The draft

The draft
Aribella's POV

I’d been sectioned off for the last three days with no visitors. Food was delivered to my door, but otherwise, I’d been isolated as they prepared for the incoming draft.

As the days ticked on, I thought more and more about Kaelar. How much I missed his quiet presence in my life…

He was like a shadow to me. Someone who was always there, no matter if you could see them or not. He remained professional, and dutiful, following me around when the daylight was upon us, but at night; He was mine.

I didn’t realize how much I missed him until he was gone.

A loud rapping against my door startled me, and I quickly moved to open it.

Standing on the other side of the door was Reo.

His face remained professional, but I caught the relief shining in his nearly white eyes.

“I’m here to escort you to where the new recruits are being held.”

I nodded, “Of course.”

Turning around, I took in the small, plain room that I’d spent the last few days in. There was nothing for me to take, as they provided me with nothing upon my arrival. Betrayal still weighed heavy in my chest, and the thought of seeing Rhory again infuriated me.

Over and over again, I’ve been reminded that my presence here hasn’t changed a thing. Rhory has waivered every single time he’s faced with a tough decision, and in the end, he always chooses the path of least resistance.

“Have the other recruits arrived?” I whispered as we walked down the long corridor.

“They are continuing to arrive as we speak,” Reo kept his face forward and body stiff. It was better this way. Especially with all of the eyes on us.

Apparently, I was the talk of the castle.

Whispers filled the silence around us as we passed by various rooms, workers, and even the kitchen.

I heard she slept with Rhory just to try and get to Johnston.

Haven’t you noticed the commander’s absence? Something happened between them.

Do you think he’s dead?

If the rumors are true, she should be hanged for her crimes.

Apparently, she needed a few more scars.

The fact that they’re allowing her to march to her death is laughable. Those men are going to eat her alive.

She should have stayed on the farm.

“Don’t listen,” Reo hissed under his breath. “It’s just gossip.”

“Is Kaelar okay?” I nearly choked on his name, feeling emotion clogging my throat.

“He’s alive,” Reo’s voice held a hint of something that I couldn’t put my finger on, but there was no time to linger on the hidden meaning behind his words as I was led towards the guard living quarters.

Dozens of bodies were being led into the large space, and my nerves slowly got the best of me. I watched as man after man was taken through large double doors, with not a single woman present.

“You shouldn’t have agreed to this,” Reo muttered. “If it’s not a death sentence, it’ll distinguish any light left in your eyes.”

“Kaelar’s life was on the line. I couldn’t just…” my words were cut off when Reo’s eyes pinned me with a lethal gaze. “Kaelar would never have wanted you here,” he snapped. “Not only will you be faced with monstrosities beyond these gates, but you don’t belong with hundreds of hungry men.”

“I can protect myself,” I swallowed the lump in my throat, desperately trying to believe those words, but the truth is, with every step towards that wretched building, my confidence drained out of me.

Johnston only sent me here to get rid of me, and there is no chance he doesn’t pit these men against me in one way or another.

“You do realize that even I can tell you don’t believe that,” we were almost to the doors now. Reo turned towards me once again, pulling me out of sight from the hoards moving through those doors. “Whatever you do, don’t trust anyone. Do you understand me?”

I nodded rapidly, fighting the fear that slithered down my spine.

“Not once in all of this time have I smelled fear on you,” he shook his head, eyes closing. “Until now. Don’t walk through those doors until you’ve calmed yourself. If I can smell it, so can they.”

I have Kaelar…. And Reo… and Rhys. I have my strength and shockingly, still my dignity. Not to mention, I’ve already died once.

What am I afraid of?

“Why are you laughing?” Reo’s wide eyes stared at me, and I imagined beneath his mask, his lips were parted in shock.

“I just realized I don’t have anything to be afraid of,” I grinned, stepping towards the doors. Reo quickly moved to my side, his eyes still wide. “That’s all,” I shrugged.

I held my breath as we walked through the doors, earning looks from both guards posted on either side. Hundreds of men in plain clothes stood around, taking in their new environment. There were guard members moving throughout the crowd, and three tables towards the front of the crowd.

That’s where I spotted him.

As if fate herself stepped in, his eyes slowly raised, locking with mine.

Relief flooded me like a tidal wave.

If I wasn’t trying so damn hard to hold it together, I would have choked out a sob, but instead, I held my breath, forcing the tiniest of smiles onto my face.

“Everyone,” a voice called out over the bustling crowd, “Please form three single file lines. You will give your name once you get to the table, and a number will be assigned to you.”

The sea of men spread out into three lines with ease, and I slowly moved to the back of Kaelar’s.

“Ari,” a voice hissed, and I looked around, trying to pinpoint it in the madness.

“Ari, what are you doing here.”

My stomach sank.