**ELENA'S POV**
The mercenary, whose absence has stretched into weeks, leaves me with a lingering sense of unease. Though my leg has now fully healed, the tranquility that has settled upon me only seems to amplify my longing for the familiarity of home. Oh, how I yearn for the embrace of my royal chambers, where the softness of my own bed beckons. It is not solely the comforts of home that I yearn for; it is also the presence of Lilith and Hanna, my steadfast and devoted maids. Their absence in this foreign land, is the one that hurts most.
Under the blazing midday sun, I sometimes find myself thinking that he abandoned me here, and the one thing that surprises me the most is that I am afraid that he might have. Amidst the scorching heat and shimmering air, I cannot deny my intense dislike for him. However, begrudgingly, I acknowledge that he is the sole glimmer of hope for my return home. Despite his flaws and prickly demeanor, he is undeniably a helpful bastard. With an unparalleled understanding of the treacherous terrain and his formidable combat skills, he stands among the finest fighters I have ever encountered. The memories of his merciless slaughter of my captors send shivers down my spine, a chilling reminder of his deadly prowess in the face of adversity.
When my foot had that lovely accessory, it was easier to stay in this house. I had the excuse of being a patient even though no patient sleeps in their doctor's home but right now I feel like I'm imposing. Ava and her husband don't seem to mind and little Chloe has made it her mission to try and make me forget about the incident. My throat still hurts at the thought of it his hand around my neck, the sensation of him increasing his grip, the anger in his eyes and him lifting me off the ground by the neck.
"you are still thinking about him?" Ava's voice pulled me back from my thoughts, her question cutting through the reverie that consumed me. As she settled down beside me on the front porch, I couldn't help but appreciate the gentle caress of the cool air that danced through my hair and across my face. The porch, a familiar sanctuary, provided solace amidst the bustling sounds of the people passing by. Perhaps it was the ebb and flow of human activity, the intricate stories woven through the hurried footsteps, or the snippets of conversation that intrigued me, drawing my attention away from the lingering thoughts of him.
"oh what makes you say that?" I retorted, determined not to give her the satisfaction of being right. I shifted uneasily in my seat, the weight of her observation hanging in the air. Ava's eyes sparkled with a knowing glint as she delicately started to braid the sides of my head, her fingers skillfully weaving the strands with a comforting rhythm. As she worked her magic, I couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability, knowing that she had a way of unraveling the truths I tried so hard to conceal, I pity Chloe when she gets older it is going to be hard to hide things from her.
"Well," she began, her voice soft and reassuring, "it was the little shudder you did a few minutes, you know you are extremely easy to read if one observes you carefully." The truth in her words sent a shiver down my spine, a reminder that my struggles were not hidden as well as I thought. Ava's understanding presence and the gentle act of braiding provided a much-needed solace, offering a sanctuary amidst the whirlwind of my thoughts.
"well it's kinda hard not to mostly because he made my life flash before my eyes and also that there is a chance he may have left me here," I said as I tilted my head to the left side since she had made four braids on the right.
"hmm valid points but Rayan isn't the type to abandon people. Kill them definitely, break them apart without a doubt..." Ava started to say.
"huh where are you heading with this?" I asked her with a raised eyebrow.
"Also, I'm still mad at you," I added, my voice tinged with bitterness. "You were willing to let me die." The words hung heavily in the air, their weight undeniable. The pain of betrayal surged through my veins, fueled by the memory of that harrowing moment. I knew deep down that my anger might be unjustified, that perhaps she had been powerless to intervene. But the resentment remained, an ember of fury burning stubbornly within me. She should have done something, anything, rather than stand by and let that bastard attempt to snuff out my life. The thought of his malevolent gaze and the cold touch of his hands sent a chill down my spine. The least she could have done was try to save me, to fight against the tide of darkness that threatened to consume me.
"I won't try to justify the reason I didn't intervene, but..." Her touch on my head was firm as she shoved me slightly to the side, determined to finish the last braid. Her words lingered in the air, a mix of confession and consolation. "I will say this, don't focus solely on the bad; try to see the good. Yes, Rayan choking you was horrifying, there's no denying that. But perhaps, in a twisted way, it granted you a temporary respite from constantly being in his menacing presence. A small silver lining amidst the darkness, if you will."
" so what you are saying is that there is always good in bad? "I asked a flicker of curiosity and confusion dancing in my eyes.
