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The clock read 11:47 PM when Violet rose upright from her bed in a manner so unsettling, it could have been mistaken for a ghost rising from its grave. Her room was quiet aside from the soft breathing of her roommates. Thank God, they were asleep already.

Violet had been close to drifting off herself, after all, it had been a stressful day. But her resolution to escape Lunaris Academy today was stronger than any temptation sleep could offer, no matter how inviting it was.

The West House was eerily quiet at this hour, which meant she had to be extremely careful as every tiny sound would be amplified. Tiptoeing like a thief at night, Violet carefully climbed down from her bed, crouching to retrieve the satchel she had tucked away under it earlier.

After the scenting incident, Violet had been so furious and embarrassed, she knew there was no way in hell she was staying at this academy.

She had taken the time to prepare carefully.

By the time her roommates returned, her plans were already in motion, and now she only waited for the perfect moment, which had finally arrived.

Opening the zipper carefully, Violet pulled out the clothes she had set aside. She quickly dressed in her all-black outfit, the purpose being to remain unseen tonight. She tightened the straps of her boots, adjusted her dark jacket, and tucked her hair into the hood.

It was time.

Violet slid her backpack over her shoulders. She had taken all the remaining money Nancy gave her, some clothes, a water bottle, and snacks. To be honest, Violet had no concrete plan yet, but she would figure it out once she got past the academy walls.

Leaving through the front entrance of the dormitory was out of the question.

The house prefect always patrolled the foyer.

Although Mary said he would turn a blind eye to where students went, Violet knew better.

He was under Asher’s jurisdiction, and she had no doubt he would report her.

She’d be caught before even reaching the doorknob.

After all, what plausible reason could she have for being outside at this time of night?

However, Violet was smart and had obtained information on the house prefect’s patrol pattern. Every half-hour, like clockwork, he passed through the main hallways and checked the side doors. That gave her about ten minutes between his rounds to escape, and she had to make every second count.

As quietly as possible, Violet slipped out of her room.

The faint creak of the door hinge made her heart leap into her throat.

She froze, glancing back at her sleeping roommates.

Their breathing remained steady. Letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, Violet stepped into the hallway, her movements as light as a whisper against the polished wooden floors.

Violet’s destination was a small window near the storage room at the back of the house. She’d tested it earlier and found it unlatched. It led to a narrow strip of grass, hidden by the thick foliage of the academy’s trees, making it the perfect spot to slip out unseen.

From there she would head directly into the ’silver glade,’ the academy’s infamous, eerie woods. Violet couldn’t leave through the school’s main gate; the guards at their booth would surely stop her.

No matter how strong Lunaris Academy’s walls were, Violet was certain she would find a weak spot and escape. Truthfully, she was scared, but if she wanted to get away from Asher, this was the risk she had to take.

Violet wasn’t even sure she was still breathing as she walked through the corridors alone. As she neared the storage room, she paused, pressing herself against the wall.

Soft, shuffling footsteps echoed faintly in the hallway behind her. The prefect. Her heart pounded as she crouched low, peeking around the corner. He strolled past, oblivious to her presence, humming a soft tune to himself.

Violet waited, muscles taut, until his footsteps faded into the distance.

Only then did she run into the storage room, with quick but careful movements.

The room smelled of dust and neglect, cluttered with old furniture and forgotten items. She didn’t spare a glance at the mess.

Her focus was solely on the small window ahead.

She pushed the window open gently, the cool night air brushing against her face, carrying the earthy scent of the gardens and the sweet promise of freedom.

Violet swung one leg over the ledge, careful not to make a sound. Her boot landed softly on the grass below, quickly followed by the other. She crouched low, then eased the window shut behind her.

The academy grounds were shrouded in darkness, with only strategically placed streetlights illuminating the paths.

However, the reality of her situation hit Violet with full force.

She was standing alone, outside, at the witching hour.

The world around her was vast and silent, and every nerve in her body was tight with fear and tension.

Only the gods know what Asher would do to her if he learns of this.

But then, this was a risk she was willing to take.

This was it.

It was now or never.

Violet began to walk, choosing to stay beneath the towering trees lining the West House.

Their dense canopy offered some protection, at least from prying eyes.

The cool air bit at her cheeks, but Violet barely noticed.

Her feet were moving quickly, and her ears strained for the slightest sound of pursuit.

Perhaps her luck was holding out, since she didn’t encounter any guards or their friendly neighbors, the wolves. As a result, she managed to make it to the woods. For once, Violet was thankful for her map, which guided her path through the darkness, showing her the route.

Although every crunch of leaves or snap of a twig made her freeze, so far things seemed to be going smoothly.

Or so she told herself.

Violet wasn’t sure when it started, but a persistent sensation of being watched crept over her. She tried to chalk it up to her nerves, yet the feeling clung to her, refusing to fade.

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Congratulations! Violet made it to the second round of the character contest. But she needs your points now more than ever to make it to number one on the second round in just a day and a few hours. Help her win the competition and get a mass release reward!