I grabbed a knife from my bedside, my hands trembling. There is no time to hesitate. I gritted my teeth as the blade cut into my skin. Blood welled up instantly, and I spread it on the pillows to make it appear like a battle.
"Please let this work," I said quietly, my pulse hammering.
I saw the glass bottle on the table and smashed it against the wall, sending the pieces across the floor. I spread the blood from my palm on the shattered glass and around the room, attempting to make the scene as messy as possible. My breath rushed out in fast, terrified gasps as I understood what I was going to do.
It had to appear genuine—convincing enough to fool anyone who witnessed it.
My attention moved to the window. It was my only way out. I pushed open the window and gazed down. The plunge was immense, but I had no alternative. I took a deep breath and went up on the ledge, whispering a prayer under my breath before jumping.
The earth struck me hard, sending pain up my legs, but I couldn't stop. I forced myself up and began running, the trees blurring as I passed through the darkness. My palm throbbed from the wound, but I kept going. I needed to go away.
I only needed to go a bit farther.
But suddenly everything became fuzzy. My legs gave out, and I sank, the world moving around me and darkness swallowing me entirely.
When I awakened, I was not in the woods. I was lying in bed, surrounded by the scent of fresh linens and something pricey.
My head ached, and my hand burned where I cut it.
"Where am I?" I grumbled and attempted to stand, but a flood of dizziness drew me back down.
"Take it easy," urged a voice from nearby. "You're safe now."
I turned to see a man standing at the window, his massive shoulders silhouetted against the rising morning light. He appeared forceful and dominant.
"Who are you?" I croaked.
The man turned to face me, a little smile on his lips. "My name is Russell. I am the Alpha of this territory."
An alpha. My heart skips a beat. "Why did you help me?"
"I found you at the edge of my property," Russell continued, drawing closer. "You were unconscious and bleeding. I couldn't simply leave you there.
His eyes had a depth that I couldn't quite understand, yet something about him made me feel both at ease and terrified. "Thank you," I muttered gently, even though I wasn't certain I trusted him.
Russell nodded. "Now is the time to rest. We'll discuss again when you're stronger."
I watched him depart, my mind racing. I was protected for now, but how long could it last? Avalor would come for me, and things would turn ugly. I needed to think of a strategy quickly.
Days passed, but the dread in my chest only grew. Russell had been kind, providing me with food, housing, and security, but I couldn't escape the sensation that this tranquillity was just short. Avalor was out there looking for me, and it was only a matter of time until he found me.
Russell entered the room one morning, with a solemn expression. "Melissa, we need to talk."
I sat up, my heart rate increasing. "What is it?"
Russell gave me a note. "This was left at my door this morning."
I accepted the mail, my hands shaking slightly as I opened it. The message inside was brief, but the words chilled my blood.
"Melissa, he knows where you are. You need to go right now. - A friend."
My gaze darted up to meet Russell's. "Who left this?"
Russell shakes his head. "I don't know. But if this note is true, we won't have much time."
Panic overcame me. "I cannot remain here, Russell. If Avalor discovers me—"
"He won't," Russell said, his tone harsh. "I won't let him."
"You don't understand," I said. "Avalor is unrelenting. He will not stop till he finds me. I cannot put you or your pack in danger."
Russell's countenance softened, and he moved closer, his presence comforting. "Melissa, you are now under my protection. I will keep you safe no matter what."
"But what if—"
"No buts," Russell stated, his tone leaving no space for argument. "I have dealt with threats before. Avalor is not the first, nor will he be the last. Trust me."
I wanted to believe him, but worry was gnawing at me. I couldn't bring Russell into this mess. I couldn't risk his life for mine.
"Pack your things," Russell said. "We will depart tonight. I have a safe place where Avalor can't find us."
I paused, staring down at the note in my palm. "And what if he does find us?"
Russell's eyes darkened and his jaw tightened. "Then I'll make sure he regrets it."
The power of his voice sent shivers down my spine. Russell was confident, perhaps even overconfident. But could he truly take on Avalor? I didn't know, but I had no other option.
That night, I packed my few possessions, my heart heavy with worry. As I packed the final thing into my bag, Russell came at the door, his expression inscrutable.
"Ready?" he inquired.
I nodded and gripped the bag hard. "As ready as I'll ever be."
We left the home under cover of darkness, going quickly and discreetly through the woods. My nerves were on edge, and every rustling of leaves caused me to jump. Russell led the way, and his presence reassured me despite my anxieties.
However, as we reached the property's boundary, Russell unexpectedly came to a standstill, his head bent to the side as if he was listening to something I could not hear.
"What is it?" I mumbled, fear building in my gut.
Russell did not respond straight away. His eyes probed the darkness, and his body tensed. Then, in a low, almost growling voice, he whispered, "We're not alone."
My blood became chilly. "Is it Avalor?"
Before Russell could respond, a dark figure emerged from the trees and paused at the edge of the moonlight. My heart hammered in my chest as I tried to see who it was.
"Melissa," the stranger began, their voice familiar yet frigid. "Did you think you could run from me?"
I gasped as my greatest worries were confirmed. It was Avalor. He'd discovered us.
Russell's body tightened alongside me, and his attitude changed into a protective one. "Stay behind me," he said, his voice harsh.
But when Avalor walked completely into the light, a vicious smirk on his lips, I knew something horrifying.
This was not going to end without a fight.
Russell stood erect, protective, but Avalor's presence seemed to fill the space with a threatening intensity. The moonlight reflected off Avalor's sharp features, making his stare even more menacing.
"Russell," Avalor said in a dark, sarcastic tone. "You're brave, but foolish to think you could protect her from me."
Russell's eyes narrowed, but his voice remained calm. Melissa is under my protection. If you want her, you must go through me.
Avalor's smirk spread. "I did not come here to fight, Russell. I've come to make you an offer… you should listen to me."