Colton's POV
Deep within the rugged mountains, wrapped in darkness and silence, I found fleeting comfort in the cool shelter of a hidden cave. Hazel trembled slightly beside me. I pulled off my shirt and offered it to her, but she hesitated, worried I would grow cold instead. When her gaze fell on my wounds, her eyes widened with concern. For someone who had suffered so much, she still cared more than I expected. That small gesture alone revealed a tenderness I hadn't thought I'd see from her so soon.
"No, take it," I insisted until she finally accepted it.
My frown deepened as I scanned our surroundings. "I should gather some wood. It's only getting colder."
Her eyes flickered with panic, and before I could move, she clutched my hand tightly.
"Where are you going? Don't leave me here," she whispered.
For a moment, the chirping of insects filled the cave before I crouched down to her level and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Hey, I won't be long. But we need warmth. With nothing else to cover ourselves, fire is the only way. Besides, you already have my shirt—if I don't get wood, you'll still freeze."
She wavered, then reluctantly released me. I hurried outside, collecting only what I needed, unwilling to wander far and leave her alone too long. When I returned, she sat curled against the wall, hugging her knees, her head bowed. She didn't even notice me until the bundle of wood hit the ground. She startled, eyes flashing with fear.
"Easy—it's me," I murmured. Her shoulders eased as relief softened her expression.
"What took you so long?" she asked, lifting her head.
"Sorry. I needed enough to last till morning," I said while arranging the wood.
"Do you… have a lighter?" she asked after a pause.
"Don't worry. I can light a fire without one."
Her lips curved into a small smile as I coaxed the sparks to life. The flames caught, crackling against the damp silence. She gasped softly at the sight.
"You weren't lying—you really can," she said in wonder.
I settled near the fire and beckoned her closer. "Warm your hands like this," I demonstrated, rubbing my palms together above the flames. She copied me carefully.
"How do you feel now?" I asked, though I could still see her trembling.
"I'm fine," she replied quickly.
"Are you sure?" I pressed, but she only nodded. Then she surprised me with a question of her own.
"What about you? You're not wearing a shirt."
I gave her a small smile. "There's one way I could warm up too… but I doubt you'd agree."
"Let me decide," she said firmly. "What is it?"
I exhaled slowly. "We'd have to hold each other. Stay close. An embrace."
She looked away, her throat working, and I prepared for rejection—but instead, she shuffled toward me.
"Then… how should we do it? You're cold too," she murmured.
For a heartbeat, I could hardly believe her words. My chest tightened, but I tried to stay calm. "Sit between my legs. Lean back against me. I'll hold you."
She nodded and slid closer. I opened my arms, wrapping them gently around her waist once she settled against me. My heart hammered so loudly I worried she might hear it with her head resting on my chest.
"Good night," she whispered drowsily. Soon, her breathing steadied, her face softened in the glow of the fire, and I simply watched.
As the flames danced against the cave walls, my mind drifted to memories of her—the mysterious woman who had haunted me for so long. Even when cloaked in shadows, Hazel's beauty had always pierced through, but what drew me most was her quiet strength despite all the pain she endured.
I remembered the first time I defied my brother to see her. Cloaked and masked, I slipped into the castle during a grand celebration. Amid laughter and roses, all I saw was her—standing beside Liam, her smile absent, her eyes holding unspoken sorrow. Later, when I found her in tears, I pulled her into my arms, if only for a fleeting moment, just to shield her from the cruelty of the world. Liam's fury had been merciless, but my resolve only grew stronger. I wanted to free her, to protect her from the nightmare of being bound to him.
I hated myself sometimes—for loving the woman tied to my own brother—but seeing her suffering, I could never turn away. Liam was unworthy of her. She deserved peace, not torment.
Now, with her asleep in my arms, I longed to believe there might be a future where she chose me instead. For the first time, she seemed to be lowering her guard, trusting me in ways I thought impossible. And that fragile trust meant more than anything.
Leaning down, I pressed a soft kiss to her hair. She stirred, her brow furrowing, but I smoothed it gently until she relaxed again. My chest ached with the thought—I wanted her safe, happy, always by my side.
I promised myself then: no matter the cost, I would protect her. But to do that, I'd need a plan—something strong enough to keep Liam from reaching us. For now, though, I simply let myself savor the weight of Hazel restin
g peacefully in my arms, as if she truly belonged there.