The shadows of Lockwood are growing longer and more deadly. 🥀
❤️ Episode 429
🎥 Episodes Included: 955-957
In Episode 429, Eleanor decides to take the ultimate risk. While Edgar and Reed struggle to follow a cold money trail, Eleanor returns to the heart of the Red Light District, hoping her connections will finally reveal the identity of the mysterious "Keeper." But she quickly learns that some secrets are guarded by more than just silence.
A chilling warning from a friend turns into a nightmare when Eleanor discovers a gruesome betrayal that changes everything. As the Keeper’s goons close in, it’s a heart-pounding race against time. Reed must strike from the shadows to save Eleanor before they both become the next warning sent to the Duke. ⚔️💨
The Keeper’s power goes deeper than they ever imagined—reaching into the noble houses and even the Royal Court itself. Who can they trust when the law is owned by a shadow?
Watch Episode 429 to witness the fallout of Eleanor's discovery!
📺 Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU-N-6CWZ7E6JeraBG7QNreWWUc_Xv5fD
✨ Story Highlights
🕵️♀️ Eleanor investigates the Red Light District to help Reed and Edgar.
😱 A shocking discovery in the brothel leaves Eleanor paralyzed with grief.
🥀 Anne's tragic end: A steep price for asking too many questions.
👑 Corrupt nobles and royal officials—The Keeper’s secret army.
⚔️ Reed’s heroic intervention as he rescues Eleanor from an ambush.
🐎 A high-speed escape through the rainy, muck-filled streets of Lockwood.
🕯️ The investigation takes a dark turn: "We have to tell Edgar tonight."
👥 Featured Characters
Eleanor
Reed
Edgar Collins
Alessandra Collins
Anne (Rest in Peace)
The Keeper’s Goons
❓ Viewer Question
Now that we know the Keeper is protected by the Royal Court and Nobility, who is your #1 suspect for their true identity? 🕵️♂️🏛️
📺 Continue the Story ▶ Watch the full The Duke's Masked Bride playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU-N-6CWZ7E6JeraBG7QNreWWUc_Xv5fD
💎 Become a Member Get access to future episodes before everyone else!
❤️ Basic Member – Early access to the latest episodes
👑 Premium Member – Even earlier access plus more exclusive releases
🔥 Extreme Member – Full access to every upcoming episode before public release
⏱ Chapters
00:00 🏚️ Reed’s Defeat
01:30 🍷 Eleanor Returns to the Red Light District
03:45 🤫 "Leave the Keeper Out of It"
05:20 🏮 The Shadowy Brothel
07:15 😱 A Gruesome Discovery
09:10 ⚔️ Reed’s Ambush & The Rescue
11:00 🐎 The Great Escape
AI disclosure:
This episode is a fictional cinematic story created using AI-assisted visuals and original storytelling.
#TheDukesMaskedBride #Episode429 #HistoricalRomance #MysteryThriller #RoyalBetrayal #TheKeeper #DramaSeries #YouTubeSeries #Episode955 #episode956 #episode957
❤️ Episode 429
🎥 Episodes Included: 955-957
In Episode 429, Eleanor decides to take the ultimate risk. While Edgar and Reed struggle to follow a cold money trail, Eleanor returns to the heart of the Red Light District, hoping her connections will finally reveal the identity of the mysterious "Keeper." But she quickly learns that some secrets are guarded by more than just silence.
A chilling warning from a friend turns into a nightmare when Eleanor discovers a gruesome betrayal that changes everything. As the Keeper’s goons close in, it’s a heart-pounding race against time. Reed must strike from the shadows to save Eleanor before they both become the next warning sent to the Duke. ⚔️💨
The Keeper’s power goes deeper than they ever imagined—reaching into the noble houses and even the Royal Court itself. Who can they trust when the law is owned by a shadow?
Watch Episode 429 to witness the fallout of Eleanor's discovery!
