Betrayal (Shadow Hunters Trilogy #1) *COMPLETE*

Til Death Do Us Part

I sat on the one of the large stones outlooking the water. I couldn't do it. I watched the water fall from the sky and cover the land around me. I blocked out the coldness I felt as a gust of wind crashed against my drenched form. I deserved it. I let everyone down. The king, my family, and him...

I close my eyes and let the water drip down my over my face. I could just off myself right now. I have a sword of my own that would work perfectly. No. That's a coward's death. I'm better off walking far away into the wilderness and let the animals take me. At least the thought of animals picking at my carcass is better than the fate that awaits me in Nottinghamshire.

I draw my knees to my chest and rest my chin on my knees. I couldn't help but wonder if he's looking for me? I mean I did run off without really explaining anything. Not that I could have, given the fact that I was hired to kill him when he was most vulnerable. Funny how things work. I felt a small warmth as my memory brings me back to that night...that glorious night. The warmth, the secure feeling...

I shake my head. It was wrong. It shouldn't have happened. I shouldn't have gotten so close.

You were vulnerable. You wanted to me loved... The voice inside my head says.

I open my eyes and look out at the water. "I don't deserve to be loved." I whisper. "I deserve to die. I betrayed everyone." Anger rushed through me so fast I couldn't breathe for a moment. I should have just done my job, took the reward and left!

The coldness bites at me and I wrap my arms around myself. I have a decision to make but until I make up my mind, I'm not leaving this spot.

5 years ago....

"Ow!"I cringe as my shadow sister, Dyota, tugged at my hair.

"Sorry." She said softly before finishing with my hair. "There you go!" She shifts slightly and hands me a small polished metal mirror. I smile at the two plaits on either side that came together into one braid in the back while the rest of it was down. Weaved into the side braids were little flowers and ribbons. "I love it!" I look over at her and she beams.

I thank her once more before standing and smoothing out the front of my gown as her delicate fingers start to lace up the back. I play with the belled sleeves. She ties it tighter and tighter until I gasp. "Can you breathe?" She asks.

"Barely."

She loosens it slightly and finishes. "There, done!"

I turn around and look at her. "How do I look?" I grin. She clasps her hands together.

"You look beautiful, sister!" She grins. She looks over to the doorway and quickly goes silent. I turn to see William.

Dressed in guard armor, he crosses his large arms over his chest. "Eva. Leo needs to speak with you of our mission. He wants to go over the plans."

I nod and say goodbye to Dyota before following William down the stone hallway. I stride up next to him and frown. "So serious." I say before looking at him. He smiles at me and swiftly picks me up in his arms.

"You look beautiful." He says as he carries me into his living quarters and sets me down. His hands gently run over my arms. I shiver.

I turn away dramaticly. "Sir! I'm almost a married woman!" I say putting the back of my hand up to my forehead. I hear his deep voice chuckle as he turns me around. His gentle blue eyes look into mine and I smile.

"You are married, my dear lady."He leans forward, his lips brushing mine. "To me." He kisses me and I giggle and wrap my arms around him. Marrying William was one of the greatest days of my life. Afterall, he was the one who recuited me into the Shadow Hunters after killing my stepfather.