Chapter Eleven

Why is she here? What is she doing here? How was she able to find me?”

I step back from her. Just as her body responds to me, mine also longs for her touch. That night is the most peace night in a long time, she is the reason for that.

I can't allow her stay here with me. She might have an ulterior motive and I am not ready to deal with that.

She stares at me coldly. There’s defiance in her eyes, one I remember only as a spark when she left me that night without saying goodbye.

A night I can’t forget.

“Please leave!” I say calmly, trying to make her leave.

But she doesn't flinch or move, I know she is stubborn since our first meeting. But what I don't know is that, she’s also fearless.

“They brought me here.” she reply, her voice audible.

“They?”

“The Council.” Her voice is firm now. “Why are you acting like this is news to you?”

I look at her confused, trying to understand the words I heard.

Mirelle hurries into the room, her grey cloak dragging behind her. I perceive herb as she got close to me.

“You should be laying down,” she scolds.

“This doesn't look good. You're burning what’s left of your energy.”

“I’m not laying down!” I shout, my gaze still on her “Tell me exactly why she is here.”

I'm sure Mirelle’s knows the answer. Nothing goes on in this pack without her knowing. She is quiet for a while, her eyes moves back and forth between us.

“I think she will be in the best position to tell you.”

I close my eyes, trying to steady my breath. “Fine. Speak.”

She looks straight into my eyes and I see that flicker of fire again. One that made me notice her. The one that made it impossible to stop myself.

“They performed a ritual,” she says. “They sealed me with your name.”

At first, the words don’t even register. Then they sink in like knives.

“What?”

She steps closer, gently tugging down her top. Exposing the faint glowing, pulse like heartbeat under her skin. A mark. My name in runes, seared into her flesh.

For a long moment, I can’t breathe.

Mirelle freezes too. Her hands drop, the light dying from her palms. “They did what?” she whispers.

She keeps her eyes on me. “Since you are pretending not to know, I will tell you. It’s a blood-seal. To preserve strong bloodlines. The High Council’s idea of balance.”

I laugh. “Balance. You are joking right?”

“Why all this questions?” she asks, she sounds sure that I am part of everything happening.

“It’s not I have options. Either accept the bond or…” She trails off, looking away. “You know what the Council does to rogues.”

My hands roll into a ball. The curse hums under my skin, responding to my anger. I can feel it spreading, dark smoke curling up my arms. Mirelle notices and grabs my shoulder.

“Stop. You’ll draw it out again.”

I shove her hand away. “They had no right.” My voice louder than I expect.

“No one does.”

“I don’t know what this fuss is about, I just want to rest.” She exhales slowly.

“And what did you think I should do? Carry you to a room and help you lay down?”

Her eyes snap to mine, sharp. “That’s definitely not a bad idea.”

There it is again, the heat. That stubborn defiance. She takes another step forward until she’s close enough.

“You think I want you?” she ask. “You think I would ever let you touch me again? You must be delusional.”

Something in me twists at that. The curse, maybe. Or maybe it’s something older, buried deeper.

“Right?” I say. “But you still came.”

She sneered. “I’m here because I didn’t have a choice.”

“Then just leave already.”

“You know what? Say something else.” she laughs, like I am a comedian.

“I meant it.”

“If you think I will stand up and leave because you said so, then you have something else coming for you.”

She is pushing my limits. “You must think you are tough.”

“I know I am. You know what else I know, I don't back down easily.”

“Let's see what you've got there,” I say quietly. “I want to see how long you can last.”

“Its going to be more fun than you expected,” She lets out a breath.

“Because I can last longer than you would ever expect.”

Raya finally breaks the silence. “You should rest, you have a long time to deal with me.”

“I don’t rest and you will be a piece of cake to get rid of.” I answer.

She is getting on my nerves and the look on her face says she is enjoying it.

“Then die faster so I don't have to do it.” she mutters, turning away.

“And where do you think you are going to?” I call, making her stop.

“Since you don't want to show me where to rest, I will find it myself.” She looks back from the corner of her eyes.

“It seems you have better things to attend to.”

I gesture Mirelle to wait outside and she walk out with her head low. I wonder why she did that.

“Does she feel intimidated by this lady? Or is there something else” I shake off the thoughts, focusing on her.

“There is no better things to do than recreating that memories with you again,” I bite my lower lip, as she turn to face me.

“What makes you thing I want to recreate that?” She ask, her shaky voice giving her away.

“I'm sure you have been dreaming of me every night,” I move closer, but she stumble back.

“I didn't feel anything that night. I just needed a play thing to pass the night.” My chest feels heavy, as the words hit me.

“Is that why you left without saying goodbye?” I ask.

“Was I supposed to say goodbye to a fling?” She ask.

“Then why are you not leaving? Who goes back to their flings?”

She doesn’t answer. She just walks out, leaving her scent behind, making me long for her.