Chapter 76 The Price of Rescue
\[Lilia\]
I breathed shakily out of relief, and the tears that had welled up in my eyes raced down.
This is it, Lord? Am I going to be saved?
“Kael!” I cried out his name in unknown happiness. The man I hated a lot, yet despite my foregoing emotions, I couldn’t help but feel glee to see him in these circumstances. I got too excited and moved hastily, standing on my feet, completely forgetting that the net I was on was hanging precariously. A strong gust of wind blasted in my direction and my toes caught on the net’s holes, stumbling me down and twisting my ankle.
I howled in pain, my face planted on the net as I bounce vigorously, and the rope groaned, snapping its threat at a much faster rate.
My eyes fell upon Flavio's body, which was lying on the ground, and an overwhelming feeling of dread rushed over me almost instantly. My chest tightened, my thoughts went blank, my voice hurt from screaming in fear, and I had no idea what I was doing. I quickly pushed myself to stand once again and ended up stumbling. The net bounces low and low and the rope had strained far too much. One false move and I would definitely meet my impending death.
Kael sputtered a series of crisp curses, frustration lacing in each tone.
“Lilia, you have to get up now,” he shouted, leaning closely through the broken window and barking out a firm instruction of what I must do. “Careful and slow Kukla. Don’t move too much, and do not look down. Just keep your eyes on me and listen. This net won’t hold you for too long.”
And I did listen. I evened out my breath, keeping my eyes fixed on his mossy gaze. Inhaling deeply as I tried to move slowly. I blocked the sound of the ripping rope, knowing that it would raise my panicking once more, and focused ahead. One movement at a time just as I bounce on the net.
“I’m scared….” My whole body was trembling, and my gaze kept darting to the ground, yet I was making progress and crossed halfway through.
“I know, Look at my Kukla. Keep your eyes on me,” Kael’s voice keep me level-headed, and I was breathing through my mouth. “You’re going to be alright, you’re going to be safe,” he added.
My hair whips rough behind and the net becoming more and more unstable, but I’m getting closer to the window.
“That’s it. You can do it,” he held his hands, stretching to reach me even though I am still a few arm's lengths away. “Slowly.”
I keep moving forwards, balancing on all fours, crawling like a baby starting to learn how to move its arms and legs. The wind blows harsher and colder, eliciting a shudder down my spine, and just when I am about to take my last step. The rope finally snapped.
I screamed and flailed my hand, but as I thought I am going to die yet again, a firm hand was clasped on my wrist. I turn my head and look up, Kael had caught me.
“I’ve got you Kukla,” he grunted and pulled me up slowly. I clung to him with both arms as he lifted me slowly to safety, but his hold became slippery and his face looked like in pain. The color of blood seeped through his shirt, rolling down to his arms and into our hands. The shards from the broken window pierced his underarm. I struggled to keep my grip on his hands as I dangle into the air, digging my nails into the flesh. His grip tightened, and with one last heaved, he pulled me up, wrapped his arms around my waist, and took me to the safer side.
“Are you hurt somewhere?” I quickly inquired soon as he set me down. I shook my head in response, not trusting my voice yet, fearing that if I speak now, I will only burst out crying. We were both panting, almost out of breath. I look into his eyes and relief washes over his mossy gaze.
I swallowed the lump lodging in my throat and forced myself to speak to thank him for saving me. “Kael—”
However, I wasn’t able to finish what I wanted to say when his lips crashes on mine, kissing me fiercely as though there was no tomorrow left for us. He held my waist too tight, pulling me closer as he deepened his kiss, seeking access. I tried to push him at first, but he bit my lower lips, instantly eliciting a gasp. He was quick to seize the opportunity and plunged his tongue inside my mouth.
Devouring my soul, inhaling the very air I breathe. Taking it all that was left in my lungs, until he’s the very being that I breathe. The kiss was full of yearning, regret, and punishing yet in a pleasant way that I crave.
I didn’t know how long he was kissing me, but I soon realized that I was kissing him back. Everything that I hate about him, is instantly thrown out of the window. All the walls that I have set up crumble down to pieces.
My arms wrapped around his neck, and my ankles burned in pain from getting twisted, but they seemed to disappear.
“I thought I lose you forever,” he breathes out between our kisses. “Didn’t I tell you, you’re not allowed to die.”
Kael…
My very own nemesis. My sweetest downfall. My own personal demon that won’t just let me die in peace. The bane of my existence, yet he’s like the lightning that sends electric bolts to every fiber of my being.
Begrudgingly, Kael broke the kiss and slowly let go of me. His mossy orbs glinted with such intensity. Gone with the murderous intent that I have seen in him on the rooftop.
He saved me, again. Yanked me out from the claws of death. I saw his bloodied arm. The entire sleeve of his shirt was soaked with his blood. I saw him fight with Flavio’s men, but none of them have landed a serious injury to him. That huge man might have punched him in the face, but it merely causes him a bruise at the corner of his lips and nothing worst. But now, he’s wounded because of me. Guilt started to grip my gut knowing why we ended up in this situation.
It is all my fault. My mouth opens and was about to explain things to him about how this all happened.
“I didn’t—”
Yet then again, I didn’t get to finish what I wanted to say when a piercing scream caught our attention.
“Lilia!”
Aya came running down the stairs, leaping through the last step, and hurling herself to me into a tight hug. Val was following behind her, his eyes glimmering with relief the moment our gaze met. I staggered a little, biting down my scream in pain as my sprained foot took all my weight, but I didn’t let it show on my face.
Instead, I whispered out in relief and closes my eyes, hugging her back. “Aya.”
“Oh, thank heavens! You’re alive!” She exclaimed, finally letting go of me. She wipe the tears that had rolled down to her face and smiled in delight to see me unharmed, well with minor strains but overall I am fine.
“I was crying the whole time I see you fell down the railings. Oh God, thank you,” she sobbed, holding my hand tightly.
“Me, too. I thought I’m going to meet my mother in heaven.” My eyes began to water again, feeling like all the adrenaline rush coursing through my body had finally worn out and my knees weakened.
Kael caught me before I fall. He scooped me up as though his wound didn’t bother him and looked down on me with his lips pursed into a thin line.
“Let’s get the both of you home.”