Bloody words

“Why did you do it?” Cole’s voice, filled with a mix of confusion and urgency, cut through the silence of the forest. His eyes searched mine, desperate for an answer.

I took a step back, trying to steady my racing heart, my voice cold and sharp as I responded. “Unlike you, who was willing to lose the hunt just to make Alexander win so that he could get me as his one wish, I’m not a backstabber.”

Cole flinched at my words, pain flickering in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, Alexander’s presence shattered the fragile moment. He appeared from the shadows, his face a mask of determination.

“The maid has prepared your quarters,” Alexander announced, his voice devoid of warmth. “You won’t be staying with Cole anymore.”

He reached for my hand, but Cole stepped in his way, pulling me to his side with a firm grip. “She stays with me until she chooses to leave,” he declared, his voice unwavering.

The tension between the two was palpable, and I found myself caught in the middle of their silent battle. Suddenly, Cole’s arms wrapped around my waist, drawing me closer. Despite my earlier anger, I felt myself melting into his embrace, my heart betraying my mind. I locked eyes with Alexander, a silent message passing between us.

“Come to your senses,” Alexander said coldly, his voice barely hiding his frustration. “There’s only so much I can take.”

I took a deep breath, my decision clear. “I will always choose Cole over you.”

Alexander’s expression hardened, a storm brewing in his eyes. He took a step back, his fists clenched at his sides. “You’re making a mistake,” he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

“Maybe,” I replied, my voice steady, “but it’s my choice to make.”

With that, Alexander turned on his heel and walked away, his departure leaving an uneasy silence in his wake. I leaned into Cole’s embrace, the warmth of his body providing a strange comfort amidst the chaos.

Cole’s grip tightened around me, his voice soft and filled with emotion. “Thank you,” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear. “I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I promise I will do everything to earn back your trust.”

I pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes. “Just don’t betray me again,” I said, my voice tinged with both hope and caution.

“I won’t,” he vowed, his eyes shining with sincerity.

His eyes, darkened with a familiar intensity, roved over my face and then down to my lips. The air between us grew thick, and I could feel the heat of his gaze igniting something within me.

“Should we take this back to my quarters?” Cole asked, his voice low and rough with barely-contained desire.

I nodded, unable to find my voice. He took my hand, his touch sending sparks through my skin, and we made our way back through the forest. The path felt longer than usual, every step laden with anticipation.

As we walked, the memories of our past whispered between us, filling the air with unspoken words. The forest, once a place of tranquility, now seemed to echo with the tension and unresolved emotions that hung heavy around us. The leaves rustled in the wind, as if they too were holding their breath, waiting for what was to come.

When we finally reached his quarters, the mood shifted abruptly. He seemed hesitant, his earlier confidence waning. The frustration that had been simmering inside me boiled over.

“Why are you so damn afraid of Ashur?” I demanded, the question spilling out before I could stop myself. I knew it was a foolish thing to say. Ashur, our leader, was as ruthless as he was powerful, capable of ending Cole’s life with a mere gesture. But in that moment, I didn’t care.

Cole’s eyes flared with sudden rage. He moved so quickly that I barely registered what was happening until my back was pressed against the wall, his body pinning mine. His breath was hot against my skin, his eyes blazing.

“Don’t you ever say that again,” he growled, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. “You have no idea what he’s capable of.”

I could feel the tension in his muscles, the barely-contained fury that simmered beneath the surface. My own anger flared in response, and I pushed against him, trying to break free from his grip.

“Then tell me!” I shouted, my voice echoing off the walls. “Stop keeping me in the dark! If we’re going to fight him, I need to know everything.”

For a moment, Cole’s grip tightened, his eyes boring into mine. Then, slowly, he released me, stepping back and running a hand through his hair in frustration. He turned away, pacing the room like a caged animal.

“Ashur is more than just our leader,” he began, his voice taut with tension. “He’s a tyrant. He’s controlled us for years, using fear and violence to keep us in line. No one dares to stand up to him because they know what will happen if they do.”

I watched him, my anger slowly giving way to a cold, hard resolve. “Then we’ll take him down,” I said, my voice steady. “Together.”

Cole stopped pacing and turned to face me, his eyes were still locked onto mine, and I was unable to read them. The weight of my words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, the room seemed to shrink around us.


I swallowed hard, my own resolve starting to waver as the gravity of what I’d just proposed began to sink in.

“Do you really mean that?” Cole asked, his voice low and uncertain, as if he too was trying to grasp the enormity of the situation.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice trembling slightly.

As Cole's gaze bore into mine, I felt a shiver run down my spine, my earlier bravado dissipating like smoke in the wind. His expression was a mix of disbelief and concern as if he couldn't quite comprehend the gravity of my words.