#Chapter 18 Behind the Scenes

Aurora Luke hasn’t woken from his injuries yet, but I feel obligated to try and sneak down to the medical wing as best as possible. It never works. The door is always guarded by warriors, but I have noticed a lag of protection at one time during the day. High noon. I don’t know if it’s because they are changing shifts or grabbing lunch, but I watch the steps of shadows leave the crease under the door for exactly ninety-four seconds. I’ve counted everyday since I’ve been locked back up here. When the sun peaks, my heart throbs, wondering if Luke is awake and scared of his surrounds; just like I how I feel. I watch the shadows disperse and decide it’s time to move. I grab for the fire poker, a long iron bar still hot from resting in the heated logs, and I jam it between the doors, trying to not make too much sound. The hot iron sizzles against the cold door, and I slide it down until it catches some feat of resistance. The lock. I push my whole body wait against it