It took a few tiring days of eating herbs and picking metal splinters from her fingers for Irina to recover, or at least move around the room. Her side hurt a bit and bending was arduous, but she was eager to leave.

At breakfast, she informed Heisenberg of her condition and he left to fetch something from another room; something he claimed was important. As she waited, she thought about the village; about the sunshine, and how much she missed its warm rays on her skin.

Irina had no reason to thank Heisenberg, but she was at least grateful that he had spared her from death. Albeit, he could have done more to help her recover faster than keep her locked up as he did. Resting on the floor and eating nothing but plums and walnuts were driving her insane. What she'd give to have a proper meal. Or a warm bath.

Hearing the door latch click, she stood with a grunt, faint smile on her face.

It took him long enough.

Heisenberg came for her, entering the room and shoving a creased scrap of paper into her hand.

"These are some of the items I need for a new project I'm working on," he explained with a grin, seeing her keen expression.

Irina glanced over the list. What the hell was a reactor vent? She gave him a heated glare.

"I don't even know what some of these items are," she declared.

Heisenberg grinned. "Figure it out."

That helps, she thought with a sigh.

Pocketing the list, Irina hummed.

She was eager to leave the cramped quarters. Her eyes glanced around in wonder. This was his room, wasn't it? At least that's what he told her the previous day as he brought her lunch. How did he even sleep in here? It was gross.

"Don't even think about it," Heisenberg ordered unexpectedly.

She widened her eyes in surprise. "Think about what?"

About how dirty his room was? What did he even mean?

He came closer and leaned down, breath touching her face. "About running. There's no place in this damn village you could run to that I wouldn't find you."

"I know that," Irina mentioned with a scowl. "And to be clear, I wasn't thinking about running."

She knew better than to run. At least doing as he asked would ensure that she stay alive for a while longer; at least until she could figure out a way to earn enough money to leave the village.

He poked her nose with his finger and laughed. "That's what I like to hear. Be a good girl for me."

Her face warmed up in embarrassment.

A good girl?

Heisenberg snorted at her confused expression and motioned for her to follow him. She did so immediately, tossing her bag over her shoulder. He led her back to the lift and took her to the first floor through a room with brick walls and winding passages. A large aircraft engine laid in the corner of the room next to a portable welder and an empty chair.

Was this the project he was keen on finishing? What did he need an aircraft engine for?

Irina ignored it, as the room was the least of her worries. She was excited to be leaving but her heart was in despair. Never in a million years would she have been able to escape the factory without Heisenberg guiding her. There was no hope. It was one big maze of monsters and god knows what else.

Pouting, she followed him through what appeared to be the cargo bay and into another small lift that took them to the upper floor. Her mood changed upon reaching the top. The lift had taken her to the area she first started in when she entered the factory. Hell, the front door was wide open; sunlight poured in as it welcomed her.

Irina was thrilled.

She darted past Heisenberg with a grin and sighed when the light touched her skin. However, he grabbed her arm and yanked her back into the darkness, turning her and clutching her face.

"Don't you dare fuck me over," he sneered.

Irina grunted, muttering that she wouldn't.

He released her, watching as she rubbed her sore jaw.

"You have a day," he ordered. "Bring me what you can."

She nodded in agreement.

Once Heisenberg motioned for her to leave, she turned and ambled down the path towards the gate. Her heart pounded in her chest. She was free. However, her thoughts made her stomach churn in dread. What if he changed his mind? Perhaps he got off on giving people hope, taking it away once freedom was within their grasp.

Irina took a deep breath. He said he needed her. Did he though?

Her eyes widened in horror. She noticed that the gate wasn't open. Why wasn't it open? She rushed to it, fearing that any second, he'd appear behind her and crush her with the sledgehammer. But, before she went into a panic, the latch popped and the gate opened.

Irina fled, never looking back. She retraced her steps, passing over the stone bridge and through the area with the giants. Once she passed through his gate, she wedged it open and returned to the altar area. The Duke was gone, however.

He must have thought she was killed and moved on. Irina was disappointed. She had so much to ask him. Perhaps the next time she saw him, she'd get the chance.

Returning to the village, she noticed that no one was outdoors, as far as she could see. Where were they? Irina ignored the nagging suspicion in her gut and made a beeline for her house. Maybe the villagers were indoors; it was early for most people, even for her.

She had been away from her home for what felt like so long; her poor horses were most likely starving. Irina hoped that Elena or Luiza had come by, noticing she had not been home, and took care of them in her absence. Checking on them, before going inside, she stood at the barn door in shock and confusion.

Where were the horses?

A note pinned to the wall caught her attention. It read: come see me when you return – Luiza.

Thank Miranda they were safe.

Irina retired to her room; too tired and too overwhelmed to eat or bathe. All she had in the cabinet was a jar of plums and a sack of flour; not much to satisfy her hunger. Lying down on her bed, the stress of the last few days caught up with her, and tears poured down her face.

Heisenberg gave her a day; she'd run his errand tomorrow.

Burying her heated face into the feather-filled pillow she wept until she fell asleep.