The broken prince

Chapter 1

  - Cassine winters

I stood before the ornate mirror in my house, as the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows across the walls. Outside, the morning sun was just beginning to filter through the thick canopy of trees, painting the room with a gentle glow that brought back memories of happier times. I stared at myself in the mirror admiring my long brown hair that I had turned into a braid that ran down my back, I adjusted the straps of my leather armored shirt which led all the way down my arm covering my scar that ran from my shoulder to my wrist, I took comfort in hiding it, the bad memories that it carries, the memories I rather put at the back of my head. I took a deep breath as today marked the start of my first year, if I made it to a second, at Dracoria Academy, where fighters, healers, strategists, craftsmen, and maids took roles in their skills in service to our kingdom each playing an important role. Depending on the power you possess you will most likely be assigned a role if you have not already shown your strength in one of the roles Lucky for my three brother had been picked to be a fighter since they all have the ability of flame, which is the ability to make fire using nothing but your pure self. Most people by the age of 17 had shown their powers which meet  I am a year late. Luckily since Christian, Caiden and Atlas are all fighters so that means I am probably to. Fighters most likely run through bloodlines, and most fighters have the power of flame. I have been dreaming of leaving home everyday since they left. Dealing with dad alone was worse than your house being burnt down by dragons and today was the day I could finally leave and see Christian again. My brother Christian had trained me to become a fighter and follow in his footsteps, ever since mom died dad has become aggressive and he trained me to defend myself when the day came that he left for school, so I could defend myself from dad. my other brothers have already graduated, and now work for the.The memories of Mom's warmth and Dad's rage intertwined like a tangled knot in my mind, and the scar on my arm served as a silent testament to those turbulent times. I ran my fingers over the smooth leather of my armored shirt, tracing the outline of the scar that ran from my shoulder to my wrist. It was a reminder of the day Dad's anger had boiled over, leaving me marked both physically and emotionally. "Cassie!" Lyra's voice called from downstairs, snapping me out of my thoughts. She had arrived early, as always, ready to walk to the academy together. I smiled faintly, grateful for her steadfast companionship beyond these cottage walls. "I'm coming!" I called back, my voice tinged with determination. Fastening the last buckle of my armor. Descending the creaking wooden stairs, I made my way to the living room where Lyra greeted me with a warm smile, her hazel eyes bright with anticipation. She had chestnut brown hair that cascaded in gentle waves down to her shoulders, catching the morning light with a hint of golden highlights. Her complexion was tanned, with a sprinkling of freckles across her nose that seemed to dance in the sunlight "Are you ready for Our first  year, Cassie?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of worry. I nodded, my expression serious. "Hopefully it won't be my last" I said as a light chuckle escaped my throat. I wasn't joking, being a fighter means bonding with a dragon which would most likely kill you if they didn't find you worthy of their presence. Let alone the other fighters trying to kill you so they have a higher chance. Unlike Lyra who would probably be in healers and not having to deal with the chance of your life being on the line or I think. Without another word, we headed out of the cottage, the morning air crisp and cool around us. As we made our way, we stopped to join others our age who were also heading to attend this year. The streets buzzed with students, echoing the nervous energy and anticipation that filled the air. Groups of students, dressed in an array of uniforms representing their respective roles—fighters, healers, strategists—formed a colorful procession toward Dracoria Academy. I caught glimpses of familiar faces among the crowd. their expressions varying from eager smiles to terrified looks of worry. Lyra nudged me gently, drawing my attention to a trio of knights  who strode confidently ahead of us, for any students who had questions as they led the way. Their armor gleamed under the morning sun, a stark contrast to the casual attire of the villagers bustling about their daily routines. "Woah, they're hot. You're lucky you get to be with them everyday, while I have to learn how to control my healing powers. Boring!" Lyra remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of aeration. I nodded in agreement, though my thoughts lingered on the challenges that lay ahead. "Well hopefully I am alive long enough to fuck one of them" I say as we both giggle, we continue walking towards the dock where a large boat awaits us to take us to the Academy. The sun shines brightly on the water, creating a dazzling display of light and color. We board the boat, and I'm immediately struck by the sheer number of students on board. It's clear that we're not the only ones heading to Dracoria Academy. As we find a spot to sit, which is pretty comfortable  considering it is made of wood. I look around spotting other students use their abilities in cool ways, one in particular catches my eye. A man sides at the side of the boat surrounded by a group of people who look to me students others look older maybe the group leaders. His dark wavy