Rejected By The Mafia Boss, Claimed By His Brother

I was the only one who went with Ezekiel when he got taken by a rival syndicate for two years.

Two years of breathing wrong air, eating worse food, and pretending every single day wasnt a setup waiting to happen. And I stayed. I always stayed.

I checked everything before he touched it. Food, drinks, rooms, people. I stood between him and men who smiled too much, men whose hands never stayed still. I learned how to read silence because that place was full of it, heavy and dangerous. When deals went bad, I stood there while guns were drawn, forcing myself not to flinch because if I moved, even a little, it could set everything off.

At night, when things got quiet, that was when it got worse.

He couldnt sleep. Hed sit there, tense, like he was waiting for someone to kick the door in. So I stayed awake too. I sat across from him, or beside him, talking when he needed it, staying quiet when he didnt. Sometimes hed snap at me. Sometimes hed just stare.

I never left.

Winter hit hard there too.

The heating barely worked, and the place felt like concrete and ghosts. His hands were always cold, so Id warm them between mine without thinking. One night, he caught me doing it. His fingers tightened around mine, stopping me.

Why are you doing this? he asked, his voice rough, like he hadnt used it in hours. You dont have to stay. You dont have to go through this with me.

I swallowed because my throat felt tight, but I still answered him.

Because youre here, I said quietly. And if youre here then thats where I belong too.

He looked at me like he didnt understand, like I was speaking a language hed never learned.

Then he let go of my hands, slowly.

When we get out of this... Ill make sure no one can touch you. Youll be right under me. No one will dare look down on you again.

I nodded like that was enough.

We got out. He took everything back and more. He didnt just survive, he rose higher than anyone expected. He became the one people feared.

A mafia boss.

And me?

He kept me close. Still his assistant and bodyguard. Still at his side. He gave me money, clothes, a life that looked like something out of a dream if you didnt look too closely.

People started whispering. Saying I was different. Saying I was next to something bigger.

I didnt ask. I didnt question.

I just stayed.

Until Cassandra came. His first love.

It was raining that day.

The kind that made the sky look like it was breaking apart. Thunder rolled so loud it felt like it was inside my chest.

She stood next to him, her hand resting lightly on his arm, her voice soft but sharp underneath.

If you really love me, then make that assistant of yours kneel outside. Let her stay in the rain. Just one day and one night.

I felt my chest tighten.

It sounded like a joke but he didnt even hesitate.

Fine, he said.

Just that.

The guards didnt wait. They dragged me out before I could even think, forcing me down onto the ground outside. The rain hit hard, soaking through everything in seconds. My knees slammed into wet concrete, and the cold seeped in fast, heavy, unforgiving.

Thunder cracked above me, loud enough to make me flinch.

And from inside, through the glass, I could still see their mouths forming words. Yes, I can read lips without hearing a sound.

Cassadra laughed softly, tilting her head toward him. You actually did it? Just because I asked? Arent you spoiling me too much?

I can afford to, he said. If I want to give you something, I will.

Rain ran down my face, mixing with something warmer, but I didnt wipe it away.

I just stayed there.

Hours passed. Maybe more. I lost track.

My legs went numb, then started hurting again, like pins and needles turning into something deeper. My clothes clung to me, heavy and cold. Every time thunder hit, my body jerked, but I forced myself to stay still.

Then her voice came again, softer this time.

Why do you even like me this much? she asked. I dont think Ive done anything for you.

I wasnt always like this, he said quietly. Back then, I had nothing. No power, no backing. People walked over me like I didnt exist. And you you were the one who helped me. You gave me something, a bottle of medicine, when no one else did. I remember thinking if I ever made it out, Id give you everything. Id make it up to you a hundred times over.

I felt something in my chest twist.

Bottle of medicine?

Thats all it took?

I lowered my head, staring at the ground, watching the rain hit the pavement and splash back up. Then what about me? What about everything I did?

I stood in front of him when things went bad. I stayed when anyone else wouldve run. I gave up sleep, comfort, safety everything. I built my whole life around making sure he stayed alive.

