AllFreeNovel
Share Us
To apologize, to express the depth of my feelings, and to weave the threads of our shared destiny together.
I knew the stakes, the barriers that lay between us, but one thing was clear: our paths were meant to intertwine.
And come what may, I was determined to hold onto the future the universe had shown me — a future with Ellie.
* * *
The abrasive noise of the cell door’s metallic gears grated against my heightened senses.
But this time, it heralded not another torment but the return of my respite.
Ellie.
She stepped in, her face pale but eyes sparkling with resilience.
The very sight of her washed over me like a warm wave, soothing the raw edges of my anxiety.
“Are you all right?” I rushed to her side, needing to assure myself of her well-being. “Did they hurt you? If they did, I swear I’ll—”
“They didn’t hurt me,” Ellie said, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear, looking up at me with those piercing blue eyes. “One of the Prizes was… injured during the night. They needed my medical expertise. But I’m okay, Ceara. Just a little shaken.”
The news that someone had been hurt sent a chill down my spine — after all, it could have just as easily have been Ellie if she were in their position — but I clamped down on the rising anger.
Now wasn’t the time for rage.
Instead, I focused on the relief that she was safe, that the universe had not yanked her away from me.
Drawing her close, I whispered:
“I’m… glad you’re okay.”
Glad was an understatement.
If she never returned to me, I wasn’t sure how I was meant to go on.
A beautiful bird released from its cage only made the room it once belonged to all the dimmer.
The truth of my words hung heavily between us.
We shared a moment of silent understanding, both of us astounded by the depth of connection that had blossomed so quickly.
I gently ran my fingers over her arm, feeling the silky texture of her skin, noting the slight tremor under my touch.
Her scent, a mix of earthly flowers, tickled my senses.
Warmth radiated from her.
The door slid open again, breaking our intimate moment.
A guard entered and I immediately stepped defensively between him and Ellie.
I needn’t have worried.
He was pushing a cart laden with what looked —and smelled — like real food.
My stomach grumbled in response, reminding me of the meager rations I’d grown accustomed to.
This wasn’t the bland nutrient paste they usually doled out.
