Aiden's POV

I was done searching for my mate. Truly done. This time, I meant it. Maybe the Moon Goddess was dead, or worse, maybe she had forgotten me. That was the only explanation for why I was still mateless.

My father, Lycan Denzel, had sent me to represent him at the Black moon Pack's coronation. I took the opportunity to expand the trip into something else entirely, a desperate, final search for my mate. 

My Beta, Fred, traveled with me as we moved from pack to pack, clinging to the hope that I might feel that spark somewhere. But every search ended the same way, they ended in disappointment.

Eventually, my hopes shattered completely. I was running out of options, out of excuses, and there was only one path left open to me. .  .Cassandra.

Cassandra, the daughter of the Shadowborn Pack's Alpha. Our families had always been close, and from childhood, everyone assumed we would end up together. Mated and married. It was what our parents wanted. But I didn't.

Even if she claimed I was her mate, and she did often but I never believed her. I didn't feel that bond, I didn't feel that pull. There was no connection. How could I commit to someone I didn't love, or someone I didn't want?

Cassandra was known for her pride and arrogance.

The only reason she was kind to my family was because she loved me, or thought she did, and wanted the title of Luna. That was the truth no one wanted to say out loud.

Because of how close our families were, my mother, Luna Eva, had even invited Cassandra to stay in our pack for a while. She thought it might help us "reconnect," that maybe I would change my mind with time

But I hadn't.

I never loved Cassandra and I never will. She was just a friend, nothing more.

And yet. . . since fate hadn't granted me a true mate, maybe it was time to surrender. Maybe it was time to settle.

"But we can't. We've come too far to give up now," my wolf, Wyatt, growled inside me.

He had always held onto hope. Always believed she was out there, waiting to be found. But even he was starting to falter.

Still, hearing him now, so stubborn and so certain made something in me hesitate.

Were we really not destined to have a mate?

Or was she still out there, just beyond our reach?

"Can't you see for yourself? It's pointless to keep searching when there is no hope!" I snapped through the mind link.

Wyatt went silent.

I knew I had hurt him by dismissing his optimism so harshly, and I didn't like seeing him withdrawn or upset. I would make it up to him, but not now.

"Aiden, are you there?" Fred's voice broke through my thoughts, laced with concern. I had not even realized he had been speaking. I must have been too lost in my own head.

"Let's head to the Black moon Pack," I responded flatly, unwilling to engage further in conversation.

I urged the horse forward, and we resumed our journey.

As we approached the outskirts of the Black moon Pack territory, I abruptly pulled the reins, bringing my horse to a stop. A figure had caught my attention, specifically, the retreating form of a lone she-wolf moving along the edge of the woods. I tilted my head, listening. A faint sound, sounding like labored breathing, perhaps, carried from her direction. As a Lycan, my hearing was acute, and the sound raised immediate suspicion.

"Is everything okay, Aiden?" Fred asked, noticing the shift in my expression. "Come on, you can't keep sulking. . . "

"Follow me," I ordered as I dismounted. Fred complied immediately.

Just as I issued the command, I inhaled a scent unlike any I had ever encountered. It was sweet and sharp, lemon and blueberry, mingled in a way that struck something primal within me. I could have followed that scent forever.

Wyatt, who had been silent since our earlier exchange, stirred suddenly in my mind. "Something is about to happen," he said, pacing excitedly. "I can feel it. I can't wait. . ."

"Shut up and let me concentrate," I muttered internally.

As we proceeded on foot, a narrow trail of blood became visible on the forest floor. It stretched forward in a straight line, and the scent grew stronger with each step.

"Aiden, let's not go any further," Fred said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I glared at him with anger and continued ahead.

Then I saw her. A she-wolf, she is barely standing, she appears to be severely injured, and bleeding from multiple cuts, was limping through the brush. Blood ran freely down her body, her face muddied by it. She looked like she had been attacked violently and was on the verge of collapsing.

"Mate!" Wyatt howled in my head. "There she is. . . Oh my goddess, this is real. . ."

She stumbled forward one last time before collapsing. I rushed to her side and caught her before she hit the ground.

I had never felt anything like this before. Even through the blood, her features stood out, delicate, symmetrical, undeniably beautiful. A round face, thick eyelashes, and lips that seemed carefully sculpted.

She was slipping away fast.

