Chapter 5: Binds

[Roux]

Aenon is gone for the rest of the day, and that allows me to have my thoughts to myself. Also, I was able to roam around the area. Sees his magnificent garden with arrays of vegetables and crops.

Not far from the backyard, where I first saw him chopping wood, was a crystal clear brook, enticing me to dip my feet into its cold, refreshing temperature.

The sun has now traveled west, a spectrum of warm hues filters through the thick foliage above. The sky transitioned from vibrant shades of orange, pinks, deep purples, and red. Casting a rich and ethereal glow over the woods that seemed to stretch on eternity.

A mesmerizing play of light and shadows.

I have cleaned the cabin. Though, I have made sure to put everything back to their original places just in case he would think I was invading his personal belongings.

Also, I have decided to ask him if he could take me or lead me to the safest way where I could go back to my town.

I know they have persecuted me and all, and I am not sure whether they won’t do it again once I am back. However, just the thought of not seeing my sister again feels like I am dying again on that wooden stake.

So tonight, I will ask him, and hopefully, he will help me.

The night has finally taken over, and I settle myself comfortably on the sofa near the fireplace. Watching the flames lick over the chopped woods, until it succumbed into deep hot coals. The soft crackling started to lull me to sleep when the door suddenly swung open and a familiar footsteps trudge in.

My spine snaps straight almost immediately, scrambling to my feet as I stand up to meet him. The soft glow from the fireplace casting through his rugged feature. Stepping into the kitchen floor, clad with nothing but his earth-toned breeches, two freshly skinned rabbits draped over his shoulder.

Their furs, a mix of browns and grays hangs to the side of his waist along with their heads.

I know it is quite a sight to behold, but I am famished and could eat anything right now.

“What a wonderful catch,” I say, inspecting his kill and heading to the kitchen sink to prepare the water basin and the vegetables I have picked earlier.

“Here, allow me to cook them.” I offered, extending my hand for him to hand me the rabbits.

Aenon studied me for a moment, and as usual he said nothing while reaching over his kill, handing it to me.

I started off with dicing the vegetables. After that, I cleaned and cut the rabbit into pieces. Unconsciously, I started humming. Remembering the time I was cooking for Lotte with her favorite rabbit stew.

She would perch herself on the kitchen sink, watching my every move and asking nonsensical questions that most intrigues her at her young age.

I seasoned the meat with salt and pepper. Actually, I was quite surprised to see his pantry full of ingredients. Not that I complained anyways.

After I sear the meat and sauté the vegetables, I pour in the vegetable broth and let it simmer for a while before seasoning it with additional salt and pepper.

All the while the pot is boiling at the fireplace, ready to be served. I head on to prepare the dining table. Setting us both with a bowl and tin glasses of water.

Yet, I couldn’t help but notice the heavy pair of eyes set heavy on my back as I moved.

Aenon was intently watching me from his sofa, obviously waiting for me to call in for any help. Though I appreciate it, I know this is the least I could do.

“Let’s eat.” I quickly served the bowls, careful not to spill the steaming stew to myself, then made my way to settle on the chair in front of him.

Aenon eyed the stew in contemplation.

Must he think I poisoned it?

Why would I do that?

“Does it not look good?” I ask, a little disappointment hinted at my voice.

Aenon just grumbled in disapproval, picking up his spoon, blowing the steam off before taking a bite.

I watched his reaction, high in anticipation. His brows arched, eyes widened in delight, taking one bite then another until he was devouring with much gusto.

A smile widened in my face as I started to join his enthusiasm with the food I cooked.

It was his third bowl when I set down my spoon and cleared my throat to catch his attention.

Aenon peered his gaze on me through that rim of his bowl he was emptying before setting it down. Completely turning his attention into mine.

“While I am in deepest gratitude for having me here. I wanted to request something from you.” I head straight to the point. While he said nothing, I continued.

“I was hoping you could help me go back to Bleaksburn, my town.”

I don’t know which part of what I said that set him off, but he slammed his fist so hard into the table. Taking me off guard and sending the bowls toppled off into the floor.

“No!” He barks, face contorting with anger.

Immediately, I cower on my seat as Aenon stood up. Eyes shooting daggers as he rounded to my side.

“What are you doing?”

It happened so fast, one moment I was sitting, the next thing I knew, he was grabbing my arms and yanking me off the chair. Unceremoniously dragging me towards the room where I had woken up this morning.

Gone with the gentle man that I thought he was.

Now, he’s just a giant pure with feral instincts.

“No!” I screamed, clawing his iron grip on me. “Aenon, let go of me!”

He didn’t listen.

Instead he went straight to the bed and hurled me on top. I struggled against him, grappling and kicking him off, but my strength was too meager compared to his.

Aenon captured my other wrist, pinning them above my head, his weight draped over of me, rendering me immobile.

“You. Stay.” His voice thundered with command, anger flashing on his eyes as he transferred both my wrists into one hand, and reached out to the hem of my fire-tattered dress.

“No!”

The panic sets into a turbulence inside me, thinking that he’s going to force himself into me. Though I was having funny thoughts about it earlier, it all vanished into a crippling fear.

This is not what I have in mind.

Just when his rough palm graces the back of my thighs, evoking a noticeable shudder on my body. The fabric tugged so hard against my skin and—riiiiip.

“What—”

Confused, I gaped at him and the torn strip from my dress. Aenon wasted no time using it to bind my wrists and into the bedpost.

Only then, when he’s satisfied with his work, he leaned down again. His face was so close to mine that I could still taste the stew I cooked for him.

His gaze was unrelenting. Unbending.

“Stay.”