Seth's POV
They've been walking through the forest for some time now. They pushed through dense undergrowth, where ferns and low bushes tangled their paths, and branches clawed at their sleeves like fingers that didn't want them to leave. The ground was uneven, full of roots and rocks hidden under layers of leaves and soil. Occasionally, they stumbled across wildflowers—tiny bursts of white and blue—that seemed to glow in the forest's dim light, the only delicate life in this rough landscape. Seth moved with practiced ease, but Estella struggled, catching her breath as the forest tested her resolve.
'We have to get as far as possible before they catch up to us.' He repeated to himself.
Seth was more than used to this type of rigorous work outs but Estella wasn't, she simply couldn't keep up. She's exhausted, physically and mentally. She couldn't take it anymore; she stopped walking and of course Seth took notice of it.
"We can't rest just yet, just a little further," He tried to encourage her.
She kept taking deep breaths and shook her head. "No more, I can't," she said almost breathlessly.
"Why are we even in such a rush, not like any of the clans are going to chase after us?" She wondered not wanting to take another step.
'It's not them I am worried about.' He looked at her, 'She does look like she's about to pass out. I guess we have time before they gain on us, hopefully they haven't even noticed we're gone.'
Seth slowed his pace and looked around carefully. He scanned the area, searching for a place that would give them cover and comfort. Spotting a small grove where the trees grew closer together, he nodded to himself, guiding Estella off the path.
"We'll stop here for the night," he said softly, glancing around for any sign of trouble. The spot was quiet, shielded by low-hanging branches and soft beds of moss.
Estella sat down, exhaling as she stretched out her legs, and watched as Seth moved about, clearing away any twigs and rocks from the ground where they'd sleep. He even used his cloak to sweep away some of the fallen leaves, creating a small space that felt almost like a hidden nook just for the two of them.
Once he was satisfied, Seth unrolled their only bedroll and spread his cloak over hers to give her an extra layer against the night's chill. Then, he gathered a few stones and bits of dry wood to arrange a small fire. Estella could see how focused he was, carefully striking a spark until a few small flames caught, just enough to provide warmth without drawing too much attention.
"Thank you," she murmured, feeling a soft warmth that had nothing to do with the fire.
Seth settled beside her on the ground, and for a moment, they sat in silence, listening to the quiet rustling of the forest and the soft crackle of the fire. Shadows flickered across his face as he gazed out into the dark, his expression distant yet calm. Without thinking, Estella reached out and gently laid her hand over his, a small reassurance that they were both here, away from the world they'd left behind.
After a few moments, he turned to her and placed a blanket over her shoulders. "Get some rest," he said softly. "I'll stay up a while longer."
"Aren't you cold?" She asked concerned and feeling guilty that she was in the warm comfort of the bedroll and fire.
"It's fine."
"It's not, come and lay down with me. I know it would be a bit cramp but atleast you wouldn't be cold." Estella suggested.
"I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
" You wouldn't be so please; you're making me feel sad. I could only imagine how cold it must be, please Seth, please," She playfully begged.
He sighed, "Ok."
She grinned and moved a bit to give him as much room as possible, which wasn't much. They both lay on their sides looking at each other.
"Doesn't it feel much warmer and comfortable?" She asked smiling.
"It does."
There was a long silent period between them, the cold air had Estella shivering and shaking.
'She's so fragile, I wish I had prepared the carriage earlier, she's having such a hard time because of me. She isn't like me; she wasn't meant to be so exposed to the elements. How else can I warm her up?' He thought, then an idea struck him.
"Estella, I'm going to hug you ok? It'll make you feel warmer, alright?" He worried that she would misread his intentions.
"Then what are you waiting for? I'm freezing over here." She giggled.
He chuckled slightly, Estella was surprise it was the first time she heard such a lovely aound coming from him. He opened his arms for Estella to make her way into the much warmer embrace.
"Why are you so cold?" Seth asked worried about her temperature, it was no where near where it should be.
"It's fine, my body does this often, my body quckly loses temperature it's not a major problem. Being as hot as you are is a problem."
There was a pause whn suddenly Estella realized what she said, her cheeks heated up in embarrassment.
"Wait, that's not what I meant, I was talking about your body temperature. Not that you aren't hot, what I mean is-" Her rambling was cut off by Seth's laughter.
"You are too cute."
Her face grew impossibly hotter in embarrassment. Calming down, she started to enjoy the warmth of his body, once again he smelt of faint blood. This time she wanted to know, why?
"Seth, you kill people right?" Her tone turned soft and low.
"Yes," His grew low and darkand his body tensen.It was something he use to be proud of but now it makes him feel ashamed.
'I'm a murderer, she shouldn't be around someone like me.'
"Did you enjoy it? Killing others?"
'How do I answer that? Just me honest with her?'
"Sometimes. There are times where I feel as if the person I killed deserve his fate and then there are times where I feel as if they deserve nothing more than to live a long, happy life."
"It hurts you doesn't it? Having to take the life of someone you want live."
"It does."
"I'm sorry, I can't imagine what's that like. I wish I could wipe away all those unpleasant memories you have but a mere mortal like me possesses no such skill." She spoke sadly.
"It'd fine, not like it's your fault."
"You feel guilty, don't you?"
"All the time, even towards those who deserved it. It's not easy to end a life. Stella, you need to understand something, I am not a good person. I've taken so many undeserving lives, so no matter what you ask me, you wouldn't find a redeemable quality. I'm a monster."
'He's ashamed. I didn't mean to make him feel sad, I just wanted to know more about him.'
"I once heard that when an assassin from a major clan is sent out to kill a target. If they don't, they get killed instead. Is that true?" She questioned.
"It is."
"Does that go for your clan as well?"
"Yes."
"In that case, I'm glad you are a monster," She hid herself impossibly further into his broad chest. He stared down at her beautiful, long silver blonde hair.
'Why would she say that? Does being a monster make it easier for her to hate me.' He wondered. It pained him dearly, his own thoughts.
'I don't want her to hate me,' His heart heavied, 'I can't lose her. But what can I do? Would she leave me here all alone? Is she scared of me?' He was scared, his thoughts made him feel so anxious. He has never felt this way before.
"If you weren't a monster, you wouldn't be here with me right now. I know it's wrong but I'm glad you're here with me."
"So, you aren't afraid of me? Or hate me?" he asked unsure.
"Why would I ever hate you or even be afraid of you? This may sound weird seeing how we've only known each other a short time but when I'm with you I feel so safe and strong. I feel as if I could face anything that comes my way as long as you are with me." She has no idea how much those words meant to him; she had no idea the great effect it had on his anxious heart.
He hugged, fully expected her to stiffen but she didn't. She melted into his embrace and drifted off soundly to sleep, not caring about the unfamiliar environment around her because she knew once he was with her, she was safe.
'She's so pure and innocent. I hope I never corrupt her with my siner ways.'
From the shadows, a pair of red eyes glared at them, testing Seth's resolve. He tightened his hold on Estella, his gaze daring the spirit to come closer. The spirit faltered, and a dark satisfaction stirred in him as it retreated, unwilling to meet his challenge. Yet he knew, more would come
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