Chapter 5: Enemies

I stood in the darkness, unmoving, for what felt like hours. The dim lighting of the cell and the irregular timing of meals had robbed me of any sense of time.

Not that I cared.

Luna Ivy was right. She had always been right.

I had nothing. No home. No family. No friends. And now, no mate. I was alone in this cruel, unforgiving world long before I even started—and it was all my fault.

The knife glinted faintly in the shadows, catching a light I couldn’t find the source of. My eyes lingered on it. Should I? Was there even a reason not to?

The shadows in my heart deepened, suffocating every last spark of hope. I had done everything to hold on to what I thought was mine, only to be discarded and humiliated.

I shuffled toward the knife, my bare feet scraping against the cold, hard floor. My voice broke the silence as I whispered into the void, “I was so stupid. Stupid to believe in Luna Ivy. Stupid to think Eamon would ever care for me. Was I ever worth anything?”

I waited for an answer, hoping, praying for some voice—any voice—to deny my self-loathing. But only silence answered me. With a bitter laugh, I gripped the knife and pointed it toward my chest.

I could end it here. It would be easier, wouldn’t it? Better than the ordeal awaiting me tomorrow. Better than the pack’s sneers, the humiliation, the pain.

Gritting my teeth, I raised the blade—

“No, Hannah!”

The sharp whisper pierced the darkness, startling me so completely that I dropped the knife with a clatter. My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the ground.

“Maya?” My breath hitched as I stared into the face of the one person I thought I’d lost forever. Tears blurred my vision as I reached out with trembling hands. “You’re alive… I’m so glad. So glad, Green.”

I clutched at her, sobbing. “I’m sorry. I heard you calling for me that day, but I was so ashamed. I couldn’t go back. I couldn’t find you. I—I—”

Maya pulled me into her arms, her embrace warm and real. Not a ghost. Not a dream. She was here. “Oh, Red, what have you gotten yourself into?” she murmured, her hands brushing through my filthy hair.

I pulled back, panic gripping my chest. “Wait. Why are you here? You shouldn't be here Maya!.” My voice trembled, as I pushed her away, “ How did they get you? You have to leave. Right now! Hurry Maya, You can’t handle this—”

“Shh,” she hushed me, her tone soothing. “Its okay. Everything is fine.”

“How is any of this okay.” I interrupted, tears brimmed in my eyes, “You are in prison because of me. You can't be here Maya. You can't. I won't let you go through the same torture. I would hate myself if something were to happen to you.”

Her hands pulled me in for a hug as she rubbed my back soothing me, “ It's okay Hannah. I’m not a prisoner. I’m here to get you out.”

I froze, the weight of her words sinking in. “Get me out? Maya, no! You’ll get caught. They’ll hurt you.”

“They’ll do worse to you tomorrow if you stay here,” she snapped. Her green eyes burned with determination. “Do you have any idea what they’ve planned for you?”

My stomach churned. I knew exactly what awaited me. My silence must have said enough because Maya’s expression softened into something pained and fierce all at once.

“I believe you, Hannah,” she said. “I know you didn’t mean to hurt Eamon or anyone. The pack should be ashamed of themselves for treating you like this. And that prince of theirs—don’t get me started—”

“Maya,” I interrupted, tears spilling anew as I clutched her arm. “Thank you. Thank you for believing me, but you have to go. If they catch you, I’ll never forgive myself. Please, just leave me. Save yourself.”

Her laugh was soft but firm. “Not happening. Now get up, Red. The guards are down, but we don’t have much time.”

I stared at her in awe. “How did you—”

She smirked. “I have my ways. Now move!”

***

Maya led me through narrow, hidden passages I never knew existed, her movements sure and swift as if she’d walked these halls a hundred times before. My legs felt weak, but I followed her without question.

As we neared the sentry post, Maya held up a hand, signaling me to stop. My breath caught as I realized how close we were to the guards. Too close.

“Stay quiet,” she whispered.

I nodded, my pulse hammering in my ears as she slipped ahead, weaving us through the shadows. The guards remained oblivious, their laughter echoing faintly. My heart raced as we crept past them, the gate growing closer with every step.

Just as freedom seemed within reach, a piercing alarm shattered the silence.

I stumbled, panic surging as shouts erupted around us. “A prisoner has escaped! Close the gates immediately!”

Maya grabbed my hand, her grip tight and reassuring. “Run, Hannah!”

“But—”

“Don’t Argue! Move!”

We sprinted down the corridor, the sound of pursuing guards growing louder with every step. My lungs burned, my legs ached, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t.

“There they are!” someone yelled.

“Don’t let them escape!”

Maya’s voice cut through the chaos, breathless but resolute. “Keep running, Red! Don’t stop!”

The gate was just ahead, still open. Hope surged within me as I pushed harder, faster.

“We’re going to make it!” I cried, glancing back at Maya.

She laughed, her face glowing despite the danger. “I told you we could do it, you sourpuss—”

Her words were cut off by the sickening thud of something hitting flesh.

Maya stumbled, crashing into me as her laughter turned into a choking gasp. My heart stopped.

“Maya?” I caught her, my arms trembling as I lowered her to the ground. My fingers brushed something warm and wet, and I froze as I saw the arrowhead protruding from her chest.

“No. No, no, no!” I screamed, pressing my hands to the wound. “Maya, stay with me. Please. Please, don’t do this.”

Her lips twitched into a weak smile. “It’s okay… Red,” she whispered, blood staining her teeth. “You have to… keep going. Head east. Someone will… help you.”

“No! We’re leaving together. You hear me? Together!”

Her hand found mine, her grip feeble but insistent. “Promise me… you’ll survive.”

Tears blurred my vision as her hand went limp in mine. “Maya? Maya, no! Don’t leave me!” I shook her, desperation clawing at my chest. But she was gone. The light long dulled in her eyes.

Prince Eamon’s voice boomed from the gate, his tone sharp and commanding. “Hannah, surrender yourself!”

I looked up, my tear-streaked face meeting his cold, unyielding gaze.

“You were right, Eamon,” I said, my voice breaking but steady.

His brow furrowed. “Right about what?”

“Everyone I’ve ever loved is dead.”

His face flushed in what looked like pity or was it guilt? I couldn't care less. It didn't matter. Maya was dead, Eamon had taken her from me.

I laid Maya’s body gently on the ground, closing her lifeless eyes as I whispered a prayer. Then I rose, my heart hollow yet burning with a new, searing purpose.

Maya had died to give me freedom I would be damned if I let her efforts go to waste.

Turning my back on the pack, I walked away without hesitation, ignoring Eamon’s shouts for me to stop.

Step by step, I walked away and soon broke into a run leaving behind everything I had once believed in, every shred of loyalty I had ever felt for the Dawnguard Pack.

Eamon . Luna Ivy. They could all go to hell.

One thing was certain for this pain, Eamon would pay.