"Get the horses!" I barked at Fred, kneeling beside her.

Blood was now flowing from her eyes, nose, and mouth. Her complexion was turning pale, her lips tinged blue, signs that looked like oxygen deprivation. She was losing consciousness. I could feel the panic rising in my chest, but I had to stay focused.

I couldn't lose her now. Not after everything I have been through to find her.

Fred rushed off to get the horses, terror wide in his eyes.

And then the rain began, tiny drops at first, soft against her skin. I don't care about mine but we had to get out of here.

The Black moon Pack wasn't close enough to reach the pack doctor in time, and I wasn't even sure I remembered all the paths clearly. If I didn't act fast, she would bleed out before we made it anywhere.

My mind raced, chaos and desperation tangling together.

And then I remembered, back when I was younger, training to be a warrior, we were taught emergency survival techniques. Taylor, the Gamma of our pack and my father's most trusted warrior, had drilled into us the importance of recognizing healing herbs.

One of them, the aspilia leaf, could slow bleeding. If only I could find one right now.

Without hesitation, I darted into the underbrush and found a patch, thankfully. I ripped a handful from the stem, heart pounding as the rain picked up around me.

We needed shelter.

Lifting her carefully, I placed her limp body on my horse. Her skin was cold. The rain began to fall harder now, soaking us both. I swung up behind her and wrapped one arm tightly around her while grabbing the reins with the other.

I didn't know exactly where I was headed, just away from here, anywhere that could keep her safe.

Fred followed close behind on his horse, eyes scanning for shelter.

Frustration burned in my blood. I whipped the reins harder, urging the horse faster. My legs locked around its sides as my heart thundered with fear.

Through the storm, Fred suddenly called out, waving frantically. "There is. . . There is a shade over here!" His voice was barely audible through the downpour.

I yanked the reins, bringing the horse to a stop, and leapt down. Fred was already holding back branches to reveal an old wooden lean-to, half-covered in vines but sturdy enough for shelter.

I carried her into it.

Inside, I quickly pounded the aspilia leaves with a rock, crushing them into a paste. Then I spread them across her wounds, pressing gently.

She looked so pale. So still.

My heart cracked, watching her lie there like that, fragile and lifeless.

"She's your mate, right?" Fred asked quietly, his lips twitching into a solemn frown.

"Yes," I murmured, my voice low and ragged as I raked my hands through my soaked hair and over my face.

Fred exhaled and gave a small shake of his head, but he didn't say anything.

Usually, Fred and I filled the space between us with banter or easy rapport but it was different.

This was my mate. And she was dying.

My leg bounced anxiously, fists clenched so tight my knuckles turned white.

"What do you think happened to her?" Fred finally asked. "Was it rogues? Some kind of attack?"

I stared into the distance, eyes narrowing. My mind flashed back to the image of the retreating she-wolf I had seen earlier, her silhouette lingering in the shadows. Something about it... It had not felt right.

"I don't know who did this," I said darkly. "But someone's behind it, and when I find out who, they will pay."

Anger coiled like a storm inside me, tightening my chest because of the fact I cannot do anything else apart from what I have done.

Days passed. Then weeks. She still wasn't responding. But she was still breathing, that's a good thing.

"Fred..." I called out, my voice hoarse with exhaustion and grief.

"What am I going to do?" My hands trembled. "She's my life. . ."

I dropped to my knees, shoulders shaking. I couldn't take this anymore. I was falling apart. I was losing her, and myself along with her.

Fred placed a comforting hand on my back, but I could tell he didn't know what to say. There were no words that could fix this.

Then. . . 

Achoo.

I froze.

"Huh?" I looked up, unsure if I had imagined the sound.

Then again, louder this time: "Achoo. . . achoo. . ."

Fred and I both snapped upright, eyes wide.

"She's alive!" we shouted in unison. And the sense of relief just washed over me. I will live too!

Rose's Pov

I thought I would be dead by now. Honestly, that would have been better, at least then, I would be with my parents. What was the point of living after everything I had been through? Was the Moon Goddess playing some cruel joke on me? My life was already a mess.

I tried to open my eyes, but my temples throbbed relentlessly. I lifted a shaky hand to rub at them, wincing at the pain. Everything was quiet, too quiet.

"Rhea? Rhea?" I called out through the mindlink. No response.

