How Many Times I'd Live For You

Chapter Two

"Run!"

In what felt like the blink of an eye the forest became a dark blur, his body pulled fourth with immense strength through the trees. It took Fiore a second before he realized the worrisome situation at hand and came back to his senses. With a small grunt he pushed his past-tired legs to run faster.

Abir led him swiftly through the woods, miraculously avoiding any ditches or roots for Fiore to fall down on. Yet, their pace wasn't enough.

The sounds of barking were getting closer, which meant the riders would be on them faster than they could run. It was unfathomable how these trackers caught up with them after their weary week of nonstop travel. Someone had to have seen them.. Or these were the best trackers in the world.

"Abi- Gah!" Fiore let out a surprised yelp, feeling his foot catch onto a thick tree root.

"Fiore!" Abir's shout barely registered in Fiore's ears as the ground sped towards him in the darkness. The Beast was able to pull him up from most of the fall, but Fiore's knee and elbow took a majority of the blow, grinding harshly against the rough and rooted forest ground.

Fiore held back his cry of pain with gritted teeth, both from pride and worry their assailants would hear the cry. Not that it even mattered.. The barks and hoof beats were nearly upon them.

"Dammit-" Abir swore close to Fiore's ear, hauling the Prince up to his feet. They had no choice but to face the trackers.

Abir's grip tightened on Fiore's wrist, the smaller eyes darting up in response. Abir wore a cool yet panicked face, watching as the incoming danger approached with an expectant gaze. Fiore felt strangely relieved but worried at the same time. The Beast was strong, but could he really save him from an ambush? They had been hiking with almost no breaks, barely drank or ate enough to replenish themselves.. The fight seemed impossible.

Yet, Abir's gaze did not hold any trace of giving up, so Fiore wouldn't either! He gripped his fist, brows knitted together in determination. He had his sword, and Abir had his saber... surely defeat would be impossible!

He held this burning passion close to his heart, needing as much fuel as he could get for the fight. Abir sent Fiore a sideways glance, crimson eyes almost glowing in the dark. Fiore held the others' gaze for that moment, silently sending the man a message of encouragement.

We are going to survive.

Then suddenly, before the pursuers could crash into view, Abir grabbed Fiore and shoved him to the ground! Stunned, Fiore laid on the dirty ground coughing at the force of the fall. The sound of a blade unsheathing rose above the count of barks before a heavy foot was pressed carefully on his back.

"Abir! What is the meaning of this! Let me!-" His demand was silenced when the man's blade pressed to the back of his neck, the dark obsidian metal so cold it sent shivers down the Prince's spine.

Betrayal! This bastard! Fiore mentally cursed a thousand deaths upon Abir, cursing his offspring and ancestors while he was at it!

Fiore's chest felt a foreign pain that was different than the expected anger. As he stretched his neck to see Abir, that pang solidified into a devouring sense of loss in his being. He actually trusted someone for once.. Only to receive the cold edge of a blade on his neck! Serves him right for ever relying on anyone but himself..

Screw Abir and his teasing jokes! Calling me a friend not even an hour ago! Fiore's teeth gritted together so harshly in the darkness it was almost audible.

"Quiet," was all Abir said, not even caring to flash a glance down at his prey. Yet, the tone of his words were not coldly demanding.. It somewhat eased the pain of betrayal in his heart. Maybe this was all an act?