Page 11 of Her Immortal Protector

I freeze as a twig snaps behind me. Before I can turn, a hand clamps over my mouth, another wrapping around my waist. I'm lifted off my feet, heart pounding as we move with inhuman speed back towards the cabin I woke up in.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?" a deep voice hisses in my ear.

My captor sets me down inside, slamming the door shut. I whirl to face him, and my breath catches. It's the man from the cliff – impossibly pale, with green eyes that seem to glow in the dim light.

"Who are you?" I demand, backing away. "What is this place?"

He runs a hand through his dark hair, frustration etched on his face. "My name is Christos. And you shouldn't be here."

"No shit," I snap. "But I am here, so start talking. What's wrong with those people out there?"

Christos' jaw clenches. "It's complicated. They're... sick."

"Bullshit," I counter. "This isn't some normal illness. What are you hiding?"

He takes a step closer, and I fight the urge to retreat. There's something dangerous about him, but also... alluring. I shake my head, trying to focus.

"Listen," Christos says, his voice low and urgent. "You're in danger here. I shouldn't have brought you, but I couldn't just leave you to die."

"So you saved me from those men, only to what? Keep me prisoner?"

His eyes flash with something – anger? Hunger? "I'm trying to protect you."

"From what?" I press.

Christos hesitates, and I can see him wrestling with how much to reveal. "There are things in this world you don't understand..."

I almost don't answer, but I bite out, "Aria."

A brief smile touches his lips. But then he sighs, running a hand over his face. "Look, you just need to trust me."

"Trust you?" I laugh bitterly. "I don't even know you."

"No," he agrees, his gaze intense. "But I'm all you've got right now."

I hate that he's right. I'm lost, alone, with no way to contact the outside world. But my instincts are screaming that I've stumbled onto something huge. Whatever's happening on this island, it's big. And Christos might be at the center of it.

"Fine," I say, meeting his eyes. "But I'm not just going to sit here and play damsel in distress. I want answers."

A ghost of a smile touches his lips. "You're stubborn, aren't you?"

"You have no idea," I reply.

7

CHRISTOS

Ipace the small cabin, my newfound strength barely contained. Aria's scent fills the air, a heady mix of fear, curiosity, and something else... something that calls to me in ways I don't understand. I clench my fists, willing myself to focus.

It's been nearly a day since she woke up. I've managed to find water and food for her, but now I need to feed. Nyx wasn't wrong when she said I needed a lot of blood. But I can't take Aria hunting which leaves me with…

"You can't leave," I growl, hating the way her eyes widen. "It's not safe out there."

Aria crosses her arms, defiant. "And it's safe in here? With you?"

Her words sting more than they should. I turn away, wings rustling with agitation. "I won't hurt you."

"Then let me go."

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