16

~Aspen

It's strange, looking at those golden eyes, knowing he just tried to kill me.

Ellard once was my escape. The thought of being with a Noble was exciting, fun, and I dreamt of him taking me away from my life, from my abusive relationship.

And most nights, that thought kept me company. Especially when he would visit for political talks with Oliver.

But never once, back then, would I have thought he was capable of killing...

"I'm sorry, Aspen," he breathes, getting to his feet as I stumble back, still clutching his knife. He looks frantic, that he has been caught before he could successfully snuff me out.

I brandish the knife in front of me, as he takes a cautious step at me. "Please...please don't."

I may have the upper hand with his weapon, but I'm still in danger of being overpowered by him. His magic allows him to touch certain items and have subsequent visions, but he still towers over me with his large stature.

If I need to, I will kill him, though.

My mouth opens to speak, b