And this this is what mattered?

The conversation inside the glass-walled lounge didnt stop.

Even with the storm turning violent, thunder shaking the reinforced walls and rain hammering the steel frames, they kept talking like nothing outside existed. I was still on my knees in the yard, rain pouring over me in sheets, clothes soaked and dragging against my skin, my legs numb but still aching deep inside, like the pain had settled into the bone. And I could hear her, soft, careless, certain.

So are you really going to put me beside you like that? Cassandra asked, almost amused. Make it official? Let everyone know Im the only woman tied to you?

A short pause.

Dont worry about them, he said. In seven days, Im calling everyone in. Inner circle, captains, all of them. Ill settle accounts, reward loyalty. When that happens, just say what you want. Ill back you in front of everyone. Ill make it clear youre the only one who stands with me.

My fingers twitched against the flooded ground. Seven days. So it was already decided.

But what if Elowyn asks for that place too? she continued, softer now. Shes been with you for years. What if she uses that? Everything shes done?

My breath caught.

That place is for the woman I love, he said without hesitation. Why would I give it to someone I dont?

Something inside me went quiet.

Then the sky split open. Thunder cracked so loud it felt like it hit right beside me, my body jerking on instinct that came too late. A sharp, splintering sound followed. I looked up just in time to see the old tree at the edge of the compound, struck clean through, the trunk blackened and splitting as it started to fall.

No.

No

I tried to move, but my legs wouldnt respond. The moment I pushed, I collapsed forward instead.

THUD!

The impact crushed the air out of me, branches pinning me down, something sharp digging into my side, my shoulder, and my back. Pain exploded all at once. I couldnt breathe. I tried, but nothing came out right.

Shit! The tree fell on her!

Is she dead?

Thats the bosss assistant

The lounge door slid open, light cutting through the rain, and I saw him.

Elowyn! Ezekiel stepped out, his figure sharp against the glow behind him.

Ezekiel! I dont feel right, my head, I think I'm going to pass out Cassandras voice cut in, soft and then she fainted.

Get a medic. Now.

He moved to her, catching her before she could fall, lifting her as if she was something fragile, careful and urgent, then turned and walked back inside carrying her, leaving me. I lay in the rain, staring at nothing, the storm pouring over me as if it wanted to erase me completely.

So this is it?

The people around me didnt move. I recognized them. Her people. They just stood there watching until someone laughed.

Seriously? Thats the one who followed him for two years?

Yeah! Look at her now. So pathetic.

Thought shed make it. What a joke.

Something struck my forehead. A stone. Then another. I couldnt even lift my arms to block it. Warm blood mixed with the rain, running into my eyes, blurring everything.

I tried to breathe, but it hurt too much. Everything hurts. Everything felt far away. The storm kept raging, the voices fading, the world dimming, and slowly everything went dark.

When I woke up again, everything felt familiar in a way that hurt. Same side hall. Same ceiling. Same smell of antiseptic and expensive wood. For a second, I thought nothing had changed, like I was still the same person who moved through this place without thinking. Then I felt it, a cool touch on my forehead, careful, controlled. Someone was tending to me.

I forced my eyes open, slow and heavy, and the world came back blurry at first. Shapes. Shadows. Then it cleared just enough to see him. Ezekiel. Sitting right beside me. His fingers steady as he applied ointment to the cut on my forehead as if nothing had happened, like I hadnt been left outside in a storm, crushed under a fallen tree while he carried someone else away.

My chest tightened.

Why why is he here?

I turned my head away without thinking, trying to push myself up. Pain shot through me immediately, but I forced it down. Im fine, my voice was rough and dry. Boss I can handle it myself.

His hand stopped mid-air.

When did you start talking to me like that? he asked, low and edged with something I couldnt name. Since when are you this distant?

Distant?

I almost laughed, but nothing came out. I lowered my gaze instead, hiding whatever was left in my eyes. I just dont want to cause trouble, I said quietly. If Cassandra sees this, she wont like it. And I dont want to make things harder for you.

