We didn’t mean to go that deep into the forest.

One minute, Abigail and I were laughing as we stepped over roots and ducked under low-hanging branches, and the next… the trees grew denser, the shadows thicker. Birds quieted. A strange hush settled over everything.

“I think we should turn back,” Abi murmured, hugging her arms.

I didn’t answer. Something about the stillness drew me in. I wasn’t afraid. Not yet.

Then I heard it—twigs snapping. Hooves.

We both froze.

Out of the shadows rode a tall figure on a sleek black stallion, the reins gripped loosely in one hand. Prince Kail.

Of course.

He swung down with practiced ease, his deep green cloak catching on a branch before sliding free. His dark blond hair fell into his eyes as he smirked, clearly amused by our presence.

“Well, well,” he said, voice dripping with that smug charm that made my stomach twist—not in the good way. “Didn’t expect to find two pretty little birds wandering into my woods.”

Abigail stepped slightly in front of me. “We were just leaving.”

Kail didn’t even acknowledge her. His eyes locked on me.

“I should have guessed you’d come exploring, Destiny. You’ve always had that... wild streak.” His eyes trailed down slowly. “And gods, that beautiful brown skin of yours—like warm honey. One of the sexiest things about you.”

Abi tensed beside me.

“Stop it,” I said sharply.

He raised his hands, mock-innocent. “What? I’m just appreciating what’s mine to admire. Especially if we’re to be wed—”

“I’m not yours,” I snapped, stepping forward now, voice cold. “And I never will be.”

Abigail tried to grab my arm, whispering, “Destiny, let’s just go—”

“Don’t bother,” Kail said lazily, flicking a hand at her. “She’s a big girl. Let her speak for herself.”

“I am speaking,” I snarled, but before another word could leave my mouth—

A flash of steel moved past me.

Sir Demetrius emerged from the trees like a shadow broken loose. His eyes locked on Kail, unreadable and hard. In one fluid motion, he placed himself between us and the prince, like a silent, immovable wall.

“Step back,” he said to Kail, voice as low as thunder.

Kail scoffed. “Relax, knight. We’re just talking.”

Demetrius didn’t budge. “You don’t talk to her like that. Not here. Not anywhere.”

The prince’s smirk wavered—just slightly. He adjusted his cloak, clicked his tongue, and turned away as if none of it mattered.

“Fine,” he said. “Enjoy your little rescue.”

Without another glance, he mounted his horse and vanished into the trees.

Demetrius turned to us slowly, gaze serious now—not angry, just disappointed.

“What were you thinking?” he said, voice quieter but heavy. “You could’ve been hurt. Or worse.”

I opened my mouth, then shut it. I didn’t have an excuse. Not a good one.

He sighed, glancing toward Abigail. “Both of you, come on. I’m taking you back.”

“Are you going to tell our fathers?” Abigail asked, eyes wide.

Demetrius looked at me for a long moment. Then shook his head.

“No. But don’t mistake that for approval. You're lucky it was me who found you.”

We followed him silently, the leaves crunching beneath our feet like whispers of guilt.

And somewhere in the back of my mind, I wasn’t just mad at Kail.

I was mad at myself—for letting my guard down. For forgetting that there were worse things in the world than locked doors.