BOOK NINE
The guard, his eyes wild with lust, advances towards me, his hands ripping at my clothes, exposing my flesh to the cold night air.
"Please," I croak, my voice a whisper of its former self, but the guard doesn't heed my pleas, his hands roaming my body with a lustful fervor.
The guard looms over me, his breath hot on my skin, the smell of sweat and rage hanging heavy in the air.
I try to fight back, to muster some shred of resistance, but my body has nothing left, my limbs are heavy and useless.
The guard's hands close around my throat, his grip tightening as he forces himself upon me, his words a twisted blend of pleasure and violence.
"You're mine now," he growls.
I struggle to breathe as the guard's grip tightens like a noose around my neck. His body presses against mine, the weight of his dominance crushing my will, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
The soldier, with eyes wild with fear and agony, recoils as a tall, imposing figure steps closer, the moonlight revealing his features.
"Enough!" he says, his voice crisp and authoritative. "Your actions against this young woman are inexcusable and punishable by law."
The soldier attempts to protest, his words a garbled mess of pain and desperation. But this man silences him with a gesture, his eyes cold and unyielding.
"Take him to the dungeons," he orders, his gaze never leaving the guard's face.
The soldier is dragged away, his hands bound behind his back, the sound of his muffled cries echoing through the night.
This man turns to me, his expression softening as he takes in my injuries and disheveled appearance.
"Are you hurt?" he asks, his voice soft but urgent. I try to speak, but my voice catches in my throat, my mind still reeling from the night's events.
He nods, his face a mask of sympathy. "It's alright," he says, his hand reaching for mine. "You're safe now. I'll take you back to the castle..."
"No," I say, my voice shaking with fear and defiance. "I won't go back there. I can't."
He nods, his expression somber. "Very well," he says, his words measured and thoughtful. "Then you will come with me. Leonora, the healer, can treat your injuries."
I nearly exclaim in joy on hearing her name. I will get to see her after what seems like ages! Somehow, hearing her name makes me feel somewhat safer.
He lifts me into his arms, his strength carrying me through the darkened halls of the castle. My body aches with pain, but his touch is gentle, his movements careful as he navigates the unfamiliar corridors.
"Don't worry," he whispers, his breath warm against my cheek. "Leonora is a skilled healer. She'll take good care of you."
I want to tell him that I know; that she's not just a skilled healer, but the greatest ever, but instead I close my eyes, exhaustion pulling me into a hazy half-slumber as we enter Leonora's chamber. The warmth of the room envelops me, the scent of lavender and chamomile soothing my battered senses.
Leonora's face, while wise and knowing, is still beautiful and vibrant. I smile weakly on seeing her, but her face is now a mask of worry on seeing my state.
"Leonora!" I cry faintly as he gently places me in her cozy bed.
"Irene! What happened to you?" she cries, her gentle hands examining me.
When I do not say a thing, she sighs shakily and I detect a glint of anger in her eyes.
"Thank you for bringing her," Leonora tells my mysterious savior.
"Of course," he replies simply. "You seem to know the girl."
"Yes, my Lord..." she begins, but is interrupted by the sudden entrance of two soldiers.
"Lord Jasper, the commandant awaits your presence," one announces urgently.
"A perceived invasion, my Lord," the other adds, capturing Jasper's attention.
"I must take my leave now, Nora," he hurriedly says, preparing to depart.
"Very well, my Lord," she responds, her eyes betraying a hint of concern.
Jasper exits the room, and Leonora turns her focus to me.
"It's been too long since our last meeting, Irene," she says warmly, her eyes scanning my injuries. "And I see you've found yourself in a bit of trouble yet again."
I manage a weak smile as the pain in my limbs begins to subside under her expert care.
"A bit of trouble indeed," I reply with a wry chuckle, but my words are cut short by the sounds of chaos outside. Leonora rushes to the window, her eyes widening in alarm. "Oh, Spirits! Yet another war!"