hair is shining in the morning sunlight and in tanned skin glowing like he just finish a workout. My eyes roam over his broad shoulders, chiseled abs, and a strong jawline that made my heart skip a beat. The man looked like he took working out to the next level. I look to down his tattoos arms to see what everyone was look at. A fire started in his palm which a second later was then put  out my water that landed  in his palm making his hands glow, the next thing you now the man had freaking flowers going up his arm. He most been..., no there hasn't been on in years. But I have heard that there has me one. The ability to control other peoples abilities. I was deep in thought about this mysterious man who had caught almost half the girls attention, little did he give them any back. A cute guy with messy blond hair and bright brown eyes approaches us. He has a charming smile and an energetic aura about him. "Hey, I'm Finnley" he exclaims, holding out his hand for a handshake. "But my friends call me Finn. I saw you staring at the 'Greek God' over there and thought I'd come over to rescue you from his mesmerizing presence." I chuckle and shake his hand. "I'm Cassine Winters, and this is Lyra bellerwren." Finn's eyes light up as he made eye contact with Lyra. "What role are you guys going into, I'm a fighter but I couldn't seem to find any fighter who seemed at all interested in my present. Hopefully one of you are it would suck to be surrounded by a bunch of pricks" he says half joking as he takes a sit beside us. "well then it may be your lucky day. I am becoming a fighter my brother Christian is on of the leaders" Finn nods enthusiastically. " the Christian winters, the guy is a fucking legend among fighters other than mr muscles over their " he says gesturing to the man I was staring at earlier. My eyes walk up the curves of his body as they meet his. His dark eyes hinting with mischief as a grin appears on his lips. I look away blushing a little as Finn follows my gaze. "What's that hot stuffs name" Lyra asks as I snort.  Lyra archs her eyebrows in his direction. "Thats Damien santeos, only the most cold hearted man alive. I heard he killed his sister when he was little. Ever one learns to stay away from him expect for his little gang. But get in his way and you'll probably end up died" he says. It's true murder isn't a crime in Aethoria. And is it even easier to kill when you are in the fighter role. Christian has been sending me letters on advice, such as when you get there you will have to pass a challenge that could me life or death for fighters. The challenge changes every year so no matter the advice, he gives me it would be little to some what useful.  I swallow hard, my mind racing with the thought of the challenge and the danger that comes with being a fighter. "Is this your second year?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. Finn nods grimly.
"You look worried, I mean you should be, But hey, if you're Christian Winters' sister, you must have some skills, right?" I smile wryly. "I try. But I've never actually fought anyone before. Just trained with my brother." Finn grins. "Well, that's about to change. We'll have to spar together soon and see what you're made of." Lyra rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "You're going to get her killed, Finn." Finn chuckles."Nah, I'll make sure she's ready. Besides, it's not like we have a choice. I all ready like you enough now you can't die." I smile my mind still razing. Shit, maybe I should just be a craftsman or something other than a fighter. "That must mean a lot coming from the most friendly guy I have ever meet" Lyra says rolling her eyes "hey, I don't like everyone.... Well maybe must people, but that's because I look for the good in them" he says as he holds his arms up in defence."he says as he holds his arms up in defence" Lyra chuckles and playfully rolls her eyes. "You're so weird, Finn." I smile, feeling a bit more at ease. As the sound of the boat horn reaches our ears, signaling our arrival, I feel my heart skip a beat in my chest. I look up at the immense structure before us and my eyes widen in awe. The towering walls of Dracoria Academy stand majestically against the backdrop of the sky, their grey stones reflecting the sunlight in brilliant array of hues. The castle-like building rises from the earth, casting a stark contrast against the rugged mountains that surround it. "It's beautiful" Lyra says bedside me as we all make our way off the boat and approach the massive stone steps that lead to the entrance of the academy. The sound of chatter and the rustling of fabric fill the air as students from all roles, their uniforms proudly displaying their respective roles. Knights stride confidently, their armor gleaming, while healers hurry along, their blue dresses flowing behind them like streams of water. Strategists walk with purpose, their eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, and craftsmen talk amongst themselves, their hands already itching to tinker with any available materials. As we continue on our way to the outdoor meeting area, I can't help but notice that the students here are not only the best in the class if they have made it to second year, but also incredibly attractive. Girls with lustrous hair, boys with well-defined muscles, all of them exuding an air of strength and charm. The meeting area is a sprawling expanse of lush grass and towering trees, providing both shelter and shade from the elements. A line of teachers stands at the front of the area, their stern expressions belying the importance of the upcoming orientation. As we reached the meeting area, everyone slowly began to