The grandfather clock in the corner of the room began to chime.

One. Two. Three...

With every loud chime of the clock, my heart beat faster. I walked to the balcony doors and looked out into the night. Below was a steep drop into a roaring river that surrounded the castle. There was no way to escape. No windows to climb through. No secret passage I knew about.

... Ten. Eleven. Twelve.

The last chime echoed through the room and faded into silence.

Then I heard it. My heart skipped a beat. Slow, steady footsteps echoed through the corridor outside. Heavy boots struck against the stone floor.

Clack. Clack. Clack....