Chased

A Final Breath (Old)

Clack, clack.

Connor cradled her in his arms as his horse sped on to the Homestead.

Clack, clack.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he tightened his grip on the reigns. His adrenaline pumped in his vains. Cha'Kwania wanted this.

Clack, clack.

He ignored the settlers, despite their calls. Many knew something was wrong. Connor always took the time to wave hello to them.

Clack, clack.

The horse didn't go fast enough for Connor's liking. He wanted the horse to move faster. Faster, he erged! Nothing seemed to be fast enough.

Clack, cl-

He forced the horse to a stop in front of the manor. He held Cha'Kwania bridal style in his arms when he leaped off the horse. Connor blinked the tears out of his eyes and ran up to the front door. He didn't even close the door on his way in. He just raced up the stairs.

Achilles had little time to react when Connor came running into the bed room, "Connor?" He didn't respond. It wasn't until Achilles noticed the limp Cha'Kwania in his arms did he realize why. Achilles' jaw dropped.

Connor moved the covers from the bed, laying the young woman down on the mattress. He heard a soft 'Oomph' from her, but he didn't react. He reached down for the blankets edge and yanked it up, but stopped halfway when Achilles wobbled over to the side of the bed.

The two locked eyes. Achilles could see the puffy redness of Connor's eyes. Connor rarely ever cried, so something must've happened. Connor looked down at the unconscious woman before slowly pulling down the covers to reveal the wound.

Achilles saw the wound. His heart dropped to his feet. "How...?" Achilles asked. Connor lifted the blanket back up and tucked the woman in, "Lee." He whispered, voice cracking. Connor leaned in over Cha'Kwania and brushed a lock of hair out of her face.

Both men were devastated.

Achilles had raised Cha'Kwania from a young age. She brought a joy into his life that was missing. She meant everything to him. He practically raised her as his own child. The girl that showed up on his doorstep was the same one before him now.

Connor was still her brother, despite their separation. In fact, getting separated only brought them closer together. These last years were amazing, Connor couldn't help but wish that he could've found her sooner.

Neither were ready to let her go.

But they had to.

They had to.

Especially Connor. He was going to lose a lot more than just Cha'Kwania. He would have to face it.

Achilles reached over and placed a hand on her head, "She's not going to last very long." His words painted sympathy. Connor's lip quivered, fighting back tears he's held back for a long while. Achilles leaned himself against the bed, frowning. "Poor girl..." He muttered.

Connor grabbed Cha'Kwania's hand and felt for a pulse. Luckily, there was still one, however faint. "I'm sorry. I could've been there sooner. I could've stopped Lee. I should've stopped Lee. This wasn't supposed to happen."