find their places amongst the crowd. The teachers stationed at the front of the grouping stood tall and firm, their voices carrying across the open area. One of the teachers, a stern-looking woman with a voice like thunder, began talking, as everyone fell silent. The woman wore a black top that looked like it had be burned one to many times. "WELCOME!" She yelled "you all consist of fighters, healers, Strategists,craftsmen. And maids. Today some of you will not make it to see tomorrow" she yes obviously directing it to the fighters. "I am the captain of the fighters role, you can call me Ms Brynhild. Now I will read the list for the fighters, and their group." As the woman continued listing off names, I couldn't shake the feeling that my name could be next. My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest, and I found myself leaning forward, almost willing my name to be called because if it wasn't I would have been thought everything for nothing. "Piper Daeylen" she called as a blond girl with green eyes walked forward, tears running down her face. "Christian, she's in your group" ms brynhild says. I watch Piper, Her green eyes are full of tears as she walks, and it's clear that she's terrified. She makes her way up to the front to join Christian's group. wait anxiously for my name to be called, I scan the surroundings, my eyes darting from person to person until they finally land on my brother. And there I see him, standing among the group leaders, his expression stern and unwavering. His brown eyes meet mine for a split second, and I feel a jolt of surprise run through me. For a moment, it's as if time stands still as we gaze at each other, the years of separation between us suddenly coming into sharp focus. As our eyes lock, a mixture of emotions washes over me. I'm caught off guard by the unexpected moment of recognition, and for a brief instant, all I can do is stand there, frozen in place. The world seems to shrink around us, the noise of the surroundings fading into the background as the two of us remain locked in this private moment. But before I can fully absorb the sudden twist of events, the teacher abruptly snaps me back to reality as she calls out yet another name. "James Marston, group 1, Damien". My eyes automatically dart towards the boy, taking in his features. He stands towering among the crowd, his body strong and toned. His brown hair tousles in the slight breeze, and his face is tanned, giving him an outdoorsy, rugged look. But what really draws my gaze are his eyes, a shade of blue that looks as deep as the open ocean. James Marston easily weaves his way through the crowd, his confident and athletic stride drawing the attention of many around him. He finally reaches Damien, who stands tall and unphased by the newcomer's presence. It's clear that Damien is attractive, but there's something about James that makes him stand out even more. Perhaps it's his tanned skin and tousled brown hair, or his striking blue eyes that seem to hold a hint of mystery. Whatever it is, there's no denying that they're both incredibly good looking. After a few more names are called out, I finally hear my name. "Cassine Winters group 1, Damien" My heart races in my chest, mix of surprise and confusion washes over me. I say my goodbyes to Lyra and Finn as I start walking my eyes darting anxiously to each  five group leaders face, looking for a familiar one. I glance at my brother, only to hear his harsh voice muttering under his breath. "There's no fucking way I'm letting her be in his group."As my brother's protest rings out loud and clear, a hush falls over the crowd. All eyes turn towards us, and I feel my cheeks burn under their gaze. I look over at Damien, wondering how he will react to this sudden outburst. But his expression remains inscrutable, his eyes meeting mine with a cool, calculating gaze. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation that is undoubtedly about to ensue. The two men continue to glower at each other, each trying to assert their dominance. Their animosity is almost tangible, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, Damien breaks the silence. "You've got a problem?" he asks, his voice cool and level. My brother's eyes flash with anger. "Damn right I do," he retorts, his voice low and menacing. Just as it looks like the situation might boil over, one of the teachers steps in, breaking the intense silence. "Enough!" she barks, her voice sharp and commanding. "This is not the time or place for your petty squabbles. You are both group leaders so fucking act like it or you won't be one"The teacher's voice snaps both my brother and Damien out of their locked stares. They both take a step back, but their faces remain taut with anger. They both nod grudgingly at the teacher's warning, but it's clear that their dislike for each other has not been quelled. I listen carefully as the teacher reprimands my brother and Damien. Their disagreement is clearly far from resolved, but the teacher's stern warning leaves no room for further argument. As Damien takes the lead and guides our group to our designated room for the first challenge, I feel a sense of trepidation. The task ahead is barbaric and violent, and I can only hope that I have the strength to persevere. We follow Damien into the room, all of us silently taking in the sight before us. The room is bare and stark, with a large circular arena in the center. My heart pounds in my chest as I realize that the next few minutes will define my fate in this academy. Damien stands in the center of the group, his expression serious and focused. He glances around at each of us, making sure he has our undivided attention.