There was silence. I could feel him looking at me. Really looking. When I finally glanced up, he looked surprised just for a second. Then it was gone.

He set the ointment down slowly, expression turning cold again, Elowyn. I didnt come this far for power. I did it so I could stand next to Cassandra properly. So no one could take her from me.

His words were steady. In a week, theres going to be a formal gathering. Ill settle everything then. She wants exclusivity. She wants a life where shes the only one. And Im giving her that.

I listened. Of course I did. What else could I do?

Then his eyes moved back to me.

As for you he paused, like choosing something simple, I can give you anything else. Money. Status. Protection. Even a place in my inner circle. But dont ask for something I cant give.

Something I cant give.

I opened my mouth. I dont even know why. Maybe I wanted to say something stupid. Maybe nothing at all. But before I could, a voice came from outside the door.

Boss, Miss Cassandras awake. Shes asking for you.

That was all it took.

He stood immediately. Take care of yourself, he said, already walking out. Dont do anything reckless again.

And then he was gone.

I stared at the empty doorway for a long time. I thought it would hurt more. But it didnt, i just felt quiet.

I slowly closed my eyes. I never wanted to marry him anyway. He didnt give me a place beside him, and I didnt hate him for that. He left me out there in the storm for her, and I didnt hate him for that either. Because none of that mattered.

What mattered was a week from now.

I lifted my hand slowly, pressing it against my chest, feeling the small shape hidden beneath my clothes. The pendant. Old, worn, but still warm somehow.

And just like that, I saw him again. Hunter Forrester. Ezekiel's older brother.

His face came back so clearly it almost hurt. That easy smile. That quiet confidence. The way he looked at me like I was worth something. Ezekiels older brother. The second mafia prince of the syndicate. The one who was supposed to take everything before it all fell apart.

I was nothing when Hunter found me. Just a kid sold into this life, passed around, used, stepped on. I learned early not to fight back because it only made things worse. I kept my head down, did what I was told, endured whatever came.

Until one day

They cornered me. A few of the older staff, smiling, cruel, and bored. I remember thinking this is it. This is how it ends.

And then he walked in.

Hunter didnt even raise his voice. He just looked at them, and that was enough. They backed off immediately, like they remembered who he was.

He came over to me after, You alright? he asked, voice softer than I expected.

I couldnt answer. I just stared at him.

From that day on he didnt leave me alone. Not really. Hed bring me food from outside, things Id never tasted. Hed check on me when I was sick, sometimes showing up with medicine before I even knew I needed it. He never made it loud. He just stayed.

And somewhere along the way, I started waiting for him. I didnt even notice when it turned into something more. But I knew. We both knew. Even if we never said it out loud.

Because what was the point?

He was who he was.

And I was this.

Still, one night, he held my hand. Wyna, wait for me, okay? Ill make a name for myself. Ill earn it properly. And when I do Ill come back and ask for you. The right way.

I believed him.

I waited. Day after day. Year after year.

And then the news came.

He died.

Gone in some deal that turned into a war. No body. No closure. Nothing left except words.

My world didnt shatter. It just stopped.

But I remembered what I told him. That no matter what happened, Id still be his.

In life.

Or in death.

That was when I heard it.

Ezekiel was going to be sent into enemy territory again, part of a larger mafia negotiation between families, a hostage move, nothing new in this world. But to me it wasnt just politics. It was a door, a thin, shaking door I could finally push open.

He wasnt favored, not really. Third prince, lowest in standing because of his mothers background, always treated like he was replaceable. But I knew better. I had seen him close enough. He wasnt weak. He just hadnt been given the chance to become dangerous yet.

And I gambled everything on that. If he rose I could reach my own end too. So I followed him. Not because I was loyal, but because I was desperate and I won.

He did rise.

Ezekiel became the head of everything. Mafia boss. Untouchable. The kind of man people whispered about instead of speaking to directly.

