I couldn't believe what I had just let happen. Jayden had taken Bella!
After everything I'd been through to protect her, I'd let her go. It was my idea that gave Jayden permission to have her.
It wasn't right.
I had to go after her.
I ran for the door wretching it open. Jayden was walking along contently just on the edge of my vision.
I began to follow him quietly, creeping up the hill. I was careful to stay as far away as possible without losing him.
In front of me, Jadyn was muttering to Bella. I strained my ears to listen, but only caught bits and pieces.
"I know you hate us fighting…."
"But everything's okay now….."
"I promise I'll take care of you this time…."
"I'll never let you go…"
"We're a family again like we were meant to be…"
I felt anger rise in me. He had caused her to be in a coma and now he was talking to her like she was awake. Even from where I was I could see she was limp.
It disgusted me.
He once and a while would mutter my name with absolute anger.
"He kept you from me…."
"Preston, Preston, Preston!"
My name was cursed, spat like venom.
Even from here, I could see him shaking. My hand tightened around a knife in my belt.
He was walking a narrow ridge, the cliff falling away to his right. In the distance, the village could be seen. It looked pathetic, surrounded by the great hills. I felt like one of those tiny houses, silently following Jadyn. Insignificant, cowering close to the ground. I hated those feelings wholeheartedly.
Just as I was getting closer a loose rock tumbled from beneath my foot. I listened, wincing, as it clattered loudly down the cliff.
Of course, Jadyn heard. He spun around, looking at me angrily.
"You dare follow me?" He snarled.
He put Bella down carefully and approached me, smiling coldly.
I took out the knife.
"You never were good at following the rules." Jayden snickered. He flicked his hand and the knife flew out of mine.
I was backed up against the cliff. The drop was high enough that I couldn't jump.
He just kept coming. "Let this be a reminder forever more of who is the better of us."
He brought his hands together and closed his eyes, his face scrunching up a little. I could feel his energy growing. I started to step forward to attempt to get out of his way.
"Goodbye, Preston," He thrust his hands outward.
His energy hit me like a brick to the chest. I sailed off the edge and began to tumble through the air.
I was falling down and down and down. I focused on Jayden's face, wondering if I'd see any regret, but he was watching in utter amusement.
I hit the ground hard, the world blinked and then it was gone.