The ride to my kingdom is silent, the tension between us heavier than the storm clouds looming above. The wind howls through the trees, and for once, it feels like the world is holding its breath.
By the time we reach the outer walls, the guards are already waiting. Their weapons are drawn, their eyes cold.
I slide off my horse, my hand hovering near my dagger. I don't reach for it—not yet. I can feel Killian's gaze on me, but I refuse to look at him. Because I know what comes next.
He turns to Soren. "You go ahead. Tell them what's happening."
Soren nods, kicking his horse forward. He vanishes into the city, leaving the two of us standing in the freezing air.
Then, Killian speaks. "I'm going back."
My fingers curl into fists. "You can't."
He raises a brow. "Oh? And why's that?"
I swallow hard. Because if you leave, I lose my chance. Because if you leave, I have no reason to fight anymore. Because if you leave… you might never come back.
But I can't say that. I can't say anything.
Instead, I force my voice to be cold, empty. "How do I know you won't run?"
Killian laughs, the sound rich with amusement. "Me? Running away? Seriously?" He steps closer, lowering his voice. "Little warrior, if I wanted to run, I would've done it the night you nearly slit my throat."
His words send a shiver through me, and I hate that he's right.
I look away. "If you go back, they might not let you leave again."
Killian sighs. "I have to try."
He's right. His kingdom won't stop unless they hear it from him. But something inside me twists at the thought of watching him ride away.
Because I know what I'm supposed to do. I should kill him. I should end this now. I should take my freedom.
But instead… I let him go.
Killian swings onto his horse, his smirk softer than usual. "Don't miss me too much."
I roll my eyes. "I won't."
Liar.
He rides off, disappearing into the mist.
And for the first time in my life, I don't know if I've just saved myself—or doomed us both.