet her standards. I am not even allowed there and it is the one night a year you and Jaq do not have to work. Everyone will be focusing on the auction. No one will even notice us slipping away," she explains happily.

I am amazed at her determination and suddenly feel hope in my heart.

"Okay, a few days a week we will meet here before and after work to do the planning. We do not speak of it around anyone but us," I insist firmly.

We all exchange smiles, sharing the same hopeful feeling of an escape from this place. A newfound determination pulses within each of us.