The Edge

No Going Back

Killian's POV:

I prayed she couldn't feel my heart tremor as she held onto me tightly. She didn't need to know the power her touch had over me. She was my fate, etched in every bruise and every cut marking her skin—a brutal reminder of what had nearly taken her from me. I tried to ignore the feeling of keeping her this close while holding myself a world away. I didn't want to drag her into this war. If she fully understood what she meant to me, it would only complicate the battles still ahead.

I was thankful that Raela had interrupted me before I confessed more. I hoped I hadn't said too much. As far as Maeli knew, a fate was just someone you were meant to cross paths with. I hoped that's all it meant to her. So, I focused on the road ahead, on the rhythm of our breaths, on getting her to safety before the full truth slipped through.

Raela led the way, glancing back occasionally with a smirk. She was a master at teasing, fully aware of my feelings and refusing to let me enjoy my moment with Maeli. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she knew exactly what she was doing—mocking me for how I could barely keep my composure in Maeli's presence and relishing every second of it.

"Well, there it is!" We approached a small cabin in a clearing among the trees. It had been my family's safe house, but no one besides Raela had ever made it there.

"Let's get a fire going and lay her down inside." Raela rushed in and began to prepare the hearth. I carefully eased Maeli onto the bed in the corner, helping her settle in and ensuring she was comfortable.

"Raela, she has broken ribs. Take care of it," I urgently instructed before stepping outside for a moment. I couldn't bear to watch Raela at work. The knowledge of what was about to happen filled me with a primal urge to tear her to shreds. Maeli would have to endure immense pain before it could finally be taken from her.

"Maeli, take a deep breath, okay? This will be a little painful, but the pain will go away once we're done." I could hear Raela preparing her from outside.

Suddenly, Maeli let out a blood-curdling scream that pierced the air. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to resist the urge to rush to her side. I could hear her bones shifting and snapping back together, undoing the damage that had been done. Listening to her agony made me sick, but I knew she'd be healed soon; I just had to hold on a little longer.

After a few unbearable moments, it went silent. I knew it was over.

"She's unconscious, probably from the pain," Raela said gently as I entered and approached Maeli. I kneeled beside her, taking her hand in mine.

"I almost got her killed. I should never have left her. I was supposed to protect her. I finally found her again, and still, I left." I drew her hand to my chest, feeling its warmth against my heart. Disappointment gnawed at me for not being there when she needed me. I didn't deserve this closeness, to sit beside her and hold her like this, yet I couldn't bring myself to let go.

"It's not your fault. You didn't know. She's alright now, so stop worrying so much. When she wakes up, she'll be in full health." Raela approached from behind and rested a hand on my shoulder.

"You need to tell me what she knows about you if you want my help." Raela's tone shifted, becoming sharp and resolute. I shot her a glare, but deep down, I knew she was right. She had to know, or she'd risk slipping up.

"She doesn't know anything important about me. I did, however, tell her what a Fate is, but with any luck, she didn't grasp the full truth."

"I can help with that."

"No, leave her memories alone. Even if she knows, she's not going to act on it. She doesn't see me that way." Raela tilted her head, flashing a provoking smirk.

"Are you sure about that? That's not what it seems like." I looked up at her, eager for her to continue. "You're such a bonehead! She came all the way out here to find you!"

"She just wanted to know more about the forest."

"Do you really believe that? She risked entering the forest to her doom just to ask you some silly questions? I don't think so. She's either a fool or she's in love with you. She just might not know it yet."

"What do you mean?"

"She just met you. Of course, it's confusing for a girl to love a man—let alone a beast—she's only just met. But she is your Fate. That tie can never be severed, even if she's human." An overwhelming mix of joy and terror surged within me, twisting together until I couldn't tell where one ended and the other began. I desperately wanted it to be true, but if she did feel that way about me, it would make our journey that much harder for her.

"You really think she feels that way about me?"

"Don't get too excited about it. If she accepts you, she'll have an even bigger target on her back. She's your only weakness. They will use her to their advantage if they get ahold of her. You have to keep her at a distance, even if it breaks you."

"I'm sorry, I just can't do that."

"For once, stop being selfish! You risk her becoming a pawn in their game. She could be taken advantage of, even killed. Then what would you do? Could you really risk her life for a moment of happiness with her?"

"Selfish or not, you know I can't keep up the lie forever." I glanced back at Raela, her face a mix of impatience and frustration. "But maybe I could protect her better if she knew the truth." Raela scoffed, folding her arms tightly.

"You think knowing the truth will keep her safe? She's only safe if they never know she exists. The less she knows, the less she'll be in the middle of this mess."

Maeli's fingers curled slightly in my hand, grounding me and cutting through the noise. I turned my focus back to her. Her eyes, though still heavy, had settled on mine with a quiet calm.

"You're both talking like I'm not here," she murmured, her voice hoarse but carrying a hint of amusement. Guilt flared in me, and I gave her hand a small squeeze.

"You should be resting. I didn't mean to wake you." Her tired smile softened as she reached to brush a strand of hair away from my face.

"Don't act like I'm some delicate thing. Just because I'm not part of your world doesn't mean I'm helpless." I tried to hold back a smile, but it slipped through.

"You're tougher than you look, I'll give you that." Her brows furrowed slightly as she looked around the room, gazing from floorboards to ceiling.

"I feel like I've been here before." Raela turned her head slightly, casting me a wary sidelong glance.

 "How are you feeling?" I pressed her hand to my chin. Her gaze softened as it wandered over my face, and a tired, almost amused chuckle slipped from her.

"I told you not to change back."

"I figured you'd want to wake up to a familiar face." Raela stepped forward and cleared her throat to gain our attention.

"As much as I love a heartfelt moment, we can't ignore the reality we're facing." Her tone shifted, cutting through the fragile warmth that had settled between us. Maeli turned her gaze toward Raela, her expression resolute.

"I want to know what's really happening. I want to understand why you're so worried about me." Raela exchanged a quick glance with me, her eyes filled with a mixture of concern and frustration.

"Fine. But know this: knowledge comes with a price. You might wish you hadn't asked once you hear it all." Maeli didn't flinch.

"I'm not afraid. Just tell me what I need to know." I couldn't help but admire her bravery, but it felt like a double-edged sword.

"They're dangerous creatures, Maeli. They've been watching me for a long time, and anyone close to me is a target. If they find out you're here..." I trailed off, the weight of the threat hanging heavy in the air.

"But why me? What do I have to do with you besides you saving me? I just met you." Raela exchanged glances with me, my heartbeat pounding against my ribs. Was I making the right choice? Was it finally time to tell her the truth?

"Maeli, we met long before you found me at the edge."