CHAPTER 4

Elise’s POV

"And then she defeated the bad men and saved the emperor," mom said.

I couldn't get enough of this story. She'd told it to me a million times and everytime I couldn't wait for the next time she told it to me. "Then what happened?"

Mom knew that question was coming because I'd asked her the same question every time. This was our little ritual. She would tell me the same story and I'd ask her how it ends. It never failed to make her laugh. I loved seeing my mom laugh. She hardly did that these days with everything going on.

She giggled as she answered me. "But El, you know how it ends."

"But I want to hear it from you, mom"

Mom gave a relenting sigh. She knew better than to argue with me. "She brings honor to her family and is rewarded for her bravery. Won't you let me tell you another story, El?"

Snuggling deeper into my blanket, I prepared myself for my impending sleep. "I don't know mom. Do other stories have a girl who saves her emperor and bring honor to her family."

Mom laughed. "I guess not." She said as she snuggled closer to me. "Alright baby, it's time for you to go to bed. Your dad will come kiss you goodnight when he gets back, okay?"

Dad had been getting home later and later these days. He used to be here with me and mom. I hated that he's wasn't there. "But mom, I'm already in bed and I'll be asleep,when he gets back. Five more minutes? Dad won't mind."

"Well, I mind. Now go to bed missy." Mom kissed me on my head and got up to leave. I don't know why but I felt like I was losing something. My breathing fot faster as she walked further and further away from me. I tried to reach for her but my hands would've, I tried to call for her but my voice was barely above a whisper. She turned to smile at me one last time.

"Mom, please stay!" My voice finally broke out and I jerked awake. I looked around at took in my surroundings. A makeshift tent with a big hole in the side, an awning tied to a tree and propped up with sticks, the sounds and flowing water in the distance.

Realisation hit me like a truck. I was here, my reality this never-ending struggle to survive. 10 years later I have never guessed this was were life would lead me. I'd lost everything and I'd never get it back.

I cried because I was so sick of it all. The tears sent tremors through my body as I sobbed uncontrollably. My vision blurred from the tears I was shed

Then Cyril was at my side. He pulled me into his chest and held me as I cried. I hated feeling like a burden but in this moment I was grateful for his presence.

I eventually sobered down enough to pull away from him though it seemed like he wanted to hold me for longer. "The same dream?" He asked.

I nodded my head as I sat up trying to regain my composure. I felt so weak in moments like these. After all I'd been through, all the dire straights I'd fought my was out of, all the near death experiences, all it took was a little dream about my mommy to send me spiralling like this.

Cyril sat in silence with me as I collected myself. I knew howmhard that was for him because he would normally be asking a bunch of questions trying to fix my problems. Right then, all I needed was silence and he seemed to sense that, thankfully.

After a few minutes he broke the silence and I was weirdly anticipating it.

He looked like he was struggling to speak which was weird. He lowered his head, not meeting my gaze. "About yesterday. I'm sorry you had to got through that. I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you."

The memories can flooding back. I'd totally forgot. First I was ambushed on my supply run when these two idiot though they could mess with me. Then I met him.

How could I have forgotten?

Our eyes met and I became him. I lived his life, I knew everything about him. This stranger who was now the love of my life.

I hated it so much. It wouldn’t do at all. Why did it have to happen? I was a nomad, never staying too long in one place and then I'd met my mate. The very thought of him brought butterflies to my stomach. It hurt not being with him. I had a burning desire to be by his side.

This wouldn't do at all.

"Elise."

I looked at Cyril and he just stared at me. I waited for him to speak but he didn't and I thought he wanted me to say something.

I honestly didn't know what to say. It wasn't him fault and I didn't blame him whatsoever but I didn't have the strength to comsole him at that moment.

"Elise."

This time I snapped. "I know its not your fault okay. I'm just processing things right now so just shut up."

He had looked at me with so much sadness in his eyes and I knew I messed up. He'd done nothing but care for me and here I was treating hi, like the enemy. "I'm sorry." I said.

He nodded. "It's fine, I get it. I'll leave you alone if you jeed some space." I watched him as he walked away disappearing behind a cluster of trees.

"Elise."

"What?!" My head snapped up and I looked around but there was no one there. I knew I wasn't crazy but I could have storm there voice I heard calling my name was right beside me.

"Elise? Are you there?"

Then it hit me. It was my mate. It was Logan.