The Gift chronicles novel Chapter 1

Book 1 Chapter 20

I sat in the cell for the remainder of the night, the wheels already turning in my mind trying to think of a new escape plan. I went into Gamma—mode and tried thinking as if I were developing a battle strategy for a war. And in my mind, this was war.

Pensively, I thought back to my prior escape attempts, all of which failed miserably. The most successful one was probably when I had climbed out of the pack house window and escaped, until the Blood Alpha and Carter apprehended me deep into the forrest. The least successful attempt was stabbing him during our picnic and trying to run into the woods.

I realized that I was successful during the pack house escape because he wasn't expecting me to be able to get out of the house, since he somehow made the exit door handle extremely hot. What made that escape less successful was having a guard that day that would have noticed when I was gone, and therefore able to alert the Alpha sooner. I was unsuccessful during the picnic escape because I had attempted to escape right in front of the Alpha, and had underestimated him.

Reflecting on the past, I determined that the key to having a successful escape attempt is:

1. Let him underestimate me so his guard is down.

2. Escape when the Alpha isn't present and likely won't know about the escape for a few hours.

3. No guards

I already had the advantage on the first condition, since he thought the Wolfsbane was making me weaker, and he didn't think I would be able to escape the chains.

The second part of the plan would be difficult to coordinate since I had no idea when the Alpha would be gone or not, since I had zero communication with anyone, as I was completely isolated in my cell.

The third aspect would be the most difficult to manage, seeing as how there are always guards stationed throughout the prison. I had seen plenty of them on my way in, and circumventing them would be quite the obstacle.

I didn't sleep my first night in the cell, determined to figure out the perfect escape plan. I knew that if I was unsuccessful in this escape attempt, and the Blood Alpha caught me, I would likely never get another chance.

Hours after laying on the hard cement floor and feeling the silver chain burning my flesh relentlessly, a guard opened a slot with a shelf among the cell door and left a tray atop of the ledge.

I got up from my position on the floor, walking towards the tray to inspect it, wincing as the heavy silver chain continued to burn through my skin.

The tray contained a plate holding a steaming pile of food. Broccoli, mashed potatoes, steak, bread, and an apple to be exact.

I grabbed the apple and shoved the plate through the slot, off of the ledge on the other side of my cell. I heard the plate shatter half a second later, and I smirked, taking a bite of the apple.

Within seconds, I heard guards rushing towards the cell, and opening the door.

I smiled and waved at them, apple in hand. Their panicked faces quickly turned into confusion, wondering why I had pushed the plate.

"Did you accidentally drop the plate, Luna? We could get you another one. The Alpha said to make sure you eat."

I scoffed at the guard that spoke to me, and the other two stiffly remained flexed, ready for me to attack, it appeared.

I internally laughed at knowing that the Alpha had probably warned them about how prone to violence I am, and my affinity for escaping. Dropping the plate was successful in proving that there would always be guards ready to catch me if I were to escape, and were listening very closely to me. I had no doubt that the Alpha would punish whoever let me escape on their watch severely, and I'm sure he made that very clear with them.