THE TEMPTRESS

||Justice||

•STEPHANIE•

As the cabin door creaked open, I couldn't help but pause in the doorway, stealing a glance back at Kaden still lost in the blissful realms of sleep.

The warm morning light kissed his peaceful face, and a bittersweet mixture of emotions swirled within me.

Last night had been different, special in a way that made my heart ache. Our connection transcended the physical, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still.

Yet, promises I made to myself echoed in my mind-a mission to complete without complications. Kaden was my complication.

Regret gnawed at my conscience. I felt a pang of guilt for leaving him unexpectedly, but the promise I made to myself held firm. With every second ticking away, I knew I had to let go.

Turning to look at him one last time, I marveled at the vulnerability on his sleeping face, etching the memory into my mind.

Emotions surged through me-love, regret, determination. The weight of my decision bore down on me as I stepped through the door, leaving the warmth of the cabin and Kaden's presence behind.

No second glances, no lingering doubts-I had a mission to complete, and to do that, I had to leave him in the shadows of the morning light.

Determination fueled my every step, yet the emotional echo of that last gaze lingered, a silent reminder of sacrifices made for a greater purpose.

The morning light filtered through the dense canopy, casting a gentle glow on the moss-covered ground as I ventured through the woods.

The crisp air carried the soothing symphony of birdsong and rustling leaves, creating a serene ambiance that enveloped me.

I retraced our steps from yesterday, each tree and rock seeming vaguely familiar yet shrouded in the tranquility of dawn.

Stopping amidst the towering trees, I scanned my surroundings, the silence broken only by the soft whispers of the wind.

My eyes searched for a distinctive mark-a moss-covered boulder, a uniquely shaped tree.

Then, relief swept over me as I recognized an old, twisted oak that marked the path. It was a silent guide, confirming I was on the right track.

Following the natural compass of the woods, I stumbled upon the main road. In the distance, I spotted Kaden's Mercedes parked like a lone sentinel.

The realization of the car keys safely tucked in my pocket filled me with a sense of determination. With each step, the anticipation of escaping the secluded woods grew.

As I approached the sleek vehicle, a surge of adrenaline coursed through me. The engine roared to life, drowning out the forest's whispers.

The wheels crunched on the gravel as I sped back to the city, the morning light gradually giving way to the hustle and bustle of urban life.

My hands gripped the steering wheel as I navigated the empty road, my mind racing with urgency. The weight of the situation pressed on me, and without hesitation, I decided to check the glovebox.

Kaden once told me that he always stashed a burner phone there for emergencies.

As I slid it open, my fingers fumbled through papers and miscellaneous items until they brushed against the sleek device.