5
Kassius
Crushed weeds and parted tall grass indicated a path where the two figures had fled the day before. I frowned, shifted back to my human form, and followed the trail. I needed to conserve all the energy I could in case of an altercation.
My chest felt syrupy and thick with anxiety. The uncertainty of what I’d run into made my palms turn clammy. I’d barely had a conversation with another living being in decades, much less a physical fight. Would my training during my time in the Knights kick in, like muscle memory, or would I end up a flailing, useless mess?
Whoever that blond person is, they need me,I reminded myself. There was one thing that hadn’t faded in my centuries of hiding, and it was my sense of righteousness. I’d fight for justice, even if it meant getting hurt in the process.
Filled with new determination, I followed the path until I came across a lone building in the distance. No doubt the people were inside. Treading carefully, I approached the old cabin. The windows were boarded up with rotting wood and rusted nails. The side paneling seemed ancient, and I was surprised a cabin so old was still standing.
It must be… At least four hundred years old.
My pulse sped up as the cabin drew nearer. The door hung slightly ajar - it was clearly unlocked.
What if this is a trap?I thought suddenly.
The idea made me pause, but then I heard a low, agonized groan coming from inside. The hairs on the back of my neck stood. Whoever was inside the cabin right now was in pain.
And I was going to help them.
Fuelled by conviction, I ran to the door and pushed it open. It slammed back against the wall, revealing an empty cabin - except for the person chained to the floor. Rage filled me at the sight. I couldn’t see their face - it was buried in their arms as they lay there, collapsed.
“Are you okay?” I exclaimed, running to their side.
As I touched their shoulder, the person lifted their head.
Time slowed. The world came crashing down around me.
It was my former mate, Halo.
Halo’s eyes widened. As did mine. My grip on him faltered. I yanked my hand back like I’d been burned.
His hair was unkempt, and his face was red and tear-stained, his expression utterly miserable. The soul in his eyes was gone. He looked like he’d been through hell.
“What happened?” I asked instantly, anger surging up in me. “Who did this to you?”
Halo’s eyes widened slightly when he realized who I was. His voice cracked. “Kass?”
Hearing him say my name in that heartbroken tone sent an arrow through my heart - painful, bittersweet.
“Tell me what happened,” I asked again. “Why - how are youhere? Why are you in chains?”
My eyes flickered to his body. Half his shirt was missing; he was crying, chained to the floor. The worst imaginable thought plagued my mind.
“Did somebody hurt you?” I demanded, nearly shouting. He flinched at my voice, and I immediately shrunk back with guilt.
“No, I… What are you doing here?” Halo said, sounding distracted and confused.
We both needed to breathe. I took a moment to collect myself. “I’m here because I saw two people yesterday, and one was in chains. I’m assuming that person was you.”
Halo nodded slowly, a frown across his lips. “How… How are you even here?” He reached out with a shaky hand and touched my face, then quickly retracted his fingers. “You’re real.”
“Yes, I am,” I said.
His eyes flickered. “You’re still alive.”
I couldn’t read his tone. “Yes. And so are you.”