Maybe she was still recovering... or resting. After what we went through, I wouldn't blame her. The trauma had been unbearable.

When my eyes finally fluttered open, two He-wolves were staring down at me.

Panic spiked through me like a jolt of electricity.

Had I been kidnapped again? Or worse, Sold off?

Why were they looking at me like that? Was this how I was going to die?

My chest tightened as fear wrapped its cold fingers around my ribs.

"What... what am I doing here?" I asked in a hoarse whisper.

One of them stepped forward. "You almost died."

Yeah. I knew that already, and if I had, maybe it would've been a mercy. But that wasn't the answer I needed.

Then I noticed the other one. The one who hadn't said a word but kept staring. I hadn't seen him clearly at first, my vision had been too blurry, but now...

How could someone look like that?

He was... stunning. He was tall and muscular. His brown hair had that effortlessly tousled, classic look. But it was his eyes that held me still, dark, radiant, intense. And that nose, sharp and sculpted, like the Moon Goddess herself carved it with a delicate blade.

My gaze dropped to his lips, parted slightly as if he wanted to say something but couldn't. They looked. . . enticing. That was the only word I could think of.

He didn't look real.

He looked like he was crafted by divine hands, flawless, powerful. Even just by standing there, I could tell, he commanded the room. The other man had to be his subordinate.

I couldn't stop staring.

Butterflies churned in my stomach. Goddess, he was gorgeous.

Perfect, for any woman.

No. No. I needed to stop this.

Snap out of it, Rose. You're not that girl. Love was never meant for you...

Still, I wanted to say something. To break the awkward silence.

"Hello..." I said softly.

But he didn't respond. Just kept gaping at me like I was some ancient artifact he couldn't believe was real.

It was... awkward.

Pushing through the throbbing in my skull, I forced myself to sit up.

"What am I doing here? And who are you? Why are you even here?" My voice came out louder than I intended, shaky, and defensive.

The sharp movement sent a fresh wave of pain lancing through my head. I winced.

The beautiful stranger flinched like I had struck him.

"Oh... oh." He blinked rapidly, lifting his hands in surrender. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to"

"It's fine," I cut him off, narrowing my eyes.

I didn't trust this. Any of it.

The second man finally stepped in, clearing his throat.

"We saw you passed out," he explained. "So... we saved you."

Remembering what happened, my heart shattered all over again.

Diva had almost killed me.

She had accused me of seducing Alpha Jackson, an accusation I was completely innocent of. But that hadn't stopped her. She had made me suffer in ways I never imagined. She had truly gone the extra mile to see me destroyed.

If it hadn't been for these two men, I would be dead.

Even a living rat would have been in better shape than I was.

"Thank you so much for saving my life," I whispered, my voice trembling as tears rolled silently down my cheeks.

"You don't have to cry, okay?" the handsome one said gently, using his palm to brush away my tears.

The moment his skin touched mine, a strange surge rushed through me, like adrenaline, but deeper, right into my bones. His touch was so tender, so sincere, it startled something in me I thought had long died.

"I'm just grateful we got there in time," he added, his voice low. "I was honestly scared you wouldn't make it."

This was the first time in so long, maybe ever, that someone had shown me real kindness.

Okay, except for Dorothy. But even with her, I'd always believed good people were a myth, especially for someone like me. I never imagined I'd meet someone like him. Handsome... and caring? That combination felt unreal.

Before I could say anything, he reached beside him and brought over a cup of water.

"Here," he said, handing it to me. "You must be dehydrated."

I didn't argue. I took the cup with both hands and drank it all at once, the cool liquid soothing my throat and sending a tingle all the way to my ears.

He smiled faintly as I finished, and said, "You can call me Aiden."

He extended his hand toward me.

I hesitated for a second, then reached out. "Rose," I replied softly.

The moment our palms touched, I froze.

His hand was... soft. Much softer than mine. And I knew why my palms had been hardened by the constant struggle for survival. For a moment, I wondered if he noticed the difference. I pressed my lips together, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry for whatever you've been through these past few weeks," he said sincerely.

Wait.

"Weeks?" I blinked, turning to him. "How long have I been here?"

The two men exchanged a look.

"About two weeks and a few days," the other one finally answered.

My eyes widened. Two whole weeks?!

