Isla’s Breaking Point
The night was cold and still, the forest outside the hut eerily silent. Isla sat on the edge of the cot, the rusted nail clutched tightly in her hand. Her heart raced as she listened to Kael’s steady breathing from across the room. He had fallen asleep hours ago, his exhaustion finally catching up to him.
This was her chance.
She moved slowly, her movements careful and deliberate as she began sawing at the rope securing the door. The nail was dull, and the fibers of the rope were thick, but Isla gritted her teeth and worked tirelessly, ignoring the ache in her hands. Every second felt like an eternity, but she didn’t stop. She couldn’t.
Finally, the rope gave way with a quiet snap, and Isla exhaled shakily, her chest tightening with a mixture of relief and fear. She glanced over her shoulder at Kael, who remained motionless, his face half-buried in his arm.
Her escape was so close she could taste it.
Isla slipped through the door, her bare feet silent against the wooden floor. The night air hit her like a shock, biting against her skin, but she didn’t hesitate. She darted into the trees, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. The forest loomed around her, its shadows deep and endless, but Isla didn’t look back.
Branches scratched at her arms, her legs, but she pushed forward, her determination driving her forward. She didn’t have a plan—only the desperate need to get away, to find Draven, to return to the life Kael had stolen from her.
But the sound of footsteps behind her made her blood run cold.
“Isla!” Kael’s voice roared through the forest, his tone laced with anger and desperation. “Come back!”
She didn’t stop. Her muscles screamed in protest, her lungs burned, but she pushed herself harder, the adrenaline coursing through her keeping her moving. The sound of Kael’s pursuit grew louder, his footsteps heavy and unrelenting.
“Stop running!” he shouted, his voice closer now. “You’re going to get yourself killed!”
Isla’s foot caught on a root, and she stumbled, barely catching herself before hitting the ground. Panic surged through her as she scrambled to her feet, her momentum faltering. She could hear Kael’s breathing now, hear the snapping of twigs under his boots.
And then he was there, grabbing her arm and yanking her back. “Enough!” he growled, his grip like iron.
“Let me go!” Isla screamed, twisting against his hold. She clawed at his arm, her nails leaving deep scratches, but he didn’t budge.
“Stop fighting me!” Kael barked, his voice rough with emotion. “I’m trying to save you!”
“Save me?” Isla spat, her voice dripping with venom. “You’re destroying me!”
The words hit Kael like a blow, and for a moment, his grip loosened. Isla took the chance, wrenching herself free and shoving him backward. He stumbled, his eyes wide with shock, but Isla didn’t wait to see if he recovered. She turned and ran, her heart pounding as she disappeared deeper into the forest.
Behind her, Kael’s furious roar echoed through the trees, but she didn’t look back. She couldn’t.
Her freedom was ahead, and she was going to take it—no matter what it cost.