"Alright, listen up," he says firmly. "The first challenge that you will face as a fighter group is a battle in the arena. You will be given a small bottle and told to fill it with blood from one person". He pauses for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"You can choose to kill the person to increase your chances of getting out of the first challenge, or you can leave them alive," he continues. "But be warned, most of you will be killed in the arena because others won't show mercy."The room falls silent as we all take in Damien's words. The challenge is brutal and the stakes are high. I glance around at my fellow group members, wondering if they are feeling as terrified as I am. Damien scans our faces, looking for any sign of weakness or fear. When he is satisfied that he has our full attention, he continues. "Now, I know this is a lot to take in, but you need to be strong and focused if you want to survive," he says firmly. "This is a test of your physical and mental strength, and I expect each of you to give it your all. Understood?" We all nod silently, indicating that we understand and agree to the challenge. Damien regards us for a moment longer, making sure we're all mentally prepared for what lies ahead.
"Good," he says, satisfied. "Let's get to the arena and prepare for the challenge."We follow Damien through a series of dark corridors until we reach the arena. As we step into the arena, we are met with the sight of the other groups lined up opposite us. The atmosphere is tense and charged with energy, like a pot about to boil over. Everyone is sizing up their opponents, trying to figure out who the biggest threats are. The arena is like a thick, eerie forest, the trees densely packed together and blocking out most of the sunlight. There are some bushes and underbrush, but the lack of light makes it difficult to see more than a few feet in front of you. We all take our places in the forest, trying to find the best cover and vantage point to attack from. We all hold our breath as we wait for the starting signal, the air thick with anticipation. Finally, the whistle blows, and the chaos of the battle ensues. As soon as I hear the whistle blow, I take off like a shot, sprinting into the forest with everything I have. My heart pounds in my chest as I run deeper into the dense trees, trying to find a good place to hide and plan my next move. I'm sprinting through the forest, weaving between the trees and bushes, when suddenly I hear a rustling in the bushes up ahead. My heart races as I approach the source of the noise, my senses on high alert. When I finally reach the bush, I spot James emerging from behind it, his eyes locked on mine. James steps out of the bushes, his eyes scanning me head to toe. "You're quick," he remarks, a hint of admiration in his voice. I respond, my eyes never leaving his. "When you're used to running from people who want your blood, it's hard not to get good at it," I reply, my voice firm and confident. James nods slowly, impressed. "Looks like you've got some experience," he says, studying me intently. I shrug, trying to seem nonchalant. "I've had my share of fights," I say, not wanting to give away too much about myself. James takes a step closer to me, his eyes never leaving mine. I take out my sword and hold it to his chest not letting him get any closer. "You sure are feisty," he remarks, a crooked smile playing at the corners of his lips. Suddenly, a knife goes flying through the air, aimed directly at me. I brace myself for impact, but before I can even take a step, James leaps in front of me, intercepting the knife. He turns and throws a deadly glare at the person who threw the knife, and then with lightning speed, he rushes toward them and knocks them unconscious as he cuts their arm with his knife. I watch in awe as he returns to my side, a smirk on his face. "You can have them" he says casually. "Oh, thanks" I say breathlessly, my heart still racing from the recent encounter. James grins at me, his eyes sparkling in the dim light of the arena. "No problem," he says easily. "Happy to help." We stand there for a moment, the tension between us palpable. I can feel my heart racing in my chest, and I wonder if James can hear it too. After a few moments of silence, I finally break it. "So, you're a pretty good fighter, huh?" I ask, trying to make conversation. He shrugs nonchalantly. "I've had some practice," he replies, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips."You better get going before I want some of your blood. You look like you have quite the stash." He laughs as his gaze meets my eyes, he has one of the most charming Smile I have ever since. "Well, if I'm in danger of losing some blood, I guess I better get going then," he says, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips. The tension between us is palpable, but