"Oh my goddess... I need to go," I muttered, already adjusting my dress as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, ignoring the ache that rippled through my body.

I was still weak, but I didn't care.

I needed to get to the Palace.

Thank the Moon Goddess for my wolf's ability to heal quickly, most of my wounds had already sealed. Still, I couldn't waste another second.

The Coronation of Alpha Jackson and Diva was supposed to take place this week. The Palace would be buzzing with preparations. And if I wasn't there... if they found out I had gone missing... I would be dead meat for real.

But just as I stood, Aiden stepped forward sharply.

"No, you can't!" he said, his voice suddenly firmer, almost commanding.

The chill in his tone sent a shiver crawling up my spine.

"You're not fully recovered. Please," he pleaded, softening his voice again. "You can't go yet. You need rest."

Why did he care so much? Why was he so concerned about someone like me?

I shouldn't enjoy his concern, but something inside me melted at his words. No one had ever cared whether I stayed or left. Not really.

Still, I couldn't stay.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, pressing my palms together. "I can't stay. But thank you again, for everything."

Before he could respond, I turned and walked out.

Only when I stepped outside did I realize I had been holding my breath. I exhaled deeply, letting the cool evening air wrap around me.

My legs felt shaky, but I pushed on.

After a while of walking, guided by nothing but instinct, I began to hear it.

The distant hum of music.

Laughter, voices and celebration.  The Coronation Ceremony had already begun.

Of all the people to bump into, it had to be the imbecile I never wanted to see again, Alpha Jackson.

"Are you stalking me?" he growled, glaring at me like I had no right to breathe the same air.

"Ew. Stalk you?" I recoiled, curling my lip in disgust. "I'd never stoop so low."

His face twisted. "How dare you?" he snarled. "You should be begging me to accept you as my mistress."

Mistress?

Was this man insane?

The audacity, no, the delusion, he wore like a crown was unbearable. He needed to be put in his place. Right now.

I met his eyes, rage bubbling through my chest.

"You know what?" I spat, voice shaking but fierce. "I'd rather be mateless for the rest of my life than be tied to someone like you."

I could feel power rising in me, like the Moon Goddess herself was guiding my tongue.

"I, Rose Miller of the Black moon Pack, accept your rejection."

The words left me with a strange kind of freedom. I didn't know where the courage came from, but I had never felt lighter.

Jackson froze. His arrogant smirk faltered.

His eyes widened slightly. His mouth parted like he wanted to speak but couldn't find the words.

"You... uh-" he stuttered.

Then, just as quickly, his shock turned to a sneer.

"You better say your last prayers," he said coldly, his voice lowering to a dangerous tone. "Because the Lycan Prince is arriving today. And I'm handing you over to him."

He turned to leave but stopped just long enough to throw one final dagger:

"You know what that means..."

Then he was gone, leaving his venom to soak into my thoughts.

The Lycan Prince?

If Jackson was cruel and ruthless... the Lycan Prince was ten times worse.

The stories I had heard about him were the kind that haunted you in your sleep. He murdered countless people, some say with no remorse. He sexually abused she-wolves, even elders. There were rumors that he had even killed his own sister.

I had never once prayed to meet him.

And now... Jackson was giving me to him?

Was this the end?

I stumbled into the Coronation Hall, Jackson's words still echoing in my head like a death sentence. My legs felt heavy, and dread coiled tight in my chest. Every step reminded me that I was walking toward something I might never return from.

Then I saw her.

Diva.

The demon in a woman's skin. She wore a blood-red, curve-hugging gown with a slit that crept high up her thigh. Her hair cascaded down her back like black silk, and her lips painted a bold red stood out like a warning sign.

I won't lie. She looked stunning. Jackson stood beside her, his hand curled possessively around her waist as they walked to the center of the hall. The crowd clapped and cheered like they were royalty.

"To begin the ceremony," Jackson announced with a smug glance in my direction, "let's rise and welcome the Lycan Prince of Exousia."

Trumpets sounded. Guards formed two perfect columns, creating a path down the center of the hall.

My breath hitched. My heart began pounding in my chest, hard and fast, like a drum of doom.

The air in the hall grew cold, but sweat beaded on my forehead. My palms trembled uncontrollably. I couldn't explain it, but my body knew before my mind did.

Then he entered.

