Chapter 9. Night in the cabin

The small cabin, abandoned and weathered, had been a familiar refuge for Kael during his long journeys. Farah, however, surveyed her surroundings with disdain, her eyes adjusting to the dim light within. Though the cabin was far from luxurious, she knew she had to prioritize her safety.

She settled into the far corner of the room, maintaining a safe distance from Kael. He, meanwhile, removed his swords and other weapons, his movements fluid and practiced, before sitting down on the ground.

"Are you hungry?" he asked, his gaze meeting hers.

Farah's response was laced with irritation. "What could you possibly offer me in this godforsaken place?"

Kael's smile was charming, but Farah's distrust kept her from being swayed. "I can offer you a lot, my lady. Just name it."

Farah rolled her eyes, uninterested in his flirtation. "I'm fine, I don't need anything."

The lie slipped easily from her lips, despite the gnawing hunger that had been plaguing her. She didn't trust Kael enough to accept his offer.

Kael stood up, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Are you sure?"

Farah adjusted her position on the ground, her eyes never leaving his. "You heard me."

With a quiet nod, Kael picked up a small weapon and stepped outside into the fading light. Farah's anxiety spiked as she realized he was leaving her alone.

"Hey, where are you going?" she called out, her voice tinged with worry. "You're not leaving me in this terrible place, are you?"

"I'll be right back, flower," Kael said, his voice low and reassuring. "If you see anything, scream as loud as you can, and I'll come running to your aid." Farah raised an eyebrow, skeptical about calling out for his help.

Kael disappeared into the forest, leaving Farah alone in the cabin. She took advantage of the solitude to survey her surroundings, her eyes scanning the small space. Her gaze landed on a knife, which she quickly pocketed for self-defense. She didn't trust Kael one bit.

As she waited for Kael's return, Farah's senses remained on high alert. Suddenly, she saw a figure approaching the cabin. Assuming it was Kael, she relaxed, but her relief was short-lived. The figure entered the cabin, revealing a half-wolf, half-human creature. Farah's heart skipped a beat as fear took hold.

She did the only thing she could think of , she screamed at the top of her lungs. The sound echoed through the forest, and a deep growl responded from a distance, sending shivers down Farah's spine.

The half-wolf creature emerged from the shadows, its eyes fixed on Farah as it moved towards her with an unnerving slowness. Farah backed away, her eyes wide with terror, as she pressed herself against the wall, her breathing ragged.

Just as all hope seemed lost, Kael burst into the room, his movements a blur. With one swift, deadly strike, he severed the wolf's head from its body. Farah froze, her mind struggling to process the sheer brutality and efficiency of Kael's attack.

How did he possess such inhuman strength and speed? The question echoed through her mind as she stared at Kael in a mix of awe and fear.

Kael's chest heaved with exertion, his angry gaze still fixed on the lifeless wolf. His eyes burned with a fierce protectiveness, and Farah realized, with a start, that his rage was not just about defending himself – but about defending her.

Kael's gaze shifted to Farah, who was trembling with fear. "How... how did you manage to kill him?" she stammered, her eyes wide with wonder. "Who are you, Kael? How are you strong enough to... to decapitate him?"

Kael's expression remained calm, his voice low and even. "I'm just strong, that's all. I've lived my life as a fighter, so I've developed my strength."

Farah's eyes narrowed, skepticism etched on her face. "No, I refuse to believe that," she argued, her voice firm. "Even our strongest guard doesn't possess such strength. There's something more to you, Kael. Something you're not telling me."

"I'm just a strong man, Farah," Kael said, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. "I don't possess any supernatural powers." With that, he strode out into the night, returning with a deer slung over his shoulder. Farah watched him with a mixture of fascination and fear, her heart racing as she wondered what he might do next.

Kael disposed of the wolf he had killed to protect Farah, then began to butcher the deer with swift, precise motions. The night wore on, but Farah couldn't shake off her unease, her eyelids growing heavy as exhaustion finally claimed her.

Kael's gaze flicked to Farah's sleeping form, a sly smile spreading across his face. He gently lifted her and carried her to the old bed, its worn mattress different from the plush comfort of her chambers. For now, it would have to do.

