Chapter 42: Understanding

I lift the dagger and swipe as he strikes out at me. The tip catches his skin and he recoils, hissing in pain. But it isn't enough to deter him.

He moves in a flash, coming toward me with his teeth bared. I let my instincts take over, dodging him and slicing at him again. This time, my dagger meets the skin along his arm, blood beading to the surface.

The silver does its job, making him pause for a moment.

"Hera," he growls. He takes a step back staring at me with fury. "I don't want to hurt you."

I know he could, too. The silver will cut and hurt him, but he's faster and stronger than me. He could easily kill me and the look on his face is telling me he wouldn't think twice about it. Anything we may have had isn't taking precedence over his mission.

"Then don't," I respond. I won't win a physical fight but maybe I can talk him down. "Come with me. We'll go to the king and he will decide your punishment. Ask for forgiveness, Sebastian. Please."

Sebastian scoffs at me. "He'll