Greenhouse
I stumbled down the stairs before my eyes could adjust to the dark.
Gabriel and I kept running, down the gravel path, away from Acqua Manor, away from everyone most especially Reinesse.
Gabriel had politely excused ourselves and told his father that we were going somewhere but he didn't elaborate where specifically.
From the way, Reinesse had made a slight noise in her throat and the look of bitterness in her beautiful face, I just knew that she was dying of jealousy.
The path wound on and on as we snaked through unkempt fields and groves of uncultivated trees, wild with brambles and bushes. Gabriel held my hand to prevent me from stumbling in the dark.
I didn't care where Gabriel would lead me, as long as it was away from everyone.
"Wait. Gabriel. Can we just rest for a while?" I stopped and bent over, hands on knees, and my chest almost exploding. My legs were rubber. "I had a hard time keeping up."