The Duke's Passion

As I went closer to the east wing, the halls had become bleak. The further I went, the lesser the sconce that usually gave the hallway's light. Hence, the pathways grew darker as I moved forward.

But that didn't stop me from running. Even when my hurried footsteps echoed in my ear, I didn't stop.

The image of Rufus as he hurriedly walked away told me something was very wrong. What could have happened to Sam? Did he have a confrontation with the fifth prince?

Cold sweats broke out from my back as my lungs constricted. I'd been running laps, but with this worry in my heart, I felt restive. My breathing ragged as my throat felt parched.

Why was this castle so uselessly huge? I gritted my teeth, annoyed that even with my speed, it took me awhile. 

As I turned into a corridor, I gradually halted. There's only a single candelabra that was lightened up. If not for the moon radiating through the large windows, I wouldn't be able to see.

'I can move with this dim light.' I nodded encouragingly.

I refrained myself from sprinting through the hallway. I could barely see and I might bump into something and end up injuring myself.

Therefore, with that thought in mind, I went forth cautiously. My speed was neither too slow nor too fast. 

Still, under this smothering silence, I could hear each of my steps. Every step felt heavy and intense in my ears. Even my breathing sounded so loud.

Goodness… 

My heart pounded against my chest. Surprisingly enough, it wasn't racing. But it was beating with great impact, it was affecting my breathing.

'Ominous…' I whispered internally.

This reminded me of that dreading night; the night Sam intruded on my shack. It felt terrifyingly similar. 

The only difference was that I'm a bit more daring now. Instead of running away from trouble, I focused on passing through this seemingly endless hallway.

I never noticed how huge this castle was. Only now, while walking in this darkness, filled with sinister, disturbing air, I realized how frustratingly huge this manor.

'It's alright, Lil. It's alright.' I chanted inwardly, stabilizing my breathing.

However, just as I was in the middle of the hallway, I carefully halted. When I took another step, I heard another footstep going forward.

As soon as I recognized I was not alone, I breathed out through my mouth. My hand slowly curled into a tight fist as I took another step forward.

Just as I did, I heard another footstep coming from behind me. Hence, without thinking twice, I turned around.

Alas... there's no one.

"Did I imagine that?" I mumbled, as I bit my lower lip. 'Maybe I'm being too cautious?'

A sigh of relief slipped past my lips. I then turned around and continued to stride forth.

Again, as I walked, I could hear someone else footsteps. I tried to ignore it at first, blaming my imagination.

But that wasn't the case. I'm not the only one walking through this hallway.

Slowly, I paused in my tracks, in front of the closed window. The footstep also stopped.

I glanced at the window. My shoulders instantly stiffened as a chill ran down my spine. My heart that was beating loudly dropped to my stomach.

Someone… was behind me. I could see its reflection from the window. 

My lips parted, but no words came out. My lower lip trembling in fear. What an horrifying situation.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. If this person behind me wanted to kill me, he had done it already. But he didn't. I'm certain he needed something first.

"Who…" I instantly turned around and trailed off. Where did he go?

My brows furrowed, bewildered. I'm certain I saw the reflection from the window. I glanced at the window and to my surprised; he was behind me again.

He was toying with me.

He's agile. How could he go behind me without being noticed? He didn't even make a sound, as if his steps were as light as a feather.

"What do you…" Again, I turned around, and he's gone. I gritted my teeth in frustration. 

But before I could check if he was behind me again, through the mirror, I jolted.

"Boo!" 

Immediately, I jolted away, tripping over as I plopped down on the carpet.

"Ah!" Fortunately, I used my palm so to lessen the impact on my buttocks. 

"Sam!" As soon as I got a hold of myself, I raised my glaring eyes and shot him a look.

Sam chuckled as he squatted down in front of me. "What are you doing, silly?"

He nearly gave me a heart attack. And yet, he was smiling from ear to ear. Still, I heaved a sigh of relief at seeing he was fine, though.

"You nearly gave me a heart attack! Why would you do that?" I complained, almost barking at him.

"Haha! I'm sorry it's just so fun to tease you." He giggled, slapping the floor lightly. "I thought you'd run away, but you'd actually confront me. Ahh…! That's worth it."

Goodness. I shook my head lightly. He really enjoyed that stunt, huh?

I clicked my tongue as I watched him have a merry laugh.

"It's not funny. I was worried for you." I looked away, biting my inner lip.

Who wouldn't get frustrated? I rushed in here, thinking he was in danger. Yet, he pulled a prank on me.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry~!" He apologized in between his light chuckles, waving at me. His order hand wiping the tears from the corner of his eyes.

However, I immediately caught something in his hand. Without thinking twice, I grabbed his hand in the air. 

Blood.

His hand was drenched with fresh blood, as if he had dipped it in a tub of blood. My eyes went wide as I met his gaze.

"Oh!" Taking notice of the worry in my eyes, Sam grinned. "Don't worry. It's not someone else's blood."

He reassured. Was he thinking I was thinking it was the fifth prince's blood?

I didn't speak, but gazed at his sleeve. His sleeves weren't ripped or did it show any signs he came out from a confrontation. 

To make sure of my conclusion, I pulled his sleeve up to his elbow. Even with just the faint light from the moon filtering through the window, I could see his mangled arm.

As soon as I laid my eyes on it, I raised my eyes. They're glinting as I ground my teeth.

"It's not someone else's blood, but yours? Did you think that will make me less worried? Are you out of your mind?" Before I knew it, I was already yelling at him.