Struck
Mentally I shook my head. There was no way he would let me go. No, even without my purity Ethan would take me. There was no point in hoping. No, what happened last night was the best that to ever happen to me. It was my choice and I regret none of it. I’m sure it’ll cost me in the future, but until then, I’ll keep the secret of my purity to myself.
I needed to find a way to let Shane know about what happened. I needed him to know he had to be careful. I had to keep him away from me. The thought alone had my heart dropping out of my chest. I stood by the window next to my bed. I didn’t look at her as she made her way to me.
“I may not have been able to find anything today,” Ava said. “But I’m not letting this go. A dark-haired man was seen outside your room and I’m sure something is going on. I won’t be made a fool in front of Ethan. I’ll be keeping a closer eye on you, sister.”
I held my tongue as she turned her back on me and walked out of my room. I slumped to the ground only after the door slammed shut. My mind was racing as I tried to figure out what to do next. I needed to reach out to Shane without arousing suspicion. I was running out of time. I needed to figure out how to keep Shane out of trouble before I left.
My mind was racing. I was running out of time. I needed to figure out how to keep Shane out of trouble before I left. I couldn’t live with myself if he got hurt. Would I be able to keep myself away from him, or would I continue to be selfish and hold him close? Would I be able to let him go? As much as I knew I needed to, I don’t think I could let him go now. I don’t think I can now. I had sunk my nails deep into Shane and I didn’t want to let go. Would I doom us both?
***
That night, I answered the call for dinner. It was risky, but I feigned illness and excused myself. Instead of going back to my room, I went outside and walked through the field. I needed to get to Shane, even if it were only for a few minutes. I needed to make sure he knew about what was going on. I needed to make him aware he needed to tread lightly for the next few weeks. Worry fueled my steps, adrenaline pumped through my veins, and a need to see him washed over me.
I cried out as thorns stuck to my clothing and pricked my skin, pulling me back. I covered my face with my arms as I pushed through the bushes. Time was ticking and soon dinner would be finished. There was a chance my sister would come up and find me.
I choked on a sob as I pushed through the edge of the field. I was on the other side now, I turned to look back, but stopped. I didn’t want fear to stop me from continuing. I wouldn’t look back, only forward. I steeled my resolve and faced forward. Slowly, I made my way along the dirt path I’d seen Shane walk through a countless amount of times.
When I rounded the corner, I was faced with the servant’s quarters. One of these houses belonged to Shane. I walked and walked until a silhouette in the corner of my eye caused me to pause. She stood in front of a house and I immediately knew who she was without having ever shared a word with her. She was his mirrored image. Her hair was long and her face held his same sharp features. The difference was in the eyes, hers were a piercing gray. Almost like the color of lightning when it struck the earth. The flash before the yellow.
She stilled when we locked eyes. Her body tensed and she looked around. I followed her gaze and saw a few people were looking at me. When I looked back at her she cursed and strode across to me. She grabbed my arm and dragged me along with her. I didn’t bother telling her to unhand me. I was where I needed to be. She opened the door and pulled me through. When she slammed the door shut behind me, I turned to her but before I could say anything, she lifted her hand, and struck down on my cheek.
My head slammed back and I held my face in my palm. I was in shock. This was the first time I’d been struck by someone outside of my family. Tears filled my eyes as my hopes for a happy meeting were dashed. I looked up at her and the emotion in her eyes had me frozen. Anger and hate stared back at me. I swallowed as I searched her gaze for a hint of kindness. There was none.
“Who do you think you are?” She spat.
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