Bound by Frost

Chapter 4

Ella let out a shaky sigh, her heartbeat making itself known in the quiet of the room. The luxury surrounding her felt more like a heavy blanket than comfort, an invisible burden not from Rylan but from the stone walls of the castle and the fae laws that would soon dictate her life. She felt trapped, like a songbird in a golden frost-covered cage.

She moved to sit on the edge of the bed, its frame carved from deep mahogany that radiated a soft warmth as though touched by magic. Her fingertips glided over strange fae symbols etched into the headboard, their meanings as mysterious as Rylan himself.

Who is this man, really?

She recalled his striking appearance. The soft light of the room made his pale skin glow, emphasizing his sharp features and perfect bone structure. His hair was dark and fell smoothly down his back, resembling a waterfall of midnight oil. His piercing green eyes seemed to look through her, holding secrets and mysteries within their depths. Rylan's form was unlike any being she had ever encountered before.

Every agreement she made with him felt like another tie, pulling her deeper into this world and binding her closer to this intriguing stranger.

Removing layers of winter clothes heavy with wet snow felt like shedding an old skin. Each discarded garment brought relief. The chilly dampness clung to them, seeping into her hands as she wrestled with stubborn laces and buttons. As boots hit the floor with a thud and gloves joined them in a soggy heap. Warmth began returning to her numb limbs.

Slipping under thick covers wearing only light clothing felt liberating. It was akin to breaking chains that had held her captive for far too long. The sensation was almost alien after years spent under Kain's control.

I can't believe I'm here.

Exhaustion crept up on her like a stealthy hunter.

Carried here by Rylan... a fae. His arms were strong yet gentle. Nothing like Kain.

A faint blush colored her cheeks at the memory of how it felt to be held by Rylan. Her mind was a storm of thoughts, but her body demanded rest.

As sleep claimed her, she couldn't shake the nagging fear that it was all just a fleeting dream. If she opened her eyes, would she see Kain standing there, ready to pull her back into the darkness?

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As Ella blinked awake, the squeak of a door shutting jolted her alert. Her pulse quickened. The thought of Kain storming in and hauling her back to her old life caused her heart to thump wildly. She whipped her gaze around the room, landing on a small table nestled in the corner.

A set of clothes rested on it, their fabric still radiating warmth from a recent wash despite the cold that lingered in the castle. The clothes were neatly folded, and the top one revealed its soft cotton texture and an elegant yet comforting shade of blue. As she approached, she gathered the clothing, feeling their warmth against her skin and breathing in their comforting scent.

Beside them was a small plate with a couple of simple sandwiches. The bread was crisp at its edges but soft in the middle, promising comfort with each bite. A peek between the slices revealed what looked to be sliced ham and sliced cheese that looked creamy enough to melt in her mouth.

The sight of the sandwiches stirred a deep hunger within Ella. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten in what felt like ages. She couldn't resist their plain yet appealing charm any longer.

Her fingers gently picked up one sandwich, its warmth and aroma making her mouth water. As she took a bite, the flavors exploded on her tongue, sending waves of pleasure through her body. The bread was soft and fluffy, complementing the savory ham and rich cheese perfectly.