Chapter 9
Two days later, we found a deer in the orchard.
Dead.
But not eaten.
No bite marks. No wounds. Just collapsed in the middle of a field with its eyes wide and glassy.
Kellan buried it. I didn't ask for details. I already knew what he'd say.
It didn't run. It froze.
Elias stayed quiet most of the day.
That night, he sat by the hearth with his knees pulled to his chest.
"It's starting early," he murmured.
I didn't pretend not to know what he meant.
He looked at me, gray eyes solemn.
"You're going to need more than me. If it starts this soon."
"I know," I said.
"You'll need help."
"I know."
"You'll need—"
"I already sent the letter," I cut in.
He blinked. "To who?"
"Kael Vire."
Elias stared. His lips parted slightly. "...You weren't joking?"
"No."
He was quiet a moment. Then said:
"Okay."
I raised a brow. "That's it?"
"If he says yes, we survive."
"And if he doesn't?"
Elias didn't answer right away.
Then:
"Then I become what they want me to be."
That made my blood go cold.
Because I knew what the world wanted from him.
And I refused to let it happen.
.
.
.
.
.
End of Chapter 9