Inexplicable

Chapter Twenty-Six

Davina

I hadn't even realized we had fallen asleep until a gentle touch on my arm woke me up. My eyes lazily opened, and I saw Jax was fast asleep next to me.

My eyes widen as I quickly turn my head, looking for the source of the touch. There he is, crouched too close for comfort, with a finger to his lips, telling me to be quiet.

Zayn.

I gasped against my own will, fear sending a surge of adrenaline through me. His eyes flick to Jax, still sleeping next to me, then back to me, a warning behind them. He raises his hand, showing me the dagger in his hand to further drive the warning to stay quiet.

Not. A. Word. He mouths slowly, exaggerating each word. I nod quickly in response, swallowing in an effort to help the dryness creeping down my throat.

He beckons me with his index finger, moving back some to give me room. I slowly start moving, trying to pry myself from Jax. His arm had been dropped across my stomach, and I wasn't sure how I would move without waking him.

I scoot back a little, letting his arm slowly fall down. Jax takes in a sharp breath that causes me to freeze. He adjusted slightly, and I wasn't sure if he was waking up. Zayn didn't wait to find out. He quickly hooked a hand under my arm and lodged me up, making me gasp from the strength of his grip. Before I could even register what happened, Zayn had pulled me several steps back and wrapped an arm around my middle, pulling me flush against his front. I was about to pull away, to start fighting when I felt the sting of his blade against my throat.

My body went rigid, paralyzed with fear. He wouldn't actually kill me, right? He needed me alive so he could marry me.

But that wouldn't stop him from hurting me.

Jax's eyes slowly opened, looking at the empty spot next to him before shooting up from the makeshift bed. His eyes were wild as he took in the scene in front of him, looking from me to Zayn, calculating his next move.

Jax took half a step closer. "Ah, ah. That would not be wise, Brother."

"Let her go, Zayn." Jax pleaded, concern filling his eyes. He swallowed hard, forcing the next words. "Please. Let her go."

I could feel Zayn shake his head. "I can't do that, Jax. I gave you until tonight, more time than I should have. The clock has run out. It's time for her to come home."

"Zayn, it's not easy for me to beg, but I will," Jax said, holding up his hands in surrender. "I'll do anything you ask of me. Just let her go. Tell father she's dead. Tell him anything to make him stop his search for her. Take me back to Valensia if you must appease him."

"No!" I said, squirming against Zayn until I felt the tip of his dagger draw blood.

"Quiet, Princess," Zayn says in my ear, his hold on me tightening. "I don't want to scar your pretty face." I blanched at his words, heading his warning to stay still. "There's nothing I can do, Brother. What's done is done. It would be wise of you to let her go unless you want to find yourself in an early grave."

"If it's a fight you want, Brother, then so be it. " Jax spat at him, fire burning in his eyes. "An honorable duel between us. No use of abilities. Let us settle this fairly."

Zayn clicked his tongue. "You know that is not a fight you would win, Jax. I am much more skilled with a blade than you."

Jax shook his head. "We haven't sparred in ages. I've had a lot of training since we were boys."

Zayn paused, thinking over his proposal. "Very well. A duel for the Princess then."

Zayn pushed me behind him, and I fell to the ground with a rough thud. "Jax, no!" I cried, scurrying to my feet, but Zayn had already unsheathed his sword, and Jax held a dagger. It was hardly fair, but Zayn didn't care as he lifted the sword, preparing for his first attack.

I screamed and closed my eyes. I was utterly useless standing at the sideline, and I hated myself for it. I cracked my eyes open, relief filling me when I saw that Jax had dodged the attack and was holding his own against Zayn. This seemed to anger Zayn more, and he furiously swung his sword at Jax. My hands covered my mouth as I watched the fight in silent horror. Again and again, Zayn swung his sword skillfully, and Jax used his small dagger to defend himself as best as he could, determination written on his face.

It felt like hours had passed, though it had only been minutes when I saw Zayn's sword collide with Jax on his shoulder. Jax winced and grunted but continued to fight despite the blood pouring from the open wound. "Stop!" I screamed when I saw the blood. "Please, just stop! I'll go with you! I'll do whatever you want, just don't hurt him!"

I didn't feel the weight of the words until after I said them, but there was no taking them back now. I would do whatever I needed to protect Jax, just as he did for me. However, the thought of going with Zayn and what that would mean made my stomach churn.

They both froze, looking at me. Zayn still stood between us, and Jax took a hesitant step toward me, fear on his face. Zayn held his sword out, stopping him.

"You heard her, Brother. She agreed to come with me willingly. Our fight is over."

"Like hell it is," Jax growled. "I don't care what she said. I will never stop fighting. You'll have to strike me down."

"If you take a single step further, Jax, I will unleash my power on our Princess."

Jax visibly pales at Zayn's threat, his eyes flicking to me momentarily. "You wouldn't."

"I only need her alive, Brother. Anything else is fair game."

Jax looked at me, and I could tell by the look on his face that we were out of options. "Davina, run. Take the car and get out of here."

"He will kill you, Jax." Tears started streaming down my face. "I have to protect you the way you protect me." I stand up straighter, trying not to show the fear. "And I have to protect Irradesia. I can't let the war continue."

"Davina-"

"Not another step, Jax," Zayn says, seeing Jax move towards me.

Zayn makes his way to me and stands behind me. Jax just stares in horror, in pain. There was nothing else he could do. Zayn had won. It was over.

"I am truly sorry, Jax," Zayn says quietly. "I will keep her safe and unharmed; you have my word."

"I don't trust your fucking word." Jax growls.

"Nevertheless, you have it. Shall we, Princess?" I flinch when I feel his hands on my shoulders and try my best to put on a brave face.

"I will find you, Davina. I swear to you I will never stop."

I just nodded, knowing that where I was going would be an impenetrable fortress, and I didn't have any hope of leaving. "I love-" My words were cut short as I fell unconscious.