AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The bruised blue of his skin seemed less battered today, and his usually weary eyes lit up at the sight of me.
A soft sigh escaped me, the gentle sound of relief and warmth.
His presence was like a balm, soothing away the sharp edges of my turbulent emotions.
His lips curved into a tired smile, but the joy in his gaze was unmistakable. “Ellie,” he murmured, his voice like the soft hum of an old song, a sound that had begun to feel like home.
I grinned back, heart swelling.
Despite the bleakness of our circumstances, there was a silver lining — our moments together.
The aroma of the prison’s unique cuisine wafted into our cell, hinting at dinner time.
But neither of us moved.
Instead, Ceara’s face took on a serious expression.
“I sense your turmoil,” he began, his deep voice resonating with the raw honesty of his feelings. “I know you’re not completely happy here with me any longer.”
I blinked in surprise.
The reality of our situation, combined with my lingering secret, had created an invisible barrier between us.
But I hadn’t realized how palpable it had become.
Before I could voice my protest, he continued:
“I’ve made a decision. I shall ask the Supervisor to return you to the Prize Pool.”
His words hit me like a sledgehammer, each syllable a crushing blow.
I felt as though I’d been plunged into cold water, every sense heightened in sudden panic.
My eyes stung, my ears ringing with the echoing finality of his statement.
“All I wish is for you to be happy,” he said, although it was clear that taking that action most certainly wouldn’t make him happy.
My fingers instinctively reached out, gripping his arm.
“Why would you do that?” My voice was raw, a blend of confusion and desperation.
He hesitated, a cloud of sadness veiling his gaze. “You’re clearly not content here with me. I can’t bear the thought of you being trapped, Ellie. If there’s one thing I want above all others, it’s for you to find happiness. Even at the cost of my own.”
Tears threatened, but I fought them back.
Closing the distance between us, I looked deep into his eyes. “I am happy with you, Ceara,” I whispered, tasting the saltiness of my unshed tears. “I don’t want the Prize Pool. I don’t want to be a Prize to be won. What I crave is freedom… our freedom. Together.”
His gaze held a storm of emotions: hope, pain, longing, and love. “Ellie, the only liberation I can offer is within these walls,” he murmured.
The weight of our reality pressed on me, but in that moment, I knew I’d choose a cage with Ceara over an endless sky without him.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I whispered:
“Then let this be our world, for now.”
Gently cradling my face, Ceara leaned down, his lips finding mine.
The world outside faded as warmth flooded my senses.
