As its metallic groan echoed through the dimly lit cell, I instinctively stepped back, heart racing.

There's no way she expects me to just walk out of here. If I step into the open, I will be dead before I make it to the edge of the courtyard. I wouldn't even need to go far for that to happen.

But… I hesitated, my eyes flickering to the open door. The thought of escaping this wretched place enticed me. Freedom even for a moment seemed to be worth the risk. My heart thudded harder it's rapid beat sending fear rushing like ice through my veins.

No. I can't do it. I tried to steady myself, stepping back from the door again. I will wait. I will accept whatever fate has in store for me. Maybe, just maybe, they’d realize I wasn't guilty. Maybe they’d let me go. Or at the very least keep me alive long enough to figure out who framed me. But if I ran, if I even tried to escape, they'd believe I was the killer. They'd be right to cut me down where I stood.

Before I could debate further, a guard stepped in, his heavy boot pounding on the stone floor as his gaze swept over the room. He frowned when his eyes locked on the open door.

I could practically see the accusation forming in his mind before he spoke. “It's not what you think.” I started, but the look on his face was enough to silence me.

“You were trying to escape,” he said, his voice low and full of certainty.

“I wasn’t–” The words caught in my throat. He didn't believe me. I could see it in the hard set of his jaw.

“Then explain how this door opened,” he said, stepping closer, his eyes narrowing. His tone wasn't curious– it was a trap.

I clenched me fist. The predatory look he gave me sparked a burning annoyance in my chest. I hated it when people looked at me that way, like I was some rat caught in a cage waiting to be put down.

“I told you. I wasn't trying to escape. Look.” I spread my arms wide motioning toward the door. “The door is open. But here I am. Not running. Not fighting.”

The guard’s lips twisted into a smirk. “True.” He stepped closer. “But, it's a pity that won't change anything.”

My heart lurched. “What do you mean?”

“I've no obligation to tell you anything, but since you’ll be dead soon, why not?” He tilted his head, his smile widening. “You have been found guilty.”

“What? But I was never tried. No one–” “Doesn't matter.” He shrugged “Your execution is set for today. Public, of course”

The words hit me like a punch in the gut. “No. no. You've got the wrong person. I'm innocent!”

He paused for a moment as if considering my words before bursting into laughter. It was a deep ugly sound. “Innocent?” He shook his head. “Even if that were true, nobody cares. You are just a body to be disposed now.”

For the first time, I noticed his dressing. The badge on his chest wasn't an ordinary one. He was a head guard. He can help me.

But his casual indifference sent a surge of panic through me. “Please, I didn't–”

“I don't care.” his voice turned hard again as he stepped away from the door. “Guards.”

Two men rushed in. Their faces, expressionless as they flanked me. “Take her away.” he barked.

I backed into the corner, my body pressing against the cold stone wall, but it didn't stop them. Their hands clamped down on my arms and I struggled against their grip, desperate to break free. My resistance earned me a sharp blow to the stomach, knocking the air out of my lungs.

I fell to my knees, gasping, the world spinning as pain radiated through me. “Make this easy for yourself” the head guard snarled, looming over me. “We can either drag you to your death, or you can come quietly with us. Your choice.”

As if, I really do have a choice.

They yanked me to my feet, my legs weak, barely able to support my weight as they dragged me out of the cell. The exhaustion, both physical and emotional made it seem I was half way to the grave.

Twists and turns through the prison blurred together until we finally reached the execution grounds. The cold night air hit my skin and I blinked at the sight before me. Flames from dozens of torches illuminated the crowd that had gathered.

I swallowed, my throat dry as lump formed. The image of my uncle and his wife flashed through my mind. Their bloodied dead bodies and lifeless eyes. My heart clenched tight in my chest.

Even in death, they are determined to drag me along.

I scanned the crowd my gaze falling on familiar faces. Members of my pack stood near the back, their expressions cold and indifferent. Among them Jacob and Charlotte stood side by side, too close for my comfort. Charlotte leaned into Jacob her hand wrapped around his arm watching me from where they stood.

Jacob averted his gaze refusing to meet my eyes. Bile rose in my throat. The urge to charge at them, to tear Charlotte’s hands from him bubbled up inside me but I forced it down.

Even now, as I stood at the edge of death, they were determined to make me miserable.

I knelt on the ground, my head bowed, resigned to my fate, my wrists ached from the shackles that bound me.

All I wanted was for it to be over quickly to end this nightmare. But then a cry cut through the air.

The crowd stirred, and I lifted my head in time to see a hooded person fighting through the guards.

The executioner, startled, raised his sword up, but the attacker was quick. A swift slash with his claws to the neck sent the executioner collapsing to the ground, blood pouring from his wound.

Panic filled the crowd as they screamed fleeing in different directions, soldiers rushed forward attempting to subdue the attacker.

My heart leapt to my throat as the figure sprinted toward me. My mind screamed this was the end– that this person will finish what the executioner started. But then, strong hands gripped my arms pulling me to my feet.

“Open your eyes,” A voice I was all too familiar with commanded.

I blinked, heart stuttering, “Mascot?” He nodded quickly unlocking the chains around my wrists. I stumbled.

“Hold steady. We need to move now.”

I gasped, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions. “But… how are you alive?”

“No time for that. Let's go.” I didn't need to be told twice as the guards struggling through the crowd closed in on us. He grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards the dense brush behind the execution platform.

From the corner of my eyes, I caught Jacob staring. His face, so often expressionless colored with surprise. In that brief moment our eyes locked, I glared at him as we disappeared into the shadows.

***

We ran, the sounds of howls and frantic shouts echoed behind us but Mascot was a step ahead of me. I pushed myself harder as the forest closed in around us.

All of a sudden, Mascot stumbled, crashing to the ground. I skidded to a stop, rushing back to his side. “Mascot! Come on, we have to keep going. They are right behind us!”

He grunted, pain etched across his face. “Go. Don't worry about me. Just keep going.”

“What?” I crouched beside him, grabbing his arm. “You've saved my life twice already, I'm not leaving your side. We either escape together or die together.”

For a moment he stared at me, his expression softening. “Quickly, then. We can hide behind those trees. They’ll cover our scent.” I helped him up, my heart pounding as we hobbled towards the thick undergrowth just as the guards rushed past.

For a moment I allowed myself to breathe, relieved we hadn't been spotted. But my relief quickly faded as I glanced at Mascot. Blood stained his clothes and his body seemed to have several cuts I hadn't noticed earlier.

“Sarah told me you didn't make it.” I whispered, my voice trembling. “She said you died.”

Mascot hesitated. His expression unreadable. “There's a lot you don't know about me.” He paused scanning the area. “But now’s not the time. We need to keep moving.”

I wanted to press him. To demand answers. But he was right. We weren't safe yet.

“Thanks for saving me.” I muttered. He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.

“Let's get moving. Sarah is waiting for us.”

“Wait– how do we even know where she is?”

“Trust me.” He said, his voice tight with exhaustion. “I know where to find her.”

“Don't move.” My heart dropped.

Not him again.