A shrill scream bubbled up from my throat as we plunged downwards, my hidden fear of heights surfacing as Erik's escape-route released us into a freefall. The loud bang of the trapdoor closing removed all light just as I landed, awkwardly, on something prickly but cushy…presumably, a pile of straw. Trying to stand, a shock of pain rushed from my leg to my head, and I unconsciously cried out.

Erik's gloved hand clasped over my mouth from behind. "Shhh!" he growled lowly into my ear. Tear of pain slipped down my cheeks, and I felt his arm loosen the tight grip he had on me as I sobbed into his hand.

"I'm sorry," Erik whispered softly, moving his arms to rest on my shoulder. "But listen…"

Biting down on my lip to keep my mind off the pain in my ankle, I listened carefully, hearing only silence at first. After a few moments, I heard a faint echo of footsteps, and several snarling voices coming from above. A few moments later, I head a crash, and could smell something sickening…the smell of things burning. Erik's hands tightened on my shoulders, and I could feel his breath on the back of my neck, shallow and strained.

"Let's go," he said dryly, "While they're busy."

Stiffening my leg, I turned to him, a little surprised at how well he seemed to navigate in the darkness. He held my hand, and I was grateful that he couldn't see the small beads of nervous sweat on my brow as he led me down off the pile of cushioning. As soon as I stepped onto the floor of the path, my ankle gave and I nearly fell flat on my face, if not for the strong arms that caught me.

"The stupid fall," I moaned. "I think I broke it or something in the stupid fall from the stupid lair to the stupid…"

Erik suddenly picked me up into his arms, and my voice caught in my throat as he chuckled. "Be grateful. I don't roll in the hay with just any girl."

My heart nearly failed. "Ehhh…" I stammered idiotically, my tongue and soul doing cartwheels with my brain...all thinking modes were fried. He laughed out loud this time, a rich sound that did nothing to sooth my frazzled emotions. Wherever he was taking me, I hoped it wasn't lit well enough for him to see the permanent blush on my cheeks.

Hi! I just want to say thank you to all those who Reviewed my story. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I will update regularly. Peace! ()>