Fire and Ash (3)

*Meanwhile in Pir*

Damien and his pack arrive at the forest of Pir with Nine in tow. She stares at the darkness ahead, wondering if she can do this.

“Lead the way, fae!” Damien snarls at her. Nine gives him a hard look.

“You’re saying that word as if my kind is filthy,” she says in a cold tone. “I’m a fae, not a piece of trash!”

“I will address you however I please!” Damien snaps at her but her look of grief and sadness is tormenting him. He wants to hurt her, make her wish for death so that he can reject her. But his own heart is being crushed under the burden of the insults.

She is strong, very strong. Even though his words are hurting her, she keeps up with it in dignity. Damien cannot help but be attracted to her and he hates himself for it. She has taken over his mind in only a few days and he is trying to push her away from him.

Nine knows his dilemma very well but she takes a deep breath.

“Call me Nine,” she says. “Not a ‘fae’. I’m Nine. That’s my identity now.”

She raises he