Rafael's Eclipse

Chapter 3 - Escaped

X Y R A N I A V A L T A I R

present

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In an instant, he crouched beside me and pulled me against him. I clutched him to me, my grip tightening to the point where he grunted in pain. I murmured a silent apology, but didn't let go.

I just couldn't.

I'd lost too much already.

"You're coming with me, right? We're leaving together?" I whispered apprehensively. After a long moment of silence, I pulled back and searched his face.

His eyes held a sadness that made me feel uneasy.

"I can't, Xyra. I have to stay here for our pack. If I leave, he will kill them all." I shook my head, refusing to accept it.

"He's going to kill you too, isn't he?" I said, my voice barely holding together. "My father has never shown mercy."

He held my gaze. "Listen to me. I know what to do, don't worry. I just need you to run. You can't be here, Xyra. Especially not on your birthday."

"Phynix, there isn't much time left," came a familiar voice. I tightened my grip on Phynix's arm, glancing over his shoulder.

"It's just Feran," Phynix said softly, reassuring me. I gave a small nod, my heart pounding in my chest.

Phynix shifted away, making room for Feran, who crouched down beside me. He held out a clean cloth.

"This is going to hurt worse than it already does, isn't it?"

He nodded grimly. "Bite into this," he said, handing me the cloth.

Feran Tarquin was our pack's restorer and had patched me up a few times after rough training sessions. But he was also my friend's father.

As he prepared to wield, I forced myself to ask, "Anaris... how is she?" My voice was tentative. "Does she believe I did it too?" I held my breath, dreading the answer.

Feran stilled for a moment, then offered the only warning he'd give. "Scream all you want; these walls are soundproof." His hands hovered just above my injured arm before he started moving them.

The pain surged, fierce and unrelenting.

A scream ripped from my throat as he mended the broken bone. I tried to pull away, but he held me firmly. "Almost done. Just hold on," he said as I kept screaming until my voice gave out.

Finally removing his hands, he let me go. "Good as new."

I sat up slowly, catching my breath. "Thought I'd burn alive," I rasped, flexing my arm once, then twice, relieved to find it fully healed.

Feran smeared ointment on a cut along my cheek, then pressed a small bag into my hands. "For the rest of your scars. Everything you need is in there. Take care of yourself. And come back safely." I managed a nod, swallowing hard.

As he stood to leave, he gave Phynix a pat on the back, then paused in the doorway. "And Xyra..."

I looked up, waiting.

"Anaris knows you didn't do it." With those final words, he slipped through the stone door, closing it quietly behind him.

Phynix pulled out a pair of pants and a top, along with a hoodie, and tossed them to me. "Swiped these from Quincy's room on my way down," he said, before grabbing the supplies Feran had given me and heading toward the door.

"I'll be outside. Be quick." The door closed softly behind him.

I changed into my sister's clothes as soon as he left. Lifting the hoodie to my face, I inhaled, instantly feeling a familiar ache creep, deep in my chest.