Page 37 of Surrendered to Mate

Cassius's arms tighten around me, a low growl rumbling in his chest. I press on, the words tumbling out now that I've started.

"They brought us into the city proper. Sold us like taura." My voice breaks. "I became a slave to one of the nobles. He was... cruel. Sadistic." I shudder, memories flooding back. "The things he did... I thought I'd die there."

I feel Cassius tense, his fingers flexing against my skin. But he stays silent, letting me speak. His hand keeps up the motion on my back, his heartbeat continuing against my ear and helping me stay calm.

"One night, I just... snapped. I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed a knife from the kitchen and..." I trail off, squeezing my eyes shut. "I attacked him. He screamed, and knocked over a lantern. The fire spread so fast."

I lift my head, meeting Cassius's dark gaze. "I ran. I left him there, burning. I hope he's dead. I don't even feel guilty about it."

Cassius's voice is practically a growl, but his touch remains gentle. "You shouldn't."

I gulp back the fear. "I still have nightmares of what it would have been like if I hadn't gotten out in time. And there are some other people in the house…the fire hurt them…" I suck in a deep breath. "Maybe I shouldn't have?—"

His finger hooks under my chin and he tilts my face up. "You got it. And it doesn't matter how. You need to, and you did. That is all that matters. They all would have done the same."

I nod, a weight lifting from my chest. "I've been hiding ever since. Always afraid they'd find me, drag me back." My handsclench into fists. "But sometimes... sometimes I dream about going back. About making them all pay for what they did."

I search Cassius's face, half-expecting to see disgust or fear. Instead, I find understanding and a fierce protectiveness that takes my breath away.

"They'll never touch you again," he growls, his wings tightening around us. "I swear it."

For the first time in years, I feel truly safe.

I lean into Cassius's embrace, his strong arms and gentle wings cocooning me in a bubble of safety I haven't felt in years. The lingering tendrils of my nightmare fade away, replaced by a warmth that spreads through my chest.

It's strange, this feeling of comfort, of trust. For so long, I've relied solely on myself, never daring to let anyone close enough to hurt me.

But Cassius... he's different. In the short time we've known each other, he's shown me a kindness and understanding I'd forgotten existed in this harsh world. I find myself wanting to open up to him, to share the burdens I've carried alone for so long.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice muffled against his chest. "For listening. For understanding."

Cassius's hand continues its soothing motion on my back. "Always, sweetheart."

I lift my head, meeting his dark gaze. There's something in his eyes, a depth of emotion I hadn't noticed before. It makes my breath catch in my throat.

"I never thought I'd trust anyone again," I admit softly. "But with you... it's different. I feel safe."

A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips. "I'm glad. You deserve to feel safe, Faye."

And this time when he says my name, it hits me hard. He's not teasing me, not joking. There's so much care laced in the word that it knocks the breath out of me.

His words stir something inside me, a flicker of hope I thought had long since died. For years, my sole focus has been survival, driven by the bitter need for revenge against those who wronged me. But now, wrapped in Cassius's arms, I find myself imagining a different future.

One where I'm not alone. One where there's more to life than just making it through another day.

If only.

18

CASSIUS

Iscan the horizon, my eyes catching the glint of sunlight on water. The coast. Finally. After days of trekking through this dense forest, we're close to our goal. I can feel the magic thrumming through my veins, pulling me forward like an invisible string.

"There it is, sweetheart," I say, nodding towards the shoreline. "Ready for a swim?"

Faye follows my gaze, her golden-brown eyes narrowing. "As ready as I'll ever be." Her voice lacks its usual spark, and I notice the dark circles under her eyes.

"We should keep moving," I suggest, fighting the urge to reach out and touch her. "The sooner we get there, the sooner we can figure out what this tablet's all about."

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