" no, not that. Oh dear you have a way of twisting my words, "she said," What I'm saying is that in life, it's unfortunate that bad things tend to happen more frequently than good things. It's unfair, no doubt about it. But precisely because those good things are rare, doesn't that make them all the more special?" Ava explained, her voice filled with gentle conviction. She reached out and touched my shoulder, her eyes radiating warmth and sincerity. "I know it's not easy, especially when the weight of the bad feels so heavy. But my dear, I want you to try and shift your focus, even if just for a moment. Think about the moments of joy, the acts of kindness, the small victories. Hold onto them, cherish them, for they are the light that guides us through the darkness."
After she was done with my hair, a playful smile grew on my face.
" you know you sound like an old woman saying things like that right? "
She laughed at me remark." am only ten years older than you, young girl, "
" would you look at the time, I should go and run my errands, is there anything you need fro....m me," Ava stumbled at her words as her gaze was fixated somewhere.
I followed her gaze and I saw what she was staring at, bright silver hair that covered his eyebrows, Grey eyes that reflected the sun and chiseled cheekbones, defined jawline and bright pink lips. I don't know if it was fear but I quickly stood up as he approached memories of our last encounter played in my head.
The closer he got, the more my heart pounded against my ribcage, its erratic beats threatening to burst out of my chest. I couldn't tear my gaze away from his approaching figure, captivated by the air of mystery that enveloped him.
He reached our location, his presence commanding attention. His eyes flickered momentarily towards my healed foot, a subtle acknowledgement of the progress made since our last encounter. The weight of his gaze made my throat tighten, memories flooding my mind, reminding me of the consequences that followed any hesitation in his presence.
"Hmm, your foot healed up," he remarked, his voice carrying an air of detached observation. I nodded hastily, the memory of his impatience fueling my instinctive response.
"Fantastic," he declared, his tone laced with a tinge of urgency. His eyes darted around, scanning the surroundings as if time were of the essence. "Pack your things. We are leaving soon."
As he turned and walked back into the house, I couldn't help but notice the two gleaming scimitars, securely fastened behind his back. The sight sent a shiver down my spine, a reminder of the dangerous path that lay ahead.
"I'll help you pack," Ava offered, her voice steady and determined. Together, we walked into the house, the weight of anticipation hanging in the air. The room, once familiar and comforting, now held an air of urgency as we prepared for the journey ahead.
After meticulously arranging our belongings in the bag, he entered the room, his presence commanding attention. With a practiced ease, he effortlessly lifted the bag, assessing its weight. His discerning eyes scanned its contents, silently evaluating our readiness for what lay ahead.
"It's light," he stated, his voice holding a hint of satisfaction. Without hesitation, he swung the bag onto his shoulder, its weight seemingly inconsequential compared to the burdens we carried within us. "Let's go. We are burning daylight."
Standing at the doorstep, Chloe's tear-filled eyes met Rayan's gaze, her expression a mixture of sadness and confusion. The sight of her fragile vulnerability tugged at his heart, though he masked it with a stoic facade.
"You're leaving already? But you just got back," she whispered, her voice tinged with both disappointment and longing. Her words hung in the air, a plea for him to stay, even if only for a little longer.
Rayan felt a twinge of hesitation, his piercing eyes narrowing imperceptibly as he grappled with conflicting emotions. For a fleeting moment, the walls he had so carefully constructed crumbled, revealing a glimpse of the depth hidden beneath his hardened exterior. Though he swiftly regained composure, that momentary vulnerability lingered, an echo of unspoken sentiment.
"Yes, little one, I need to get her back home," the mercenary replied.
Chloe's gaze met his, her eyes filled with a mix of vulnerability and strength. The weight of her request hung delicately between them, demanding his attention and honesty.
"Then can you promise me something?" she asked, her voice quivering with a blend of hope and apprehension. The silence that followed was pregnant with anticipation, both of them fully aware of the weight of her next words.
"anything just say the word,"
"Promise me that you'll never hurt her again," she pleaded, her finger pointing at me with unwavering resolve. The mercenary's gaze shifted, his eyes meeting mine as he absorbed the weight of her plea. A profound pause hung in the air, his chest rising and falling with a deep breath that spoke volumes.
"I promise," he said and he went down on one knee and gave her a hug. "am so glad you don't hate me,"
Chloe's embrace tightened, her tears mingling with a mixture of relief and acceptance. "I could never hate you," she whispered, her voice laden with a blend of vulnerability and resilience.
"now go or I won't let you leave," she said as she let go of him. Ava' s husband wasn't around to send us off but after the goodbyes we went back to the forest.