The Hunt
: Epilogue

Fenris…

The tang of Eliana’s panic tormented my nose as she stared up at me. The black that had consumed her eyes bled away in an instant, and I knew, in that moment, she’d finally figured out how she’d been feeling fine without eating.

Before she could try to run, I grabbed her by the shoulders.

“Don’t doubt yourself, Eliana. Don’t doubt us. You did exactly what I’d hoped you would do. Exactly what you were meant to do.”

Despite what I’d said, the scent of her despair didn’t decrease. Knowing that I’d pushed her as much as I dared, for now, I did the only thing I could do.

“Your mom is upstairs. Go to her. But walk, Eliana. Do you understand?” I wasn’t sure I’d be able to control myself if she chose to physically run from me now.

She nodded, tears already forming in her beautiful brown eyes. My heart suffered a few damaging cracks as I watched her walk away.

I wanted Eliana.

I wanted to love her, provide for her, help her find her happiness. Most of all, I wanted to protect her from the pain of her struggle to find herself. But some pains were necessary to shape us into who we’re meant to be. Knowing that simple truth didn’t spare me from the pain of her suffering.

Staying where I was in the sea of dancers, I watched my future climb the stairs and hoped she’d embrace this new truth instead of trying to run from it like she’d been doing for so long.

There was only one kind of running left that I wanted from Eliana. And after all these years, my patience to see that happen was finally giving out.

Eliana would soon be mine.

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