Beyond the Woods - Chapter Nineteen

Dylan and I made were making our way back to his room when suddenly, a burst of commotion was heard from behind us. I attempted to look back for the source but Dylan picked me up and began running. "Set me down you monster!" His eyes gave off a devilish glow and his hand found its way to my throat. "Don't you ever speak to me like that!" He shouted. His grip tightened and I found myself unable to breathe. "Dylan, stop!" I choked out. He threw me into his bedroom and locked the doors behind him. I leaned over trying to allow my lungs more oxygen. My heartbeat was on a rampage. What was going on? I was still lying on the floor gasping for breath when Nick entered the room. He swiftly ran over to my aid and helped me up onto the bed. "He's such an asshole! I want to kill him! Ava can you breath?" I meekly nodded. "What's going on out there?" I croaked. Nick seemed hesitant and doubtful to answer. "Our walls have been breached, we have intruders." My hopes skyrocketed! Was it Christian coming to save me? Nick saw my sudden excitement and frowned. I guess he figured out what I was thinking.

"Ava.... We've known each other since elementary school and I want to apologize for all of those years of tormenting you." "Um thanks?" Why was he telling me this now? "I know that I have done some things that are unforgivable but I want you to know that I really am truly sorry." "Nick, thank you for your apology. I want us to be friends but in order for that to happen I need you to help get me out of here." He looked down to the floor upset. "Ava, I can't do that. Dylan will kill me and he will definitely kill me for saying what I am about to say." I became frustrated with him. If he wanted me to accept his apology so badly and if he really was sorry why wouldn't he help me? Yes, there are so many risks but I can't stay here trapped like a prisoner forever. But wait what other thing he has to tell me? I looked up at him with curious eyes we were both gazing. A few strands of curls fell down my cheek and Nick softly brushed them back. "The entire time I've known you, I've felt about you more than just a friend. I know I am nothing compared to everything that you are caught up in right now, but I want to be the person, the man, that finally gives you some truth." "Oh Nick... I...You.. We..." What was there to say? "I know I cannot offer you a kingdom, or a title, or a castle but I can offer you love and friendship if you come with me."

"Come with you? You just said that you will not help me escape." He looked me dead in the eyes, "I know this is the most selfish thing ever, but I'll risk everything for you Ava if you come with me. I can't help you if you are going to end up with another man's arms."

"If you do love me like you say, then you would help me no matter what!" I argued. Gently he removed his hand off my cheek and stood up. The door burst open and Dylan appeared. "Come, we need to go somewhere safe!" Dylan demanded.

"You mean you need to go somewhere safe, they are coming to rescue me and execute you!" I shouted. Dylan stomped over to me and slapped my face. My cheek bone was burning with pain. I glanced over to Nick and he seemed at the verge of his breaking point.

"Don't you dare touch her like that!" Nick yelled. "Who do you think you are talking to? I order you not the other way around. Remember your place Nicklaus!" Dylan screamed.

Dylan pulled out a needle from his pocket and rushed towards me. Before I had the chance to process what he was doing my body felt weak against the drug. I was awake but I could hear and feel everything that was going on. My body was trapped and paralyzed under Dylan's control. I tried talking but all that escaped my lips was a soft moan. "Take her to the high tower, that should provide an advantage," Dylan said to Nick while placing me into Nick's arms.

Dylan left to go take care of business and I was stuck in Nick's arms while he ran farther into the deep dark castle. My body, still paralyzed, was unable to respond to Nick when he gently sat down against a wall with me still tight in his arms. "Ava, I love you!" He whispered as he kissed me. Tears were beginning to fall down my cheek as I was unable to stop him. But as his lips continued on the path of mine, I found myself not wanting to resist. No this is wrong I thought, but it felt so right.

A slight pleasuring moan escaped my mouth and this turned him on even more. Loud screams and footsteps were heard and it sounded like they were coming closer. "NO!" Nick shouted. He left me on the cold brick floor before kissing me one last night. The shouting was becoming louder and was feeling more frightened by the second. Nick ran over to the window and pried open the metal bars.

"I will be back for you, Ava. You have my word." He promised and then he leaped out the window, leaving me behind in complete darkness. Why would he leave me? I'm stuck here almost completely helpless in a cold dark tower. I could feel my body a little more but I was still unable to control it. My eyes looked up as a huge bang smacked the wooden door with enough force to knock it down in one try. There before me, was my beautiful prince, my knight in shining armor.

"Christian," I was barely able to mumble out. "Oh Ava, what have they done to you?" He said saddened. I was in the safety of his arms within seconds. But what troubled me more than still being paralyzed was the thought that came to my mind. I tried to brush it off but it kept nagging through my barrier. Yes, I was happy to see Christian but was it his arms I wanted to be in or Nick's?