The stronghold was quieter at night.
Most of the warriors had either collapsed into their beds, drunk off ale, or were still celebrating in the great hall. The slaves who had finished their duties had curled up in their miserable corners, trying to get a few hours of rest before another day of suffering.
But one was missing.
Regina.
Blue had noticed the moment she slipped away. She was careful—always had been—but she underestimated him. He had been watching her for weeks now, always at a distance, because someone had to.
So when she disappeared into the trees beyond the stronghold, he followed. The river was a rare thing in this land—clear, untouched, its surface shimmering under the moonlight. The trees surrounding it swayed gently, the wind whispering through the leaves.
Regina knelt at the river's edge, dipping her hands into the cool water. She sighed, a sound of pure relief, and lifted the water to her face, washing away the dirt and sweat of the day.
She wasn't supposed to be here. If she was caught, the punishment would be severe. But Blue didn't move from the shadows. Not yet. For the first time since Marco had left, she looked… at peace.
She slowly stood, untying the sash at her waist, letting the tattered fabric of her dress slip from her shoulders. The moon cast a soft glow over her pale skin, highlighting the bruises on her arms, the faint scars crisscrossing her back.
She stepped into the river, sighing as the cold water wrapped around her. For a brief moment, she wasn't a slave. She wasn't a girl suffering under the rule of an Alpha who saw her as nothing.
She was just Regina.
Blue should have turned away.
But then he heard it.
Footsteps. Heavy. Stumbling.
His muscles tensed.
He knew who it was before he even saw him.
Garrick, the slave trainer.
Blue's hands curled into fists as the man stepped from the trees, his grin ugly, his eyes dark with something cruel.
"Didn't think anyone would be out here," Garrick, drawled. "But look at this. A little lost lamb, all alone in the water."
Regina froze.
She turned slowly, her silver eyes narrowing as she took a cautious step back. The water reached her waist, but she might as well have been completely exposed under the trainer's hungry gaze.
"W-what are you doing here?" she said, voice steady.
The man chuckled. "I should be asking that."
Blue moved before the trainer could take another step.
"She told you to leave."
Garrick stiffened at the sound of Blue's voice. He turned, eyes widening slightly. "Oh, it's you. Again."
Blue didn't blink. Didn't move.
He just stared, cold and unyielding.
"Walk away before I kill you here," Blue said quietly.
Garrick knows Blue isn't just a loyal warrior. He's one of the best ones. Garrick then let out a dry laugh before shoving Regina against the rough bark of a tree, a branch slicing her arm open. "Relax. Just having a little fun."
Blue stepped forward. "Last warning," he growled.
The air between them grew tense. The trainer hesitated, as if debating whether challenging Blue was worth it.
It wasn't.
He spat at the ground, scowling. "She won't always have you watching her, you know."
Blue's vision darkened. He moved faster than the man could react, gripping his throat and shoving him back against a tree.
"Say that again," Blue murmured. "And I will break you."
The trainer's face paled. His hands gripped Blue's wrist, trying to pry himself free, but Blue didn't let go.
"Blue," Regina's voice was soft, almost hesitant.
It was the only thing that made him loosen his grip. The trainer coughed as he staggered away, rubbing his throat. He shot Regina one last look before disappearing into the trees.
The moment he was gone, Blue turned back to her.
She was still in the water, watching him carefully. She looked… fragile. The moonlight made her silver hair glow, her bare shoulders glistening with water. For the first time, she seemed unsure. Vulnerable.
Blue swallowed hard and turned away, yanking off his cloak. He tossed it onto the ground near the river's edge.
"Put that on when you get out," he muttered.
Regina didn't move at first. Then, slowly, she waded toward the shore, her arms wrapped around herself. She stepped out of the water, kneeling to pick up the cloak and wrapping it around her damp body.
Blue didn't look at her. But he felt her eyes on him.
"You don't have to do this," she said quietly.
"Do what?"
"Protect me."
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "I told you, I'm just following orders."
She let out a quiet, bitter laugh. "Right."
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Then, finally, Regina sighed. "Thank you."