A/N: Hello all Thanks for clicking on this... This is the first draft of a WIP called Fleeing the Night. This first chapter centers on the first of three main characters, Layla. The second will feature Myles, and finally, the all-mysterious Skylar (or Sky as he is known). Any comments to this are welcome, and I promise I'll have the second chapter up as soon as I can. Don't forget to review!! Thanks!

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“...And maybe someday you’ll know the truth.”

Footsteps from the hall startled me, and I slammed the book shut, frantically trying to hide it. It was no use.

“Layla!” my father shouted. “I...” He glanced suddenly at the book in my hands. “What’s that?”

“Nothing,” I replied, trying to shove it under the covers of my bed. Too late...

“What is it? Is that a book?” he demanded.

“No,” I whispered.

“Layla, don’t lie to me. Give it here.” He held out his hand.

I shrank away and didn’t say anything, the book clutched in my hands. I wonder for a moment what he was going to do if I didn’t give it to him. I didn’t take me long to find out.

He strode across the room, and, in no more than five strides, was standing at the foot of my bed. “Give me that damn book! How dare you think to defy me?”

He swayed slightly, and I realized then that he had been drinking, like he did most every night. I tried to push myself backwards closer to the wall, distancing myself from him. He was livid, and it looked as if he was going to lunge at me at any moment.

I was saved from the pain that was about to be inflicted on me by the entrance of my stepmother.

“Honey?” she called from the doorway. “Are you coming to bed, dear?”

I could barely stand to look at her. She stood in the doorway, every bit the dear wife that my father wanted her to be... in every aspect. So many words could sum her up so easily; the one that came to mind was whore.

My father went over and ran a hand down the length of her side, and then let it rest near her inner thigh, and then kissed her. I was disgusted; it wasn’t like I wanted to watch them shove their tongues down each other’s throats.

While they were preoccupied, I decided to switch the books. I pulled one out from under my bed and replaced it with the one I had been reading; I really didn’t want to lose that particular book to my father. It was very dear to me, considering that it had been my mother’s before she had... gone. Who knows what he would’ve done with it.

“Go and wait for me, love,” my father said, finally breaking their kiss. I’m amazed at their lack of dignity, and their obvious lack of respect for me. I didn’t have time to dwell on this however, for my father soon turned back to me.

“Now, are you going to be a good girl and give me the book, or am I going to have to take it from you?”

I stood up and walked over to him. I shoved the book into his hands. “There. Have it,” I said bitterly.

“That’s a good girl. Now go to bed. Hans will be here in the morning.” He turned and left. I was surprised he hadn’t given me more trouble. It was probably because he wanted to get back to his little sex toy waiting in the other room.

Hans would be my teacher, if you were wondering. He comes around every three days or so, depending on how much my father decides he’s going to pay him that week. I groaned at the thought of listening to another boring lesson about the battle of Estysova. Besides, I had first hand information that he didn’t even know about. I probably knew the battle better than he did.

I pulled the book I had been reading out from under the bed. I traced the gold lettering on the cover. “Jennifer Montgomery: The Journal of the Last Great Queen,” I read out loud, even though I had read it so many times before. It had been my mother’s journal, and I was beginning to think she was right; she probably was going to be the last great queen. If my father got his way, a woman would never rule again.

I hardly ever cried, but I found myself doing so now. I was tired of putting up with my father, who only cared about himself. I longed to get out of the castle and travel southward, to the Elven kingdom of Ethardas. I wanted to see all the things my mother had described in her journal. I wanted my freedom.

After much deliberation, I decided it was time I left. I pulled on my cloak, pulling the hood up. Then I grabbed the two bags of coins I had saved, mostly gold, and shoved it into my pocket. I pulled up the loose floorboard beneath my bed and retrieved the boots that I had stolen ages ago. I slipped them on and made my way to the door.

Just before leaving, I blew out the candles I had lit in the hopes that they would think I had gone to bed. If I were lucky, they wouldn’t find me missing until morning, when Hans showed up for my lesson.

