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.
Hannah “Danger alert! The destroyer is walking!”A loud cry echoed through the path, followed by snide laughter that seemed to come from everywhere at once.The crunch of my boots on the gravel wasn't enough to drown out the frantic thud of my heart as I made my way to the center of the pack. A crowd had gathered, busy decorating the hall for tonight's event.With my head held high, I pushed through the throng, ignoring the disapproving stares and whispered insults that grew louder with every step."Should she even be here?" a voice hissed."If she touches anything, it'll be ruined," someone muttered, loud enough for me to hear.I took a steadying breath, shaking off the sharp pang of disappointment. You’re used to this, Hannah. Don’t let them get to you. The comments, whether whispered or brazen, were as much a part of my life as the air I breathed.I squared my shoulders. The Alpha himself had granted me permission to attend never mind the fact that I had to beg Luna Ivy for the op
HannahMy heart skipped as realization hit me: Eamon was my mate. My luck had finally changed.I held my breath, waiting for him to notice me—for him to feel the same electric pull I was feeling. It was as if the world slowed down around us. I saw his nose flare slightly, sensing something. His golden eyes flickered, scanning the crowd. He was searching. My pulse quickened as I stood there, frozen, willing him to find me.This was the moment I had been waiting for. Eamon would see me, his mate, and be amazed, just as I was. Everything would finally fall into place.His gaze swept across the people gathered, inching closer and closer. And then—his eyes met mine. A smile began to bloom on my face, but it froze halfway. His gaze slid past me, uninterested and cold, as if I were invisible.My hands dropped limply to my sides as the weight of his indifference crushed me. I glanced around nervously, wondering if anyone else had noticed our brief and one-sided exchange.What was that?He saw
I ran, the mocking eyes of the crowd followed me. My feet pounded against the earth as if the rhythm could drown out my humiliation. By the time I reached Selene’s temple, I was breathless and broken. Collapsing onto the cold floor, I curled into myself, ignoring my dirt smeared dress.“Why was I so stupid?” I sobbed into the silence. “Why did I think he’d be different? Why did I confront him in front of everyone?”The memory of Prince Eamon’s rejection replayed in my mind: the cold disdain in his eyes, the way he held her as if I didn’t exist. “Why can’t he look at me like that?” I whispered to the goddess’s statue.Tears streaked my face as I cried out, “Why did you make him my mate, Selene? What have I done to deserve this? No one wants me—why was I even born?”The pain of the rejection clawed at my heart until it dulled into an ache. Hours passed, the temple’s silence mocking me. Then, guilt twisted in my gut—I’d ignored Maya’s calls as I fled. My best friend wasn’t strong, her we
Hannah The whip cracked against my back, as fire streaked across my skin. I gasped, struggling to keep the scream trapped in my throat. Eamon, my mate, my tormentor -loomed over me, his gaze cold and unforgiving.“Please, Eamon,” I begged, my voice hoarse. “Let me speak to Maya, Is she safe? I need to know!”Hours have blurred into days since I was dragged away and tortured.Eamon had taken it upon himself to dole out my punishment, his aim to find who my accomplices were. At first, I had pleaded and begged in the hope that my mate would see my innocence. He had not.Tired of the repetitive questions I have instead leaned towards asking questions of my own.He sneered as he snapped the whip again. “So, you do care for someone else. Shame you didn't show that compassion before trying to kill Vivian out of jealousy”“I didn't! I’ve told you a thousand times, Eamon. I wasn't trying to hurt you or Vivian! I was only trying to save you! It was—”His laugh was bitter, cruel. “Save me? Fro
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, h
Hannah The whip cracked against my back, as fire streaked across my skin. I gasped, struggling to keep the scream trapped in my throat. Eamon, my mate, my tormentor -loomed over me, his gaze cold and unforgiving.“Please, Eamon,” I begged, my voice hoarse. “Let me speak to Maya, Is she safe? I need to know!”Hours have blurred into days since I was dragged away and tortured.Eamon had taken it upon himself to dole out my punishment, his aim to find who my accomplices were. At first, I had pleaded and begged in the hope that my mate would see my innocence. He had not.Tired of the repetitive questions I have instead leaned towards asking questions of my own.He sneered as he snapped the whip again. “So, you do care for someone else. Shame you didn't show that compassion before trying to kill Vivian out of jealousy”“I didn't! I’ve told you a thousand times, Eamon. I wasn't trying to hurt you or Vivian! I was only trying to save you! It was—”His laugh was bitter, cruel. “Save me? Fro
I ran, the mocking eyes of the crowd followed me. My feet pounded against the earth as if the rhythm could drown out my humiliation. By the time I reached Selene’s temple, I was breathless and broken. Collapsing onto the cold floor, I curled into myself, ignoring my dirt smeared dress.“Why was I so stupid?” I sobbed into the silence. “Why did I think he’d be different? Why did I confront him in front of everyone?”The memory of Prince Eamon’s rejection replayed in my mind: the cold disdain in his eyes, the way he held her as if I didn’t exist. “Why can’t he look at me like that?” I whispered to the goddess’s statue.Tears streaked my face as I cried out, “Why did you make him my mate, Selene? What have I done to deserve this? No one wants me—why was I even born?”The pain of the rejection clawed at my heart until it dulled into an ache. Hours passed, the temple’s silence mocking me. Then, guilt twisted in my gut—I’d ignored Maya’s calls as I fled. My best friend wasn’t strong, her we
HannahMy heart skipped as realization hit me: Eamon was my mate. My luck had finally changed.I held my breath, waiting for him to notice me—for him to feel the same electric pull I was feeling. It was as if the world slowed down around us. I saw his nose flare slightly, sensing something. His golden eyes flickered, scanning the crowd. He was searching. My pulse quickened as I stood there, frozen, willing him to find me.This was the moment I had been waiting for. Eamon would see me, his mate, and be amazed, just as I was. Everything would finally fall into place.His gaze swept across the people gathered, inching closer and closer. And then—his eyes met mine. A smile began to bloom on my face, but it froze halfway. His gaze slid past me, uninterested and cold, as if I were invisible.My hands dropped limply to my sides as the weight of his indifference crushed me. I glanced around nervously, wondering if anyone else had noticed our brief and one-sided exchange.What was that?He saw
Hannah “Danger alert! The destroyer is walking!”A loud cry echoed through the path, followed by snide laughter that seemed to come from everywhere at once.The crunch of my boots on the gravel wasn't enough to drown out the frantic thud of my heart as I made my way to the center of the pack. A crowd had gathered, busy decorating the hall for tonight's event.With my head held high, I pushed through the throng, ignoring the disapproving stares and whispered insults that grew louder with every step."Should she even be here?" a voice hissed."If she touches anything, it'll be ruined," someone muttered, loud enough for me to hear.I took a steadying breath, shaking off the sharp pang of disappointment. You’re used to this, Hannah. Don’t let them get to you. The comments, whether whispered or brazen, were as much a part of my life as the air I breathed.I squared my shoulders. The Alpha himself had granted me permission to attend never mind the fact that I had to beg Luna Ivy for the op