📺 Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU-N-6CWZ7E6JeraBG7QNreWWUc_Xv5fD
✨ Story Highlights
🕵️♀️ Eleanor investigates the Red Light District to help Reed and Edgar.
😱 A shocking discovery in the brothel leaves Eleanor paralyzed with grief.
🥀 Anne's tragic end: A steep price for asking too many questions.
👑 Corrupt nobles and royal officials—The Keeper’s secret army.
⚔️ Reed’s heroic intervention as he rescues Eleanor from an ambush.
🐎 A high-speed escape through the rainy, muck-filled streets of Lockwood.
🕯️ The investigation takes a dark turn: "We have to tell Edgar tonight."
👥 Featured Characters
Eleanor
Reed
Edgar Collins
Alessandra Collins
Anne (Rest in Peace)
The Keeper’s Goons
❓ Viewer Question
Now that we know the Keeper is protected by the Royal Court and Nobility, who is your #1 suspect for their true identity? 🕵️♂️🏛️
📺 Continue the Story ▶ Watch the full The Duke's Masked Bride playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU-N-6CWZ7E6JeraBG7QNreWWUc_Xv5fD
💎 Become a Member Get access to future episodes before everyone else!
❤️ Basic Member – Early access to the latest episodes
👑 Premium Member – Even earlier access plus more exclusive releases
🔥 Extreme Member – Full access to every upcoming episode before public release
⏱ Chapters
00:00 🏚️ Reed’s Defeat
01:30 🍷 Eleanor Returns to the Red Light District
03:45 🤫 "Leave the Keeper Out of It"
05:20 🏮 The Shadowy Brothel
07:15 😱 A Gruesome Discovery
09:10 ⚔️ Reed’s Ambush & The Rescue
11:00 🐎 The Great Escape
AI disclosure:
This episode is a fictional cinematic story created using AI-assisted visuals and original storytelling.
#TheDukesMaskedBride #Episode429 #HistoricalRomance #MysteryThriller #RoyalBetrayal #TheKeeper #DramaSeries #YouTubeSeries #Episode955 #episode956 #episode957
Category
🎈
FunTranscript
00:00We chased shadows, and found only a warning and a coin.
00:04The money trail doesn't end with Joseph.
00:07It leads to the keeper.
00:10Welcome back to the Duke's Masked Bride.
00:13Night had already fallen by the time Reed arrived back at his estate.
00:17His shoulders slumped in defeat.
00:20Entering the sitting room, he removed his coat,
00:23threw it over a chair, and slumped down beside Eleanor.
00:31She looked up from her notebook.
00:34Do I dare ask how the investigation went?
00:38She asked gently.
00:41Reed let out another long sigh before leaning forward,
00:45elbows on his knees, face buried in his hands.
00:48He shook his head slowly.
00:51Not well, Eleanor.
00:54Eleanor waited patiently for Reed to say more,
00:56sensing his frustration and need to vent.
01:00Her patience was soon rewarded.
01:03We're running around chasing shadows, he began,
01:08sighing in frustration as he leaned back on the sofa.
01:12We followed the money trail and a possible lead.
01:16Whoever the keeper is knows how to keep a very low profile,
01:21and is steps ahead of us.
01:24He told Eleanor about his and Edgar's visit to the farmer,
01:28Joseph Brightman.
01:29Though they had confirmed that he had suddenly come into wealth,
01:33it did not seem that he knew any better than they did
01:36the true identity of his benefactor.
01:39But you believe that whoever funded Joseph and the mercenaries
01:43are one and the same?
01:45Eleanor asked as she doodled in her notebook.
01:48The swirling motions sometimes helped her think.
01:51It makes sense.
01:53Whoever it is has lots of money to give out freely and anonymously,
01:58she mused.
01:59That's exactly what I thought, too, Reed agreed.
02:04But whoever is pulling the strings,
02:07they're ahead of us.