And now there was going to be a formal gathering where he rewarded everyone who helped him get here. That was my moment. Not for power. Not for status. I didnt want to stand beside him. I didnt want his world. I wanted something else entirely.

I would kneel in front of him and ask for one thing only. An official order. A legal recognition that I could marry Hunter. Even if Hunter was dead. Even if the world moved on. Let me be recorded as his wife. Let me enter his family name properly. Let me belong to him in life and death, just like I promised.

Was that too much to ask?

I didnt think so. For once I felt warm thinking about it, like maybe everything I suffered wasnt just pointless.

Then reality pulled me back.

Reed came to me.

Miss Elowyn, he said carefully. Boss didnt really eat tonight. He said his stomachs acting up again and he wants the soup you used to make.

I froze for a second.

That soup.

I remembered it too clearly. Back when Ezekiel was still sent out as a hostage in enemy territories, when everything around him was unstable and he couldnt eat anything without getting sick. I used to cook it for him every day because nothing else stayed down in his system.

Over time, it became a habit. No, worse than that. Dependence. He stopped accepting it from anyone else. Only me. Only my hands.

So I sighed quietly and forced myself up even though my body still felt heavy. My legs were sore, my head dull, but I didnt argue. I went to the small kitchen and made it. Same recipe. Same steps. Same silence.

While stirring the pot, I thought, is this all I am now? A memory he refuses to let go of? Or just something useful?

When it was done, I held the bowl carefully and was about to hand it to Reed, but he shook his head.

You should take it yourself, he said. He wont accept it from me anyway. Boss has always been like that. He relies on you for things he doesnt even notice. Miss Cassandra its different now, but maybe hes just confused. Maybe hell realize soon

I didnt listen to the rest. I just tightened my grip on the bowl.

I dont care, I said softly. I dont care who he chooses.

And I meant it.

I walked toward his room and stopped in front of the door. My hand hovered for a second. My chest felt tight, but it shouldnt have. So I pushed it open anyway.

And I froze.

Inside, Ezekiel was there, not alone. Cassandra was in his arms, her hair slightly messy, her clothes half undone, and his mouth was on hers like nothing else in the world existed outside that moment.

It wasnt a mistake. It wasnt accidental. It was real.

I stood there, holding the soup, completely still.

The door barely opened before everything changed.

Cassandra jolted and she quickly pulled herself closer into Ezekiels arms, clinging to him as if I was some kind of threat that had just walked in uninvited.

Then she pointed at me.

You!

Her voice sharpened instantly, all softness gone.

Are you serious right now? she snapped. She just walked in here? No knock, no announcement, nothing? Thats insane. Who does she think she is? She has no manners at all. None.

I stood there holding the soup bowl, my fingers tightening around the ceramic until it almost hurt, my hands shaking a little. Why am I shaking? I didnt even do anything wrong. But my body didnt care what I thought.

For a second, I almost forgot what this place used to be. Back then, when Ezekiel was still getting targeted in enemy territories, he used to wake up from nightmares shaking and furious, and the only way he could sleep was if I stayed nearby, so he gave me access and no one questioned it. That was the old rule. But rules didnt mean anything anymore.

I slowly lowered my head.

Im sorry, I didnt mean to interrupt.

My knees bent before I even fully decided to move, and I knelt down. I know I was wrong for coming in without permission, I added, still not looking up. I disturbed the boss and Miss Cassandra.

Cassandra didnt stop there.

She leaned closer into Ezekiel like she was performing for an audience, her tone turning sharper, almost disgusted.

No, no, this isnt just a mistake, she said. She does this on purpose. Shes been around too long, so she thinks shes above rules. Thats what it is. People like her always act entitled when they get too comfortable.

She tilted her head toward me.

And honestly, its disgusting. Standing there pretending to be loyal when she clearly doesnt understand her place.

My throat felt tight, but I didnt react. What place? Did I even have one anymore?

Ezekiel looked at me then, not angry, not kind, just complicated in a way that made my chest feel heavier. But Cassandra didnt give him space to think.