I made my way down the dark hallway. I passed my father’s room and nearly puked at the sounds coming from behind the door. You’d think that by now I’d be used the moaning, and sometimes even the shrieks, that I would hear every night. But no, it still sickened me to think of my almost fifty-something father having sex with someone who was only about seven years older than I was.

I went through the kitchen and emerged in the garden. I used to play here often, and I knew that back a ways from the castle up against the outer wall there was an oak tree.

I climbed the tree and launched myself over the wall, nearly stumbling as I landed but managing to keep my balance. I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that I was almost away from this dreadful place and on my way towards much greater things.

About half a mile away from the castle walls, I dawned on me that I probably should’ve gotten a horse instead of walking. But then again, it probably would’ve made too much noise. It was probably better that I hadn’t thought of it.

I decided after some deliberation that I would go to the Weeping Angel, the inn just outside the city. If nothing else, I could get some information.

Five minutes later, a torrential downpour hit, pelting me with ice-cold raindrops. I pulled my cloak closer around me, shivering uncontrollably. When the inn came into sight, I almost screamed and danced for joy, but instead just breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

I shoved the door open and shut it quickly behind me, keeping the rain and cold outside and not in. I glanced around; it seemed as though every race possibly was sitting in this very inn. I saw humans and elves, as well as lesser races, including a few fairies. I soon found an empty table in the back corner.

I noticed that I wasn’t the only one who had gotten caught in the rain. There was a man and a woman talking to the innkeeper who looked like they had been out in it longer than I had.

The barman was headed my way, and I tried desperately to pull my hood farther over my face, hoping the shadows concealed my features. “Can I get you anythin, miss?” he asked, wiping his hands on a towel.

“Your finest ale, please, if you don’t mind. Do you suppose I could also get some bread and cheese?”

“Aye, miss. That’ll be all, then?”

“Yes, sir. My thanks.”

The barman walked away, glancing back at me over his shoulder. I didn’t like the suspicious looks he felt inclined to give me; I didn’t particularly want the whole kingdom knowing that I was sitting in a tavern... drinking under-age, I might add.

When the barman returned minutes later, I handed over a gold piece. “Oh sorry, miss,” the barman said, looking at the coin incredulously. “I don’t have the kind of change for that.”

I shrugged. “Keep the change, then.”

The barman took the coin wordlessly. After that, he left me alone.

I nibbled at the bread, sipping occasionally at the ale. The bread didn’t taste too stale, and although I was sure this wasn’t the finest ale the barman had, it didn’t taste to bad either. I wisely kept from the cheese, however, which seemed to have a slight greenish tint to it.

The man in the booth in the other corner was looking at me again. Ever since the barman had walked away some time ago he had been periodically glancing over at me. I sighed. I stood up and walked over to where he sat watching me the whole with the most peculiar look on his face.

“Can I help you?” I said, perhaps a bit too roughly.

“I was content to just watching you, actually,” he replied. His voice sounded so familiar, but I just could place it.

“Why?” I demanded.

“Well,” he said with a slight smile, “I thought that would be obviously, Layla.”

I gasped. “What-?”

“Or are you going by something less known these days, since it appears that you’ve ran away?”

“Um.” I didn’t really have a response to that.

“I can’t believe you don’t remember me. I’m hurt.” He paused, but I didn’t say anything. “Have a seat, won’t you?”

I sat down, still not saying anything. I had a suspicion as to who he was, but I was afraid to face the truth. He shoved a glass of ale in my direction. I shook my head. “I’ve had one glass already. No need to get drunk, is there?”

“Sure there is,” he replied without hesitation. “We can celebrate our reunion.”

I must have had a pretty blank look on my face, because he sighed, a hurt look in his eyes. “Layla? It’s me, Ethan. Don’t you remember?”

“Ethan? Ethan? Oh my...”

“Shh, you’re going to alert the whole tavern to your presence. Shall we find some place a bit more private to talk? My house, perhaps?”