02:10The only thing we came away with from our visit to Joseph
02:13was a cryptic warning and a bloody coin.
02:18Eleanor kept her expression controlled,
02:20but a wave of intrigue swept through her.
02:24This was far from an open and shut case,
02:27and the ties that led everything back to the red light district
02:30was of particular interest to her.
02:33Had she passed the keeper on one of her many visits?
02:37Looking over at Reed,
02:39she decided not to push him for more information.
02:41He looked exhausted.
02:44Tired lines were etched into his face.
02:48She kissed him gently on the forehead.
02:50Get some rest now, Reed.
02:53I'm sure things will look better in the morning.
02:56He murmured something inaudible as he drifted into sleep.
03:02The next morning,
03:03Eleanor strode through the bustling,
03:05smoky streets of the red light district.
03:08Her cloak fluttered behind her,
03:10the hem brushing against the muddy cobblestones.
03:14She gripped her notebook tightly
03:16as she wove between vendors,
03:18gamblers,
03:19and loitering men with hungry eyes.
03:22She arrived at the red door of the brothel,
03:25and the guard stepped aside to let her enter.
03:28Back again so soon?
03:30He asked,
03:31his voice gruff,
03:33but a smile tugged at his lips.
03:35Can't keep the girls waiting,
03:37she said with a wink
03:39as she entered the dimly lit room.
03:42Though it was a bright morning outside,
03:44the room was lit by candlelight,
03:47casting dancing shadows across the velvet drapes.
03:50The scent of perfume drifted through the air.
03:54Women reclined on the sofas around the room,
03:57laughing as they traded gossip.
04:00They rose to their feet
04:01as soon as she entered the room.
04:03Eleanor, you're back.
04:05I've got a story you're not going to want to miss.
04:09She'll want to forget yours
04:11once she hears mine.
04:13I've got a real doozy to share.
04:15Let me go first.
04:17The women rushed up to greet her,
04:19eager to share more of their stories and adventures
04:22since the last time they had met.
04:24She smiled at each of them warmly.
04:27I want to hear all of your stories.
04:30Each one of you brings something unique and different.
04:33No one's story will get left out.
04:35Don't worry.
04:38She laughed as the women circled her,
04:41vying for the chance to tell her the first anecdote.
04:45She pulled out her notebook and pen
04:47as the women led her to a seat
04:49where she could hear and record their stories.
04:51The women crowded around her
04:53as she opened her notebook.
04:55Oh, Eleanor, start with mine.
04:58I have a tale about a nobleman
05:01with a foot fetish and fear of cats.
05:04Yes, isn't that all of them?
05:08Eleanor scribbled notes,
05:10laughing with the women
05:11until the front parlor erupted in noise.
05:15A woman rushed into the parlor,
05:17her face flushed,
05:19loose strands hanging around her pretty face.
05:21She had a candlestick in her hand
05:24and fury in her eyes.
05:26A burly man, reeking of ale,
05:29stormed into the parlor,
05:31holding a hand to his bleeding head.
05:34You think you can cheat me,
05:36you little snake?
05:37He growled, grabbing for the girl.
05:40She yanked away,
05:42her voice sharp and fearless.
05:44Touch me again
05:46and you'll get more than a hit on the head.
05:48I'll turn you over to the keeper.
05:51Eleanor froze and glanced around.
05:54The women looked uneasy,
05:56the air charged.
05:57The man scowled,
05:59muttering something under his breath,
06:01still holding his bleeding head.
06:04The bouncer soon appeared and led him out,
06:07while the women flocked to their fellow prostitute's side,
06:11applauding her bravado.
06:13The only woman left next to Eleanor was Anne.
06:17Eleanor leaned in quietly toward her.
06:20Who is the keeper?
06:22She asked quietly.
06:26Shh.
06:27Anne immediately shushed her,
06:30looking over her shoulder.
06:32Keep your voice down.
