The sound of footsteps echoed through the cold, dark basement, and my chest tightened with dread. He was back. Citrus was coming for another round, and I didn't know if I had the strength left to endure it.
I struggled to move, to do anything, but my body was heavy with pain, my wrists raw and burning from the ropes. Every breath felt like fire in my chest.
The door creaked open, and I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself. But then, a familiar voice broke through the suffocating silence.
"Sage."
My eyes flew open, and there he was—Xenos. Relief and disbelief crashed over me, and I felt tears spill down my cheeks before I could stop them.
"Xenos…" My voice was barely a whisper, broken and hoarse.
He rushed to me, his face etched with fury and something softer, something that made my chest ache even more. He knelt before me, his hands trembling as he untied the ropes binding me to the chair.
"You're safe now," he murmured, his voice low and steady. "I've got you."
As soon as I was free, he pulled me into his arms, holding me like I was the most fragile thing in the world. I buried my face in his chest, his warmth chasing away the cold that had seeped into my bones.
Then, without a word, he picked me up in his arms, cradling me against him. His grip was firm yet gentle, his steps purposeful. I didn't have the strength to ask questions or even argue. I just let myself sink into the safety of his embrace.
With a flick of his fingers, the world around us dissolved, and in an instant, we were back in the tavern.
Xenos set me gently on the sofa, his movements quick but careful, as if I might break. He muttered something under his breath, his jaw clenched, and before I could say a word, he vanished into the kitchen.
Moments later, he returned with a glass of water and a damp cloth. Kneeling in front of me, he handed me the water and began dabbing the cloth against the cut on my lip, his touch tender but trembling.
"Did he hurt you anywhere else?" His voice was low, tight with restrained fury, and his golden eyes refused to meet mine. "Tell me everything."
I hesitated, the words caught in my throat, but the way his hands shook as he held the cloth, the way his eyes scanned me for injuries, made me speak.
"He…" I took a shaky breath, the memory of Citrus's laughter and his cruel words still fresh in my mind. "He slapped me. Pulled my hair. Punched me. He said horrible things, and then…" My voice cracked as I recalled the rest. "He…he kissed me. Forced me."
Xenos froze, his entire body going rigid. His gaze snapped to my face, his eyes dark and burning with an intensity that made my chest tighten.
"He did what?" His voice was barely above a whisper, but the rage simmering beneath it was unmistakable.
"He kissed me," I repeated, quieter this time, tears pooling in my eyes. "It hurt. He didn't stop until I…" I trailed off, unable to say more.
Xenos stood abruptly, pacing the room like a storm ready to break. His fists clenched and unclenched, his breathing uneven. He didn't say anything for a long moment, and I thought he might explode, but then he turned back to me.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice breaking. "I wasn't fast enough. I should've—"
"No," I interrupted, shaking my head. "You saved me. You're here now, and that's all that matters."
But the guilt in his eyes didn't fade. If anything, it deepened, and I realized that no matter what I said, he would carry the weight of this.
"You're not to blame, Xenos," I whispered, reaching out to take his hand. It was warm, steadying, and for the first time since everything happened, I felt like I could breathe again.
"Do you feel safe now?" he asked, his voice softer but no less intense.
"Yes," I said without hesitation. "Because of you."
I dragged myself upstairs to shower, letting the hot water wash away the grime, blood, and the memories of Citrus's vile hands. Each drop felt like a small piece of healing, though the ache inside me lingered.
When I finally stepped out, wrapped in a warm robe, I heard voices downstairs. Cynfael and Alohi.
I rushed down the stairs, my heart lightening for the first time in hours. The moment Alohi spotted me, she opened her arms wide. I didn't hesitate—I ran straight into her embrace.
"Oh my gods, Sage!" Alohi's voice cracked as she squeezed me tightly. "I was so worried. Are you okay? Did that… that monster…"
"I'm okay," I assured her, though my voice wavered. "Xenos got to me in time."
Cynfael gave me a sympathetic look from behind her, his usually regal demeanor softened. "You're safe now. That's what matters."
As I pulled back from Alohi's embrace, Xenos was pacing by the fireplace, his arms crossed, his face a storm of emotions. He started speaking, his voice low but dangerous.
"Citrus had no right to touch you." He snarled the words, his fists tightening. "No right to even look at you. If I ever see him again, I'll—"
"Xenos," Cynfael warned, but Xenos didn't stop.
"I'll rip his hands off," Xenos continued, his tone growing darker. "He'll wish he never laid eyes on Sage. I'll—"
"Xenos," I interrupted softly, stepping toward him.
He stopped pacing, his fiery eyes snapping to mine. His chest heaved, and his expression was a mix of anger and pain.
