The Price of Defiance

Saoirse's POV 

Pain. 

That was the first thing Saoirse noticed. A sharp, cold ache wrapped around her chest like something pulling her down. It felt like a dagger made of ice was digging in. She gasped. Her body twisted and turned, pinned to the stone floor. The walls of the fortress faded into a blur. All that echoed around her were Garrick's slow, heavy footsteps.

Saoirse had faced death before. She had felt its icy breath and shivered under its touch. But this felt different. 

Garrick's strength wrapped around her. It wasn't just cold; it felt like it was crushing her, diving deep into her bones. She gritted her teeth, trying to fight through the pain, her heart racing. Beside her, Rhydian was trying to stand. His breath was ragged, muscles tense with anger. A streak of blood ran down his temple. His hands were pressed against the ground, struggling to lift himself. He was fueled with anger, but he was clearly on the verge of collapsing.

Garrick crouched down next to Saoirse. His shiny black armor glimmered in the dim firelight. "You've always been so stubborn, Saoirse," he said, tracing her jaw with his finger like it was a tender gesture. "But this time, you've lost."

She shivered but clenched her teeth tighter. "You never shut up."

Garrick laughed, not bothered at all. "And you still don't know when to give up." His fingers trailed down to her throat, a twisted mockery of care. "What a pity."

A growl erupted from Rhydian, low and fierce. Even though he was weak, he lunged at Garrick with everything he had left. 

Garrick moved out of the way like a shadow, leaving Rhydian's blade to slice the air. "Ah, Alpha," he taunted. "It's almost sad. You used to be so powerful. Now, you're just... broken."

Saoirse could feel Rhydian's anger like a roaring storm. His breaths came quick, and she could tell he was struggling. But the fire in his eyes wasn't gone. 

She knew she had to act. She had to do something before Garrick hurt him. 

She forced her fingers to twitch and gathered every bit of magic she had left, calling on the remnants that still lingered inside her. It wasn't much, but it had to be enough. 

Just when Garrick raised his hand, dark energy swirling at his fingertips, Saoirse struck.

A wave of power shot out from her, hitting Garrick in the chest. He stumbled back, surprise flashing on his face before irritation washed over it.

"You should know better by now, Garrick," she said, pushing herself to her feet. "I won't break so easily."

Garrick tilted his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Oh, I don't want to break you, Saoirse. That would be too easy." He glanced at Rhydian, a dark amusement lighting up his face. "I want to see what you choose."

His words sent chills through her. 

Then shadows sprang at her. 

Before she could react, something wrapped around her wrist, cold, dark tendrils that felt like ice burning her. Rhydian cursed loudly as he tried to pull away, but the magic was tight. 

Garrick moved closer, a wicked smile on his face. "Let's see what you're willing to give up."

Saoirse's heart raced. Her chest ached with both anger and dread. She had suffered at Garrick's hands before, but now—this felt like punishment. 

For trying to escape, For fighting back, For caring about Rhydian. 

She locked eyes with Garrick and found her voice. "Let him go."

Garrick raised an eyebrow. "And what do I get in return?"

The answer burned in her throat. Her pride yelled at her to keep quiet, to fight until the end. But when she heard Rhydian's strained breath, all hesitation vanished. 

"Take me instead."

The words spilled from her lips before she could think. 

Rhydian's eyes widened. They were alive with anger, but he couldn't find his voice, he could barely breathe. 

Garrick paused, considering her words. Then slowly, his smile became darker and more victorious. "Now that's an interesting offer."

The shadows released Rhydian. 

He fell to the ground, coughing as he gasped for air. Saoirse tried to rush to him, but Garrick's grip was still on her arm, pulling her back.

"You always wanted to play the hero," he whispered, his breath icy against her ear. "It's going to get you killed."

Saoirse glared at him. "Then do it."

Garrick tightened his grip for just a moment before he let her go, chuckling to himself. "Oh no, darling. Killing you would be far too simple." He turned to Rhydian, who was still trying to get back on his feet. "But seeing him suffer because of you? That's much more entertaining."

Saoirse's heart raced. "You—"

"Until next time," Garrick interrupted. His voice was smooth as silk. With a flick of his wrist, the shadows surged.

And just like that, he was gone.

The silence was overwhelming. 

Saoirse barely had a moment to catch her breath before Rhydian's hands were on her. He gripped her arms tightly, looking into her eyes. "What were you thinking?"

She swallowed hard. "I wasn't going to let you die."

His grip got stronger. "You can't trade yourself for me, Saoirse. I won't allow it."

Her chest felt heavy, but she held her ground. "And I won't let him take you again."

They stared at each other. The weight of everything that had just happened hung between them. The fortress walls felt too close, the air felt too tight.

Then Rhydian let out a sharp breath. His fingers loosened. He rested his forehead against hers, his breath warm. "You're impossible," he said softly.

A small smile crossed her lips. "You're just noticing that now?"

He let out a breathy laugh. "No, I've known since the first time we met."

For a moment, they stood there—beaten up, but very much alive. 

But soon, the fortress shuddered with the sound of soldiers approaching. Saoirse tightened her grip on Rhydian's hand.

"Let's go," she whispered. "This isn't over yet."

And together, they dashed into the night.