Chapter 317: Support Astrid's

POV

The cold earth pressed against my bare skin as I curled tighter into myself, the night air biting at my exposed flesh.

My body trembled uncontrollably not just from the chill, but from the fear that clung to me like a second skin.

The pain of the shift still rippled through me, a constant reminder of the monster lurking inside.

I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to disappear, to sink into the ground and escape everything.

The forest around me was eerily quiet, the only sound my own ragged breathing. I had no idea where I was, only that I had run far. Too far.

But not far enough.

Footsteps.

My heart lurched in my chest. It had to be them - the attackers, or maybe the rogues.

My mind conjured up every possible danger lurking in the shadows of this unknown place.

My pulse quickened as the footsteps grew louder, closer. I didn't have the strength to fight. I didn't even have the strength to stand.

I pulled my knees tighter against my chest, curling up as small as I could.

Maybe if I stayed still enough, they wouldn't see me. Maybe I could just vanish into the forest floor. "Astrid?"

His voice broke through the darkness like a shockwave, pulling me out of my spiraling thoughts. I knew that voice.

Killian.

raised my head, my breath hitching in

few feet away, his eyes wide with concern, a blanket in his

figure blurred slightly through the haze of tears I hadn't even realized I

was afraid his voice

wanted to speak, to tell him to stay back, to leave, but all that came out

over the dirt and leaves, my voice

tightening with emotion. "Astrid, I'm

have to leave. Just-just go before I—" Killian's jaw clenched, and he stepped forward again, this time more determined. "I'm not

raced, and the wolf inside me stirred, a low growl rumbling through

my eyes shut, terrified of what might happen next. "You don't understand! I can't

freely now. "I'll put you in

unrelenting. He knelt down a few feet in front of me, close

left mine, and for a moment, all I saw in them was fear - but not of me.

but gentle. "You won't lose control. I'm here, and

my head again, curling back tighter into myself. "You don't know that! You can't know

whispered,

his voice making

you don't have to be afraid to hurt me. Just take it as your chance to get back

bad happen,

the both

my breath catching. His words reached deep, past the fear, past the

a fool," Killian continued, his voice thick

you. I know I've made you

and I'm

you are - I'm not going

rather die in your hands than die

words hung in the air. I couldn't believe he would even dare to ask

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