Hunted

Chapter 31

Chapter 31-Azula's POV

I don’t know how long we stayed like that, in each other’s arms. I’d stopped crying a while ago but continued to cling to Amias, quite unable to release his comfort and stability. I didn’t trust myself without him around. I may be in control of myself now but I didn’t know how long it would last. The beast was restless inside me, not by any means defeated.

                But with Amias by my side, I felt like I could keep it subdued. The lavender and pine scent he emitted was more soothing than any lullaby Dad had sung to me when I was a child. I buried my face in the crook of his neck and just inhaled, my eyes fluttering as he overwhelmed my senses.

                “Azula, I’m so sorry,” Amias murmured, stroking my hair. I pulled back to look at him in confusion, my body immediately mourning the loss of his heat.

                “What for?” I asked. “I’m the one that fucked up. If it wasn’t for you-“

                “If it wasn’t for me, you’d be absolutely fine! I should have forced you to stay outside. I should have-“

                I stopped his rant by placing my finger over his lips. He stilled instantly, his body shooting with a tension that had my belly clenching in response.

                “That wasn’t what I was going to say,” I said, allowing my hand to drop to my side. “I should never have used that spell. Dad told me that it was only to be used as a last resort. I should’ve listened to him.”

                Amias shook his head. “I still could’ve-“

                “While I might blame you for many things, this is not one of them,” I told him, half smiling. Rather than looking amused, Amias looked troubled, his features tightening. Much to my surprise, I wanted to erase that look from his face. I wanted to see his eyes sparkle, not clouded over. I wanted to see his smile, not his frown.

                “I’m kind of tired,” I heard myself saying. “Do you mind staying with me until I fall asleep? I don’t...I don’t want to be alone.” My cheeks flushed as I waited for his answer, avoiding all eye contact. Smooth, Azula, smooth.

                “Azula,” he breathed, tilting my face up so that I met his gaze. “All you need to do is ask and if it’s within my power, I’ll give it to you.” My heart melted at the sincerity I saw in his eyes.

                Slowly, I nodded, my cheeks darkening further when he pulled me towards him as we both lay down, away from the two corpses. When he saw my uneasy glance in their direction, he frowned slightly.

                “Ash, Malkolm,” he called, making me jump at the volume. A few moments later, the two appeared through the flames.

                “Yes Alpha?” they said in unison, bowing.

                “Take these bodies from this cave,” he ordered, his hold on my arms tightening briefly in reassurance.  

                “And do what with them?” Ash asked, already making his way towards Rickon and dragging the body towards the fire. Malkolm did the same with the other.

                Amias’ expression turned thoughtful. “I want you to engrave our pack symbol onto their foreheads. Then, I want you to chuck their head until White Falls’ territory. Leave the bodies in the forest to rot.” I shivered at the coldness in Amias’ voice, but was soon calmed when Amias kissed my head in a comforting gesture.