Chapter 11 A trap
Dust
The sun bathes the clearing between the houses in a warm glow, and I can feel the gentle breeze brushing against my skin. It’s a welcome change from the confines of the room, and I find myself taking a deep breath, trying to soak in the moment. But the shadows of the last few days linger at the edges of my mind, and I can’t shake the unease that has settled in my chest.
River walks beside me, his presence a steady anchor. He’s been my rock through this chaos, and I can’t help but admire the way he carries himself… strong, confident, and fiercely protective. I glance up at him, noting the way his jaw tightens as he scans our surroundings. He’s alert, always on guard, and I appreciate that more than he knows.
“Are you sure this is safe?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, so no one but he will hear. “What if they get to me?”
He glances down, his eyes softening. “I promise, Dust. Kellan is nearby, and Aiden and Marcus are watching from the trees. We’re not alone.” He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, and for a fleeting moment, I let myself believe that everything will be okay.
I try to focus on the flowers blooming around us… vibrant reds and yellows, swaying gently in the breeze. They remind me of the vibrant life I want to reclaim. I bend down, letting my fingers brush against the petals, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. But the nagging tension in my stomach refuses to subside.
Then someone calls, telling River he is needed… just as planned. We are trying to lure my attacker out.
River steps closer, his warmth radiating off him. “Just a few minutes, okay? I want you to enjoy this.” He leans in, brushing his lips against my forehead in a light kiss, and my heart skips a beat. “I’ll be right back. Just stay here and breathe.”
“Where are you going?” I ask, a hint of panic creeping into my voice, even if I know he will be nearby and it is all an act the fear is real.
“Just a quick check-in. I’ll be back in no time.” He turns to walk away, and I can’t help but feel a sense of dread settle in my bones.
“River…” I call after him, but he’s already disappearing into the trees. The moment he leaves my sight, the world feels heavier, darker. I stand alone in the clearing, feeling exposed under the bright sun. I glance around, my senses heightened, scanning the perimeter for any signs of danger.
And then, just as I begin to calm myself, I hear a rustle in the bushes. My heart races, and I grip the hem of my shirt, my instincts screaming that something is wrong. I take a step back, my eyes darting around, searching for any sign of River… or the safety he promised.
Suddenly, a figure bursts from the shadows, and before I can react, a silver knife gleams in the sunlight. Time slows as I watch the blade flash through the air, a terrifying arc aimed directly at me. My breath catches in my throat, and instinct kicks in… I turn to run, but it’s too late.
“Dust!” I hear River’s voice from a distance, a warning that slices through the air just as the attacker lunges at me.
In a split second, River and one of his warriors leap into action, colliding with the assailant. The sound of a scuffle fills the air, and I back away, my heart pounding in my chest. I can feel the fear gripping me, but I force myself to focus, to breathe.
Kellan, River’s beta, appears from my left, throwing himself in front of me as he shields me with his body. “Get down!” he shouts, his voice sharp and commanding.
I drop to the ground, my heart racing as I watch the chaos unfold before me. River and the warrior grapple with the attacker, their movements fluid and powerful, but my eyes widen in horror as I see the knife slice through the air again. It catches River’s arm, a deep cut blooming in crimson against his skin.
“No!” I scream, panic surging through me. I want to rush to him, but Kellan’s presence keeps me rooted to the spot.
They manage to subdue the attacker, pinning him to the ground, but I can see the strain on River’s face. Aiden’s face is set in determination, blood dripping from a cut on his forehead, and my heart breaks at the sight.
“Dust, stay back!” River calls, his voice hoarse but filled with authority. He’s fighting through pain, but he’s still focusing on me. “I need you to stay safe!”
I nod, tears brimming in my eyes as I watch Aiden and River work together to restrain the attacker. The world around me blurs as adrenaline courses through my veins, but I know I can’t let fear control me. I push myself to my feet, ready to help, but Kellan’s fierce gaze keeps me from moving closer.
“They have got this,” he assures me. “Just stay behind me.”
With a final struggle, Aiden and River manage to bind the attacker’s hands with a silver chain, forcing him to the ground. But as they do, I can’t help but notice the pain etched on River’s face, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
“River!” I cry, my heart aching.
He looks at me, his eyes fierce but filled with worry. “I’m okay, Dust. Just… a scratch.” But I can see the truth in the way he holds his arm, blood seeping through his shirt.
Kellan glances back at me, his expression serious. “We need to take care of him, Dust. Can you help me get him to safety?”
I nod, rushing to River’s side as Aiden and Marcus secure the attacker. “You’re going to be okay,” I whisper, my hands trembling as I touch his shoulder. “You’re going to be okay.”
River flashes me a weak smile, though I can see the pain in his eyes. “I told you I’d protect you,” he murmurs, the weight of his promise hanging between us.
“And I’ll protect you,” I reply fiercely, my determination igniting.
Suddenly the attacker spits in my direction, “Death to the princess.”