She needs to be punished, she said quickly. If you dont correct this now, shell keep doing it. Next time shell walk in during meetings. Or worse. You cant just let her off with an apology. Thats not how respect works.

Silence followed.

Then Ezekiel spoke.

Since you disrupted her, he said, eyes still not fully on me, youll handle it yourself.

I blinked once.

Did he just

Slap yourself, he added.

The room felt smaller after that.

My fingers went numb around the bowl, and for a second I actually looked at him. Really looked. And I saw it. His eyes werent fully here, like he was somewhere else I couldnt reach anymore.

Cassandra smiled, small and satisfied.

My chest dropped.

So this is it, huh?

I slowly set the soup bowl down, my movements distant, almost automatic, like I was watching someone else do it. Then I knelt again, and raised my hand.

The first slap landed hard across my face.

The sound cracked through the room.

Cassandra leaned forward immediately.

Oh wow, she said, almost laughing. Thats it? Thats what youre doing? Are you even trying? That looked pathetic.

My cheek burned. I didnt answer.

Second slap.

Harder.

My vision blurred for a second, but I kept going. Another. And another. I lost count somewhere between pain and silence, my skin stinging, then splitting slightly at the corner of my mouth, warm blood mixing with cold air.

Cassandra kept talking.

Honestly, if youre going to do it, at least do it properly, she said. Or is this your way of begging for attention? Acting weak so he feels sorry for you?

I kept slapping. Because what else was I supposed to do? Stop? And then what?

Ezekiel finally spoke again.

Enough, he said.

No emotion. Just finality.

Cassandra turned to him instantly.

Are you stopping it because you feel bad for her? she asked softly, voice sharp underneath. Or because you dont want me upset?

He didnt answer that directly. Instead, he pulled her closer.

Im not thinking about her, he said. I just dont want my appetite ruined.

He turned slightly toward me.

Bring the soup, he ordered.

So I did.

My face throbbed with every step, but I still walked over and lifted the bowl again.

Cassandra leaned in the moment I placed it down, sniffed it, then smiled.

Oh, she said brightly. This actually smells really good.

Then she looked at Ezekiel.

Can I try it?

Sure, he said without hesitation.

She took a spoonful, paused, then smiled wider.

This is amazing, she said, voice turning sweet again as she wrapped herself around his arm. Boss, why dont you just give her to me? Shes useful. I could use someone like her at my place.

My hand tightened slightly at my side.

Give me away?

Like I was a tool?

Ezekiel frowned a little.

No, he said. Shes the only one I rely on for certain things. Pick someone else.

Cassandras face changed instantly, not angry, not upset, just petulant. She leaned closer, voice soft but sharp underneath.

But I want her, she said slowly. Just for one day. Just send her to me for a day. Thats not a big deal, right? You can always take her back.

She pressed her cheek against his shoulder.

Please? Just one day. Dont you spoil me a little?

Fine, he said. Just for a day.

Something inside me went still.

A day.

Thats all it took.

Cassandra smiled immediately, victorious, then turned to me.

Get up, she said. Youre coming with me.

I stood slowly. My face still burned, and my mouth still tasted like blood. My body still felt like it didnt belong to me.

But I moved anyway.

Because I always move when told.

The moment we stepped into her place and the door shut behind us, everything changed.

The smile on Cassandras face disappeared, completely gone, leaving behind something cold and empty, something real. She didnt need to speak at first, because one look was enough for the woman beside her to move.

I didnt even see it coming.

A sharp kick slammed into the back of my knee, forcing my leg to give out instantly, and I dropped hard onto the floor. Pain shot up my spine, and a broken sound slipped from my throat before I could stop it.

Cassandra walked toward me slowly, without any rush or hesitation, her heels clicking softly against the floor, each step controlled and deliberate. Then she crouched down and grabbed my chin, her nails digging into my skin as she forced my head up.

Her eyes were cold.

So, she said quietly, her voice calm but carrying something darker underneath, youre more useful than I thought.

Her grip tightened slightly.