06:33Come with me.
06:36Eleanor followed Anne to a shadowy corner,
06:39away from the others.
06:40The women had returned to their normal, easy chatter,
06:44but Anne's voice stayed low,
06:46her eyes darting to every shadow.
06:49She leaned over to whisper in Eleanor's ear.
06:52You really don't know?
06:55Eleanor shook her head.
06:57I've heard a few rumors.
07:00They're not rumors.
07:02She interrupted.
07:04Whatever you heard is true.
07:07Keeper runs everything in the red light district.
07:10Every bribe,
07:12every deal,
07:13every person.
07:14You pay your cut.
07:16Or you pay the ultimate price.
07:19You mean...
07:23Anne shook her head,
07:24her lips in a tight, grim line.
07:28But how can the keeper go around
07:30murdering people without interference?
07:32Surely the officials...
07:36Anne's hard scoff cut off Eleanor's train of thought.
07:40Officials?
07:41She shook her head again.
07:44The keeper is protected by corrupt officials,
07:47nobles,
07:48and even some members of the royal court.
07:52You think the king is in control?
07:55Not here.
07:57Here,
07:58the keeper's word is law.
08:00The keeper is the one with real power.
08:04But who is behind it all?
08:06Who has that much power?
08:09Anne recoiled slightly.
08:12I don't want to know.
08:15And neither should you.
08:18People who ask too many questions tend to...
08:21disappear.
08:24Look,
08:25we all like you, Eleanor.
08:28She looked nervously at Eleanor's notebook.
08:31You want to write stories about the wild things we see and hear during our work?
08:37Fine.
08:38But leave the keeper out of it.
08:41I'm begging you.
08:43Eleanor hesitated.
08:46What if I could get more information about the keeper?
08:50Reed and Edgar have been desperate for leads.
08:53If I could be of some help...
08:56Anne grabbed her,
08:57shaking her out of her thoughts.
08:59Do not try to get more information.
09:03Anne warned,
09:04as though she was reading Eleanor's mind.
09:07And don't write anything about the keeper.
09:11Promise me, Eleanor.
09:13Please.
09:15I won't publish anything.
09:18Eleanor promised,
09:20hearing the fear in Anne's voice.
09:22You have my word.
09:25Alessandra sighed contently as she leaned into Edgar's shoulder.
09:29They were sharing a quiet, peaceful moment on the couch.
09:34The baby is napping and Alfred and Rose are occupied.
09:39This is a dream come true.
09:41Edgar said,
09:43pulling Alessandra closer to him.
09:44There's only one thing that would make this dream even better.
09:49He leaned over to pull Alessandra into a kiss.
09:53Edgar groaned.
09:55Damn it.
09:56Not now.
09:58I don't want anything.
10:01I don't want to see anyone.
10:04Edgar called the closed door.
10:06Go away.
10:09Alessandra swatted at him.
10:12Shh.
10:12You'll wake the baby.
10:15My Grace,
10:16you definitely will want to come out for this.
10:19Gerald's voice called from behind the door.
10:23With a heavy sigh,
10:25Edgar left his comfortable spot next to Alessandra
10:28and walked across the room.
10:30He opened the door,
10:32a hard look already on his face,
10:34but it quickly turned to surprise.
10:37Standing there with Gerald
10:39were both Eleanor and Reed.
10:42Edgar took a good look at the serious looks on their faces
10:45and stepped aside,
10:47inviting them in.
10:49Eleanor immediately swept inside the sitting room.
10:53She greeted Alessandra with a quick hug
10:55before sitting next to her,
10:57wringing her hands in front of her.
11:00Edgar eyed the pair.
11:01This isn't a social visit.
11:05I'm afraid not,
11:07Eleanor replied.
11:09It's about the keeper.
11:11You know about the keeper?
11:14Eleanor nodded.
11:16Edgar exchanged a quick glance with Reed
11:18before motioning the two to sit.
