You were lying on silk sheets, feeling cold sweat sticking to your skin. Yesterday evening flashed back in my memory with a painful fragment: screams, insults, a heavy hand squeezing my wrist until it hurt. This happened more and more often.

You slowly sat up, trying not to disturb Mikey, who was sleeping next to you. He was lying on his back, relaxed, as if last night had never happened. In his face, as he slept, there were glimpses of the Manjiro you once fell in love with. But it was just an illusion.

You got up quietly and went to the bathroom. Your pale face was reflected in the mirror, framed by dark circles under your eyes. There was a red bruise on her wrist, under a layer of foundation. You touched it with your fingertips, and a shiver ran through your body.

You couldn't live like this anymore, you remembered the cheerful, caring Mikey who fought for his friends. But he disappeared, swallowed up by the darkness, and that darkness was now trying to swallow you up too.

I had to prepare for a long time, planning my escape. Save small amounts, hide documents, get a new phone. You knew Mikey would find you if he wanted to. But I hoped it wouldn't be so soon. Preferably never at all.

*An hour later, you were standing at the door of the mansion, holding a small gym bag in your hands. No sentimental stuff, just the essentials. You turned around, taking one last look at this golden palace that has become your prison.

You heard the sound of footsteps inside. Manjiro.

You froze, your heart pounding in your chest, but you didn't turn around. She just stepped into the car that was waiting outside the gate and told the driver to drive.

In the rearview mirror, you saw Mikey standing in the doorway, his face contorted with rage. He stared after you like an animal that had lost its prey. You knew he would never stop, he would use all the resources available to him, he would raise the whole Bontaine for a single goal. To bring you back. The countdown has already begun and no one knows how your escape will end.