I was still in shock from the mere fact that I had met Ethan here, of all places. I nodded numbly, not knowing what else to do. I followed him outside towards the stables. The rain had finally quit, and the only thing to be heard was the quiet chirp of crickets.

“Do you have a horse?” he asked. Before I could answer, he went on, “No, I suppose you wouldn’t, would you? You can ride with me then. It’s not far from here; just a mile or so out of the city.”

I followed him to where his horse was, a beautiful white mare that he called Buttercup. I swung myself up behind him and we were off.

“You’ve been quiet,” Ethan said to me as we trotted towards the woods that designated the border between the royal city and the rest of the world.

“Sorry,” I mumbled.

“No need to be sorry. I’m just curious as to why.”

I thought about this. Why was I being quiet? I didn’t really know. So I told him so.

“Is there nothing to talk about then, even though you have seen me for years? I would’ve thought there might’ve been just a little something,” he added hopefully, a hurt look on his face.

I didn’t know what to say. “Well... I don’t know. After what happened between us, I’m not sure what I should say.”

He didn’t reply. But then again, I didn’t really expect him to.

We soon came upon a small clearing, with a house situated in the middle. I couldn’t see much more than the front of it, and wondered absently what was behind it.

Ethan swung down from the horse and offered a hand to me. I took it and slid out of the saddle. I smoothed my dress out and waited while he tied up the horse to a picket. Then I followed him inside.

“Would you like something to drink?” he asked, shoving off his coat. “Or perhaps something to eat?”

I shook my head. “No thanks,” I mumbled.

He stared at me for a moment before coming over to rest both hands on my shoulders. “Layla... Oh, dear Layla... What has happened to you over the years?”

I sighed. “Life, Ethan, that’s what has happened. Life has gone on, despite everything that happened before. I’ve... I’ve moved on, Ethan.”

This time he sighed. “Layla... how about we go out back? I have a hammock, we could lie there for a while, look at the stars and whatnot...”

I forced a smile. “Ok, sounds like fun. Show the way.”

He slung an arm around my shoulder, but I didn’t protest. Better to let him think he was winning than to start a fight that they would both regret later. On the way out, he picked up a blanket.

Once outside, I discovered that the only thing behind the house was the hammock. It was tied between two oak trees, swaying slightly in the breeze. I shivered. It was cold out tonight, what with the wind, and damp.

Ethan sat down in the hammock, stretching out, his feet crossed. He motioned beside him, and I sat down cautiously, afraid to be so close to him. As if he had heard my thoughts, he chuckled and said softly, “I don’t bite, you know.” I forced a small smile. “So,” he went on. “I haven’t seen you in years. What have you been up to?”

I shrugged, relaxing a little. He was right; he wouldn’t bite. Besides, I didn’t really have anything to worry about. “I’ve been avoiding my father as much as possible. He has a new woman in his life, his bride-to-be Arlene.”

He laughed. “Let me guess, you don’t like her?”

I snorted. “Are you kidding? That sorry excuse for a woman? I think not.” I leaned back in the hammock, my head resting on Ethan’s shoulder, face to the sky. “The stars are beautiful, aren’t they?” I commented, trying anything to take my mind off of Arlene.

“I agree,” he replied softly, one arm falling to rest around my shoulder.

I didn’t like where this was headed. “What have you been doing these past few years?” I asked, attempting to divert him. Luckily, he took the bait.

“Here and there. I’ve been living with a cousin... when I’m here that is. Mostly I’ve just been wandering around, looking for small jobs I could do. After... after what happened, my father didn’t care to see me anymore, so I just left. For the past two weeks, I’ve been borrowing this house from a friend who’s away on business. He was more than willing to let me stay here for a while. Right now I’m on my way to a small town on the other side of the kingdom, hoping to help out some sea merchants, seeing as it’s the prime time for fishermen and such to be selling various items. And then I stumbled upon you in the inn back there, and now here we are.”

I was silent. He had mentioned the forbidden topic, the one I swore I would never think about again. But then again, just being in his presence reminded me of it, of us, of our time together, and it brought with it new pain.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

I must’ve looked the way I felt. “Yeah, I’m alright. Just thinking, that’s all.”

