How I Wish

CHAPTER XII

Chapter XII

Standing outside the closed door, I hesitated – suddenly terrified at the idea of seeing my best friend again, worried he would hate me for the pain I had inadvertently caused him.

"Sang, are you okay?" Kota asked from beside me. Tearing my eyes away from the door, I looked at the male beside me and bit my bottom lip.

Ever since hearing about Brandon wanting to see me, my heart had been overfilled with joy and I had been impatient to get here.

But now, standing here – I was unsure.

Ever since the incident in the basement, I had been fighting my emotions and memories of what happened in fear it would tear me apart.

I had tried to be brave.

But also single minded and completely focused on survival.

I had worried about Brandon, but until I could see him for myself – I had tried hard not to focus on thoughts of him.

Even the idea of asking about the prisoners had filled me with dread. I had been desperate to know if they were okay but after hearing what they thought of me – I had been terrified of the reception I would receive.

Even if they had changed their minds, I had been too terrified of seeing Jack again and causing the others unnecessary pain by being reminded of me, when I was the last person they ever wanted to see or hear from again.

It had been better to maintain my solitude.

But now everything was threatening to break free and overwhelm me.

I didn't know if I was ready to face the truth yet.

"Are you ready?" Master Axel asked, and I turned my head to the right to find the tall male watching me, curiosity ever present in his dark eyes. Swallowing, I nodded – knowing we couldn't stand here forever whilst I tried to prepare myself for what was to come.

Opening the door, Axel gestured for me to go inside first, and I did, not wanting to anger the nobleman by refusing or hesitating.

The room was mostly dark when we walked inside, with only two lamps lit – one on the bedside table against the far wall and one on the dresser beside the door. I could see shadows of strangers inside, and I caught a glimpse of the familiar dual-eyed stranger who I'd yet to be introduced to.

A mountain of a man was sitting in one of the two chairs on the right-hand side of the room – his frame cast completely in shadow par two dark black eyes. I shivered at the menacing vibe coming of the stranger, and I quickly walked past him – too nervous to look back and try to get a better look at if I had seen him before.

I noticed a large bed dominated most of the space, and a lump moved beneath the dark sheets. Pausing mid-step, my heart skipped as beat as the lump pushed back the covers and shifted around. My breath caught as the person was revealed, and tears filled my eyes as they slumped upright against the headboard.

A familiar pair of dark blue eyes blinked up at me, and a sob caught in my throat as he offered me a familiar smile filled with warmth and tenderness.

"Giggles." He called, breaking the heavy silence in the room. A watery smile tipped my mouth, and I stepped forward.

"Captain." I cried, the sob in my chest finally breaking free at the real flesh and blood male in front of me, who was very much alive.

Brandon.

"I'm so s-sorry!" I blurted, as the sheet pooled in his lap, and I caught sight of the bandages wrapped around his bare torso and upper stomach. Pain almost sent me to my knees as the memory of Jack stabbing him filled my mind.