His hungry kisses repulsed me. He had drawn blood from my lips as I refused to give him the access he wanted. I channelled all the fury that I felt inside and opened my eyes, ripping my face from his grip.
The taste of blood filled my mouth as I chanted a spell, using all the strength I could muster; a spell of destruction. My powers flared around me, the pain in my chest knocking the air from me as I tore at my sealed powers. I didn’t care for the consequences as Cheyne went flying into the air before he was thrown to the ground brutally. Blood splattered the floor, and I fell to my knees, coughing.
The agonising pull on my heart hurt horrifically. I felt weak and tired, but I was free from him. I needed to get out of here… Rayhan would find me via my scent, right? I used the tree next to me for support as I tried to pinpoint where I was.
The woods…When did we get so far out?My mind was blurry, and I felt like my legs would give way at any moment. I wiped my lips, wanting to remove his disgusting touch. I pulled my skirt down, kicking off my heels as I tumbled forward, grabbing onto a tree branch as I kept my balance.
“Rayhan…” I whispered.
I still felt weak and hot. I knew those crystals that were in the box had something to do with this... buthow did it affect me? Were the clothes spelled? I hadn’t even sensed magic upon them… perhaps a strong spell that was masked…
I was getting deeper into the forest, but the haze that hung above me clouded all sense of direction. Just when I was considering taking a break, I heard a branch snap.
“Rayhan?” I whispered.Where are you? You said you wouldn’t leave me...
“Who’s Rayhan?” a cold voice that I really didn’t want to hear came.
Please, not now…I didn’t have the energy to run...
“Seems like you did quite a number on Cheyne… well good, because you belong to me.” I turned, my heart thudding as I looked at Dawson. His shirt was ruffled, and he was breathing hard, which meant he had been running. “You don’t need to worry, they all think you’re with Cheyne, and Amoria’s having a screaming match… so no one will know.” With each word he spoke, he advanced closer.
“Back off, Dawson, or I won’t hesitate to do the same thing I did to Cheyne!” I hissed.
I wouldn’t be able to. My breath was coming out ragged, and I had no energy left. I just hoped he didn’t realise that. He scoffed as he opened the buckle of his belt. I retreated, my stomach knotting in fear.
“You only knocked the fool out. It was I who finished the job,” he sneered as he grabbed me by my arm and threw me to the ground. “Now, let’s get this over and done with. Don’t think you can just parade around in a tiny little dress and think you can walk away as you wish.” I crawled backwards.
Rayhan…
He lunged at me, slamming me back onto the rough ground of the forest, straddling me as he tore my dress from my shoulders, exposing half of my breasts.
Stop it!” I screamed, despite my voice trembling.
“I’ve waited far too long,” he murmured, biting into my neck as he kissed me along my neck and shoulders whilst I struggled.
“Stop!” I cried, clawing at his chest, trying to go for his face, but he wasn’t bothered. His hands grabbed my breasts painfully tight as he groped them. My cries and attempts were futile.
A low, menacing growl filled the dark woods, the rage in it clear. Before either of us could find the source, Dawson was ripped off me. I heard a sickening crunch as he hit a tree before his body crumbled to the ground.
“She said stop.” The voice was menacing and dangerous, yet it filled me with relief.
“Rayhan…” I whispered, my heart leaping, relief flooding me.
“I got you, Kitten. No one’s going to touch you ever again,” his soft reply came, dropping to his knees and scooping me into his arms.
The warm tingles from his touch were welcoming, and I felt my body react to him. I clung to his shirt, curling into him, the fear of what could have happened swirling around me. Despite his calm, comforting exterior, his heart was racing, and I knew he had been worried. Worried about me.
I closed my eyes, feeling the tears I didn’t know I had started streaming down my cheeks.
“You’re safe, Kitten.”
I was safe, safe in his arms.This is my home, my safe place.
“Please don’t leave me.”
His hand caressed the back of my head tenderly as he gently tugged my head upwards. He shook his head, his black locks curtaining his face. The emotions in those blazing green eyes of his spoke louder than words ever could.
“I’m never leaving you, Kitten. You’re my everything, and I swear, each and every person who has hurt you will not be in any state to meet even the god of death himself when I’m done with them.” His words were cold, but the hot white anger that was radiating off of him only grew with each word that left his plush lips.