32

Thirty Two

*Freya*

"Ouch!" I silently winced as the rough fibers of the rope bit into my palms as I slowly lowered myself down the stone wall, my feet scrambling to steady themselves. The cool night air raised goosebumps on my skin and sent shivers down my spine. Or maybe that was just the adrenaline and fear coursing through my veins.

At last my boots touched the damp grass at the base of the wall. I paused for a moment, listening intently for any signs that I'd been spotted. But the only sounds were the chirping of crickets and the distant hoots of an owl. The coast was clear.

Keeping to the shadows, I darted across the moonlit lawn, my pack bouncing against my back with each step. The outer wall loomed ahead of me, an imposing barrier between me and freedom. But I'd scaled it before, and I would again.

Reaching the base of the wall, I slung my rope up and over, securing it on a sturdy branch jutting out from the top. With a grunt of effort, I heaved myself up, my muscles st