20. Mission failed

I ran as fast as I could, the adrenaline rush taking over my body. I was tired but I couldn't stop. Even though all I saw was tress, I had hope and hope was a very strong emotion to have.

My efforts started bearing fruit when I saw a large gate. I couldn't see the gate properly but I could tell it was made of metal. As I got closer I saw a design that almost made me want to stop.

It was a pentagram in a circle. It was similar to the one I had read in Alexander's diary. Alexander's diary! I wanted to go back and fetch it but by that time, it would be too late to come back. I knew I would have a chance the next day.

But I couldn't–wouldn't go back. Not when I could taste freedom so closely.

I ran even faster but an invisible barrier kept me away before I could get to the gate. It hit me so hard that I fell to the ground and it separated me and the gate. I got up and tried crossing again but it felt like I was walking into a brick wall.

It was painful too. On the ground was a portion of the circle. I could tell it circled the whole estate. I tried to erase it but it wouldn't erase. I walked backwards.

When I was a good distance away, I ran towards it. It hit me with so much force that it sent me flying backwards. I let out a blood-curdling scream as I anticipated the brutal fall.

When it finally came, my head hit something hard and my vision started blurring. My vision started getting dark. I struggled to open my eyes but they were heavy and my head hurt.

Finally, everything went black.

When I woke up next, I was on my bed. My head still hurt and my vision was not all that good. I looked to my side and saw someone in a white coat. I guessed that he was the doctor. Next to him was a worried-looking Athena.

Athena was worried for me? Weird. I was constantly thinking but this time, it hurt to think. Literally.

" How is she? " Athena asked. Her voice sounded so far away. I was awake but I wasn't that coherent.

My mouth was dry and my throat felt sore like somebody had rubbed it with sandpaper. It hurt to even swallow.

" She is fine. She is lucky that the blow to her head did not cause a concussion. " The doctor said.

I couldn't see properly but I saw him hand Athena a pill bottle. The doctor packed up his things and started to leave.

" Compensation will be paid to you in full before you get to your destination, " Athena closed the door behind him and turned to face me.

My heart started beating very fast. If I wanted to get out of this unscathed, I had to lie my way out. I just hoped she wouldn't catch the lie in my voice.

She propped me up and supported my back with pillows. She gave me a glass of water and I started to feel better. My throat was no longer scratchy and my mouth ceased to be dry. My vision started being clear.

" What happened, Leela? " She asked.

" I-"

" Think your words over carefully. You know better than anyone how much I hate lies. Do me a favor and don't lie to me because I will know. And if that is the case I will make you regret it. " She said.

I thought carefully about what I was going to say. I tried to calm myself to make sure my heartbeat was steady. My voice also couldn't quiver because that would sell me out. I let out a breath and looked her in the eye.

" I do not know…" I said as my voice trailed away.

She scoffed and raised an eyebrow at me. It was clear she wasn't buying it. Good, because I didn't intend for her to believe it. It is what made a lie so good. It was the unbelievable things that were the easiest to believe.

" Your outside privileges have been revoked. You will only stay in this room and your balcony will always be locked. " She said and started leaving.

" Wait! " I said and she turned to face me.

" You see, I don't know what happened. I was angry because I had been embarrassed by Katana and Kai so I went to the garden. I saw someone and they had a knife. They ran towards me and said they were going to kill me. I started running until I got somewhere and suddenly I was thrust backwards. " I said.

I knew how unbelievable it sounded but if I played my cards right, she would believe me. I had to use the knowledge of Alexander's diary. The gate, the diary, and the house were not just a big coincidence.

I was one to trust my instincts.

" Who is this person? " She asked in a way that indicated she was bored and she thought I was speaking nonsense.

" It was a woman with caramel hair and green eyes. I didn't see what she was wearing because I was scared when I saw the knife. Please, Athena, you have to protect me. Why does she want to kill me? " I said with tears in my eyes.

Athena looked shaken by what I had said even though she tried to hide it. It made me find out that she knew of Alexander's mistress. Maybe she was alive during her timeline. Vampires were immortal after all.

Her mind seemed far away as I continued to shake while crocodile tears fell down my face. Athena finally composed herself and looked at me.

" Your outside privileges have been revoked until we prove your statement is true. Although I do not see how that is possible. Take your medication after you eat. I will send someone to bring your food to you. " She said and left.

I heaved out a sigh of relief when she left. I could see it on her face. She believed what I was saying. I had to go outside or else the four walls around me would drive me mad.

I already had a task for Miriam to prove her loyalty to me. If the girl wanted to help me, the least I could do was use her.

Who was I becoming? The old me would never use anyone for my own benefit. It felt like I had another side of me.

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