Draven's pov
Her body was weightless in my arms.
Not because she was small, though she was. Not because I was strong, though I am. But because in that moment, carrying her felt like punishment—one I deserved.
Her head lolled against my chest, her breath shallow and uneven. I could feel the heat radiating off her skin, unnatural and alarming.
Too hot.
Too fragile.
And yet, her expression,even unconscious,wore defiance like a crown. She had spat at my feet moments ago, words like daggers still lodged deep in my chest.
"You think I need you? I'll burn the world down without you."
That fire was still there.
But her body had surrendered.
"Damn it," I whispered, gathering her closer and turning back toward the compound.
Her escape route was clever. A side tunnel used long ago by smugglers, forgotten by most. But not her. She remembered everything, stored it, filed it away. That's what made her dangerous. She listened randomly but latches on to it.
That's what made her herself.
Every step I took echoed with guilt.
For weeks, I had seen the wear in her shoulders, the exhaustion around her eyes. I told myself it was necessary. That she needed to be caged, watched, controlled. I'd called it strategy. I called it torment. She atoning for her sins in the most brutal way possible.
It was cruelty.
And now she was crumbling in my arms because I hadn't known when to stop.
"Hold on," I murmured as I pushed through the door into the main hall.
A few guards turned, stunned, but I silenced them with a single look.
"She needs a medic. Get Edward Now." My voice cracked like a whip.
One of them sprinted off. The others hovered awkwardly, unsure whether to help or retreat. I ignored them. I moved swiftly toward the infirmary wing, her body limp but pulsing with a faint, persistent heat.
Inside, the medical staff sprang to life. Edward, raised his eyebrows.
"She's burning up," I said before he could ask. "Dehydrated. Exhausted. Possibly poisoned. I don't know."
I had been so careless go the point I fell into a trap? Thank goodness for that numbing shot. It worked like magic.
He nodded, barking instructions to his assistants. "Lay her there."
I placed her on the cot, more gently than I'd ever done anything in my life. As Edward's team moved around her, checking vitals, cooling her down, I stepped back,but only a little.
One of the medics tried to close the curtain.
"Don't," I growled.
The girl froze.
"She's not a prisoner," I added quietly. "Not anymore."
Edward gave me a sharp look but said nothing. He knew better than to question me when I sounded like this.
I stood there, unmoving, as they worked. The minutes dragged like hours. My heart pounded with every ragged breath that escaped her lips.
She looked so small. Not just physically. But diminished,hollowed out from the inside. And it was my doing.
Eventually, Edward approached me. His eyes were tired but steady.
"She's stable. For now," he said. "But her body's been pushed to the brink. Fever's breaking, but barely. She's been running on fumes."
I nodded, jaw clenched. "Leave us."
He hesitated. "Draven,"
"Leave."
They filed out. One by one.
When the door finally clicked shut, I sat beside her.
Silence. Heavy and suffocating.
I watched her chest rise and fall, slow and uneven.
"Eira," I whispered, almost afraid she'd hear me.
And then I did something I hadn't done since I was a child.
I took her hand in mine. Cold fingers. Calloused. Shaking faintly.
"I thought I was punishing you," I said aloud, knowing she couldn't respond. "Not even realizing I was punishing the wrong sister ."
I let out a bitter laugh.
"But I forgot you weren't a flame I could contain. You're wildfire. You were never meant to be trapped."
My thumb brushed the back of her hand.
"I see that now. Too late, maybe."
I leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling.
"I've killed men for less than the things you've said to me," I said with a smirk. "But you? You called me a murderer to my face and all I could think was,you're right."
I sighed.
"I've been cruel. I know it. I made you the enemy because it was easier than admitting I was wrong."
I looked down at her.
"I don't know how to fix what I broke. I don't even know if I can. But I swear to whatever gods still listen,I'm not leaving your side."
I didn't care if she woke up and screamed.
Didn't care if she clawed at me, cursed me, spat again.
Let her hate me. I could take it.
But I couldn't take her silence.
Not forever.
She stirred slightly, her brows twitching. Her lips parted, and she let out a soft groan.
I leaned forward instantly. "Eira?"
Her eyes blinked open, sluggish and glassy. She looked at me like she wasn't sure if I was real.
"Where…?" Her voice was hoarse.
"You're safe," I said, my voice lower than it had ever been.
A pause.
She frowned. "Why… are you here?"
That hit harder than it should have.
"I carried you in," I said simply. "You collapsed."
She tried to sit up, wincing. "Don't… touch me."
I raised both hands in surrender. "I won't. But you need to rest."
Her eyes narrowed, suspicious and exhausted. "What game are you playing now?"
"No game." I stood. "You wanted to run. You wanted to burn the world without me."
She said nothing.
"Well," I continued, walking to the door, "maybe I deserve that."
I paused.
"But if you change your mind… if revenge on Snow is still something you want,I'll help you. No strings."
A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "And why would you do that?"
I turned to her, and for once, I let all the armor fall.
"Because I think the only thing worse than you hating me… would be never seeing you again."
She stared at me, unreadable.
I didn't wait for her answer.
I walked out.
But I left the door open.
Just in case.