Even he hesitated to give you to me. Thats impressive. For someone like you.

Someone like me.

I didnt respond, because there was nothing I could say.

She leaned closer, her gaze sharp and almost curious.

But dont misunderstand, she continued, her voice lowering, if he actually cared about you, do you think Id be able to treat you like this right now? Do you think hed stand there and watch you get humiliated and not stop it? Her lips curved faintly. No. If you mattered, you would be untouchable. Her nails pressed harder into my skin. So get that into your head. Youre not special. Youre just something he got used to using.

Something he got used to using.

I lowered my eyes.

I understand, I said quietly. I wont think beyond my place.

She studied me for a moment, then let go abruptly and pushed my face to the side.

Thats good, she said. Because if I ever find out youre still holding onto stupid thoughts, I wont just embarrass you. Ill break you properly, slowly, and I wont stop until you beg for it to end.

I swallowed, my throat dry.

I wont, I repeated softly.

She stood up and brushed her hands together as if she had touched something dirty.

Good, she said. Then start working.

And it didnt stop after that.

She had me in the kitchen first.

Cook, she said simply.

So I did. I made what she asked for, careful and precise, following every step the way I knew how. She took one bite, then frowned.

Too salty, she said flatly.

Before I could respond, she picked up the bowl and threw it. The hot food hit my arm and chest, burning instantly. I flinched, but I didnt step back.

Ill make another one, I said.

The second time, she tasted it again.

This is bland, she said, her voice colder now. Do you even know what youre doing, or are you just pretending to be competent so you can stay close to him?

The bowl came at me again.

I made it again.

And again.

And again.

Each time, there was something wrong. Too much. Too little. Not right. And each time, it ended the same way.

By the time she was done, my hands were shaking so badly I could barely hold the utensils anymore.

Then she got bored.

Clean the place, she said, waving her hand dismissively. All of it. I dont want to see a single spot left untouched.

All of it.

Ground floor. Stairs. Rooms. Top floor.

I didnt argue.I just started.

I wiped floors, scrubbed surfaces, cleaned glass, and carried things back and forth until my arms felt heavy and useless. Every movement hurt, but I kept going. Time blurred, and at some point I stopped thinking.

Just move. Just finish. Just dont stop.

When I finally finished, I stood there quietly, waiting.

She walked through the space slowly, looking around, then clicked her tongue.

This is what you call clean? she said, her tone filled with disgust. Are you blind, or just stupid?

My chest tightened.

Ill redo it, I said.

She laughed, a short and sharp sound.

No, she said. You dont get to fix it that easily.

She turned slightly.

Bring it, she ordered.

Someone stepped forward behind me, and before I could react, they grabbed my hands, rough and tight. Something hard pressed against my fingers.

Wood.

My breath caught.

Wait

Too late.

They tightened it.

Pain exploded through my fingers so suddenly I couldnt even process it. It felt like my bones were being crushed slowly and deliberately. I gasped, my body jerking forward as a broken sound escaped me.

Cassandra watched, calm and attentive, as if this was nothing more than a passing moment.

This is what happens, she said, her voice steady and almost bored, when someone forgets their place and tries to act above it.

The pressure increased.

I couldnt hold it in anymore.

A scream tore out of my throat, raw and uncontrollable, echoing through the room.

It hurts! It hurt so much.

My vision blurred, my body shaking, but they didnt stop. Not until I couldnt even tell where the pain ended anymore.

By the time Reed showed up to take me back, I was barely holding on.

My body felt heavy, my hands throbbed, my back burned, and every breath hurt. I didnt even know how long Id been there. Cassandra looked at me before I left, her lips curving into a slow, cold smile.

Look at you, she said, tilting her head. Youre still alive. Thats impressive.

Her eyes dropped to my hands, then back to my face.

When you get back, she continued, her voice soft but sharp underneath, you know what to say and what not to say, right? Or do I need to remind you again?

I lowered my head.

I understand, I said quietly.

She stepped closer.