“What about?”

It was better to get it over and done with. “About... us,” I said finally.

“What about us? About us in the present, past or future tense?”

I shrugged. “Past, mostly. The present looks dim. And the future... it’s non-existent. As for the details of the past... I don’t really want to think about it, but I have to face it sooner or later. I just can’t imagine what would’ve happened if you had stayed, what would’ve happened to me. Hell, what if our fears had come true? I would... no, I don’t even want to think of what I would be. Caring for a child? Exiled from the kingdom for good? Both? No, Ethan... it’s just too horrible to even think about. I know you wanted it, and maybe I did too at one time, but it was a horrible mistake that I will never, ever forgive myself for. I want to say it’s not your fault, and that I shouldn’t be taking this out on you, but the truth is, it is your fault, and I should be taking it out on you. I told you I wasn’t ready, but you didn’t listen. You didn’t want to hear a word of what I had to say. You never cared for me! All you thought about was yourself, your needs, and your wants. And I thought you actually meant what you said! Silly me, for thinking...”

He cut me off, a finger pressed to my lips. I didn’t protest, although I probably should have. “Layla,” he said, his voice low in my ear. “Don’t make it worse. I know how you feel. Do you think I’m stupid? I just... I just wish things were different, I guess. That somehow I could change your mind, or get another chance, or something.”

I sighed. “Ethan... I used to love you, you know that? And now? I don’t. I can’t. And you’re just going to have to realize that. I’m probably going to be married within the year, to someone I absolutely can’t stand-“

“Lex?” he asked quietly, interrupting me.

“What? Oh. Yeah, Lex. But yeah... I’m really sorry, and I know you want me, but it just can’t be. Okay?”

He didn’t answer. I didn’t look at him. I stared off into the distance, suddenly noticing how close I was to him, and how awkward this was. Then, finally, he replied. “Then if you can’t love me,” he nearly whispered, “at least let me give you something before you leave.”

I was suddenly very afraid. I was expecting him to want sex or something. “What?” I asked, and I was sure he could hear the nervousness in my voice.

He laughed. “Don’t sound so paranoid. Come with me.” He swung himself out of the hammock, helping me out as well. Then, without letting go of my hand, he led me back into the house.

I started worrying even more when he headed into his bedroom. But, instead of going to the bed, he went over to a dresser.

“This was my mother’s,” he said, reaching for a small box. “I don’t have a need for it, and maybe you’ll like it. I was told at one point that it contains some sort of magical power, but it’s never been proven. So, turn around, and close your eyes.”

I was afraid to, but I did it anyway. I could hear him behind me, pulling the top off the box. It was silent for a moment, and then I felt something cold being draped around my neck. His hand brushed against my ear, and I shivered, but didn’t open my eyes.

“All right, you can look.”

I opened my eyes and put my hand to the chain that now hung around my neck. Fastened to the bottom was a silver flower, with tiny blue stones set in the middle. I couldn’t help myself. “Ethan, this is beautiful!” I exclaimed. Before I changed my mind I threw my arms around his neck. “Thank you,” I whispered. Then I stepped back and I looked at him. He had a sad look in his eyes. I didn’t know whether he was upset about parting with his mother’s necklace, or the fact that he knew he couldn’t have me. I didn’t know what to say, but he did.

“Layla, I have to tell you something... and you’re not going to like it.”

“Ok...”

“I’m supposed to detain you. Guards are coming here right now. As soon as they found out you left the castle, they sent signals out, I picked one of which up. I’m in service to your father, Layla.”

I had started slowly backing away from him, a look of horror stuck on my face. “No,” I barely whispered. “No...”

“Yes. But...” He paused. “But I’m not going to do it. I want to help you, Layla. Please let me help you.”

I nearly sighed with relief. “Oh, Ethan, thank you so much.” I ran towards him and through my arms around his neck. I thought about kissing him, just out of pure joy, but figured he would take it the wrong way, so I didn’t.

