Shane
I was woken with a kick to the chest. The wind was knocked out of me and I gasped for breath as hands came for me in different directions. It wasn’t until they touched me and pulled me to my feet that I realized I was leaving this cell. The thought should have given me a sense of relief, but it didn’t. Today was the day of the celebration, and I was too worried about her to care about myself.
“Where are we going?” I grunted.I barely got the words out through great gulps of air.
They didn’t answer me, of course. I’d lost so much blood the world was spinning. I couldn’t walk straight and fall until their hands held me up. They dragged me from the cell. My arms slid, and I sucked in a breath as a burning sensation had me jerking away. Only to hit my other arm on the bars near it.
“Fuck,” I hissed.
“Stay still,” the guard demanded.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked.
“Alpha requested we move you to the Meeting Hall,” he answered.
“Where the celebration is?” I asked incredulously.
My eyes widened as I realized they were taking me to her party. As much as I wanted to see her, breathe the same air as her, and touch her, I knew that my presence would only hurt her. Whatever her father had planned for me would only cause her more suffering. I couldn’t go there. As we made our way up the stairs, I looked at the two warriors by my side.
They were both in good shape and the chances of me getting away weren’t great. If I was being honest with myself, I’d know that even if I managed to beat them, I wouldn’t be able to run very far without collapsing.
I didn’t want her to see me like this again. I could still hear the pain in her voice as she held me.
As we approached the door at the top of the stairs, I knew that it was now or never. I took a deep breath and readied myself.
As the warrior on my right took another step up, I rammed him with every bit of strength I had left. He yelped before leaning over the railing, falling, and landing with a sickening crunch.
Without waiting for the other warrior to do anything, I tackled him against the wall. He reached for his blade, but I gripped his wrist and snapped it. He cried out as I grabbed his face with my hand.I smashed his head against the wall over and over again. He cried out, his last working hand reaching for me, scratching me, but I didn't stop. I shoved his head into the wall until I saw blood. I kept going until I heard a crack and he stopped fighting back. I released him and he slumped to the ground. I didn’t bother looking at him; I already knew he was dead.
I leaned against the wall, staining my back with blood. Now that I got rid of my guards, I needed to figure out what I was doing next, and fast. They’d know something was up when I don’t show. This would be the perfect time to go back home. As much as I wanted to go to Adea, I knew it was in her best interest if I didn’t. I needed to find Mavy and get out of here.
I pushed open the door and looked up and down the hallway.When I was sure it was clear I took a step out. I cleared the packhouse, and ran towards the field. My sister was in our house on the other side of that field. I know all I needed to do was tell her of my plan, and she’d follow me. We could hide out until I healed. When I was strong enough, I could go back and claim my birthright. I could claim what was rightfully mine.
How long would it take me to heal?My body knows it before I do.
It would be better for me to go to the field, but I slow my pace. I was not going to go. No, I was not going to do the right thing. Why was I not going to do the right thing? Because my soul called to her as hers did to mine. I needed to go to her. I knew she’ll be in pain seeing me, but I needed to see her. I needed to do what she needed of me. I needed to make sure she was okay.
This was the perfect time for me to leave and push forward with the plan I’d been stewing over, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t leave her. I couldn’t leave her to fend for herself. I sure as hell wouldn’t leave her alone here; she’s all I had and I’m all she has.
My feet moved faster, but not toward the field. No, my feet were running in the direction of the meeting hall. I was going to her.
I already knew that I was not going to be able to get her out of there. Not when she was surrounded by her father’s men. If I hadn’t been hurt ,I could probably attempt a kidnapping. I could try and steal her, but in my state, I won’t be able to. I’m bleeding everywhere and they were going to hear me. They’d see me, smell me, and be aware of my movements.
I knew it in my soul as I ran towards her that I was running to my death. The thought of dying didn’t scare me. No, dying wasn’t what I feared.
I was scared of leaving her alone to fend for herself. The thought of him taking her before I could rescue her, before I could save her, scared me. I feared what he’d do to her. I feared he’ll hurt her, break her, and change the woman I love.
I feared that tomorrow wouldn't come. Our tomorrow. With that in my mind, I ran faster. Ignoring the bite of the wind and the million little wounds on my back sting, I ran towards my Princess.