As the night wore on, Kael worked tirelessly, cutting and preparing the meat, gathering firewood, and setting up a roaring blaze. He roasted the meat to perfection, the savory aromas wafting through the air. Though he was weary, Kael couldn't bring himself to sleep, driven by a desire to provide for Farah when she awoke.

As dawn broke, Farah stirred, her gaze falling upon Kael sitting beside the smoldering fire. His eyes were lost in thought, his brow furrowed in concern. The scowl on his handsome face only added to his rugged charm, and Farah found herself taking in his appearance, her heart skipping a beat.

As she sat up, she realized Kael must have moved her to the bed while she slept. The sound of her movements drew Kael's attention, and he turned to face her. "Are you hungry?" he asked, his voice low and rough. "I roasted the deer. Help yourself if you want to eat."

Farah lifted her chin, her pride warring with her growling stomach. "I'm not hungry," she lied, her face flushing as her belly growled loudly in protest. Kael's lips curled into a smirk. "No need to be stubborn, Farah. If you change your mind, the meat's in the bowl. Eat as much as you want."

With that, he stood up, his movements fluid and powerful. "I'm going for a run. I'll be back," he said, and with a final glance at Farah, he disappeared into the morning mist, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the tantalizing aroma of roasted meat.

As soon as Kael disappeared from view, Farah's resolve crumbled. She quickly made her way to the bowl, the savory aroma of the roasted meat irresistible. Her mouth watered as she grabbed a piece and took a bite. The flavors exploded on her tongue, and she devoured the meat without care, eating until she was uncomfortably full.

After drinking some water from the bowl Kael had thoughtfully filled, Farah waited patiently for his return. What felt like an eternity passed before Kael reappeared, his hair damp and his skin freshly scrubbed. Farah's eyes narrowed, her curiosity piqued.

"Where did you bathe?" she asked, her voice firm, as she stood up to face him. "I'd like to do the same." She was prepared to follow him to the stream, eager to wash away the grime and fatigue.

Kael's gaze flicked to the bowl, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he realized Farah had succumbed to her hunger.

"Very well, follow me," Kael said, and Farah trailed behind him, her eagerness for a bath momentarily eclipsing her wariness.

As they arrived at the stream, Kael folded his arms, his eyes fixed on Farah. "What do you think you're doing?" she demanded, anger flashing in her voice. "Turn your back this instant."

Kael raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. "And why should I do that?" he taunted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Farah's face flushed with indignation. "Because I'm not about to put on a show for you! Now, turn your back." Her voice was low and menacing, but Kael merely chuckled.

"Sorry, Princess, but I won't be able to do that. Wolves lurk around every corner," he teased, his eyes glinting with mirth.

Farah's anger boiled over. "Turn your back, Kael," she warned, her voice dripping with venom.

Kael held up his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, as you wish. But if anything attacks you, then it's not my concern." With a shrug, he turned his back to her, leaving Farah to seethe in frustration.

With Kael's back turned, Farah cautiously removed her clothes and stepped into the stream. The icy water enveloped her, but she welcomed it, eager to wash away the grime and fatigue. She submerged herself, letting the water soothe her muscles.

Just as she began to relax, Kael turned around, his gaze sweeping across the stream. Farah's eyes snapped open, and she shrieked in outrage. "You pervert! How dare you turn around!"

Kael held up his hands, a hint of amusement on his face. "Just making sure nothing lurks around, Princess. Take your bath; I'm not going to look." His tone was reassuring, but Farah's frustration lingered.

She returned to her bath, scrubbing her body with careful precision, mindful not to raise herself above the waterline. After finishing her bath, she called out again, her voice firm. "Turn your back; I'm about to come out!"

Kael's smirk was audible, but he obliged, turning his back to her once more.

Farah hastily dressed, her fingers fumbling with the ties as she envisioned a swift rescue by her father. She longed to be freed from this captivity and clothed in something clean and familiar.

As she finished dressing, her thoughts turned to Kael's impending punishment. A spark of satisfaction flared within her, only to be dampened by a fleeting hesitation. Did she truly desire Kael's punishment?

Farah's eyes narrowed, startled by her own uncertainty. She quickly pushed aside the doubt, reaffirming her resolve. Of course, she wanted Kael to face consequences for his actions. He had abducted her, after all. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she steeled herself, awaiting the rescue that would bring Kael to justice.