Chapter 9 The Visit
Chapter Nine - The Visit
Ryder's POV
Before I could say what it was, I felt it. A sharp pain ran through my chest, deep and sudden, and brought me to a sudden halt. My breath hitched and my hands curled into fists without even realising it.
Olivia.
The bond jolted, restless and heavy. I could feel a wave of fear rushed through it. My wolf growled low inside me and paced uneasily. Something was wrong.
It was Olivia.
She was scared and to my surprise, I could sense her presence, which meant that she was nearby.
I tried to ignore it.
"My thoughts must be playing a prank with me." I said in a soliloquy.
I told myself that I could not leave the palace. I was watched every second. Anderson followed like a shadow and guards lined all corridors. My father had made it clear that to make one false step would cost me dearly. I knew better than defying him.
But the feeling did not fade, it became stronger. Her fear pressed against my chest and it hurt to breathe.
I could not stay.
I waited until nightfall and the palace was quiet. The halls were emptied; the torches were dimmed and the servants went to their quarters. I watched Anderson from the corner of my eye throughout the evening, taking notice of his habits, pauses and blind spots.
Near midnight he lingered longer than usual by the east wing. That was my chance.
I changed into dark clothes and crept into the narrow passage behind my chambers. My heart was pounding in my ears. Each step was risky; caught and there would be no excuse left to go.
I went quickly but cautiously and held close to the walls. I tried to stay away from the main yard, and took the long way, through the gardens. The high moon was a bright and unforgiving light; I stayed in the shadows.
Once I got to the trees outside the outer wall, I shifted.
Running as a wolf seemed right - free and wild. The ground was blurring under my paws as I was racing through the forest. The bond pulled me forward and there was no resisting it. Each step to the east made the ache a little less.
As I approached the Shadowridge borders the air was throbbing. The land appeared tense.
I slowed, then shifted back into human form listening intently. My senses widened. Patrols passed through this area frequently.
Then I smelled her.
My chest tightened. Relief hit me so hard I almost fell off my feet. Her scent was warm and familiar and was wrapped around me like a memory I didn't want to lose.
She stood by a row of rocks, covered and motionless. There was a flash of shock, then fear, in her eyes when they met mine.
"Ryder," she whispered.
I passed the distance between us in seconds and reached for her hands. They trembled in mine. To see her like that hurt more than any punishment my father could inflict.
"I felt you," I said quietly. "You were scared."
She nodded. "They questioned me. Alpha Tristan smelled you on me."
Anger burned within me. "Did he push further?"
"He tried," she said. "My mother stepped in."
I drew her closer to me, touching my forehead to hers. Surge, warm bond, pain too, forth it flew, Being close to her made it easier to be scared, but harder to leave.
"I should not be here," I said. "If they find me—"
"I know," she replied. "But I am glad you came."
Her words cut deep. I held on to her tighter and took in her sweet scent. I did not know when I would see her again.
The night shifted.
What I heard first with my ears were foot steps. Careful. Trained.
I stiffened. "Scouts," I whispered.
Her body tensed. "Lycan?"
"Yes."
I pulled her behind the rocks. My body covered hers as we crouched low down. There was a hitch in her breath against my chest. I felt she feared through the bond - sharp, raw.
Voices drifted closer.
"I smell wolf," one scout said.
"Faint," another replied. "Near the border."
My heart hammered. If they came nearer, they would see her. There would be no hiding then.
I stood motionless, hardly breathing.
"Check the ridge," the first scout ordered.
Footsteps approached us.
My mind raced. I could fight, draw them away, but if everything went wrong I could not protect her.
Olivia pressed closer. Her fingers dug into my shirt. Through the bond I felt her silent plea; Don't leave me.
The wind shifted.
The scouts paused.
"The scent fades," one muttered. "Probably old."
"Let’s move," another said. "The king wants full patrol before the break of dawn."
Their footsteps retreated.
I waited till the forest again was silent, then exhaled the breath I had held.
Olivia turned to face me, eyes wide. "That was too close."
"Yes," I said. "We cannot risk this again."
Her hand tightened in mine. "I was afraid I would never see you again."
Pain twisted in my chest. I ran my thumb across her cheek. "You are not alone. Even when we are apart."
The bond pulsed softly, as if agreeing.
"I have to go," I said. "Before they notice I am gone."
She nodded, although the words cut her. "Be careful. Please."
"You too," I said.
I leaned down and kissed her slowly and, gently. it was a kiss full of emotions I couldn't express. The bond flared like so strongly it almost brought me to my knees.
"I will find a way," I promised. "I swear."
She watched me step back, never taking her eyes from mine. I looked away before I lost my will.
I shifted and ran.
The forest whizzed past me; cold air was burning my lungs. The bond was very thin but did not break. I could sense her fear, hope and strength.
When the palace walls came into view, I gave a weary sigh. I was back to this hell.