Scarlett awoke to the gentle movement of the flowing river water gracefully moving atop the riverbed and rocks in a laminar flow. The gentle rustling noises of the wind against trees was like a sweet lullaby to her ears. The moonlight shone bright against her closed eyelids. Was this heaven? Had she died? 693Please respect copyright.PENANAZlkGmrdIqg
She opened her eyes to the same forest in which she had been escaping from her attackers. One thing was clear: she was not dead. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAmHMnZucAce
Scarlett found herself lying on the forest floor near a tree on top of a stark black jacket which she had no memory of having. There was a small fire burning in front of her eyes, casting light throughout the forest so she could see, and warming her up at the same time. The moon reflected itself in the glistening waters of the river right beside her. The bridge was clearly visible a little up the river. Scarlett felt hope flicker inside of her. Had she made it across? Was she safe? 693Please respect copyright.PENANAxtNSF39cV8
Scarlett was baffled. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAtss08cBaKy
Someone was here, she thought nervously, someone who knows that I'm here. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAr7w3hmDwur
She found her own dark jacket on the ground before her eyes and realized someone had removed her jacket and a few layers of clothing underneath to wrap the bandages around her shoulder. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAtHsx3nYRlz
She was more grateful rather than embarrassed. The bandages seemed to ease the pain quite a bit. She decided to look around for her helper and to thank them if they were still here. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAYyaNxiWeC4
"I wouldn't move if I were you." Said a voice on the other side of the fire. Scarlett's heart slightly jumped at the sound of the voice and began to locate the source. But she could not find anyone. Behind the fire, beautiful willow trees parted, like a curtain, to reveal a dark figure of a young man walking through. Out of fear, Scarlett did not dare speak. Who was this person? 693Please respect copyright.PENANAz4XzA4tyN0
Scarlett felt like she knew the name.
Scarlett hesitated for a moment before replying, "Scarlett Faye." 693Please respect copyright.PENANAavgw4i76oW
"Who are you?" Scarlett asked. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAtoxvyEF3c5
"Ah...." Scarlett began with realization. "Well yes of course, thank you very much." 693Please respect copyright.PENANABJZESMHxt4
Oh god he was gorgeous. 693Please respect copyright.PENANASYOTvZBSsV
His hair was a messy black, covering one eye completely. His visible eye was a pitch black colour which slightly intimidated Scarlett. The only problem was his aura. His presence radiated energy and power and something dark that she couldn't quite comprehend. She wasn't sure if she should trust him or not. Surely his presence had never gone unnoticed before. Despite his strange kindness, there seemed to be something dark hidden beneath his facade and it made her terribly anxious.
"If you don't mind me asking, why were there so many people after you. I'm sure it wasn't out of love." Even his voice was like a sweet lullaby to Scarlett's ears, but she wasn't taking any chances. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAObkwFzwbTs
Especially when the others won't believe you. 693Please respect copyright.PENANADfqr7PljUx
Dante just looked at her. "You already have." 693Please respect copyright.PENANARqVfsLkIhs
"You already have." 693Please respect copyright.PENANA5zCmx5sCPp
From the look on her face, Dante grinned. "Alright. What do you want to know?" 693Please respect copyright.PENANAlGhChzix0g
Dante returned his attention to the fire burning in front of him and stared at it for a long amount of time, his look gradually becoming distant, until he was gazing at almost nothing at all. Finally he looked up from his temporary trance and scanned the clearing, where the trees did not dare grow. Scarlett wondered why he was being so cautious but decided not to comment on it. Everyone had their reasons. 693Please respect copyright.PENANA3MhfXnNEHF
Scarlett looked at him in confusion but did not mention the fact that he didn't exactly answer her question.693Please respect copyright.PENANAcX447ICw2W
It was the sword. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAGByJ4Q04M5
Dante shrugged. "The sword's mine." He said nonchalantly. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAR19aTUOjaS
Scarlett picked up the sword and examined it. "It is very beautiful." She said. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAgmbciRGd2y
Scarlett felt embarrassed as she noticed dried blood on the blade. "Ah.... I'm sorry about that."
Dante shook his head, "No matter. I'll just clean it up. Your safety is much more valuable."
Scarlett gave a small smile, and quickly returned to her suspicious self. She mustn't let her guard down. "But whatever happened to the ones who wanted to kill me? And how did you know I was here?" Scarlett asked. Asking too many questions might get her into trouble, but she couldn't help herself. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAlEG7s4TTEj
Dante stood up and sauntered away from her. She silently hated the way his attitude kept changing. She didn't know how to react to his calm and collected manner. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAzuwJetuLRL
"However, if you must know the outcome of your assailants, then know this: you'll never see them again." He gave her a hard look. "Ever." 693Please respect copyright.PENANAERAXqSx00O
She nodded slowly. Dante gave her a smile which seemed fake, merely hiding the satisfaction of making her anxious. "Enough about that," he began, "now, as I was asking earlier, why were there so many of them after you?"
Scarlett took a deep breath. Why should she answer him? Did he answer any of her questions? Scarlett was about to say this to him but decided against it. Any careless act could get her into trouble. He seemed like someone who would leave her to die if he could. But then why would he rescue her in the first place? She sighed. It was no use. 693Please respect copyright.PENANAAdmblqaDrk
Hesitating, Scarlett continued: "My family is not exactly what you would call wealthy. They sort of were, but not quite. For generations, my family has been loyal to the king of Badel for his kindness and undying generosity. We would do anything for the sake of the kingdom." She paused, letting Dante process her words. "But there is another King. Up north. The king of Thalan."