Page 39 of A Kingdom so Crimson

The man carried me to a nearby stream, keeping watch as I attempted to wash away the dirt and blood that coated my hair, neck, hands, and clothes. The water stung my skin, intensifying the chill as the night grew darker. He demanded I lather my bleeding wounds with the salve he shoved in my hands. Its sting surpassed even that of the icy water, but it sealed my wounds almost completely, leaving me speechless as I saw my skin stitch together.

He spat at me to hurry as he nervously continued to scan the surrounding area.

Rising swiftly, I brushed past him, each step heavy with a dull ache as I headed back onto the dirt road toward Levon's estate. Despite my fervent curses, each one aimed at driving him away, he remained stubbornly at my heels, as relentless as the biting wind slicing through my soaked clothes.

"Okay, thank you for that interesting salve and for rescuing me, but I'd rather not a stranger to follow me home. Now, leave!" I snapped, my anger boiling over, but he merely scoffed, his smirk infuriating me further.

"Not a chance," he shot back, his defiance sparking a surge of rage within me.

I grunted in frustration, sensing that fiery ember of irritation burning deeper inside. As we rounded the bend, the expansive glen of Levon's estate came into view, illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns scattered about. It stood in stark contrast to the darkness we left behind.

I quickened my pace as I crossed the grass toward my now-closed window, glowing with a faint light within. Dread filled my heart, knowing I had been caught.

The man abruptly clutched my good arm again, dragging me towards the front entrance. I cursed at him, attempting to break free. "What'syourproblem?" I sneered.

"You are," he snapped, baring his teeth, and continued to pull me, forcing my boots to skid across the gravel. He dragged me up the smooth steps and seized the large knocker on the door, banging it against the hefty oak doors. The sound echoed through the estate, awakening everyone in its path.

"They're asleep!" I spat, wriggling my arm out of his grasp.

"As should you be!" he said through bared teeth.

He finally released me as the door swung open, revealing Levon, several men, and guards behind him. Levon's eyes widened in a moment of shock, first taking in my stained and bloodied clothes, then paling as he noticed the man standing beside me, also covered in my blood. The silent exchange between them spoke volumes, leaving me to wonder if they knew each other. When Levon's gaze shifted back to me, it carried a chilling intensity.

"Emil, take Eliah up to her room," he hissed to the guard at his back. "Have Saasha clean her up. Stand guard at her door until I arrive," Levon commanded, his voice billowing with outrage.

Emil moved forward, seizing my arm and pulling me into the home as if I were a child. The seething anger radiating fromthese men only fueled my fury. Despite the pain throbbing through my body, I resisted, my feet scraping against the polished floors.

"I can walk on my own!" I snapped, feeling Emil's grip tighten, undoubtedly leaving bruises on my arm. But he let go, shoving me forward. Glancing back, I caught sight of my rescuer glaring daggers at Levon, his face twisted with rage against the candle-lit entrance. Levon's gaze met mine, his eyes cold as he turned back to my rescuer, his hands clutched and shaking.

The laughter and freedom I felt had long dissipated, replaced by a heavy sense of dread, knowing I had squandered any chance at freedom.

Embarrassment flushed my cheeks, adding to the redness of my bloody face. I averted my gaze, walking with Emil trailing behind me.

Dressed in my new nightgown, courtesy of Levon, I anxiously awaited his arrival. Saasha silently departed after helping to clean and patch up the remaining wounds the salve couldn't cover, leaving me to ponder the forbidden magic it seemed to contain.

As the night wore on, exhaustion set in, turning my eyelids heavy. I never intended for this…chaosto happen. I rubbed my eyes, wallowing in self-loathing.

The door creaked open, accompanied by a gentle knock. Levon stepped in, his demeanor no longer angry but rather tired and defeated. As I began to apologize, he raised his hand, silencing me before I could continue to speak.

"Do you comprehend the gravity of your actions tonight? Do yourealizewhat could have happened to you?" His voice, though cold, carried an undercurrent of concern as his eyes burned with judgment. "Eliah, if you want to leave, you can. Iwon'trestrict your freedom. But please, for Tyran's sake,inform me. I realize our previous conversation may have fueled your anger, but you mustthinkbefore you act."

All I could do was look down, feeling embarrassment burn through me. I clenched the covers, trying to think of something to say, but nothing came—nothing I could do to atone for what I had done. I knew I was foolish for even taking the first step out the window and acting out of anger.

"How am I supposed to defend myself when you don't tell me anything?" I shot back, my voice rising with anger.

He stepped closer, running a hand through his hair. "Those creatures you encountered are called Miehjas, and I warned you there were prowlers—"

"Not prowlers that kill!" I retorted. His fists clenched as I raised my voice.

"It's late," he countered, evasive once again, though his voice tinged with urgency as he moved beside the foot of my bed. I huffed in frustration, struggling to contain my emotions as he continued. "You have no idea how terrified I was when I returned to your room and found your window wide open.Knowingthe Miehja were out there. I—" he stopped abruptly, his voice catching in his throat before he composed himself.

"I immediately shouted for my men to wake up, grabbing weapons and praying that you were still unharmed. Then, when I heard the knock and saw you covered in blood," his words trembled with emotion. He cleared his throat and straightened his white tunic, his demeanor a mix of concern and resolve. "We'll discuss this further tomorrow. Rest now, and pleasedon't ever do that again."

He stalked back to the door, swiftly blowing out the candle, engulfing me in darkness and leaving me at a loss for words. Too many questions swirled in my mind, but I struggled to articulate them as I grew tired. I sank back into bed, gazing up at the smooth ceiling, searching for patterns among the bumps and faded spots, but found none, much like everything else in this place.

Turning over, I tried to expel thoughts of the Miehja, Levon, and his sorrowful eyes. Yet, the memory of my rescuer, with his broody demeanor and burning eyes, lingered, haunting my dreams and filling me with an unsettling sense of dread.

I awoke only after a few hours of sleep, surprised by the absence of any marks or blemishes from the Miehja attack—as if it had all been a nightmare. Shaking off my confusion, I hastily dressed, anxious to meet Levon for my morning run. Racing down to the entrance, I paced, rehearsing several apologies in my mind and scolding myself for my foolishness. His footsteps approached against the silent morning, and I forced myself to stand tall and fake interest in the painting hanging nearby.

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