11:21Tell me everything, Eleanor.
11:24She wasted no time telling Edgar
11:27everything she had overheard
11:29at the brothel in the red light district.
11:31She had promised Anne
11:32that she would not write about the keeper,
11:34and she was honoring that promise.
11:37But she could not stand idly by
11:39with information that could potentially
11:41help Edgar and Reed.
11:44Whoever the keeper is
11:45runs all of Lockwood's underworld,
11:48she explained.
11:49They own the red light district,
11:52controlling all the activities
11:54and people in it.
11:56Not only does every deal
11:58that takes place
11:59go through the keeper,
12:00but it seems that others
12:01are working to protect
12:02the keeper's power
12:03and keep their identity hidden.
12:06Edgar raised his eyebrow,
12:08leaning forward.
12:10Protected?
12:11By who?
12:13Local officials.
12:14Noblemen.
12:15Eleanor waved her arm.
12:17Even some of the royal court.
12:22Alessandra's breath hitched.
12:24No wonder you couldn't
12:25find anything, Edgar.
12:27It's not just the keeper
12:28you're against.
12:30They have a whole team
12:31helping them hide their identity.
12:34If that's how the keeper
12:36has stayed ahead of us,
12:37we never had a shot.
12:40Reed rubbed his temple.
12:42We thought they might have eyes
12:44watching for them,
12:45but it seems they have
12:47more than we ever knew.
12:53This is helpful intel, Eleanor.
12:57Edgar's voice was gloomy
12:59as he grappled with the reality
13:00of how deep the betrayal went.
13:03He and Reed had a lot more work
13:05cut out for them
13:06if they were going to get
13:07to the bottom of things.
13:09The trail of money
13:10was not so easy to follow.
13:16Eleanor straightened her spine,
13:18sitting up tall.
13:20I'm glad I could help,
13:21but let me do more.
13:24Edgar shook his head.
13:27Absolutely not.
13:28It's too dangerous.
13:29Hear me out,
13:31she insisted.
13:33They trust me
13:34in the red light district.
13:36I go there often
13:37for my research
13:38and to share my stories.
13:39If anyone can get information,
13:42it's me.
13:44She sat back,
13:45making her point.
13:47Let me investigate further.
13:50Edgar contemplated
13:52Eleanor's proposal,
13:52but his lips were still
13:54turned down in a frown.
13:56It was bad enough
13:57that he and Reed
13:58had been having a hard time
14:00tracking down
14:00the financial source
14:01of Lockwood's misery.
14:03But to send Eleanor
14:05into the fray
14:05was a step
14:06he was not sure
14:07he wanted to take.
14:09He looked at Reed expectantly.
14:12Surely Reed
14:13would not be on board
14:14with sending his wife
14:15into a potentially
14:16dangerous situation.
14:18But to his surprise,
14:20Reed squeezed
14:21Eleanor's hand
14:22and nodded in agreement
14:24with her request.
14:26She's right, Edgar,
14:28Reed said,
14:30his voice steady
14:30and exuding confidence
14:32in Eleanor's ability.
14:34I've seen her there.
14:36She's known.
14:37She knows what she's doing
14:39and she won't be alone.
14:41Eleanor looked at Reed sharply,
14:44her eyebrow raised.
14:45He met her gaze.
14:47I trust you, Eleanor,
14:50but I won't let you go in alone
14:52asking about the Keeper.
14:54I'll follow your lead,
14:56but I will be there.
14:58It would be nice to know
15:00you have my back,
15:01I suppose.
15:02She smiled at Reed
15:04before turning her attention
15:05back to Edgar.
15:07Trust us.
15:08We can do this.
15:11Fine.
15:12The muscle in Edgar's jaw tightened.
15:15Finally, he nodded.
15:17If either of you goes missing,
15:19I'll burn the place
15:20to the ground myself.
