The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 321

Chapter 321

At the Federal Bureau Dungeon, the musty smell oozed from the stone crevices, coiling around Eloise’s ankles like

Her prison garb reeked of a pungent, sour stench.

The coarse fabric chafed her skin until it was painfully raw,

a cold, wet serpent.

Even in sich deplorable conditions, an unyielding spark of hope s

burned in Eloise’s eyes.

s secrets.

and he’s got

got dirt on me

Eloise thought, Henry will definitely rescue me. After all, we have mutual leverage. I have his

Neither Eloise nor Henry would push things to the point of mutual ruin until the very last moment.

From the depths of the dungeon came the scraping numble of a cart being dragged.

In the dungeon’s darkness, with no sun or moon to mark time, day and night blurred together.

Eloise could only estimate the time by the guards‘ meal deliveries.

This was only the second meal Eloise had received today.

This was only th

Prisoners got only two meager meals a day. The food they received was watered–down oatmeal and rock–hard corn bread that were impossible to chew.

With a heavy metallic clang, the copper lock was undone. The jailer’s gruff voice boomed, ‘All of you, get your damn asses over here for your foodr

A bowl of oatmeal that gave off a faint stench of spoilage came into sight.

Back in the day, Eloise wouldn’t have even fed such coarse slop to her dogs.

But now, even getting this food felt like a luxury.

“If I don’t eat this now, there won’t be another meal, Eloise thought desperately.

She scrambled desperately, tumbling over herself as she snatched up the food and began devouring it like a starved animal.

Several times, Eloise nearly gagged, but forced herself to choke it down.

Eloise knew that she had to eat to survive.

The jailer cast Eloise a disinterested glance. As he turned to leave, something slipped to her feet.

Eloise thought in surprise, A key!

With perfect composure, Eloise slid her foot forward and pinned the key beneath it.

Seizing the moment when no one was watching, Eloise tucked the key into her bosom, her heart pounding with anticipation.

A faint thrill of vindication ran through Eloise. She thought, Just as I thought. Henry wouldn’t dare let me die here. He’s too afraid III drag even more people down with me.

Suddenly, Eloise froze mid–chew,

She slowly spat out a small paper ball from her mouth. Unfolding it with trembling fingers, she saw a single word written inside. [Midnight.]

Henry will send someone to rescue me at midnight, Eloise thought

The night dragged on endlessly. To Eloise, it felt as if years had passed.

Snoring echoed through the cell block, but Eloise’s eyes remained wide open, her ears straining to catch any sound from outside.

Just as Eloise felt her patience wearing dangerously thin, a distinct sound echoed from the doorway.

1118 PM dd.

Chapter 21

With a metallic clatter, the lock was sprung open.

A guard slipped inside and tossed a bundle at Eloise’s feet. He whispered urgently, “Change into these. Come with me?

Without a moment’s hesitation, Eloise hurriedly unlocked the shackles on her wrists and ankles with the key, changed into the disguise, and slipped out after the guard.

As she was about to leave, Eloise called out to the guard and whispered, “What about here?”

The man lowered his voice and reassured her, “Rest assured, my Lady. Lord Henry has made all the necessary arrangements.”

Eloise exhaled in relief, gave a quick nod, and followed the guard out.

Fortunately, under the cover of night, no one could make out her face.

After a tense but uneventful escape from the dungeon, the guard led Eloise to the rear courtyard.

A garbage cart parked there. The guard bowed slightly to Eloise and said, “My Lady, please endure this temporary discomfort.

Reluctant as Eloise was, she told herself, I have to do what it takes to get out of here.

long as I make it out of the Federal Bureau safely, I’ll be free.

With a deep, bracing breath, Eloise forced herself into the reeking slop bucket. The stench was so overpowering she nearly gagged several times, clamping a hand over her mouth to stifle a retch.

The cart rumbled to life, slowly creeping toward the main gate.

As the cart approached the guards, they signaled it to stop for a routine inspection.

Crouched inside the cart, Eloise’s heart pounded wildly. She thought it might leap right into her throat.

Please, just let me get out of here safely, Eloise prayed silently, her heart pounding in her chest.

A voice called out from outside, “What are you doing hauling out the garbage at this hour?”

“The guard on duty today got the runs, so I’m covering for him. Otherwise, this garbage would’ve been hauled out ages ago,” the man replied.

The guard hesitated, then approached the cart. “Even so, a routine inspection is still necessary,” he said.

A noise sounded right beside her as the guard lifted the cart’s lid to inspect. Eloise’s heart clenched in terror; she didn’t dare to breathe.

Suddenly, the lid above Eloise was flung open, and a harsh beam of light poured in.

Eloise nearly screamed, thinking that her cover was blown. But to her shock, the guard just glanced at her and immediately slammed the lid shut again

“Clear. Let them through, the guard said. The moment the words left his mouth, Eloise exhaled the breath she’d been holding in one shuddering gasp.

Gasping for air, Eloise slumped weakly against the bucket’s interior, her body utterly spent.

The cart rumbled back to life, and the rest of the journey was smooth sailing.

After what felt like an eternity, Eloise heard a sharp rap from outside the cart. The guard’s voice whispered urgently, “Lady Eloise, you

Gin come out now.

Eloise clambered out of the bucket and staggered to the roadside, where she doubled over, heaving uncontrollably.

Pitch darkness enveloped everything. Eloise couldn’t tell where she was. Disoriented, she asked, “Where am I?”

“Lady Eloise, just follow this road ahead. Someone will meet you ahead. I’ll take my leave now. With that, the guard drove the cart away

Stumbling along the dark, uneven road, Eloise pressed forward, each step heavier than the last.

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