“Listen, you have to get out of here, they could be here at any minute. I had sent the signal back before I realized how wrong it was to do this to you.”

I glanced out the window. “How long do you think I have?”

He also glanced out the window. “I’d say half an hour... maybe less.”

I thought about my options. None of them sounded good. I didn’t know what to do. “Ethan... what do you think I should do? I mean, should I leave now, stay, hide, what?”

“I don’t know.”

I sighed, exasperated. “You’re no help.”

“I know-“

Just then, three things happened almost simultaneously. The first was that, a thousand miles away, a valuable piece of glass shattered into a million tiny pieces. Also at the time, Ethan yelled run just as ten or more soldiers burst into the house.

I didn’t have time to think about it. I snatched up my bag from where I had dropped and dashed out the back door. I dared not turn back to look, but I wondered vaguely what was happening. Then, just before I hit the forest, I heard the clashing of metal.

I dived into some bushes just inside the tree line and peered through to look back at the house. I almost instantly wished I hadn’t. From my current position I could see directly into the house through the back door.

I turned away. There was no way I could watch Ethan struggling with the soldiers. Some of them I knew; others, I didn’t. I wondered vaguely what was going to happen to Ethan, but pushed the thought aside.

Right now, I needed to get far away from this place.

I picked myself up off the ground and ran. I didn’t know where I was going; I just knew I had to get away.

After a while, I lost track of the time, as well as where I was. It was nearly pitch black, and I kept tripping over things. Once I heard some strange creature howl in the distance, and I shivered at the thought of what that howl belonged to, but I kept running.

Then, I nearly ran into a wall.

At a closer look, I noticed it wasn’t just a wall, but the wall of a small, cottage-type house. I stood on a log and peered through the only window near, which otherwise would’ve been too high for me to see into.

There was dust. That was all I could see through the window. It was dark, though I thought I had seen a candle flickering somewhere inside.

I jumped off the log and circled around until I found the front door. I tried pushing it open, but it wouldn’t move. I sighed, deciding to resort to more forceful measures.

I stepped back a couple of paces and then hurtled myself at the door, smashing into it full force. It banged open, little splinters flying from it. I waited for the dust and debris to settle, and then stepped into the house.

At first I couldn’t see anything. I felt around in the dark and found a candle lying on a table near the door, along with a box of matches. I lit it, and held it high, illuminating the whole room.

I gasped. In one corner of the room was a dead body, with a small pool of blood around it. I started to move closer to get a better look, but just then something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye.

At first glance it appeared to be a cat of some sort. It cowered in the corner near a beat up wooden chair, shivering violent. Holding the candle closer to it, I found that it wasn’t a cat at all, but a kit fox. I held out my hand, trying to coax it towards me. It was cautious at first, but curiosity got the better of it.

I stroked it’s back, and it purred, almost like a cat would have. It was weird, seeing a kit fox way out here in Edgehollow; kit foxes preferred a more desert climate, like the Silveredge Barrens.

I glanced over at the figure lying on the floor. At a closer look, I found that it wasn’t just a figure; it was an elf. That explained the kit fox. He was probably a ranger elf from somewhere near Silveredge, on his way to Ethardas. Unfortunately, someone had come up behind him and plunged a knife in his back, leaving his kit fox to fend for itself. I guessed that the elf hadn’t been here for more than two days, for the kit fox still looked pretty healthy, even after being trapped in the house for so long.

After scouring around for a bit, I found four more candles and a holder for the five of them. I lit them all and sat it in the middle of the room. I also managed to find a ragged but useable blanket that I spread out on the floor, as far away from the elf as I could get.

I settled down, uneasy but anxious to get some sleep. I doubted that the guards would find me all the way out here, but it worried me all the same. Another thing that worried me was the fact that I was severely and undeniably lost, but I shoved that thought aside; I’d worry about it in the morning.

And so it was that I spent my first night of freedom in a house out in the middle of who knows where, with a dead elf, his kit fox, and five flickering candles.