No, I dont think you do, she murmured. Let me make it clearer. If you open your mouth and say anything you shouldnt even a single word I wont just hurt you next time. Ill make sure you beg for death and still dont get it.

My fingers trembled slightly.

I wont say anything, I repeated.

She smiled.

Good. Thats what I like to hear.

Then she waved her hand dismissively.

Take her away. Shes making the place look ugly.

Reed didnt say much when he helped me out, just a quiet look, a tight jaw, controlled anger he didnt show. We went straight back.

Ezekiel was already in his room, sitting behind his desk, going through documents like nothing else existed. He didnt even look up when we walked in.

Youre back, he said flatly. How was your time with Cassandra?

I opened my mouth, but I didnt get to answer.

Boss! my friend rushed forward, dropping to her knees so fast it echoed. You have to do something! Elowyn was tortured! Cassandra didnt just punish her, she went too far! Her hands they almost

Enough.

Ezekiels voice cut through her instantly.

He finally looked up, not at me, but at her, his eyes sharp.

Take her out, he said. Twenty lashes.

My friend froze.

So did I.

My heart dropped.

No I forced myself forward despite the pain and dropped to my knees. Boss, this has nothing to do with her. She just spoke out of turn. Dont punish her for this, please

His gaze shifted to me, annoyed.

Nothing to do with her? he repeated slowly. She just accused someone whos about to stand beside me publicly. You call that unrelated?

My chest tightened.

She didnt mean it like that

She spoke, he cut in. And what she said crosses the line. Thats enough.

Future beside him.

So thats how it is.

Even words against Cassandra werent allowed.

Not even a little.

I swallowed hard, then lowered myself further until my forehead touched the floor.

Then let me take it, I said quietly. Punish me instead. She doesnt deserve this.

There was a pause, heavy and dangerous.

Elowyn, he said, his voice colder now, are you going against me?

I didnt move.

Im asking you to let me take it, I repeated. Please.

Silence stretched.

Fine.

The word hit hard.

If you want it so badly, you can have it, he said. Take her place. Twenty strokes.

My back went stiff.

Take her out, he added, already looking back down at his desk. Make it count.

They dragged me out before I could think anymore.

Then it started.

The first hit landed across my back, sharp and heavy, knocking the air out of me. I bit down hard.

Second.

Third.

Each one tore through me, pain spreading deeper and hotter until I couldnt tell where it started or ended.

Dont make a sound.

Dont make a sound.

I clenched my teeth harder.

By the time it ended, I wasnt sure how I was still conscious.

They dragged me back to my room after.

I didnt even feel the ground properly anymore.

Just weight.

Darkness.

Later that night, Reed came in quietly.

He brought medicine, sat beside me, and sighed.

Why do you keep doing this to yourself? he muttered. You know he still cares. He just cant see clearly right now. Hes too caught up in her.

I didnt answer.

I just let him treat the wounds.

Care doesnt look like this.

Does it?

I kept that thought to myself.

Because it didnt matter.

Not anymore.

The next day came too fast.

Ezekiel was heading out to the mountains for a hunt, and Cassandra went with him. He stood there in black, fitted gear, rifle slung over his shoulder, sharp and untouchable under the sunlight.

People stared.

Of course they did.

He helped her onto the horse himself, carefully and slowly, even lowering his hand so she could step on it to climb up easier. Cassandra laughed softly, leaning into him, and people noticed.

They always did.

Did you see that? someone whispered nearby. He actually did that for her.

Yeah, another voice replied. Everyone says hes ruthless. Took down his own brothers faction, wiped out enemies without blinking. But look at him now hes completely different around her.

Right? Elowyns been with him for years, went through everything with him, and Ive never seen him treat her like that.

Guess it really depends on who you are.

I heard every word.

Of course I did.

I just didnt react.

I kept my head down and followed behind them.

That was my role.

During the hunt, it got worse.

He stayed close to Cassandra the entire time. When she got tired, he slowed down. When she complained, he listened. When she missed a shot, he guided her hands, steady and patient.

