Reckless

Chapter 15

   I let out a huff, I couldn't sleep. The sad eyes that Elron gave me kept appearing in my head. 

I slid out of bed and put on my shoes on as quietly as I could. It was bad enough I practically got rejected from an "I love you," but it was unnerving that Valeria was someone walking around.

That vile person could creep up at any moment, and ruin what I have with the group, with Elron.

I decided it was time to seek her out.

I walked through the camp, peeking in several tents to see if I could find Valeria, but she was no where to be seen.. Curious..

I let out a heavy sigh as I closed the last tent. Arms slid around my waist from behind me, the smell of trees surrounding me.

"Elron, what if someone sees. Don't you think this is a little scandalous." I protested, pushing myself out of his arms.

"Tell me Raelyn, what is more scandalous, that short embrace, or the fact you were looking at other men sleeping." Elron jeered, letting out a chuckle.

I swatted his arm and turned away. "I am actually looking for Valeria."

"She is gone." 

I turned around surprised.

"What do you mean she is gone?"

"I mean I looked for her, and she is not here, making her gone." He smiled slightly.

"You don't think this is another act of trickery, do you?"

He sighed and ran his hands through his blonde hair, "I cannot tell, she is quite sly don't you think."

"Hardly." I mumbled.

Elron laughed softly and shook his head.

"Elron, might you tell me something?"

"And what is it that you wish to know?"

I fiddled with my fingers and rushed out the words, "Why did you not return my sentiments, I mean I guess you could just not feel that way, but it looked as though something troubled you?"

Elron's eyes grew darker, and his calm demeanor turned into a solemn one. I heard him suck in a sharp breath.

"I feel that is a story for another day."

"But, couldn't you tell me any of it?"

"I said, not today, Raelyn." 

"Bu-" 

"Raelyn! I asked nicely, do not pry." Elron scolded me.

Feeling ashamed I apologized quietly and returned to my tent.

A few days later, Elron and I were back to normal. I did not ask why he acted that way, and I did not mention the three words.

"Today is the day Gentlemen!" Elron announced, "We will no longer tolerate the unjust treatment from our king and army. We have traveled far for this day, and there is no turning back now!" 

The group of men rallied and cheered at Elron's speech, and I felt my stomach churn. Nervousness was overflowing inside me.  I seemed to be the only once concerned with the disappearance of Valeria or the fact that we were about to intrude into the King's palace.

We followed Elron quietly. I watched as they sliced through the guards necks. The guards had no idea we were coming, it was dark outside and we had the element of surprise.

As we traveled through the castle, I stared in awe at the beautifully designed inside. Golden trim, and white all throughout the floors and ceilings.

The men found a room and silently discussed where to go to find the king. As they discussed I slid through the door, looking around cautiously for any signs of where the king may remain. I turned to go back into the room, but a knife stopped me.

It's silvery blade pressed against my neck.

"I would enjoy slitting your throat right now, Raelyn." I heard the slithery voice whisper in my ear, "but I will have some fun first." I could feel their lips curve into a sinister smile.

"Valeria," I breathed out.

"Silence!" 

The knife pressed harder against my throat.

"What are you doing?" I questioned worriedly.

Valeria kept quiet but dragged me away. "Don't even think of making a noise, or this will be over sooner than you want." 

I nodded my head in resignation, and let her take me away from the 'safety' of the group.

Valeria pushed me into a lone chair in dark room. Fiddling behind me she grasped my hands and tied them together.

"I bet you are curious right now Raelyn. You are probably wondering why innocent ole you, are getting tied up." She snickered, "It is quite simple really, you hurt me, I hurt you." I eyed her as she circled me slowly, running the knife between her fingers.

"How did I hurt you?" I asked, my voice cracking slightly.

"Little naive Raelyn, you probably think it is just a coincidence that Christian found you in the woods, the same day you happened to get abandoned." 

I eyed her curiously, my brain reeling, trying to understand what she was telling me.

"Christian is my brother, he told me everything. How you disrespected him, insulted him, and then you got his guard killed! After he told me this, I knew I had to help him."

"I didn't know he was your brother, Valeria."

"Be quiet!" She snapped at me, "After he found out where you were, we devised a plan to infiltrate Elron's group. I'll admit it wasn't easy to find you when you began your journey to the castle, but when I finally ran into a girl, in the woods by herself, it clicked."

"So ever since then... ever since then, you had tried to get me alone so Christian could kill me?!" I asked shocked.

"Well yes, but only because you were a nuisance. After you died, we would use the groups plan against them; however, it appears Christian, was outmatched by Elron." Valeria's eyes watered for a moment, before she wiped her eyes.

"Listen, Valeria stop this. I am sorry for the death of your brother, but that doesn't mean you have to kill me, or anyone!" I attempted to persuade her.

"Liar! You feel no remorse!"

Valeria sliced the knife through the air. 

I didn't even realize she sliced me, until I felt warmth trickle down my cheek. 

"You are filth, Raelyn! I wanted you to go back to your hovel, I wanted you to die alone there. But you came back. What is wrong with you!"

"I needed to come back." I replied solemnly.

"God! I despise you Raelyn. I am going to torture you, then slowly kill Elron. Mark my words." Valeria said venom filling her words.

I felt a chill go down my spine as she swore to destroy me, slowly, and endlessly.

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Authors Note *

Hi everyone! Thank you for reading chapter 15 of "Reckless" I hope  you are enjoying the story, and I can't wait to update the next chapter!

Thank you so much!

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