15:24Later that night,
15:26Eleanor donned a hooded cloak
15:28and made her way back
15:30to the red light district.
15:31Reed had tied his horse
15:33on the outskirts
15:34and now trailed behind her,
15:36giving her ample space,
15:38though he kept her locked
15:40in his sights.
15:42She moved swiftly
15:43through the cobblestone streets,
15:45her mind focused
15:46on the task at hand.
15:48She would return to the brothel
15:50and go from there.
15:51If there was anyone
15:52who could make people
15:53feel comfortable
15:54and get them talking,
15:55it was her.
15:58Eleanor stood in front
15:59of the familiar red door.
16:01The guard was absent.
16:03She pulled on the door
16:05and it opened easily.
16:07She stepped inside.
16:10Instead of the usual music,
16:12it was quiet.
16:14Harsh laughter
16:15was replaced
16:16with soft whispers.
16:18The candles flickered
16:19too low.
16:21She stopped,
16:22looking around.
16:22The scent of perfume
16:24and sweat
16:25still hung heavy
16:26in the air,
16:27but the whole vibe
16:29felt...
16:30off.
16:32Eleanor scanned the room,
16:33her eyes settling
16:35on the narrow hallway
16:36that led to the
16:37individual girls' rooms.
16:39One of the doors
16:40was slightly ajar.
16:42That's Anne's room.
16:45Eleanor walked
16:46down the dim corridor
16:47toward Anne's room,
16:49her thoughts racing.
16:51She was so spooked
16:53after the scene
16:54earlier
16:54and our talk.
16:55Did she pack
16:57her things
16:57and leave?
17:00Anne?
17:01Eleanor called softly
17:03as she stood
17:03in front of the door.
17:05Are you in there?
17:07It's me,
17:08Eleanor.
17:10Silence
17:10was the only response.
17:13Anne,
17:14I just want to talk.
17:16Her fingers brushed
17:18the edge of the door
17:19as she slowly
17:19pushed it open.
17:23The dim lamplight
17:25barely illuminated
17:26the gruesome scene.
17:28Anne was slumped
17:29across the bed,
17:30her neck
17:31at an unnatural angle.
17:33Her eyes,
17:35wide and glassy,
17:36stared past Eleanor,
17:38frozen in terror.
17:41Bloody handprints
17:42marked the sheets.
17:44Eleanor's hand
17:45flew to her mouth.
17:46Her vision blurred
17:47with tears.
17:49Anne?
17:50Oh no.
17:52She stared at Anne's face,
17:55remembering her soft-spoken manner,
17:57her gentle smile.
17:59Anne was gone.
18:01I'm so sorry.
18:03She whispered,
18:05her voice catching.
18:07Who,
18:07who did this to you?
18:10Her stomach twisted
18:12with fear.
18:13What if the person
18:14who had done this
18:15was still here?
18:17I have to leave.
18:19Now.
18:21Following her self-command,
18:23Eleanor turned around,
18:24just in time
18:26to hear footsteps.
18:28Heavy.
18:29Purposeful.
18:30And they were coming
18:31down the corridor
18:32toward her.
18:34Fast.
18:37Reed leaned on a grimy wall
18:40in the dark alley
18:41beside the brothel.
18:42His eyes flitted
18:44from shadow to shadow,
18:45and the muscles
18:46in his jaw flexed.
18:48Though he looked
18:49perfectly calm,
18:50as though he was
18:51simply a john
18:52biding his time
18:53outside the brothel,
18:54his heart was racing
18:56with impatience
18:57and concern.
18:58Where is Eleanor?
19:01Surely she should be
19:02out by now.
19:04He strained his ears
19:05to hear any signs
19:07coming from
19:07within the brothel,
19:08but the night
19:09was quiet.
19:11Almost too quiet
19:12for the red light district.
