DECISIONS

Freda’s POV.

As I ran back to my room the castle's walls seemed to shut in on me, my heart was beating really fast, I couldn’t believe he came back for me. I have to be fast in escaping the different world that I have entered.
This is my cue for running, but how can I do that? My dad will surely be captured again, so I can't leave with him. Damien seemed not to listen to my voice. All he wants is what's best for him and his kingdom, but not his mate.
To be honest, I couldn't. I could not remain here and totally lose myself in the vampire kingdom. I had to go, to resume my life before all of this happened and try to get my dad back.
My mind went straight to my best friend Kara. She was the one person who could pull me out of this mess and be my compass back to the pack. Whispering Kara's name into the little, silver mirror the witch had given me a tool she said could link me to the people I trusted and would save my life one day.
I started saying the spells she taught me, and immediately I felt the surface shimmer then clear to expose Kara's face, her eyes widening with surprise. I was becoming good at this.

"Freda? Is that really you?” she asked. “Where have you been too? I tried finding you!"

I muttered, “Kara,” with emotional tremor. “I need your help.” I have to leave this place. I had to leave the vampire kingdom.

Kara's expression grew softer with sympathy. "What is happening? Are you in danger?

I stopped, not knowing how much to expose. "It's complicated, but I have to return to the pack before it is too late. Will you kindly assist me? I’ll tell you everything when I get back.”

Of course, Kara said without thinking twice. “But where are you in the kingdom?” How can I get to you?”

For some unknown reason when she asked I looked about the lavish chamber, the silk drapes, and the golden candelabras. "I’m still at the castle of the vampire king. I have heard of secret passageways. Old and buried in the foundations of the castle. If I'm able to locate it, I can leave the castle and go straight to the forest and meet you at the former chapel next to the woodland. Are you free to be there?"

“Freda, I'll be there,” Kara said. "Just… be careful. This is actually dangerous."

“I know it is,” I said, my voice almost above a whisper. “We have to be fast Kara before I get caught,” I said, trying to be fast before someone walked into the room or heard me and told Damien about it.

We traded a few more words, and then I broke off the connection, the surface of the mirror returning to its reflecting quality. The truth of what I was about to do pressed down on my shoulders most of all. I have to be cautious and head straight to the forest. If I end up in the village I can be captured or drained, From what Damien stood for, I was to flee from him. But a part of me hurt at the idea of leaving him behind even as I changed to a more comfortable outfit I could run and perhaps fight in. Notwithstanding all the lies and deception, there was something strong and indisputable between us.
I inhaled deeply and started to compile a few items I would need for my getaway. The door creaked open as I was fastening my cloak, and Damien entered.

“Freda,” he whispered gently, his voice combining relief with something deeper. I have been looking for you.

My heart jumped right into my throat. “Damien. Look, it's hard…"

“Planning to leave?” he asked me, darkening eyes falling on the little bundle of clothing I was clutching. "Do you believe I won’t figure it out?

I tried to keep my voice steady by swallowing hard. "I am running out of time, Damien. Time to consider and work out what I want. Too much is happening in this Kingdom for me to handle, I'm not set out to be your queen.”
Though there was still a hard edge to his eyes, Damien's demeanor softened just slightly. "I know Freda, this is overwhelming. Running away will not, however, fix anything. You should be here, right with me. You are my mate."

The word “mate” made my heart contract. My voice quivering, I continued, “Maybe I'm not ready for that. Perhaps I do not want this life, You don’t expect me to change my goals and vision for you."

His face showed a flutter of agony, but it vanished as fast as it had first shown. "Freda, I understand you are terrified. You are not alone. However, I am with you. I can guard you against all the danger in my world."

I shook my head as tears started to fill my eyes. “It goes beyond being safe, Damien.” I said and took a deep breath before I continued again "It's about being free, I can't change my life for you, you don't even respect my words or try to understand me, it can't work out with me as your queen. If I become your queen, I'm afraid I'll be locked in this castle until my death."
I drew away as Damien moved forward, and his fingers touched my cheek. He stopped, his hand hovering between us and his face one of hurt. “Please, Freda. Don’t do this.”

I will not let him sway me. People will always talk. I had to remember why I was doing this and keep strong. “I'm sorry, Damien. But I have to leave."

I turned and hurried out the door before he could say anything else. My heart beating so fast as I ran across the poorly lighted castle, Constant reminder of me running out of time, my legs resonating against the stone walls. I had to locate the route, then flee before it was too late. I knew Damien wasn't running after me because he would have caught up in less than a second, and I was glad he wasn't.
At last, after what felt like hours, I discovered an ancient, battered door hidden in a dark corner of the castle. The wood was rotting and the hinges rusty, as if not used in years.

I inhaled deeply, then pushed the door open and winced at how loudly it sounded. Inside was a dark, narrow stair that dropped far down into the ground. Just a moment passed before I entered, the blackness engulfing me completely as I went down the steps.

As I dropped, the air grew colder, and my nose smells of musty earth and stone. The section was small, hardly large enough for me to pass through, and I had to fight back the panic trying to overwhelm me. I hated dark places. But right now, I will either go back or move on.

I stopped in my tracks as a voice suddenly rang across the night.

" Fredra."

My heart thumping in my chest, I whirled about. At the top of the stairs, Damien stood there with sad yet angry eyes.

“You cannot run from me, Freda,” he whispered, his voice low and threatening.
“Damien, please,” I said, backing away. "Allow me to leave. I have to go."

He shook his head, nevertheless, and moved closer, "That is not something I can accomplish alone or with another person. Freda, you don't understand I can't have another queen who's not you. Things will fall apart if you go. The kingdom, my authority; us."

I shook my head and tears came running down my cheek. "I am unable to stay, Damien. For this, I am not strong enough."

"You are, " he said, his voice sharp. "You are stronger than you are aware of. But once you leave, if you pass that section, there is no returning. I may not be able to fight for you or get you back, you're my weakness and my enemies will do anything to destroy me."

His comments made me shiver, but I refused to let terror paralyze me. I said, my voice shaking, “I have to try.”

Damien's face changed, and I could see the pain in his eyes, and for a second, I thought he might let me go. Then, in one quick action, he stretched out and grabbed my arm, dragging me near.

His voice shaking, he said, “You can't leave me, Freda. I won't let you.”

And before I could respond, he dropped to kiss me, a passionate, possessive kiss. And for some second I was lost in him, in the heat and force of his contact. My heart was beating so fast and for a brief moment, I forgot my plans and mission.

But it ended just as fast as it had started. Damien withdrew, black eyes full of will.

"Freda, you are part of me. And I will do all necessary to have you by my side."

And in that instant, I realized that leaving Damien would mean dooming us both to a future of gloom and hopelessness, not only of the guy I was starting to like but my mate, my other half given to me by the moon goddess.