4. In Hiding

I crouched in the cramped hiding spot, my heart pounding in my chest. The room was dark and damp, the walls covered in moss and mildew. The only light came from a small crack in the wall, and I could see the shadows of footsteps passing by outside.

My body shook with fear as I listened to the hushed whispers of Logan and Fanny. They were talking about killing someone, and the name "Draco" kept coming up. Their voices were low and urgent, and I strained to hear every word.

Logan was wearing a black leather jacket, ripped jeans, and heavy boots. His face was scruffy, and his eyes gleamed with malice. Fanny was dressed in a long, flowing gown, her hair swept up in an elegant bun. She wore a necklace made of black onyx, and her eyes darted around the room as she spoke.I could feel my breathing becoming faster and more shallow as I tried to keep quiet. My hands were clammy with sweat, and my body felt like it was on fire. I knew I had to warn Draco, but I couldn't move, couldn't make a sound.

Suddenly, Fanny's gaze flickered in my direction. I froze, holding my breath, hoping that she hadn't seen me. For a moment, she stared at the spot where I was hiding, her eyes narrowing. But then Logan spoke again, and she turned away, resuming their conversation in hushed tones.

I let out a silent sigh of relief as they continued talking, my mind racing with thoughts of what I had just heard. I knew I had to tell Draco, but I also knew that it would be dangerous. Logan and Fanny were clearly up to something, and I had no idea what they were capable of.

Finally, Logan stood up, signaling that their conversation was over. Fanny lingered for a moment, her eyes scanning the room. I held my breath again, praying that she wouldn't see me.

But she did. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. I could see the suspicion in her eyes, the fear, and the anger. But then Logan called out to her, and she turned away, leaving the room without saying a word.

I waited until I was sure they were gone before I emerged from my hiding spot, my heart still racing. I knew that I had to tell Draco what I had heard, no matter the consequences. But as I walked back to my room, my mind filled with fear and uncertainty, I couldn't help but wonder what Logan and Fanny were planning, and whether we would be able to stop them.

•••

I ran as fast as I could. Not out of fear, but my heart thumped for battle. Maybe, now, he would allow me train with the warriors as I pleased.

As I burst into the bedroom, I found Draco standing by the window, his back turned to me. He was tense, his muscles coiled like a predator ready to pounce. I could see the anger in his posture, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.

"What is it, Talon?" he spat, not even turning to look at me. "Can't you see that I'm busy?"I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to approach him. But then I took a deep breath and stepped forward, trying to keep my voice steady.

He was angry. He had called me by my father's name.

"I overheard Logan and Fanny talking," I said, my words rushing out in a jumble. "They were planning something, something dangerous. They mentioned your name, Draco. I think they're going to try and kill you."

Draco turned to me then, his eyes blazing with fury. "And why should I believe you?" he growled, taking a step toward me. "You think I haven't heard threats like that before? You think I'm afraid of them?"

I could see the anger and frustration in his face, his nostrils flaring with each breath. I could tell that he didn't want to listen to me, didn't want to believe that he was in danger.But I refused to back down. "Draco, please," I pleaded. "I'm just trying to help. We need to be careful. We need to prepare for whatever they're planning."

Draco just snorted, shaking his head in disgust. "Prepare?" he sneered. "What do you think we're doing here, Natalie? We're always prepared. Always ready for whatever comes our way. That's if you're telling the truth."

"You accuse me of lying?"

"You just accused my chef and Beta of treason, now you're angry I'd accuse you of lying?"

I couldn't believe this.

"And why would I lie? Why should I even care about you enough to warn you?"

"Exactly. Why should I trust you? This could be some Talon tactic to get me away from my strongest allies."

I could feel the frustration building inside of me, the fear and uncertainty threatening to overwhelm me. But I refused to give up. "But what about me?" I demanded, taking a step toward him. "What about my safety? I'm your wife, Draco. Don't you care about me at all?"

Draco just laughed, a bitter sound that echoed through the room. "Care about you?" he spat. "You're tribute, Natalie. a vessel to bear me children. Not a warrior, not a spy, and definitely, not that special."

His words hit me like a ton of bricks. I hit him on the chest, challenging him to hit me back.

"You filthy animal."

He said nothing. Instead he walked over to the bed and flung himself there.

"You should get some sleep," he said. "Tomorrow, we ride to the Elder cavern."