19:15Shifting his weight,
19:17Reed tried to maintain
19:18his calm demeanor,
19:19but the longer he waited,
19:21the worse the gnawing
19:23in his gut became.
19:25Something isn't right.
19:27She's been inside
19:28far too long.
19:30I promised her
19:31I would follow her lead,
19:33but I can't wait
19:34any longer.
19:35Her anger
19:36is a price worth
19:37paying to make
19:38sure she's safe.
19:40With a new course
19:41of action in mind
19:43and his hands
19:43balled into fists,
19:45Reed walked
19:46toward the door
19:47of the brothel.
19:49Inside,
19:50Eleanor's pulse
19:51pounded in her ears,
19:53matching the sound
19:54of the footsteps
19:55coming down the corridor.
19:56There was no time
19:58to think.
19:58She had to act.
20:01Eleanor turned
20:02on her heel
20:03and ran down
20:03the corridor
20:04toward the exit
20:05of the brothel.
20:06She could hear
20:07footsteps pounding
20:08behind her,
20:09gaining ground,
20:10but she had a head start
20:11and was closer
20:12to the exit.
20:14The exit
20:15was just ahead
20:15of her.
20:16She felt relief
20:17and hope
20:18surge through her
20:19as she lunged forward,
20:21her hand outstretched
20:22to pull on the handle.
20:25A large man
20:27stepped in front
20:27of her,
20:28blocking her path.
20:30He walked
20:30slowly toward her,
20:32forcing her
20:32to back up.
20:34Where do you think
20:35you're going?
20:38Behind her,
20:39she could hear
20:39the breath
20:40of another goon.
20:41He had caught up
20:43to her
20:43and she was flanked.
20:45There was only
20:45one way out
20:46of the brothel
20:47and this trunk
20:48of a man
20:49was blocking it.
20:50Reed was just
20:52on the other side
20:52of the door.
20:53She just had to
20:54find a way past.
20:56Get out of my way!
20:58Eleanor tried
20:59to shout forcefully,
21:01but fear
21:02made her voice quiver.
21:05The men cackled loudly
21:06as though
21:07she had told a joke.
21:11That's cute.
21:12The man behind her
21:14chuckled like a hyena.
21:16She thinks
21:16she has somewhere to go.
21:18Eleanor struggled
21:19to hold her ground
21:20as the man
21:21in front of her
21:22leaned in.
21:23She stared
21:24into his face
21:25defiantly,
21:26but her insides
21:27twisted with fear.
21:29Seems like
21:29you've been
21:30very busy,
21:31Missy.
21:32Unlucky for you,
21:34the Keeper
21:35doesn't like
21:36curious little girls.
21:38He growled,
21:39reaching for her.
21:41Let me go!
21:44Eleanor screamed
21:45as he grabbed
21:46her cloak.
21:48Reed's body
21:49tensed as he heard
21:50muffled voices
21:51and then a woman
21:52scream.
21:53Enough is enough.
21:55I'm going in.
21:57Reed approached
21:58the door,
21:59but before he could
21:59open it,
22:01the brothel's door
22:02burst open
22:03with a violent crack.
22:05Two men shuffled out,
22:07dragging Eleanor
22:08between them.
22:09Her cloak was torn
22:10at the shoulder.
22:11Her eyes were wide
22:13with fury
22:13and fear.
22:15Eleanor thrashed,
22:17gritting out
22:17through clenched teeth.
22:19Get your filthy hands
22:21off me!
22:23Reed struck
22:24like lightning.
22:25From the shadows
22:27he attacked,
22:27grabbing one of the goons
22:29from behind.
22:30He slammed him
22:31into the wall,
22:32his elbow finding
22:33a home in the man's ribs.
22:35There was a loud crack.
22:37The man groaned in pain
22:39and then dropped
22:40like a sack of grain.
22:43The second man
22:43spun toward Reed,
22:45blade drawn.
22:46But Reed was faster.
22:48He ducked
22:49as the blade
22:50swiped above him.
