Page 32 of Rising Out of the Darkness
Everything about Elena was forbidden, yet I couldn’t seem to shake the unexplainable pull that I had towards her. No one could deny that she was stunning. Vibrant locks of auburn hair that made her ocean eyes glisten. Freckles that kissed the tops of her cheeks and nose. Pillowy pastel lips that only seemed to spew words of indignation towards me.
My lips twitched with amusement. To be honest, it was the dichotomy between her tenacity and tenderness that lured me to her. I was frustrated by the way she had challenged me every chance she’d gotten, but I must admit it had made me want to push her even more. Her unwavering will was alluring. However, it was the way she cared so much about everyone but herself that had cracked a small sliver in my heart.
In another time, another place, Elena and I might have been kindred spirits. We shared more in common than she would ever know. She stirred a little bit, and I used the moment to carefully roll her back to her own bedroll.
Quietly as possible, I got dressed and shoved everything else into my satchel. As I stepped out of the tent, I took one look back at the peaceful woman I had left behind. Unfortunately, whatever was brewing inside of me needed to end right here. I would only bring about destruction in her already turbulent life.
My duty would always come first, and this kingdom needed me to be alert and focused on all that was about to befall it.
The flap of the tent fluttered closed behind me as I went in search of Killian. Space away from her was desperately needed if I was going to survive the rest of this journey.
Chapter 12
Elena
Soft melodies of chirping birds awoke me. The sun’s rays broke through the canopy of trees in the forest, cascading over my face through the open crack of the tent. Grasping for this peaceful moment, I raised my head up, eyes closed, and let my body melt into its warmth. Soothing, beautiful sunshine. It was like a hug, and my heart twinged at the thought of my father. What I wouldn’t give for his guidance right now.
Gods, please send me strength.
A twig snapped beneath boots outside the tent, and I leaned forward to see Killian open the tent wide.
“Well, good morning, sunshine,” he said with a smile as he tugged me forward onto my feet.
Trying to erase the wince that slipped, I turned around to gather up my sleep sack to avoid Killian seeing the tears beginning to roll down my face.
He twisted me around. “Elena, are you okay? I know last night was a little …”
“I’m fine.” I sniffled.
His lips pinched into a thin line as his gaze dropped to his shuffling feet.
“I’m sorry.” I sighed. “It’s just… my father calls me that name.”
Not only did I not want to be reminded about last night, but hearing the term of endearment Father used for me was even worse. Drawing in a deep breath, I tried my best to regain my composure.
“Hells. I’m so sorry, Elena. I hadn’t realized.”
“It’s alright, how would have you known?”
We worked together, taking down the tent, before making our way back towards the rest of the group. As we strolled towards the horses, I patted his shoulder, a quiet reassurance that I was okay. Perhaps it was to reassure myself as well.
Once again, I was the last to pack up, so I quickened my pace. I didn’t need to give the prince another reason to repeat last night’s events. One splash in the frozen lake was enough for me.
He was regally perched on top of his large black stallion. His lips pursed into a line as he clenched the reins. Keeping my head down, I began putting my belongings into his saddlebag.
Killian reached out pressed my arms down, shaking his head. With a tilt of his head, he silently ushered me back towards his horse. Declan’s horse chuffed and he snapped the reins and led his horse away.
Not once did he acknowledge my presence, not even a single glance back as he galloped towards the front of the group. This seemed to have become a trend with the men in my life recently.
After helping me onto the horse, Killian attached my bag to his saddlebag as the uncomfortable sting of rejection crept over me. That same unworthy feeling that I’d had three days ago when Will galloped away.
My anger turned inward. I was frustrated with myself for spending even a fraction of time worrying over the opinion of the unhinged prince in front of me. He obviously wanted nothing to do with me, and I was nothing but a nuisance to him. Yet here Iwas thinking about him in another light, the one that had me at odds with myself.
The version of him where he smiled so bright that dimples formed on his cheeks, where his firm lips turned up into a smirk whenever I challenged him, where he found a way to calm me when my own worries or dynamis threatened to consume me. My heart pounded against my chest, and I combed my fingers through my loose hair as I tried to lull myself out of the tangled cobwebs of my intrusive thoughts, like Declan had done for me all last night.
Killian climbed up behind me and nudged the beautiful ash-colored mare beneath us into a gallop. Once we caught up to the rest of the group, we fell into a trot alongside everyone else. I sat in silence braiding my hair and hoped it would prove to be an effective distraction.
Both of my guards chatted behind me. I faded in and out of their conversation, smiling here and there whenever they would laugh. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, but I just couldn’t seem to shake off the melancholy mood I was in. The conversation finally faded out behind me, and silence washed over us for what seemed like hours.
