Chapter 15 The Promise
Amara’s POV
Pulling my knees to my chest, I sat beside the fireplace. Even though the fire was crackling, the cold in my bones was unaffected by its warmth. I could hardly see through the blur of tears, and my eyes were burning from sobbing.
Kian dropped to his knees before me. Since he caught me attempting to slip out, he has remained by my side. His eyes were resolute, steadfast, and incredibly sad.
"Amara," he said quietly.
I gave a headshake. “Don't. Do not attempt to dissuade me from this. I must leave.”
He extended his hand and brushed a lock of hair away from my face. "You won't go anywhere by yourself."
"I must!" My voice cracked. "There is no other way to stop her."
He made a strong line with his lips. "You believe that if you give yourself up, she will allow them to survive? Amara, she will kill you. She will still kill them after that.”
My breath caught. I wanted to think he was mistaken. However, I was unaware. I had lost my knowledge.
Kian grasped my trembling hands and held them firmly. "Pay attention to me. Whatever you decide, I don't care. I won't let you do it by yourself. I'll accompany you. I'll fight by your side. If it means it, I will die by your side.”
I sobbed. "Kian."
His voice broke, yet he was angry as he drew closer. "Amara, I swear on my life. Mate bond or not. You are my choice. Always.”
My tears came more quickly. His face was no longer visible to me.
He gathered me up and put his arms around me. I sobbed until my ribs ached while I buried my face in his shoulder. He didn't recoil. Simply held me while caressing my hair and making gentle assurances that seemed like lifelines.
He said, "I won't let her take you." "I refuse to let her prevail."
I hated myself for being so weak, and I clung to him like a child. But thankful, too. So painfully, thankful.
I was briefly at ease.
Only for a second.
The delicate silence was broken by a loud knocking.
I stiffened. Kian tightened his grip on me while snarling in his throat.
Rowan's voice called through the door, "Amara." husky. In a desperate situation. "Please. Open up.”
I became even more rigid. Kian's eyes became gloomy.
"Remain here," he replied icily as he stood up. Just enough to prevent the entrance, he opened the door.
Rowan had a rough voice. "Allow me to see her."
Kian yelled, "She doesn't want to see you."
"I must speak with her!"
"This evening, she's had enough."
"Kian." My voice broke. "Give him access."
Kian paused. His jaw tightened, but he took a step back.
Pushing past him, Rowan's look instantly met mine. He had a crazy appearance. Broken.
"Amara."
I was unable to talk. I simply looked at him while crying.
Like he was scared I would run, he took a step closer and then stopped.
He rasped, "Please." "You must listen to me."
I used a shaking hand to wipe my face. "Speak what needs to be said."
He took a deep swallow. Unshed tears sparkled in his eyes. "Everything was false."
My heart pounded in agony.
Rowan's tone faltered. "Lilith. She pretended. Everything. The proof, the curse, the charges. Witchcraft was not practised. There is no spell on the pack. She fabricated everything to get rid of you.”
I felt like the world was tilting beneath me.
I was having trouble breathing.
At his sides, Rowan's hands trembled. "I was unaware. I couldn't see. She was using that concoction to poison me. Dulling my perception. Making me question who I am. Causing me to question you.”
Kian growled. "You were wise enough to abandon her."
Rowan's tone cracked. "I understand. I will also never be able to forgive myself for it.”
Once more, my eyesight became blurry. Hot tears started to fall.
With a low, begging voice, Rowan extended a hand toward me. "Amara. Please. I'm so sorry. I'll attempt to put things right for the rest of my life.” “I am aware that I am unworthy of you. But please. Allow me to defend you.”
I made a noise that was between a laugh and a sob. Bitter. Broken.
"Warrior for me?" I choked. "After what you did?"
Rowan's expression contorted in agony.
Kian drew nearer, protectively hovering over me. I was grounded when his hand touched my shoulder.
I couldn't stay there, though. With both of them staring at me, I was unable to breathe.
I violently shook my head. "No, no. I am unable to do this.”
"Amara—" Rowan attempted to grab my arm.
I stumbled to my feet and wrenched away.
"Avoid touching me!" I cried.
I didn't wait, even though they both yelled my name.
I sprinted to the door, ripped it open, and stepped out into the icy darkness.
I ran into the darkness, my feet thudding on the frozen ground, my breath hazy in front of me.
They yelled after me, but I continued.
I was unable to stop.
I was blinded by tears. My face was cut by the wind.
I have to get away.
Away from Rowan’s guilt.
Away from Kian’s promise.
Away from my failure.
I ran until I couldn’t hear them anymore.
Until the forest swallowed me whole.