Gratefully, Lainey and Duke had urgent business to attend to in town and took Doretha with them. I let out a sigh of relief as I watched their car disappear down the dusty road. 

For now, I didn't have to deal with their constant bickering and criticizing. As I went about my daily chores, everything seemed to flow smoothly without any issues arising.

But then, those piercing grey eyes of his popped into my mind once again. The way they seemed to see right through me, but also hold a gentle warmth at the same time. He had come to my rescue not once, but twice now. He was like my own personal hero, always appearing just when I needed him most.

Lost in my thoughts, I continued to sweep the floor while letting the music playing on the radio wash over me. It was as if I was gliding along the floor, carried away by the soft melody.

 But even in this peaceful state, I couldn't help but wonder how someone could be made so perfectly. His face was pure beauty, every feature carefully crafted with precision. It was as if he had been handmade by a god himself.

My mind drifted back to the moment he sank his teeth into my skin. It had been a small stabbing pain at first, but it quickly turned into a blissful sensation that left me breathless. How anyone could make me feel such pleasure and pain simultaneously was beyond my understanding.

A soft voice interrupts my daydreaming, pulling me back to reality.

"Jaq, what are you doing here? And why is Brick with you?" I ask, surprised to see the vampire we had met a couple nights ago in the foyer.

"Cordelia invited us," Jaq responds casually, as if that explains everything.

Cordelia appears in the room, causing my confusion to deepen.

"Cordelia, why is Brick here?" I ask pointedly.

"Well, I figured we could use some muscle for this plan and I trust Brick," she replies, but something doesn't quite add up.

I stare at her expectantly, waiting for a full explanation.

"Fine, stop looking at me like that. He overheard me and I thought it would be helpful to have a vampire on our side. Plus, who wants to escape more than supernaturals?" Cordelia rambles nervously.

"Okay, but no one else is to know about this unless we all discuss and agree first," I state firmly.

"Fine, sorry," Cordelia says with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"It's okay, Cora," I reassure her. It wasn't anger towards her, just concern for our safety.

She gives me a grateful smile and we retreat to my room to talk.

"This is your room?" Brick questions, looking around with surprise.

"Yes. Are you surprised?" I ask dryly.

"I don't mean any disrespect. We have much better rooms than this. And aren't you their daughter?" he asks, trying to make sense of the situation.

"No!" I snap back. "I am their stepdaughter. Legally, they are nothing more than strangers to me."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize they treated their own this way," Brick says apologetically.

"It's fine. Let's focus on our plan now," I say, wanting to move on from the uncomfortable topic.

"As Cordelia mentioned, in one month is the annual auction. That means less security for us," Jaq begins.

"We have to plan our escape route and also be prepared for the journey ahead," I add.

"First, let's plan for the aftermath. We can figure out the escape later. Let's get the simpler things out of the way first," Cordelia suggests.

"We should pack a backpack for each of us with absolute necessities," I suggest.

"Yeah, a change of clothes, food and water, and maybe some blankets for warmth at night," Jaq chimes in.

"We can sneak some extra supplies from The Glass Slipper where Cynthia and Jaq work," I offer.

"I have some cash saved up from my weekly allowance. It's around fifteen hundred dollars," Cordelia adds.

"That's more than enough. It can help us survive until we find a place to settle down," Jaq says confidently.

"I think heading North would be our best bet," I suggest.

"That's what I thought too. You know me so well," Jaq teases, giving me a friendly nudge.

"Now let's focus on the big plan: escaping this hellhole" I say determinedly.

"The auction starts at midnight but preparations begin at ten. That's when most of the workers will be occupied in the ballroom. The Glass Slipper will be empty until midnight when they come downstairs to collect a few prisoners," Jaq explains.

"So around eleven would be our best time to escape. It'll be quiet then. And we can hide our bags in Cynthia and Jaq's workroom for easy access," Cordelia adds.

"Over the next few weeks, we'll also need to plan our exit route and find the safest way to go," I state firmly as we huddle together, forming our escape plan while trying to remain hopeful for our future.

Jaq's question catches me off guard and I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I take a deep breath before recounting the last couple of days and my encounters with the elusive mystery man. 

My smile widens with each word as I talk about him, unable to hide the fondness in my voice. But then I remember the creature I saw outside my window yesterday.

"Wait, let me get this straight. You saw a huge beast staring at you from outside your window and instead of running away, you decided to get a closer look?" Jaq questions incredulously.

"Yes, but he's not a beast. I don't know what he is, but he seemed kind," I answer defensively. Jaq and Brick exchange a skeptical look, making it clear that they think I've lost my mind.

"There's more to all of us than what meets the eye," I retort, feeling slightly annoyed.

"You're seriously not questioning the fact that he murdered someone and you helped cover it up?" Cordelia interjects, her voice full of panic.

I fall silent, unsure of how to respond. Cordelia has a point, but I can't bring myself to believe that the mystery man is capable of harm.

"What if he's not who you think he is? I don't want you to get hurt," Cordelia continues, her voice filled with genuine concern.

I give her a tight hug, grateful for her caring nature.

"Let's focus on getting out of here before they return," I say, changing the subject. 

But deep down, my mind is racing with worries about the mystery man and his intentions. What if he does pose a threat? As we begin to make our way out of the building, my mind is filled with anxious thoughts. 

All I want is some peace and quiet before heading into work tonight. My head begins to ache and I desperately need some time to relax and clear my mind.