Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 19: The Shattered Bond

The chill of the night air bit into my skin as I made my way through the dense thicket, the lamp's dim light casting eerie shadows that danced around me. Every step I took felt heavier, my heart pounding with a mix of determination and fear. I had asked the locals along the way, describing Meredith and Nikolai, and a few had seen them, pointing me further towards the remote Blackwater Cove.

It had taken me the entire night, the hours stretching on endlessly, but finally, I found them.

I stood at the edge of a cliff, overlooking a secluded beach, and saw it—a hidden cave nestled among the rocks. Inside, a small, makeshift camp had been set up. A cooking pit with a pot hanging over it, and a tent made of canvas and driftwood. The scene was surreal, almost peaceful, if not for the gravity of the situation.

Then I saw them. Meredith and Nikolai emerged from the tent, looking as if they were trying to disguise themselves. Meredith had her hair tucked under a cap, and Nikolai was wearing plain, nondescript clothes. They walked towards the boat they had used to escape, their movements cautious and quick. My heart clenched at the sight of my sister, her face pale and strained, yet determined.

This was my only chance.

My hand tightened around the revolver tucked in my belt. I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves. Then, with as much courage as I could muster, I ran towards them, my footsteps muffled by the sand. The revolver felt heavy in my hand, but I kept my grip firm, pointing it straight at Nikolai as I approached.

"Stop right there!" I shouted, my voice echoing off the rocks.

They both froze, turning to face me. Meredith's eyes widened in shock and fear, while Nikolai's expression turned cold and calculating.

"Scarlett," Meredith breathed, taking a step towards me. "What are you doing here?"

"Stay back, Meredith," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm here to take you home. You're coming with me."

Nikolai took a step towards me, his eyes narrowing. "You shouldn't have come here, Scarlett. This is between me and your sister."

"Shut up!" I snapped, my grip tightening on the revolver. "You tried to kill me. You think I would just let you take her and run away?"

"Scarlett, please," Meredith pleaded, her eyes darting between me and Nikolai. "Put the gun down. We can talk about this."

"There's nothing to talk about," I insisted. "Meredith, come to me. Don't be afraid of him. I won't let him hurt you."

Meredith's eyes softened, and she took a tentative step towards me. "You're right, Scarlett," she said, her voice breaking. "He is actually forcing me. Please, help me."

Relief flooded through me, and I motioned for her to come closer. "That's it, Meredith. Just come to me."

She moved slowly, her gaze fixed on the revolver in my hand. As she drew near, I lowered my guard slightly, my focus on Nikolai. But just as Meredith reached me, she lunged, grabbing the gun and twisting it out of my hand. I gasped, stunned by the sudden betrayal.

"I'm sorry, dear sister," Meredith said, her voice cold and hard. She slapped me across the face, the sting sharp and immediate.

Before I could react, Nikolai stepped forward, his eyes filled with malice. He kicked me hard in the stomach, and I doubled over in pain, collapsing to the ground. He spat curses at me, his voice dripping with hatred.

"Meredith, what are you doing?" I cried, my voice shaking with pain and confusion. "What's wrong with you?"

Meredith looked down at me, her expression unreadable. "You never understood, Scarlett," she said, her voice devoid of emotion. "You never will."