Chapter 10

SAM:

I waited outside the cave for Alex to come out with Mom, and with every minute that passed, my patience wore thin. Just when I thought of going in to look for them, I heard what sounded like Alex's whistle. Spirit raced from where I was and into the cave. A few moments later, Alex emerged, carrying Mom on his back.

I quickly ran to Spirit and reached for Mom.

"Mum! Mum, are you okay? Are you hurt?" I asked, running my hands over her body to check for any injuries.

The sun was almost up, but Alex hadn't come out yet. I glanced at the cave, then at Mom. As if sensing my distress, she weakly held my hand.

"He risked his life for me, he—"

Before she could finish, I ran towards the cave.

"Sam!!!" Mom's voice rang out behind me.

I stopped in my tracks and turned back to her. She met my gaze, her eyes filled with concern.

"I need you to go home to Dad. Right now, he needs you. He doesn't even know you were kidnapped, or that we came to rescue you," I told her firmly. "Don't worry about me. I'll be back with Alex soon."

She cupped my cheek, her touch gentle yet desperate. I held her hand briefly before stepping back. Smacking Spirit's side, I urged him forward.

"Take Mum home," I commanded.

Spirit neighed and took off, galloping away with Mom. Once they were at a safe distance, I turned and sprinted into the cave.

---

ALEX:

As Sam's mother left, I let out a relieved sigh. Finally, I could focus on what was in front of me—no distractions.

It was just me against the bandit leader and ten of his men.

"You're gonna regret that," the leader growled, his face twisted with anger.

I smirked and took my stance, motioning for them to come at me. I was ready for whatever they threw at me.

They slowly surrounded me. I weighed my odds—slim at best. Just then, I heard one of the bandits groan in pain. Turning my head, I saw Sam stabbing the knife I'd given her earlier into the back of one of the men.

Great. She just couldn't sit still, huh?

I chuckled at the thought. She looked at me, her face filled with rage and worry. I smiled back but quickly returned my focus to the bandit leader.

As my father once said, A group without a head will plunge into chaos.

I launched myself at him. Out of the corner of my eye, I stole quick glances at Sam to make sure she was holding her ground.

The leader swung his axe. The impact sent my sword flying from my grasp. I stumbled back, falling to the ground, suddenly defenseless.

"ALEX!!!" Sam screamed.

But I was too focused on the man looming over me. My hand brushed against something—my dagger. Slowly, I pulled it closer.

"What's wrong? Feeling scared?" the bandit leader taunted.

I couldn't help but laugh. If only he knew.

I stood up, shaking slightly, holding my injured left arm.

"On the contrary," I said, grinning. "I'm feeling thrilled."

With a furious roar, he swung his axe at me again. I slid beneath it and slashed his leg. His eyes widened in shock.

Without hesitation, I turned and took down the bandits behind him, grabbing one of their swords. As the leader turned to face me again, I climbed onto one of his men, using him as a springboard. With a shout, I drove both swords into the leader's shoulders, sending him crashing to the ground.

I stepped back, gripping one of the swords, preparing to finish him off.

But then—

"Alex!!"

I turned.

A knife was pressed against Sam's neck. Three bandits had her surrounded.

"Drop it, or your girl gets it," one of them sneered, pressing the blade closer to her skin.

I froze. My grip on the sword tightened. Sam's eyes met mine, and I gave her a subtle signal, tilting my head backward slightly.

She nodded. She got the message.

I slowly lowered my sword. Just as it was about to hit the floor, Sam head-butted the bandit holding her.

Without hesitation, I flung my sword toward them. Sam ducked at the last second. The blade sliced clean through the bandit's neck, his head rolling away. Sam grabbed a fallen weapon and swiftly dealt with the remaining two.

As I moved toward her, a sudden, searing pain shot through my body.

I gasped.

Turning my head, I saw the bandit leader standing behind me, his bloodied axe buried in my back.

"You didn't think I'd let you go so easily, did you?" he rasped, his face twisted into a grin.

He laughed hysterically.

Gritting my teeth, I reached behind me. With a strained growl, I pulled the axe from my back. Before he could react, I swung it with all my strength, cleaving his head clean off.

I barely registered the sound of his body hitting the ground. My vision blurred.

"NO! No, no, please, Alex, don't do this to me!" Sam's voice was frantic as she caught me before I fell completely. "Stay with me! Please stay with me, Alex!"

Tears welled in her eyes.

I raised a bloodied hand to her face, forcing a weak smile despite the unbearable pain.

"Hey… why the tears?" My voice was barely above a whisper. "You won't lose me. I'm not going down so easily."

The truth? Every movement sent a fresh wave of agony through me.

"Don't worry, I'll get you out of here," Sam said, trying to lift me.

I leaned against her, inhaling her scent—a mix of spring breeze and blood.

If I die today, I won't regret it.

For some reason, I was glad Sam was here.

She's the best thing that ever happened to me.

My eyes felt heavier. My legs barely carried me as we staggered toward the cave entrance. When we finally reached the outside, Spirit was already there, waiting for us.

I blinked in surprise.

"Your… mum… is she…" My words came out weak, broken.

"She's alright, thanks to you," Sam reassured me. "Now I just have to make sure you make it home alive too. So please, stay awake for my sake."

I wanted to respond, but her voice was distant now. My vision was dimming.

One more step.

Just one more step.

My legs gave out.

The last thing I saw was Sam's panicked face as I collapsed to the ground.