A man in a pristine white suit, tailored to perfection, every inch of him exuding command. He wore sleek black sunglasses, the kind that made him look untouchable. The crowd erupted in cheers, a few she-wolves gasping in awe.

Some even fainted.

He moved with grace, power, and control. And something else. Familiarity.

I frowned. Why did he seem so... familiar? He reached the center of the hall. Then, slowly, he removed his sunglasses.

The moment his eyes met mine, I froze.

My knees nearly gave out and my heart slammed hard against my ribs, and all the air left my lungs.

"It's him. . ." I whispered.

"It's Aiden."

Diva's POV

I was enjoying myself, smiling, basking in the spotlight of the ceremony, until I saw her.

That wench.

My heart stopped cold in my chest. Just one glance at her, and my entire mood soured like spoiled wine.

How?

How could she be here? How could she possibly have survived what I put her through?

There was no one around to help her. It was a deserted place, I made sure of it.

And the blood... I saw the blood pouring out of her like a broken dam. From every part of her body. There was no way, no damn way, she should have lived. My plan was flawless.

My fists clenched at my sides, and I was trembling with rage.

This couldn't be happening. I didn't just want her gone. . . I needed her erased.

Then I saw Jackson heading toward me, and I forced the fury from my face, smoothing my expression into something sweet.

He couldn't see me like this.

"Hi, my love," I purred, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

But he didn't smile. His eyes were searching for something else.

"Have you seen Rose?" he asked, his voice laced with something I didn't like. Was that a concern?

A wave of nausea and rage crashed through me, Why was he asking about her?

Was he obsessed now?

I forced a soft laugh and blinked innocently. "I. . .I have no idea where she is."

I tilted my head, feigning confusion. "But... today's our coronation, Jackson. Why are you thinking about her?"

His face hardened. "Never mind," he muttered, his tone cold as he turned and walked away.

My smile cracked the moment his back turned.

So this was what it had come to?

The mere mention of her name on his lips made my skin crawl. It sealed what I already knew, I needed to finish what I started. Rose had to disappear permanently.

I stood there with my heart pounding and my mind racing. What could I do? How could I silence her once and for all?

Then, the idea struck me.

Perfect.

"Yes," I breathed, a twisted smile curling on my lips.

She was a thorn in my side, just like a parasite. And it was time she learned what it meant to cross me.

This time, there would be no mercy, and no escape from my wrath.. She wouldn't just die, she would suffer.

I wanted her to feel every inch of pain, to rot from the inside out before the end came. I would watch as her hope faded from her eyes. She would beg and break but no one would save her.

Her body would be a warning, her soul scattered, and her carcass picked apart by birds. That was what she deserved. Nothing less.

"Carlene," I called sharply. My handmaid appeared almost instantly.

I leaned in and whispered into her ear, Her eyes widened slightly, but she nodded without question and bowed deeply before leaving..

Then she was gone, off to set everything in motion.

I wrapped my arms around myself, a wicked calm settling in my chest.

"Farewell, Rose..." I whispered, my words laced with venom.

I wanted to laugh so hard to show how excited I was but couldn't laugh here. There are too many eyes, and too many ears. But inside, I was already celebrating.

It was a done deal.

This time, the bitch dies.

Rose's POV

So it was Aiden. He was the Lycan Prince.

I knew there was something different about him, his entire presence screamed authority. It clung to him like a second skin. But despite his status, despite the icy command in his voice when he addressed others, he had been nothing but kind to me.

He saved me.

He really didn't have to, but he did.

A crowd surrounded him now, guests trying to pull at his attention, yet it was clear none of them truly held it. Several women draped themselves in front of him like offerings, hoping to catch even a sliver of his gaze. And still... his eyes were on me.

The intensity of it made my stomach knot.

Why was he looking at me like that?

"Hello, Rose." The soft voice startled me. I turned to see Natasha, one of the palace servants. "Dorothy needs your help in the kitchen."

"Oh. Alright." I nodded, brushing my palms down my skirt to ease my nerves.

But when I arrived in the kitchen, the air felt off, too still and empty.

"Dorothy?" I called out, peering around, but there was no response.

I checked the pantry, still nothing.

Just silence.

Then, arms.

Massive hands clamped around my neck from behind, yanking me backward so fast I barely had time to gasp. I tried to scream, but before I could even draw breath, something soaked in a harsh, chemical scent was shoved against my nose and mouth.

