Chapter 5

The branches snap beneath my feet. I hear nothing but the rush of wind and my heavy breathing as I sprint after a Feer. Its coat is a blur of brown and white as it gallops from me. I had tried to shoot it, but missed and startled it. I hold up the Venom Needle, and aim for the deer, the ground bumpy beneath my feet as I run. And I pull the trigger. It shoots into one of its long hind legs. The Feer calls in surprise, skidding on the ground.

I’m just about to raise my arms in victory, when something knocks the air out of my lungs. I crash into the ground, the dirt cascading onto my clothes and hair.

I blink rapidly. A girl is pinning me down, her eyes cautious and hostile, her light eyes glaring into mine. “What do you think you’re doing?”

I blink again, bewildered. “What?”

“You crossed the boundary,” she snaps. I stare wide-eyed. “Really?”

“Yes, idiot,” she grunts, standing up. I scramble to my feet, looking around. It’s true. I’m several feet deep into their territory. My stomach drops. The girl grabs my wrists and twists them behind my back. “Let go of me!” I snap, struggling against her grip.

I feel another strong hand on my back. A man, staring steadily into my eyes.

“Let her go.”

I turn to see Dylan standing a few meters away. His sword is lowered, his hand resting lightly on the grip. “She didn’t mean it. She was focused on the prey.”

The man opens his mouth. “But Thorn said—”

“I’ll deal with her,” Dylan says firmly, locking eyes with both of them. They hesitate for a moment longer, before letting me go. I turn to the Feer, which is lying on the ground, panting heavily. Dylan’s eyes flick to the man’s. “You two, go check the east border. I’ll join you in a bit.”

The girl’s eyes narrow, but she doesn’t protest further. They stalk off into the woods, the leaves crunching beneath their feet.

Dylan turns to the Feer, kneeling down. He ends its suffering, using the sword in one, quick motion. And nudges it to me. My eyes widen. “But it crossed into your territory.”

Dylan shrugs. “You were chasing it. All that effort for nothing?”

“Thanks,” I murmur. He gives me a nod, and turns to leave.

“I hope your scars heal quickly,” I call after him before I can think. He pivots back to me, his eyes darkening. “Don’t talk about those.”

“I know Thorn did it,” I whisper quietly, lowering my gaze.

“What?” He snaps, his voice sharp. I wince, stepping back slightly. “How do you know?”

I shift uncomfortably. “I overheard at the lake.”

His eyes narrow. “I told you to run.”

“I got curious,” I protest weakly. He stares at me.

“You heard everything?” he whispers, his voice barely audible.

“I saw everything too,” I admit quietly. Dylan swallows hard. “I’m sorry,” he breathes. “You shouldn’t have.”

“Well…” I mumble, clenching and unclenching my palms. “I did.”

He exhales slowly. “I don’t like people knowing that.” Dylan looks away, taking a step back. He puts a hand on the back of his neck.

“Are you okay?” I ask, reaching towards him. He takes multiple steps back, like he’s expecting to get hit. Again. “I’ll be fine,” he says, avoiding my eyes.

“You were supposed to kill me, weren’t you?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. “Yet you let me go.”

Dylan looks down. “Yeah,” he finally admits.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I ask, my voice feeling choked. Dylan sighs. “Do you think I like to kill?”

I swallow as he continues. “My life is decided by Thorn,” he spits bitterly. “Every single action.”

My heart aches as I freeze with realization. “Did she…”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” he interrupts, staring at me with something I can’t distinguish. “Please.”

“You get hit, don’t you?” I gasp.

“It doesn’t matter,” he mutters, turning away. I grab his arm. He tries desperately to pull away. “Raven,” he snaps, trying to pull free. I drag his sleeve upward, revealing the scars from before. “This isn’t okay, Dylan, this isn’t normal,” I plead.

“It is for me, little Blackbird,” he murmurs softly.

“How long has this been happening?” I whisper, my voice breaking. He goes quiet. Then, he gently removes my hand from his sleeve, pulling it back down again. His jaw tightens. “I have to go,” he says quietly, backing away from me.

“Wait—” I call, but he’s already hurrying off. I sigh, staring at the spot he left. I want answers. I want some type of reassurance. I don’t know why I care. This is the boy that was supposed to kill me. This is an enemy I’m supposed to hate. But I can’t. Slowly turning around, I drag the Feer across the border and back to camp.

“Where’d you find that?” Solar asks, her eyes widening.

“Near one of the borders,” I murmur, not wanting to discuss how it crossed.

“Woah, that’s nice!” Saber says, approaching me. I nod, gesturing to Solar. “Can you drag it to the collection?”

She nods eagerly, grabbing one of its legs and running off.

My mind drifts back to Dylan. And how uncomfortable he was, talking to me. He didn’t actually have to go. I know that for sure. It was an excuse.

“Raven, can I talk to you privately?” Axel asks, coming up to me. I stiffen up. “Why?”

“I need a favor,” he explains. “I think you’re perfect for the job.” I tilt my head to the side, but I follow him anyway.

“What?” I ask, standing up in disbelief.

“It’s for the good of Eclipse,” Axel says firmly, his eyes hardening.

“I can’t do that!” I protest.

“And why not?”

I swallow hard. I can’t take the pendant. I can’t trick Dylan. But I don’t know why. It just feels…wrong.

“I just… that’s not how you do it,” I argue. He stands up too, narrowing his eyes. “Don’t question me.”

I hesitate, but dip my head. I don’t feel good about it. At all. “Very well. But why me?”

“I’ve noticed you’ve gotten close. Somehow.” My stomach drops as he continues. “The battle. You refused to help me.”

“I got distracted,” I admit quietly.

“Exactly,” he mutters. “Get it done.” I shoot a small glare at him. “Fine,” I mumble under my breath, stalking out of his office.

“Thank you, Raven,” I hear his voice call behind me. I let out a scoff. Sure. All he wants is that pendant of theirs.

A thought occurs to me. I can also find answers at the same time. I have an excuse. I can find out everything. Maybe his plan isn’t so bad after all…