Chapter 3

~ RORY ~

Someone kneels by the water, their hand scooping the water to their face, back turned to me.

I stop, my breath catching in my throat in shock before I silently try to step back but before I can attempt to move… his gaze whirls to mine and he threw out something.

It moves too fast, giving me no time to get a good look. Then the next, a lump of ny hair which cascades down my shoulder falls to the ground and I gasp.

I thought I was going to die.

My kneels meet the hard unforgiving ground with a thud as I start to sob, both in relief of what he'd thrown missing me and knowing that my death is inevitable.

“I'm so sorry.” I whisper, sobbing as my eyes meet his. He was glancing at me from over his shoulder.

I continue to repeat the word, tears streaming down my face as I stagger to my feet and start taking slow steps towards him, holding up my dagger. My legs shake ridiculously and I think I'd peed on my body.

As soon as I step into the clearing, he stands up and my fear only increases. He's tall. Very. And lean too. His curly brown hair falls over his eyes but I don't even want to think about that, I just want to drink water. Even if he's an illusion or something, he should allow me to drink water before my death.

With lips quivering, I tilt my head to meet his gaze, “P…lease, I need to drink wa…ter. Just this la..st time. Pl…ease.”

He asses me, his face blank and devoid of any emotions as he motions to the water with his chin. I nod more times than needed, legs shaky as I hurry to the flowing stream, sparing him a glance at regular intervals.

When he didn't move from his position, I drop my dagger beside me and I dip my hand into the water and scoop it to my face over and over again. The cold water slips down my throat, quenching my thirst.

Okay, I'm ready to die now.

I can still feel his gaze on me as I try to drink the water for as long as possible, trying to stall my inevitable death until my stomach couldn't accept the water again.

Tears flood my face again as I pick up my dagger and turn to him shakily.

“C..an you tell me your na..me?”

He raises an eyebrow.

“I…” I gulp. “You are go..ing to..kill me. It's only ri..ght if I know the na..me of my ki..ller.” I stammer.

He shakes his head as he crosses his hands over his chest.

Is he deaf?

“What's an innocent girl like you doing here?” He finally asks.

My eyes widen. He can talk? But wait. That was a question. My grip on my dagger tightens as I fight the tears but loses. I shift my gaze to my thighs while kneeling.

“Father is dead.” I whisper, glancing up to check his reaction. “I just want to go home…”

“Where did you live?”

“I.. out of the forest… away…”

I chew the insides of my mouth. I feel so… broken. Mom would have shook her head in embarrassment just like she always did.

He's really… handsome. And his voice… they are as deep as Alexander's. I choke on another sob, mentally chastising myself for thinking about him.

Then, I stand straight and wipe my wet palm against my dress. His gaze lingers on me for some minutes before he drops his hands by his sides and turns, walking towards the forest.

My eyes widen as I stare at his retreating back in shock.

I'm going to be left alone. Again.

“Emm, mister, Are you leaving?” I ask dumbly, walking after him slowly.

But he didn't stop.

No. Not again.

“I… please take me with you. Please.” I beg desperately.

He spares me a glance over his shoulder. “I don't want any burden young girl.”

Burden. Burden. Burden. Burden. That word again.

I stop, watching him walk deeper into the forest. I don't want to be a burden to anyone so it's better I just stay here and try to survive for as long as possible. Father will know I tried.

However, the man stops and turns to me, brows raised.

“Follow me if you don't want to be a food for the wolves.” He says darkly then turns again.

My eyes widen, tears of happiness streaming down my face as I start running after him.

“What's your name?” I ask with a pant as I try to catch up to his long strides.

“Kaelin.” He says, not sparing me a glance.

And right now, I don't know if it's desperation or stupidity, but I will follow him as long as he keeps me alive until father knows I've tried my best to stay alive.