Forbidden |18+

IX: Aegis

IX: Aegis

"Thank you, I'm sorry about everything..." I feel like a broken record as we head down the stairs from the highest point of the school, up the hill. Cut from stone and into Paramount Conservatory that nestles against the side of the hill, the lowest point connecting to the street.

"There's no need to apologize, Wren," Ulric glances at me as we walk side by side, the overhead walkways above the pathway we are heading down cause him to duck every now and then.

I slowly nod my head, wondering how nice a mortal truly can be. We could never be friends under any other circumstance, though this secret made for two causes me to draw deeper away from my society and what has been ingrained into me. Even though I'm suffering this punishment, that doesn't mean I can slack and must uphold whatever is expected of me.

It's hell...literal hell...

I ask him softly as we walk, "Why did you want to kiss me?"

Ulric stiffens slightly at my words, though he clears his throat and says, "I...am developing feelings for you," he glances away, his gaze set slightly ahead of the stairs and on the ground. It's a few moments before he follows up with, "I think I like you, Wren."

"I..." I pause a moment, halting my steps as I turn to face him. He comes to a stop and stares down at me before I release a breath, "I'm sorry...I'm sorry because I might like you too, but I think this is the last time we should see each other."

It hurts worse, being the one that must break away, for his own good. Another act I must bear the consequences of alone.

Ulric's eyes flicker slightly when I lower my gaze, catching perhaps a glint of light off his eyes that slightly reflect a golden tint. When he releases a heavy sigh, he nods and slips his hands into his pockets, telling me, "You are right, and I shouldn't have done what I did. It was completely out of line." My gaze lifts to meet with his as he finishes, "You are saving the both of us by your hard choice that brought me back to reality."

"I'm glad I could...help," my voice catches in my lungs as it alters in pitch, choking back the watery undertone caught in my throat. I somehow didn't think he'd agree so easily, humans normally seen as the clingy type once they form any type of relationship, yet this puts everything into perspective.

Ulric turns slightly away, and I know that it's time we head down the second half of the steps. We pass by another overhang, heading halfway to the next. I know I'm caught up in my own thoughts, and I know Ulric is staring at the ground in his...

...it's as if we both want to set the record straight at once.

We look to one another as we walk, though, in the next moment, pain erupts in my shoulder.

Ulric's eyes widen in shock, just as I must reflect the disbelief I hold upon my own features. His features are entirely different than how I've seen him every time we've met...until now.

Blood splatters from the open wound now torn through clothing, registering what's happening as Ulric's eyes widen at me being shot.

I never thought this would actually happen.

Never.

I was warned of the dangers, so many times about why we travel with at least another coven member. The dangers of the veiðimenn...hunters. It felt like a nightmare to scare me to stay inside, and now I know they are all too real, better late than never if anything for me to experience.

A warning I didn't heed.

I just want Ulric to be safe. They're hunting me, not him...he's caught in between and I...