Pushing Boundaries
Emma’s breathing was shallow as she backed away from Kain, her heart pounding. He stood there, tall and commanding, his amber eyes glowing faintly in the dim forest light. She didn’t trust him—not his calm tone, not his promises, and certainly not the way he looked at her, like she was something precious he had to keep.
Emma
I can’t let him control me. If I go with him now, I’ll never have a chance to figure this world out on my own.
She straightened, squaring her shoulders.
Emma
What if I don’t want to go with you?
Kain’s expression flickered—surprise, irritation, and then something darker. He took a deliberate step forward, his towering frame making her feel small in comparison.
Kain
You don’t have a choice, Emma. I’m offering you safety. In this world, that’s not something you can refuse lightly.
His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, a warning that made the air between them tense. Emma clenched her fists, refusing to back down.
Emma
Maybe I don’t want your version of safety. Did you ever think about that? You can’t just decide what’s best for me.
Kain’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the feral side of him seemed to surface. His claws flexed, and his jaw tightened.
Kain
You think you’ll survive out here alone?
The corner of Kain’s mouth twitched, and he let out a low growl—not loud, but enough to make the hairs on the back of Emma’s neck stand up.
Emma didn’t move, her heart racing as she held his gaze. She knew she was pushing her luck, but she couldn’t stop herself. Something about his possessive demeanor lit a fire inside her—a mix of fear, defiance, and something she couldn’t quite name.
Emma
Maybe you’re not as powerful as you think. If you were, you wouldn’t need to drag me along against my will.
Kain
You think I need to prove myself to you?
Before Emma could respond, Kain moved. In a blur of motion, he closed the distance between them, caging her against the trunk of a glowing tree. His hands rested on either side of her head, and his piercing gaze locked onto hers.
Kain
You don’t understand how dangerous this world is, Emma. You don’t know what’s hunting out there—what would tear you apart if it found you alone.
His voice was low, almost a whisper, but it carried a weight that made her chest tighten. For a moment, she saw something behind his anger—a flicker of desperation, as if the thought of losing her was unbearable.
Emma
Maybe I don’t want to be protected. Did you think of that?
Kain
Then you’re a fool. But you’re my fool now, and I don’t let what’s mine get hurt.
Emma’s defiance faltered as his words sank in. There was no malice in them, no threat—just a fierce, unrelenting determination. She hated how it made her feel, how it chipped away at her resolve.
Emma
What if I keep running?
Kain
Then I’ll keep finding you.
His hand brushed her cheek, his claws retracted now, his touch surprisingly gentle.
Kain
But you won’t get far, Emma. You know that.
With a sharp inhale, she ducked under his arm and bolted again, her feet pounding against the forest floor. She didn’t care if it was futile—she needed to show him she wasn’t someone to be owned.
Kain’s perspective):
Kain watched her go, his expression unreadable. She was testing his patience, yes, but there was something about her fire that stirred something deep within him.
Kain
She’ll learn. One way or another, she’ll see that she’s safest with me.
With a low growl, he started after her again, his movements swift and silent. He could have caught her immediately, but something made him hesitate. Perhaps he wanted to see how far she’d go, how long she’d fight before she realized there was no escaping him.
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