I think it's a handkerchief.

My lungs burned and my throat closed.

The scent is so sharp and so overwhelming, it made my vision blur instantly.

I thrashed, panic seizing my chest, every nerve flaring as I clawed at the hands of the person holding me. But they were too strong. Thick fingers dug into my skin, dragging me across the floor like I was nothing but trash.

No. No. No!

My arms flailed, my fists pounding against their grip. I couldn't breathe, I was choking, gagging, vision was swimming in black spots. My legs kicked but hit nothing. My lungs screamed for air.

I felt myself slipping, my limbs turning to lead.

Then... darkness.

I gasped awake, choking on a silent scream.

My body jerked upward, but I was drenched in sweat, and everything ached. My head throbbed, and my muscles felt like they had been through a war. I was lying under a thick bedcover, in a room I didn't recognize.

Where... Where am I?

I tried to sit up, but the room spun around me, and my throat burned.

My lips were dry and cracked.

Then I noticed that something terrifyingly wrong had happened to me, my thighs were touching... bare skin.

No fabric.

A spike of dread rushed through me as I yanked the bedcover aside, only to find my worst fear confirmed.

I was completely naked.

Before I could hold it in, tears spilled down my cheeks, and I began to sob uncontrollably. My chest ached with every breath, my cries echoing in the unfamiliar room.

Why was I brought here?

What kind of twisted game was this?

Was this all part of some cruel conspiracy?

The memory of being attacked, dragged, suffocated, stripped of everything, kept playing in my mind like a nightmare in a circle. My head throbbed, but the ache in my heart was worse.

Why me?

Why was I always the one fate decided to punish?

I glanced down at myself, still hidden beneath the bedcover, fear twisting in my gut as I examined my body for signs of something worse. But... thankfully, I hadn't been violated.

Still, the horror of what almost happened was enough to paralyze me. They had seen my private body.

I looked around the room, desperate for my clothes, for anything that could give me a shred of dignity, but there was nothing.

I clutched the bedcover tighter around myself and forced my legs to move, trembling as I made my way to the door. My heart raced with hope, maybe I could escape.

But the door wouldn't budge.

I yanked the handle again and again, but it was locked.

No one was coming.

Defeated, I stumbled back toward the bed, collapsing onto it with a strangled sob. I buried my face in my hands, my body shaking as I cried my eyes out.

Then I heard footsteps approaching the door.

My breath caught in my throat.

No. Not again.

I froze, panic seized my whole body again..

The steps grew louder and closer. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might break through my ribs. I curled up tighter on the bed, my hands clenched in fear.

Then, Creak... The door opened.

I didn't dare lift my head. I sat there, trembling, fingers twisting in the fabric of the bedcover, tears still streaming down my cheeks, blurring everything.

The footsteps entered the room, and I braced myself.

A gentle hand brushed against my face, wiping away my tears.

The touch, warm, and careful, sent a strange jolt through me. It was familiar.

"Open your eyes..."

That voice. My breath hitched and slowly, I lifted my gaze.

It's Aiden, The Lycan Prince.

His expression was unreadable but cold, like a storm just barely restrained.

"I... I'm s-sorry... I didn't mean to. . ." I started to talk,

"What happened to you?" he asked, his voice low and hard. "How did you get here?"

"I... During the ceremony, Natasha came to me. She said Dorothy needed help in the kitchen." My voice cracked as I spoke, barely a whisper. "I went... but no one was there. Then someone grabbed me... covered my face... I couldn't breathe..."

I trailed off, swallowing the sob threatening to rise again. I couldn't look him in the eye. My fingers clutched the bedcover like it was my lifeline.

"I didn't mean to cause trouble. Please. . ."

"Shhh..." His voice softened as he reached beside him, handing me a folded dress. "Put this on."

He turned away, giving me privacy. My fingers fumbled with the fabric, but I managed to slip into the dress quickly, still feeling like my skin wasn't mine.

"Thank you," I whispered, nibbling on my bottom lip. My voice was almost too quiet to hear.

He didn't say anything. He just reached for my hand.

"Come."

His fingers wrapped around mine and together, we walked out of the room. His face gave nothing away, yet the way he held onto me told a different story.

I didn't know where we were going.

I didn't know what would happen next.

All I knew was that, for now... I wasn't alone.