Darren's POV
We talked into the night, Victoria's head against my chest. Janet had excused herself to the room opposite Victoria's. Since Aleesha wasn't needed, she left to join the preparations for the dinner party. Minutes past 9 pm, Victoria had fallen asleep. Carefully, I left the bed and moved out of the room, shutting the door as silently as possible. I walked down the hallway, passing a few maids and guards who were setting things up in the hall. I whizzed through the front doors, rushing towards the woods that bordered the ocean.
I stood, watching the waves hit the shore. The sound of crashing waves was comforting. The wind that tussled my hair was cold and salty. The moon overhead made the atmosphere seem otherworldly. Like an artist's masterpiece had been pulled off the canvas and brought to life before me.
I heard soft footsteps, clicking heels that managed to stay steady while walking on jagged rocks and wet sand.
