Chapter 58: Echoes of the Past Anna POV

The only sound in the room was the slight crackle of the fire Lucas had constructed earlier. Amidst the quiet, shadows moved erratically along the cabin walls. With my back to Lucas, I lay still on the makeshift bed of used blankets. At last, his respiration had evened out and decreased, showing that he was asleep.

I opened my eyes.

I just stared at the black ceiling for a long time, my mind racing. I continued thinking about everything Lucas had said earlier: that I was his fated mate, that he had admitted to being sent to Nightshade, and the hazy references to some task he was on. There was too much to take in. Too much to be true.

I moved carefully, being mindful not to make noise. I was physically exhausted after the day's travel, but my chest ached more than my muscles did. I sat up slowly and looked at Lucas. His face was relaxed in his slumber as he lay on his side. He appeared vulnerable, even unguarded, for the first time. It stood in sharp contrast to the man who had put up such a brave fight to keep me safe.

However, why? For what reason was he shielding me? I couldn't get the question out of my head like a splinter. Was there another reason he hadn't revealed, or was it really the mate bond?

My bare feet were quiet on the hardwood planks as I stood. The cottage was tiny, with just one room, a dirty table, two flimsy chairs, and a bed we made out of extra materials. I walked over to the table and brushed my fingers across its ridged top.

I kept thinking about what Lucas had said: "I'm here because I'm supposed to be. However, not for the reasons they believe." Even so, what did that mean?

I took a lantern off the table, its glass smeared from years of dirt, and struck it with a match from Lucas's bag. The worn interior of the cabin was lit by the low light. I walked over to the far corner, where an old stack of cobweb-covered boxes waited. Searching through the lost relics of someone else's life would distract my attention from my own descending thoughts, at the very least.

As I pried open one of the cases, it creaked. There were yellowed pages and damaged spines of faded books inside. I scanned the names with my fingertips, but I couldn't identify any of them. Below them were trinkets: a pile of letters tied with a torn ribbon, a corroded compass, and a broken pocket watch. The paper was fragile when I took up the letters.

My concern over violating someone's privacy fought curiosity, but curiosity won. I put the letters back down and pressed my knees to my chest while resting against the wall. The mark on my shoulder felt more solid than before. I drew my sleeve down, showing the crescent-shaped mark's fine lines. A steady reminder of what made me unique, it shone dimly in the firelight. Why I was a target.

Was Lucas correct? Did I pose a danger? And to whom, if I did?

I gave him another look. With one arm slung over his chest and the other hanging off the side of the bed, he had rolled onto his back. His sharp features were shadowed by the firelight, which also brought out the small scar along his jawline.

I wanted to have faith in him. However, trust was no longer something I could afford.

I found myself thinking about Nightshade and the life I had abandoned. I could picture Maia's face, her gentle smile, and how she had always been able to cheer me up in spite of the hardship of our position. I questioned whether she was aware of what had occurred, if I was missed by her, or if she thought I had just disappeared without saying anything.

Lucas's low moan shocked me out of my reverie. As I froze, waiting to see if he would wake up, my heart leaped into my neck. However, he only moved, cocking his head slightly to one side. I exhaled a breath I had been holding without realizing it.

Perhaps I should go.

I was slapped with the knowledge. I had no idea where it came from, but once it was there, it wouldn't go away. What if it was a mistake to stay with Lucas? Even worse than what I had left behind, what if he was leading me toward something more dangerous?

I looked toward the cabin door. Slipping out and vanishing into the night would be easy. I had already done it. However, it felt different this time. I wasn't merely fleeing danger this time. Someone who put his life in danger for me would be the one I would be running from.

I got up and walked over to the window to look out into the night. The trees were slowly swaying in the breeze, and the woodland was quiet. However, the quiet was false. Oliver's hunters were out there somewhere looking for us. For me.

I closed my eyes and pressed my face against the chilly glass. "What am I meant to do?" I said, barely audible in a whisper.

"You could begin by not fleeing."

My heart pounding, I whirled around. Half-lidded but aware, Lucas was awake. His face was unreadable as he raised himself up on one arm.

"I wasn't," I began, but even as I spoke, the words seemed hollow.

He raised an eyebrow. "You weren't?"

Before I could stop it, I crossed my arms and became defensive. "I just had a thought."

"About leaving," he remarked in a flat voice.

I didn't answer. Between us, the stillness remained, thick and uneasy. Lucas finally sighed and sat up fully, swinging his legs over the side of the bed.

He ran his hand through his hair and muttered, "I understand. You don't believe me. And I don't blame you for what you've been through."

"It's not that easy," I answered, becoming quieter.

"Then tell me," he urged, looking straight into my eyes. "Help me understand what you need in order for me to make you feel safe."

I paused. What words might I use to describe the whirlpool of feelings churning within me? The apprehension, confusion, and rage of being thrust into a world I didn't comprehend?

I finally said, "I don't know. I'm not sure what I need."

Lucas's face softened, and for a second, he looked just as confused as I did. "I'm not your enemy, Anna. Keep it in mind, no matter what else you think of me."

I wanted to believe he was real. However, the doubtful shadows remained and would not go away.

His voice was soft as he responded, "We should get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be more tough than today."

I nodded, but the apprehension in my chest remained as I went back to the bed. Tonight, it would be tough to fall asleep, and when I did, I knew that dreams would follow.