At one point, she spat out fruit seeds, and he caught them without hesitation. Later, she handed him something she had already taken a bite from.

He ate it with no hesitation.

I had never seen that before. Not in all the years I stood beside him. So thats what it looks like.

I lowered my eyes again.

And kept walking.

By late afternoon, Cassandra got bored with the hunt, and she let out a small sigh while tossing her rifle aside to one of the men.

This is getting dull, she said, stretching a little as she leaned closer to Ezekiel. They just run and die. Theres no challenge at all. I want something more interesting.

Ezekiel glanced at her, and there was that patience in his voice again, the kind I never heard directed at me.

Then tell me what you want, he said calmly. Ill arrange it.

She smiled slowly, and her eyes moved across all of us standing behind them.

I want to try something different today, she said. Something more fun. I want a live target.

The moment those words left her mouth, everything went quiet.

No one moved, but I could feel the tension. People lowered their heads, trying to disappear, and even the guards stiffened slightly.

But Ezekiel didnt react much.

If thats what you want, he said, like it didnt matter at all, then do it.

That was enough for her.

She laughed, clearly pleased, and started pointing around lazily while dragging it out on purpose.

Not you. You look like youd faint. And you no, youd probably cry before I even shoot.

Some of them forced small laughs, but no one actually relaxed.

Then her finger stopped.

On me.

Ill take her, she said, her voice bright. That one. She looks like she can handle it.

My chest tightened, but I didnt move.

Ezekiel followed her gaze, and for a second, he just looked at me. I couldnt read his expression, and I didnt even know what I was hoping for anymore.

Hmm? Cassandra tilted her head slightly, her voice soft but pressing. Whats wrong? You dont want me to pick her? I thought you said I could have whatever I wanted.

He looked away.

As you wish, he said.

That was it.

Something inside me just dropped.

It reminded me too much of before, and I didnt even want to remember it, but I still did. Back then, when we were trapped, there was someone who forced him to stand as a target just for amusement, and every time that happened, I stepped in front of him without thinking.

I still remembered the arrows. The sound. The pain. The one that went through my shoulder and left me burning for days.

He stayed with me that time.

He changed my bandages himself, and his voice was low when he told me not to do something so stupid again.

And I still said I had to protect him.

I thought it meant something.

Now it didnt.

I took a breath and stepped forward.

They handed me a watermelon, and I held it up the way they told me to. My arms already felt weak, but I kept them steady because I knew better than to show anything.

Dont move, Cassandra called out, smiling as she lifted the rifle. If I miss, thats on you.

Someone behind her laughed nervously.

Miss Cassandras aim is perfect, they said quickly. She wont miss.

Of course she wont, another added. Boss himself trained her.

Ezekiel stood beside her, watching, and then he said quietly, Take your time. Youll hit it.

She adjusted her stance and aimed.

The first shot rang out, and the bullet clipped the edge cleanly.

People started praising her immediately.

That was perfect!

Did you see that?

She smiled wider.

Second shot.

It hit even cleaner this time, and the watermelon cracked slightly.

More praise followed, louder now, and even Ezekiel gave a small nod.

Good, he said.

My arms were starting to shake, but I forced them still.

Then she didnt shoot right away.

She took her time.

Adjusted again.

And I noticed it.

The barrel shifted.

Not at the watermelon anymore.

Lower.

Toward me.

My breath caught, and something cold spread through my chest.

Is she serious?

I didnt move.

I couldnt.

If I moved, would that make it worse?

Stay still, she said softly, almost amused.

Then she pulled the trigger.

The shot came fast.

Too fast.

And the next second, something slammed into my chest.

The impact knocked the air out of me, and my grip loosened as the watermelon slipped from my hands and hit the ground.

My vision turned red, and the world felt far away, like I was already being pulled out of it.

So this is it?

After everything?

My body stopped responding, and the last thing I felt was that cold taking over everything before the darkness swallowed everything.

Somebody fucking call an ambulance!

Finally, I can be with Hunter in my next life.