My eyes flutter open, revealing a dark gloomy alley. The rain still splashed heavily against the paving. I sit up shakily, trying to brace myself for the frigid weather.

I rub my eyes violently hoping to keep them open, where do I start? It's been so long since I've heard from him. An alarming noise from down the alley sends chills down my spine.

I desperately search the darkness for the source of the noise. Slightly afraid I pick my bag up and begin walking. Shuffling could be heard from the same spot and then footsteps following.

My heartbeat increased rapidly as I pushed myself to move faster, the footsteps matched mine. While trying to calm myself, I squint in hope to gain clarity from my surroundings.

The footsteps not only begin increasing in pace but in numbers too. Was I being followed?? Petrified, I begin running.

My body freezes as my heart pounds vigorously. A dead end! A muscular voice erupts from behind me, "A princess without a castle, pity pity" He stepped closer towards me, with footsteps emerging not far from him.

I closed my eyes and clenched my bag, praying he would dissappear. But my prayers went unheard, as a hand instantly covers my mouth while the other effortlessly lifts me off the ground.

Wielding all my energy I squirm and kick, trying to free myself. My efforts went in vain when no amount of struggle affected him. A lump forms in my throat as I'm carried of helplessly into the darkness.

Cane
I run my hands through my dishevelled hair, dark patches rest below my eyes. Each second that passes torments me, all that I can think of is losing her.

I had three years, I was ready, until all social media seemed decorated with special news "Scarlett to be wedded" Guess she gave up sooner than I thought.

The door flutters open as Chad barges in, "Di-did you see th--the" He stops from exhaustion and releases a sigh, "Phew! The news! " I shoot him a peevish frown, and turn to avoid him.

He stands up and moves closer to me, "She's missing" I instantly turn back with widened eyes,"Who?!!"

"Scarlett" He replies shakily, "The whole kingdom's unsettled! They say she's been out the entire night and hasn't returned!"

I shrill at the thought of her safety, "She's run away, last night was the last of our three years, I don't see any other way she could go missing" My tone being drab and full of dissapoinment. Chad cheers up instantly, "That's great!!"

I look up quickly with a raised eyebrow, awaiting an explanation, "I mean like, if she ran away then it means she still loves you? So that's good right?"

His words cooed slight relief and happiness, maybe he was right, she still loved me. I needed to find her.

"I need all the details Chad, I've lost her once and I can't risk it again" He nods approvingly as I leave the room. The thought of meeting her again overwhelmed me, we've both pined for this moment for years. Maybe, just maybe all those dreadful moments of suffering would be worth it.

I stop in my path feeling slightly agitated as eyes watched me steadily. Confused I carry on walking and listen carefully to the enigmatic whispers around me, Is that him? It looks like him! We need to inform the police!

Police? That didn't suit me at all, I've always been aloof, no trouble with that right? A hand grabs my shoulder and begins dragging me, "You didn't tell me she's with you" Chad whispers.

I force his hand off my arm, "Who's with me?!"
"Shhhhh! Keep walking and I'll explain" Scoffing I continue walking.

"The King's blamed her disappearance on you, you know it would help to read the news a little bit" He whispers while trying to drag me further.

We enter a narrow alley leading to my house, "Well you gotta give me some credit, I've left an impeccable impression on the guy" I smirk as he pushes me inside the house.

"This isn't the time to fool around! Guards are searching for you! If they get to you, you're dead!"

I chuckle at his reaction to such a trifling issue, "What's more important is finding her, I've been a dead man since she's left" I say while standing up. He pushes me back down, "This isn't about her Cane!! Think about yourself for a minute! The king won't spare you and no one will ever believe you! And no,you'll be a dead man once you set foot out of this house! That I assure you"

Anger radiates through me, "Did you not hear me? I said she's more important"

He grips my arms, "I am not letting you risk your life for her!"

"I'd like to see you stop me" I reply.