Page 16 of Ashes

Victor’s father is the head of the Santarossa family. Rodrigo is dead, so there’s only Victor.

If it’s not Victor, then it has to be one of the Santarossa men.

But how am I going to find out which one?

I don’t care if he was just following orders.

I made a promise to my brother, and I’m going to fulfill it.

Except, if I want to figure something out, I need to get out of this room. Victor won’t cooperate or help me.

I don’t even know where he is, but I’m glad he hasn’t come to see me.

There was only a woman who brought me food.

At least there’s a clock on the wall, so I know what time it is, but I don’t know if that’s going to help me.

I haven’t shattered the mirror yet. Maybe I could use a sharp piece of glass as a weapon.

But I need a better way out.

Something more permanent.

Getting out of this room isn’t going to get me far because there are too many guards everywhere. Even if I threatened the maid, I wouldn’t get far.

No, I have to come up with something better.

I stared at the clock and tilted my head.

Maybe I know exactly what I have to do.

The servants have to be working on a schedule. If I can figure out at what time someone’s supposed to bring me breakfast, lunch, or dinner, then I can come up with a plan too.

A smile spreads across my lips.

And if my plan fails, oh well.

At least I tried.

I can’t be trapped in this room or in this house.

I’m never going to be Victor’s wife.

Better dead than living like this.

Maybe Alex will forgive me, even if I fail yet again.