Page 15 of Saved By the Headless Horseman
“If it weren’t for you, he would still draw breath—you are the reason he’s dead.”
Those words lacerate me with the force of a thousand cuts.Cold and callous, yet they are shockingly accurate.It is my fault that Krane is dead.While I did not hold the dagger that killed him, I surely sentenced him to death.
If I had not told him about Earl Bram’s proposal, he never would have propositioned my father to accept his suit instead.The earl never would’ve killed him for the slight.Even if he had believed the rumors about the two of us, it wouldn’t have been enough to act on.
It is my fault.Why hadn't I left with him?It is a question I’ll ask myself until I draw my final breath.Regret drains all my fire.I slink back into my cell, falling against the rough wall.The Headless Horseman pulls back, releasing the bars with a groan.
“Now you’re beginning to see the truth.”
I manage to shake my head but can’t seem to meet his eye.
“If you wish to punish me, then do so.I will not fight you on that.But if you have Krane’s soul, please release it.”A broken sob leaves me.“He never deserved any of this.”
Fresh moisture coats my cheeks as I fall to the ground.Green flames lick along the sides of the pumpkin as the Headless Horseman is quiet for a moment.I don’t think he’s going to answer until his whole body shifts.
“His soul is within me.It can never be freed.”
My head jerks up, but only in time to watch him disappear into the dense fog.There will be no fresh bread or water tonight.The mist rolls away until there is nothing left behind.A new chill permeates my cell, and I curl in on myself.I’m more confused than ever.
The only thing I am certain of is that if Krane’s soul is trapped within that creature, I must find a way to free him.That is why I could not end myself, even when the moment presented itself.I still had work to do here—a purpose.I will free Krane if it is the last thing I ever do.
Is it possible the Headless Horseman killed him?My father had claimed Earl Bram responsible, and there had been his dagger left behind, but Krane’s demise was exceptionally brutal.Earl Bram had a horrible reputation, but none of it mentioned the level of violence needed for such a killing.
Confusion causes my head to pound, and I let it fall back against the cold stone wall.I should get some rest.Who knows what tomorrow will bring?I open my eyes with some effort and look towards the stale piece of bread.I should eat some to keep my strength up.
As I go to crawl over to the plate, something catches my attention.
The bars to my cell are different than before.I shakily rise onto my feet.My hands trail along the metal feeling the crushed grooves from the Headless Horseman’s grasp.They have been bent and pulled apart just wide enough for me to slip through.
I’ve never been more grateful for my slighter frame than I am now.The fit is tight.I have to bend and twist my body at odd, painful angles, but I manage to get my shoulders through.Yanking on the bar, I pull my lower half through and stand on the other side of my cage.
I stare up into the darkened stairwell.With a deep breath, I know what I must do.
Enjoying my freedom for only a moment longer, I quickly crawl back through the opening.It is easier now that I know how to twist myself.I will only get one shot at what I’ve planned, and I need to make it count.
Reaching below the fluffy hem of my dress, my hand drifts to my right thigh.The Headless Horseman should’ve searched me before locking me in here.The small dagger sheathed there was only meant to end Earl Bram, should I not have been able to take him over the cliff with me.My father’s guards were always careless with their weapons; this one was easy enough to poach.
I thought of using it against myself a dozen times, but my hand could never go through with it.Now I realize it was because I needed to live to make it here.Freeing Krane from this creature was my sole mission now.I don’t care what becomes of me so long as he is at rest.
I grip the simple handle in my palm.This dagger was meant for an earl, but it will soon find itself a new victim: the Headless Horseman.
10
SCARLETT
When the fog rolls in the next night, I am ready.
My decision has been made, and now I must wait for the opportunity to present itself.The moment he appears, I will surprise him.At no point did the bars straighten themselves out.I can still break free, and the Headless Horseman will pay for his mistake.
The fog deepens, and from within it rises a full moon.The glowing orb casts a blue light onto the ground below.The mist snaps and flows like waves against a rocky shore.From its depths, a new scene is revealed.Two naked bodies are tangled together atop a blanket in my father’s stables.
Long pale fingers trace his heart-shaped birthmark, while his tan hands slide through silvery–blonde hair, resulting in a throaty sigh.It is Krane and I again, the age we were a month ago.Not this night,I think.I don’t know if I can bear watching it.
I grip the bars in my hands, the cold metal biting into me.
“My moon.”Krane smiles before taking the other me’s lips in a tender kiss.
It may only be a month ago, but the difference between the two of us is shocking.I looked so alive back then.My body had filled out in the form of full breasts and round hips.My pale skin was luminous, and my hair was thick and long.A far cry from the starving wraith I was now.
