Chapter 11
Chapter 11: The Midnight Escape
With Victor's help, Clara escapes her locked room at midnight, but the planned distraction fails when Moretti appears. A tense confrontation ensues, and Clara finally makes Moretti read Matteo's letter. Broken by the truth, he releases Leo, but just as they prepare to leave, police sirens are heard approaching the mansion, threatening their newfound freedom.
The hours crawled by in the silent room. Clara sat on the edge of the bed, the letter from Matteo still pressed against her chest like a talisman. Every creak of the old mansion made her heart leap, but each time it was only the wind, or a guard changing posts in the corridor. She rehearsed the plan Victor had whispered through the door: at midnight, he would unlock her door and lead her to the basement where Leo was being held. A small fire in the kitchen would draw the guards away, giving them precious minutes to slip out through a hidden passage that opened into the woods.
But doubt gnawed at her. Could she trust Victor? He had been Moretti's man for years. Yet his voice had been raw with regret, his eyes wet with old sorrow. She had to believe him. Leo's life depended on it.
When the clock in the hall struck twelve, the lock clicked. The door swung open silently, and Victor stood there, a dark silhouette against the dim light. "Now," he whispered. "Follow me. Stay close and stay quiet."
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