22:51Quickly he rose,
22:53twisting the man's arm.
22:55The dagger clattered
22:56to the ground
22:57and Eleanor scooped it up,
22:59brandishing it
22:59at the thug.
23:00You bastard!
23:03Reed drove a punch
23:04into the man's jaw
23:05that sent him sprawling.
23:08Eleanor stumbled back,
23:10gasping,
23:11her hand trembling.
23:13Reed,
23:14they,
23:15Anne!
23:16No time,
23:17he growled,
23:19grabbing her hand.
23:20There might be more
23:21on the way.
23:22We have to move.
23:23He grabbed her wrist,
23:25pulling her through the alley.
23:27Shouts erupted
23:29from the brothel
23:29as more goons convened.
23:32Footsteps thundered
23:33behind them.
23:35Reed and Eleanor fled.
23:37They tore through
23:38the red-light district's
23:40serpentine underbelly,
23:41weaving between crates
23:43and lantern posts,
23:44dodging staggering drunks,
23:46and sprinting past
23:48angry vendors.
23:49The streets were slick
23:51with rain and muck.
23:53They jumped over
23:54scattered debris
23:54as they ran,
23:56intent on doing
23:56whatever they could
23:57to evade
23:58the Keeper's goons.
24:00Behind them,
24:01they could hear
24:02shouting,
24:03boots crashing,
24:04voices barking orders.
24:07Ahead of them
24:08was the promise
24:09of freedom.
24:10As they approached
24:12a busy street,
24:13Eleanor tugged at Reed.
24:16This way,
24:17her voice barely carrying
24:19over the din of the noise
24:20spilling out
24:21from bars
24:22and gambling halls.
24:23Reed didn't hesitate,
24:25following her lead.
24:27She dragged them
24:28through a narrow gap
24:29between two crumbling buildings.
24:31They shimmied
24:32through the gap,
24:33watching as a pack
24:34of the Keeper's men
24:35continued straight
24:36ahead,
24:37looking for them
24:38in the busy street.
24:39Let's get the hell
24:40out of here.
24:42Eleanor led them
24:43through the rest
24:44of the gap.
24:45Quietly,
24:46they made their way
24:47to the other side,
24:48stumbling onto
24:49a quieter street.
24:51They were breathless,
24:52wild-eyed,
24:53dirty and shaken,
24:55but alive.
24:57Follow me,
24:58Reed directed,
24:59taking the lead.
25:00He led them
25:02into a corner,
25:03bathed in darkness.
25:04The horse was waiting
25:05right where he'd left it.
25:07He sighed in relief.
25:10Reed mounted quickly
25:10and reached for Eleanor.
25:13They took off
25:14into the night,
25:15hooves striking
25:16the cobblestone,
25:17until they had put
25:18distance between them
25:19and the red-light district.
25:21The wind snapped
25:22at Eleanor's hood
25:23and whistled
25:24in Reed's ears,
25:25but he did not slow.
25:27As the twinkling lights
25:29of the district
25:30faded behind them,
25:32Eleanor pressed her face
25:33against Reed's back.
25:34She had yet to grieve
25:36Anne's death,
25:37but even that
25:38would have to wait.
25:40We have to tell Edgar
25:42tonight,
25:44she whispered to him.
25:46Reed did not reply.
25:48He simply rode faster.
25:51The shadows in Lockwood
25:53have never been deeper.
25:55With a friend lost
25:56in the Keeper's influence
25:57reaching even the royal court,
25:59Edgar and Reed
26:00are facing an enemy
26:01they can't even see.
26:03How far does
26:04the corruption go?
26:05And who will be the next
26:06to pay the ultimate price?
26:09Don't miss episode 430.
26:12Join now for early access,
26:14and don't forget
26:15to like and subscribe.
26:27We'll see you next time.
26:28We'll see you next time.
26:28We'll see you next time.
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