Bright One | Empire of Blood and Swords Series

32. Betrayal

-32-
-Betrayal-
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A gasp. A heartbreaking gasp. Then a cry of agony and regret.

Athos dropped his bow and arrows, rushing towards Saoirse. Seth grabbed his sister by her arms, holding down her weight as she breathed heavily. Seeing Saoirse's face draining of colour, I snapped and rushed forward to hold her up. Seth did not glance at me once.

My voice came out breathless when Athos appeared on my balcony with an arrow aiming straight at me.

I couldn't move, all those lessons with Ryker instantly poofed. But only a second, my mind came back sharper and alarmed. My power flowed in my veins. But maybe this is part of the lesson Athos wants me to take?

"Saoirse!" Athos cried, stumbling towards us, eyes bright with regret.

Seth raised a sword, stopping Athos from coming any closer.

"Stay where you are," he growled, his voice came out rough. This is the Prince of talking. Athos shook his head, raising his hands. Seth turned to me, glancing at me for the first time since the incident. "Take Saoirse to the healing centre. I'll meet you in a while."

Having nothing to say, I nodded and dragged Saoirse by her armpits, pulling her out of the room. Seth never glanced at me once. Blood spilled from her wound, with every breath she takes she winced. At least it means she's still conscious.

"Hold on," I gritted.

She wasn't heavy, but she was taller than me. A trail of blood was left behind, something flashed across Saoirse's eyes. I didn't question, afraid my energy will be wasted.

Her breathing came out ragged. We need to go faster. But my entire body was shutting down, I don't feel like walking anymore. It felt like walking through mud. But I didn't stop my burning muscles from moving forward, and down the stairs.

"W-Wait," Saoirse coughed, blood splattering from her mouth. I stopped and put her down, grabbing her trembling hands in mine.

"What should I do?" My voice came out soft, fresh tears emerged. "I can't lose you."

"I'm not going to die, you idiot, I'm the main character in your story," she snapped.

I would've thrown her off the stairs if she wasn't so pale. She continued to cough whil her trembling hands moved to the arrow in her chest. I know what she was going to do, and I didn't like it.

"Should you pull the arrow out?" I asked, bile rose to my throat.

"With you dragging me halfway dead, I'd rather not have any damaged tissues."

"But you'll lose more blood. Hang on."

I smacked the hand reaching for the arrow and she cursed. I pulled her body up and she groaned in pain. Forward, move forward. My stone legs started to move, but little by little. It was late, I was so tired.

But Saoirse. . . She's dying, even though she claims she won't, I'm not risking it. I lost Connie, I lost my mother. It was all because of me. I'm not allowed to get angry, not now. Not when Saoirse is bleeding her life out, and her fate in my hands. She lied to me, yes, she hid from me. Later, I'll deal with the mess later.