The next few days after that night were a blur. Rylan's body ached from bruises that refused to fade, his ribs were tender, and the burn in his cheeks reminded him of every strike. But the worst pain wasn't physical. It was the feeling of being trapped. The suffocating knowledge that, no matter what he did, he had never truly belonged here—not with his parents, not in this family, not even in this house.
Yet, somewhere deep inside, the memory of the tiny life he carried gave him purpose. He had to leave. Not just for himself—but for the child who would depend on him.
---
Gathering What He Could
Rylan wasn't stupid. Even though he had never been the favored child, he had worked hard quietly. Odd jobs, small hustles he'd managed to hide, and the small savings he'd squirreled away over the years. It wasn't much—but it was enough to give him a fighting chance.
He spent nights planning. Every detail mattered. When his parents were busy with social events or caught up in arguments with Seth, he quietly collected what he could: his old suit, a few changes of clothes, some essentials, and the money he had earned. He even took a small knife from the kitchen—a precaution he hoped he wouldn't have to use, but one he couldn't ignore.
His wolf prowled alongside him, restless and alert. Rylan could feel its anxiety and anticipation, a silent echo of his own fear. He whispered to it softly, "We're going to be okay. We have to."
---
The Night of the Escape
He chose a night when the house was quiet, the kind of quiet that comes just after a storm of arguments and laughter fades. Seth had gone to a friend's house for a late-night celebration. His parents were entertaining guests upstairs, drunk on wine and laughter.
Rylan waited, listening to every creak and whisper of the house. His wolf's senses were sharp; every movement outside the windows, every footstep, every muffled laugh of the neighbors alerted him.
Finally, he made his move.
He slipped through his bedroom window, careful not to make a sound. The cool night air hit him like freedom. His heart raced, his wolf growled low, but he kept moving. He had planned this route for weeks—through the back alley, past the old fence, to the small bus station on the edge of the city where he could disappear without anyone noticing.
---
Relatable Struggles Along the Way
Even though he had some money, every step was a struggle. He didn't have a car. The bus fare alone cost a part of his savings. Hunger gnawed at him, and the chill of the night seeped through his worn clothes. His wolf growled and nuzzled against him, reminding him of the life he was protecting.
He avoided the main streets where his father's acquaintances could spot him. He avoided the places he had once walked confidently as "the boy who didn't matter," blending instead into the shadows.
For the first time, he realized how small, how vulnerable he truly was. But he also realized something else: he was capable. Hardworking, careful, and determined. He had survived his father's fists, his mother's disdain, his brother's arrogance—and now, he would survive on his own.
---
The Journey Begins
By dawn, Rylan had reached the outskirts of the city. Exhausted, bruised, and weary, he watched the first rays of sun cut through the fog. His wolf rested against him, but he could feel it tense, ready for the world outside.
He took a deep breath and whispered, "We made it. We'll be okay. I promise."
He didn't know exactly where he would go. A friend in another city? A cheap apartment? Maybe a small job in a place no one would ever look for him? He didn't know yet. But for the first time in his life, he chose his path. He wasn't a pawn, a shadow, or a mistake. He was Rylan—and he had a life growing inside him that he would protect at all costs.
Every step forward was a risk. Every coin he spent mattered. Every stranger he passed could notice him. But for the first time, he felt alive.
And as the sun rose higher, Rylan's resolve hardened. No more chains. No more abuse. No more humiliation. He had escaped—not just for himself, but for the life he carried.
Somewhere, in the distance, the world waited for him. And Rylan was ready to meet it—one step at a time.