Reborn From Oblivion by Christia Muray

Chapter 17

The young, unpolished face before her was a perfect match for a man at the pinnacle of power. Decisive and fierce as a demon, his features were strikingly handsome, as if sculpted by a master's hand. There he was, sprawled at the edge of the bridge, drenched in blood. His eyes were strikingly beautiful yet rebelliously defiant, like a lone wolf abandoned, searching desperately for a glimmer of hope. Nellie's eyes misted over as she crouched down beside him. "Will you come with me?" she asked, her voice gentle.

He glanced at her, his clothes in tatters, dirt clinging to every inch, but nothing could hide the innate grace and nobility he carried.

He turned his head with a hint of pride. "What's your name?"

Nellie hesitated for a split second. "Nathalie," she replied, keeping her real name close to her chest.

His eyes flickered with shadows. Unexpectedly, the man grabbed her hand, a spark of excitement in his voice that seemed beyond his years. "I like it."

"I'm Nathan. I like how part of my name is in yours too," he declared, introducing himself.

"What

to be," Nathan remarked with

your big sister. How's

her, skepticism in his eyes. "You're so

are you?"

be 23

"Do you want to come home

Nathan gave a nod.

underfed, he was quite tall and not exactly light. For frail Nellie, carrying him was like lugging a mountain, and it wasn't long before she was

stubborn. "No,

I'll make sure to be good to

be admired by thousands one day, and trusting him with her feelings