Snippet #1714976

Esther watched as the young butler regained consciousness before her. Once he'd gotten his bearings he'd jumped back and bowed. Even after what had happened the boy was still dutiful. Still calm. His aura made her uneasy. She didn't trust James any more than she trusted Drake or Tom. Still, even though his silence was unnerving and his gaze made her shudder, Esther was somehow glad to be in his company. Truly, it was better than being completely alone.

She watched him with eyes like a confined animal. She felt so small, so vulnerable. She wanted nothing more than to escape this terror. And here was James. Living here with Drake for God knows how long. Why? Why did he stay? It wasn't long before Esther voiced her thoughts...

"Why do you stay here?" She hurriedly whispered to him, as if Drake would reenter any moment. "You know this place well. Why can't you just leave? We could all end this right now. We could leave...right now." She'd hoped to sound confident and persuasive, but it came out as little more than a plea. Here she was practically begging for the help of a taciturn mute, knowing deep down that it was all for naught. Still, her will to live remained bright inside of her. As long as she was alive. As long as she had her soul - she wouldn't give up her will to escape.