after a few moments, James finally takes a step back, a disappears into the forest. I walk over to the body of what looks to be a young man, his light brown hair covered in what I think is sweat. I rummage through my tiny bag searching for the tiny container. My finger rap around it as I pop open the corkscrew that stops it from leaking. I bring the bottle up to his arm were James had cut him, and let the blood. Slowly drip into the clear bottle, the crimson liquid filling the tiny bottle. I watched, transfixed, as the bottle slowly filled, the blood flowing from the wound like a dark, viscous river. When the bottle was finally full, I corked it tightly, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I had done it, I had completed the first challenge. I put the bottle in my bag as I heard a big ball ring symbolize in the end of the challenge. "Fighters make your way back to were you came from. If you can't find it your died, you have ten minutes or else your stunk in her till the wolfs eat you" the woman on the microphones  said. "Shit, which way did I come from?" I muttered to myself, frantically scanning the surrounding area. The dense forest seemed to close in around me, making it impossible to distinguish one direction from another. Panic set in as I realized I had no idea how to get back to the starting point. Just as I was starting to lose hope, I saw a figure emerge from the trees. It was a girl, her long blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, her eyes fixed intently on me. She was a year older than me, and I recognized her as a skilled fighter from the second year. "Aurora," I whispered, my heart racing. She was notorious for her accuracy with a bow and arrow. Aurora sneered at me, drawing back her bowstring. "You're lost, little first-year," she taunted. "And now you're going to pay for it." I tried to dodge, but her arrow flew straight and true, heading straight for my heart. I raised my hands, bracing for impact... But just as suddenly, a figure tackled me to the ground, knocking me out of the way. The arrow whizzed past my ear, barely missing me. I looked up to see James, his face set in a fierce expression. "Get out of here, Cassine," he growled, pulling me to my feet. "We need to get you back to the starting point, now." I stumbled after him, As he pulls me towards the starting point, I heard the sound of another arrow flying through the air. I tried to dodge, but it was too late. The arrow struck my leg, sending me tumbling to the ground. I cried out in pain as my head hit a rock, and everything went dark. "Shit!" James yelled, but his voice was distant, fading away.
                                  ~~~
I didn't know how long I was out, but when I came to, I was in a strange room. I was lying on a bed, and my leg was throbbing in pain. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me back down. I look up to see  Damien standing over me, his eyes blazing with intensity. I remembered him as the leader of our group, the one who had briefed us before the competition. But why was he looking at me like that? I tried to sit up, but my head spun and my leg throbbed in pain. "Damien?" I whispered, trying to make sense of the situation. His expression twisted in a snarl. "You're a liability, Cassine," he spat. "I should have known better than to trust Christian's sister." I flinched at his words, trying to remember what had happened. The competition, the forest, Aurora's arrows... it all came flooding back. But why did Damien hate me? I had only just met him, and I had thought we were on the same team. As I looked up at him, I saw a mix of emotions in his eyes: anger, frustration, But I had no idea why. Damien's words cut deep, and I felt a surge of anger and hurt. "What's your problem, Damien?" I spat, trying to keep my voice steady. "My problem?" he repeated, his eyes flashing with anger. "You're my problem, Cassine. You're weak, and you're going to get yourself killed." I tried to sit up again, but my leg protested with a sharp pain. Damien didn't move to help me, just stood there, his arms crossed. "Where's James?" I demanded. "He was with me in the forest." Damien's expression twisted. "James is busy with other things. You're my responsibility now." I didn't like the sound of that. "I don't need your help," I snapped. Damien sneered. "Oh, really? Then why are you still lying there, bleeding and helpless?" I tried to come up with a retort, but my mind was blank. "You're in my group so now you're my problem." He said as his eyes ran down my face "I'll be back" Damien said as he turned to leave, but not before I saw something in his eyes... a glimmer of concern, maybe? No, I must have imagined it. As the door closed behind him, I was left alone with my thoughts. What was going on? Why did Damien hate me so much? And what did he mean by "my responsibility