04

04

I open my mouth to defend myself.

Anything.

But nothing comes out, instead, I am left gaping like a fish as he glares down at me. The rage in his eyes soon morphs into panic when a similar thread slithers through his skin, moving towards my wrist.

He draws my hand closer, tracing mine with his eyes as its icy trail crawls under my skin like it belongs there. “W-what is that?" My voice is edged with panic. My eyes follow it too.

“A fucking blood bond.“

"W-what?“ I blanch, breathing heavily.

" You have just bound yourself to me. I told you to find food not a fucking cursed thread.“

“How can I undo it? I didn't mean to-”

" Shut up!“ He snaps, making me swallow the rest of my words. We watch in tensed silence as the two threads begin to crawl for each other, aiming straight for where our hands are connected.

Asger instantly yanks his hand away like my touch burns.

He steps a few feet back, jaw clenched, fist baled as waves of heat rolls through his shaking shoulders. “Get out!"

Red replaces his black iris, his voice is gravelly and guttural.

I step forward. “I am… sorr-"

“Get out!" This time, his hand transforms into claws and red, tribal marking begins to swirl on his skin.

I don't need to be told twice before I bolt, going through the nearest door, the red one. I hear a loud snarl from behind me, accompanied by thrashing and grunting.

Tears shimmers in my eyes, heart pounding as my lips tremble. Goddess. What have I done? My eyes stray to the red thread, feeling guilt bubble through me.

I don't have time to look through the kitchen as I spot a different door straight ahead and I pull it open, hoping it leads me away from here.

The bright sunlight makes me falter for a second, eyes squinted. When I recover, I realize that I am in a cave of some sorts, rocky stones lay on the ground and the place seems to stretch for miles.

Where is this place?

I debate turning back but I hear a loud roar that reverberates through me. My heart thunders against my chest and I resume running.

I don't want to wonder if he will hurt me or not, because the look he gave me is enough response.

My breath is labored, bare feet padding against sharp stones and rocky terrains, tears rolling down my cheek for reasons I can't decipher.

He saved me from death, he was willing to offer me food and I blew it.

I can still feel the icy trail of the thread, weaving through my body like it's home. The sky rumbled above me and the sun begins to wane.

It's about to rain.

I don't know for how long I run until my foot gives up beneath me and I am trembling on the ground.

The sky darkens completely and rain pelts down on me without warning. It's almost like I have just lost the only hope I could have.

My t-shirt is drenched in a second, sticking on my skin, I wrap my trembling hands around myself, feet stinging and bleeding.

White strands of my pixie cut hair sticks to my forehead as I lay there, unmoving.

Maybe if he catches me, he would tear me apart like he did those hounds, the thought makes my heart clench.

I shouldn't have touched his things. Bond. I can't believe I accidentally bound myself to him.

The rain refuses to stop and my body refuses to move. Time seems to slow down and I can't remember if I have been laying there for minutes or hours.

My throat is parched and I wish the rain would force itself into my mouth. Heat begins to swell within me. It starts from my fingertips, slowly making its way up my chest.

I groan, rolling over so the rain would quell the heat but it doesn't.

“Ugh!"

I grunt when my body begins to heat up painfully, it's almost like I have been thrown into boiling hot water.

I try forcing down my grunts so I won't attract attention but it only worsens. Soon, my hand is tugging at my clothes, desperate to get them off.

goddess

What is wrong with me?

'What is wrong, Zora? I feel weird.' Reyna whimpers.

“I don't know. "I cry out, clawing at my chest desperately. It feels so hot, too hot.

Soon, I hear footsteps, loud ones. “Do you smell it?" I hear a grating voice, making me snap my gaze to its direction.

" Yes. “ I spot two men, both thin to the bones , drenched in the rain, clothes hanging loosely on their bodies, eyes wide, lips stretched unnaturally."Female! Female. “ The one with bald head chants, hunched back bouncing as he peers around.

“Find it" the other one with slimy dark hair runs his overly long tongue over his lips. “We need to find it." He chants.

I try to keep quiet, searching for cover. I haven't had a scent in a long time, so I can't be sure it's me they scent, especially with the rain.

But it's better safe than sorry. With all my strength, I drag myself to a talk rock, breathing harshly as my nails begin to bleed.

I lay my back on the rock, eyes closed to keep my breaths steady.

Their footsteps begin to sound far as they move away from me, but my relief is short-lived as a wave of heat rolls through me.

It's like my body is dipped in a furnace. I scream, clawing at my own body.

“Female." The voice perks as footsteps begin to rush my way, I want to run or hide but my body is too preoccupied with my pain to move.

“Oh! She's fresh." One of them says as they come to a halt before me.

“Fresh! Fresh!! Fresh!!" A hand grazes my cheeks, sending waves of disgust through me, my eyes snaps open to hideous faces watching me with wide smiles.

They look deranged, almost like rogues and scavengers.

I bare my teeth.

But they laugh. "Careful, she bites.“ The other one cheers and they both giggle. "I wonder if she will still bite after we are done with her. “

" Take it! Take her!! Take her!!!“ a tongue swipes across my cheek, the stench coming from their black teeth makes me gag.

I try pushing the hand gropping my breast away, a slap lands on my cheek in return. My cheek burns.

“Take her! Take her!" The bald one repeats.

No!

I thrash weakly, knowing I would be ruined if I don't. Someone help… please.

The one who slapped me shoves me down, and dread crawls up my spine like ice. A shrill scream bubbles out of my throat in horror at the realization of what he is about to do.

“Don't touch her!" A familiar voice snarls, making both the rogues and I freeze.

My gaze snaps to the left where an angry and shirtless Agser stands, hair matted, water dripping down his chest to his torso, Iris still red and filled with anger.

But this time, his anger isn't directed at me.

For some reason, the sight of him makes me swallow as I feel a burning need deep within my core.

~P-Lia~