"You're scaring me," I said gently, placing a hand on his arm.
That seemed to break through the storm raging in his mind. His shoulders sagged, and he looked down at me, his fury melting into guilt.
"I'm sorry," he murmured. "I just… I can't stand what he did to you. I failed to protect you—"
"No," I cut him off firmly. "You didn't fail me, Xenos. You saved me. You always do."
He exhaled deeply, his hands trembling as they reached out to cradle my face. "You're so strong, Sage," he whispered. "Stronger than I'll ever be."
I smiled faintly, leaning into his touch. "And you're my strength, Xenos."
Behind us, Alohi cleared her throat loudly. "Okay, this is sweet and all, but we have bigger problems to discuss, like how we're going to make Citrus pay without all of us dying in the process."
Cynfael nodded, his jaw tight. "She's right. Citrus won't stop. We need a plan."
I stepped back from Xenos, my resolve hardening. "Then let's make one."
Xenos stepped closer, his fiery gaze softening as it landed on me. "You've been through too much tonight, Sage," he said firmly. "You need to rest. Tomorrow, we'll go to the castle and discuss everything with Cynfael. But for now, you need sleep."
I wanted to argue, but the exhaustion weighing on my body wouldn't let me. I nodded silently, watching as Cynfael guided Alohi toward the door.
"Get some sleep," Cynfael said, his voice steady but kind. "We'll figure this out tomorrow."
Alohi glanced back at me, worry etched on her face, but she followed Cynfael without protest. The door clicked shut behind them, leaving me alone with Xenos.
"Come on," Xenos said softly, placing a warm hand on the small of my back to guide me up the stairs.
We made our way to the bedroom in silence. The tension between us was palpable, but it wasn't uncomfortable—it was reassuring, grounding.
As soon as we entered the room, I slipped out of my robe and climbed into bed, the familiar comfort of the blankets wrapping around me. Xenos hesitated for a moment before joining me, his movements careful, almost tentative.
When he settled beside me, he pulled me close, his arm wrapping securely around my waist. His warmth seeped into me, melting away the lingering chill from the night's events.
"You're safe now," he murmured against my hair, his voice low and soothing. "No one will ever hurt you again, I promise you that."
I closed my eyes, letting his words wash over me. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice breaking slightly.
"You don't have to thank me," he said, tilting my chin up so I could meet his eyes. "I'd do anything for you, Sage. Anything."
His gaze lingered on my lips, and before I could process what was happening, he leaned in, capturing my mouth in a searing kiss.
It started soft, tender, but the emotions of the night soon spilled over. The kiss deepened, his hand tangling in my hair as he pressed me closer. I responded with equal fervor, my fingers clutching at his shirt as if he were the only thing keeping me grounded.
His lips trailed to my jaw, then my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "You mean everything to me," he murmured against my skin, his voice thick with emotion.
"Xenos…" I breathed, pulling him back to me.
Our mouths met again, the kiss igniting something electric between us. It was intense, passionate, and full of promises unspoken. For the first time in days, I felt truly alive, truly seen.
We eventually pulled apart, our breaths mingling in the quiet room. His forehead rested against mine, his eyes searching mine.
"You're mine, Sage," he said softly, his voice filled with a quiet determination.
"And you're mine," I replied, my heart pounding in my chest.
He smiled—a rare, genuine smile—and pulled me into his arms once more. "Rest now," he whispered, his lips brushing against my temple. "We'll face whatever comes next together."
With his warmth surrounding me and his steady heartbeat beneath my ear, I finally allowed myself to drift into sleep.
—------------------------------------------------------
The sunlight streamed through the curtains, gently pulling me from sleep. I stirred, the comforting warmth of Xenos' arms still around me. He blinked awake, his golden eyes soft and reassuring.
"Morning," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.
"Morning," I whispered back, suddenly feeling a little shy as I remembered the events of the night before.
We untangled ourselves, and I slipped out of bed to get ready. Xenos followed, stretching and running a hand through his dark hair. As I washed my face and dressed, he leaned against the doorframe, watching me with an amused smile.
"You're staring," I said, throwing him a playful look.
"Can't help it," he replied with a smirk. "You're beautiful."
I rolled my eyes, but my cheeks betrayed me by turning pink. Once we were both dressed and ready, we headed downstairs to the kitchen.
Aurora was already there, preparing a quick breakfast. She glanced at us, her eyes narrowing slightly before giving me a knowing smirk. "You two seem...well-rested."
Xenos ignored her and handed me a cup of tea. "Let's eat quickly. Cynfael's expecting us at the castle."
I nodded, and as we sat down to eat, a sense of determination filled me. Today, we'd figure out how to deal with Citrus and Mortis. Together.