now"? Just as I was starting to drift off to sleep, I heard the door open. I expected it to be Damien again, but instead, it was my brother Christian. "Cassine!" he exclaimed, rushing to my side. "I was so worried about you. What happened?" I tried to sit up, but my leg protested again. Christian helped me settle back into the bed. "Aurora shot me with an arrow, in the first challenge then James helped me" I explained. "And the I woke up, Damien stood their saying that I was weak and his problem now." Christian's expression darkened. "Listen Damien is a fucking prick.I'll deal with him," he growled. "Don't worry about it." I shook my head. "What do you guy hate each other so much" Christian's expression hardened. " That's a story for another time, get some rest" I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. My brother was always there for me. But just then, the door opened again, and Damien walked in. "Christian," he said, his voice cold. "I see you're here." Christian stood up, his eyes flashing with anger. "Damien. I should have known you'd be involved in this somehow." The tension between them was palpable. "What the duck is that supposed to me. I wasn't even in the fucking arena. Nor do I like Aurora enough to talk to her. So no I didn't try to get your sister fucking killed"  he said for the most part in a calm voice " and I am what? Supposed to believe that!"  He said, half laughing. "Why would he want to kill me" I mutter to my brother looking up to meet his gaze. "You can't trust him, Cassie. Promise me" he says his brows eyes full of concern  But Damien just sneered "I think it's time for you to leave your not even supposed to ducking be here" Damien says staring twin daggers into his eyes. "I'll see you later Cass, okay" he says turning to me. His brown hair sticking to his forehead. "Okay, bye" I say as Christian turns to leave stopping by Damien as he muttered something I couldn't hear. As Christian left, Damien turned to me, his expression softening slightly. "Sit down" he said as I followed his orders a laid down. "where are you hurt?" He asked as he maid his way to me. "My leg" I says as I lifted the blanket to show him. Revealing a massive cut that run to my knee to my thigh. I sucked in a deep breath taking in the cut, as his gaze lifted off my cut to mine. "If it wasn't for james, you would be dead" he said his eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "I know," I said, my voice low. "James told me what happened. If he hadn't shown up when he did, Aurora would have killed you." I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought. I had been so lucky. Damien's gaze dropped back to my leg, his expression softening slightly. "I'll clean and dress the wound," he said. "But first, I need to ask you something." I nodded, curious. "What is it?" Damien's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. "Do you trust me, Cassine?" I hesitated, unsure how to answer. "I don't know, probably not" I said finally, trying to be honest. Damien's expression didn't change, "It doesn't matter," he said, his voice neutral. "I'll still help you. But know this, Cassine: I'm only doing this because I have to. Not because I want to." I felt a pang of hurt at his words, Damien's hands moved gently as he cleaned and dressed my wound sending butterflies to my stomach at his touch. I winced in pain a few times, but he didn't flinch, his expression focused on the task at hand. As he worked, I couldn't help but steal glances at him. His dark brown hair was still sticking to his forehead, and his eyes were narrowed in concentration. When he finished, he sat back and looked at me. "You should rest," he said. "You've lost a lot of blood." I nodded, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. But as I lay back, I realized that I couldn't shake off the feeling that Damien was hiding something from me. "Damien?" I said, my voice barely above a whisper. He turned to me, his eyes questioning.  "Why are you doing this?" I asked. "Why are you helping me?" Damien's expression changed, his eyes flashing with anger. But then, he seemed to control himself, his face smoothing out into a neutral mask. "I told you," he said. "I'm only doing this because I have to." I sighed "Whatever, I need to go to bed now" i said turning on my side leaving him to stair at my back. "You will be shown your dorm tomorrow, but for now get sleep" he said, facing to leave. "I will, and thanks for helping me even if you were forced to" I say shutting my eyes letting the exhaust take over.  "Don't expect any more favors, sweetheart. This is as nice as I get." He says walking out the door leaving me by myself in the dark. I focused on ignoring the throbbing in my leg, willing sleep to overpower the lingering adrenaline, I needed to get all the sleep I could before being faced with a challenge tomorrow.