Thread: Shades of Gray

They ran for a while before finally stopping, Caroline slumped against a tree as she tried her best to breathe. The gag made it harder as her saliva pooled against the material. The air was cold and damp, forcing her lungs to work harder than if the weather had been a bit more pleasant. Oh, she was ready to collapse. She could go no further. Not, at least, until she was able to rest a little. As Caroline leaned against the tree, she noticed her captor had stopped with her. He too was catching his breath. Suddenly, he looked over at her, his hood back and eyes locked to hers. As she peered into his eyes, she felt a strange connection. One she couldnt begin to explain. In that moment, she knew they were one in the same, not so different as it might appear on the outside. Suddenly, a surge of adrenaline flowed through her blood. Her body tingling with awareness at the peculiar bond she felt with this man shed just helped. This murderer. Finally, the man opened his mouth and began to speak as he freed Caroline from the bonds. As he spoke, she felt her heart stop, her lungs ceasing to function. Her voice was totally lost as he stated his thanks and told her that she was free to go. But where to go? That was the question and she had no answer. There was no one she could turn to. Not a soul. All would send her home, fetch her father, bring her to Lord Benjamin Longley. All unacceptable. Oh, what had she done? What had she been thinking? Just then, Caroline felt her cool blue eyes prickle and sting. Tears were welling up within and threatening to spill along her pale cheeks. Terror and panic were starting to consume her, swallowing her whole as it caressed her flesh with malicious intent. At that, her teeth began to chatter while her body shook violently. She had no where to go. Nothing on her person. She hadnt been raised to fend for herself. She was a lady of status and station. Now, she had nothing. Furiously, Caroline wiped at the tears that finally began to fall. Shaking with silent sobs, her mind began to swirl with desperation. The man had said theyd think her dead within the week. That hed have killed her. Perhaps Sir, wait! Wait! Caroline called out. Despite the burn in her lungs, the ache of her body, she ran after the man whod only moments ago whisked her away from her estate, the future she wished to leave behind and forget. Please, dont leave me here, sir. I Ive nowhere to go. I She lost it in that dreadful moment, the one where shed realized just how much shed altered her life in that decision shed made in her fathers bed chamber. As she caught up to the robed man, she felt her cheeks flush and it wasnt from the exertion of her run. No. It was a mix of fear, embarrassment, admission that shed traversed a path she hadnt anticipated. Please, sir. Again, I ask I beg of you. Please, take me with you. Caroline had all she could do to refrain from bring her hands to her face. She could feel her hot tears streaming along her cheeks. But she couldnt move now. She wouldnt. If she did, she would break, shed lose her resolve. No. She couldnt afford to do that now. Not when her life, her future was at stake. Oh, she hoped this man would help her further. Would he dare? If you do, sir, I will help you however Im able. I will owe you that much if you will take it upon yourself to look after me. Please, sir. Carolines eyes found the mans once more despite the darkness surrounding them. Peering hard into his eyes, searching for his soul, she whispered, Please, sir. Please, look after me.