Misery moved swiftly through the quiet corridors of the stronghold, her mind racing as she replayed her last conversation with Eryon. His worry, his anger—they all lingered like echoes in her chest. She gripped the strap of her bag tighter, her heart pounding in her ears.
The forest loomed ahead, its dark canopy stretching toward the night sky. She slipped into the shadows, her every step purposeful. She needed to put distance between herself and the others before anyone could stop her. Adrian needed her, and she wasn’t going to let him down.
“Misery,” Eryon’s voice called out, steady and firm.
She froze mid-step, her breath hitching. Slowly, she turned to find him standing just a few feet behind her, his amber eyes fixed on her with a mix of determination and exasperation.
“You followed me,” she said, her voice edged with disbelief.
“I told you I wouldn’t let you go alone,” Eryon replied, stepping closer. His movements were deliberate, his expression unreadable.
Misery shook her head, frustration bubbling to the surface. “We talked about this. I can handle it on my own.”
Eryon tilted his head, his lips pressing into a thin line. “And I said no. I’m not letting you walk into danger without backup.”
“This isn’t your fight,” she countered, her voice rising. “Adrian’s my responsibility.”
“He saved me too, remember?” Eryon’s voice was quiet but resolute. “I owe him just as much as you do.”
Misery hesitated, her hand falling to her side as her defiance wavered. “Eryon, I can’t risk you getting hurt. Not again.”
He stepped even closer, his presence grounding her in place. “And I can’t risk losing you.”
Her chest tightened at his words, the weight of his loyalty and care threatening to overwhelm her. She turned her gaze away, unable to meet his piercing eyes. “I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”
Eryon reached out, gently placing a hand on her arm. “Misery, I’ve been through hell already. I can handle this. You don’t have to carry it alone.”
Misery looked back at him, her crimson eyes shimmering. “You don’t understand. Adrian doesn’t have anyone else. If something happens to me, at least I’ll know I tried.”
“And if something happens to you, what then?” Eryon asked, his voice soft but insistent. “You think that’s what Adrian would want? You think that’s what I’d want?”
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them back. “Eryon, I—”
“Misery,” he interrupted, his tone firm yet gentle. “I’m coming with you. No arguments.”
She searched his face, her emotions a swirling storm. Finally, she sighed, a mix of resignation and gratitude in her voice. “You’re impossible.”
He smirked faintly, his confidence a flicker of the old Eryon she once knew. “Takes one to know one.”
They stood in silence for a moment before Misery nodded, her resolve returning. “Fine. Let’s go. But if you slow me down, I’m leaving you behind.”