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R E F U G E D

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As silently as she could, Irina climbed out of bed and tiptoed to the door. She pressed her ear against it first to listen and check if anybody was around. When she heard nothing, she figured the coast was clear. Prying the door open slowly, Irina stuck her head out and looked both ways before stepping out. Her heart was pounding as a bead of sweat trickled down her temple. This was her only chance to escape and see her family; she couldn't waste it.

If Gideon knew what she was up to, he would definitely not let her go. It was practically a suicide mission but the young princess did not care. As long as she was able to be reunited with the people whom she loved the most, she was willing to do anything—including sacrificing herself. Stealthily, she walked through the house. Irina was very conscious of her surroundings. Every little noise she heard made her stop and hide. She had to be as cautious as she could if she did not want to get caught. She couldn't afford to make any type of sound.

Finding that she was inching closer toward the exit, she exhaled and glanced back. Now that she had actually experienced what it was like to be in Savage Rogue territory, she knew not everything said in the kingdom she had grown up in was true. These wolves were not just vicious and blood thirsty monsters. They didn't just kill, eat and sleep in trees. No, they were much more advanced than that. They might not have been as civilized as the people of Elysium were but they were still humans nonetheless. It was just nobody had ever survived long enough to witness it. Witness how similar the Rogues were to them. They might not have been the kindest of animals but that did not mean they were incapable of being so. After what Irina had personally experienced, she would not hesitate to defend a Rogue if they ever needed to be protected.

"Thank you for everything you've done," Irina whispered gratefully. It was a bittersweet feeling as she turned around and slipped out. With speedy footsteps, she left the house she had been welcomed at in less than five minutes. Sure that it was safe, Irina stuck her thumb and index finger into her mouth and a whistle echoed through the trees. Birds were alarmed by the noise as they flocked from their nests but Irina paid no mind to them. She was waiting nervously, anxiety rising in her stomach as each second withered away.

"Where are you?" she muttered and when all the birds were gone, she could see a lone falcon soaring her way. Her eyes rounded in elation as she allowed her chest to cave in. Again, she whistled and held her arm out. Seconds later, the bird perched onto her and Irina could have jumped with joy. "You're okay, Kaya." She stroked the bird and then looked up to the dark sky. From where the moon was positioned, she could tell it was some time around two in the morning.

Irina didn't know her exact location or how far she was from the borders of Elysium, but now that she had a companion by her side, she wasn't so worried. Kaya has been Irina's pet falcon ever since she was six years old. She had gotten the bird as a birthday gift and ever since then, it has never left her side. Kaya was raised by the princess once her mother stopped feeding her and left. The bond between the two creatures was inseparable. To the girl, Kaya was like another family member whom she could not stand to lose.

Next, Kaya lowered her head and Irina continued to pet her. "You know what you have to do, girl. Take me back home." Immediately, the falcon spread her immense wings and took off into the air. Irina brightened and began to jog after the bird as stealthily, quickly and quietly as she could. Every now and then she would have to crane her neck upwards to see if Kaya disappeared and fortunately for her, the falcon never left her sight. Just a while longer and I'll get to see them again.

Meanwhile, stirring in his sleep, Kaleb suddenly jolted awake as he shot up from his reclining position. He felt like something was missing, but as he scanned his room and accounted for everything, he realized his belongings were still in place. It was rather strange since he had never woken up in the middle of the night before but he shrugged it off and went back to bed.

Hours later, the sun invaded Kaleb's room and he grumpily yanked the blanket over his head. Then he shifted and snuggled into his pillow. However, someone was banging their fists against his door and before he could snap their necks off, the door was kicked open. The force exerted was so strong and powerful, the hinges had come undone, causing the barrier to land on the floor with a loud thud. "Where is she?" his father screamed, his veins popping out of his neck and forehead as his eyes scoped Kaleb's room.

"Where's who?" Kaleb fumed as he threw his covers off and stared at his broken door. "What the hell is wrong with you? Why did you just barge in here like that?"

"What the hell is wrong with me? No Kaleb Simon Blackwell, the question is what is wrong with you? Didn't I order you to keep a watchful eye on Princess Irina? Where in the name of God is she?" Gideon roared, patronized.

"How the hell should I know? Go check her room! Don't you know I'm not a morning person?!" the latter growled. "God, can't I get some peace and quiet? That girl's been nothing but a nuisance."

"Check her room? A nuisance? What has she ever done to you, Kaleb? You want peace and quiet? Well guess what? You won't be getting any of that until you find her!" the man snapped with boiled blood. "I've never asked much from you and the one time that I do, you end up disappointing me. I swear if she's hurt in any way, I will not hesitate to punish you! Bring her back here this instant or consider yourself a dead pup." Once he was done with his threat, Gideon stormed out of the room.

For a minute Kaleb was baffled. He didn't know what was going on and instantly, he ran to Irina's room. When he had arrived, he found it completely empty with the exception of two maids who automatically bowed at his presence. "W-where is she?" he stammered.

One maid glanced up briefly before her gaze dropped to her feet. "She's gone, young master. When we came to wake her this morning, her bed was empty."

Then something Irina said to him after Xavier had almost killed her drifted into his mind. "Why do you even care? You don't even like me. You should have just let him strangle me. It would be less painful; you were right."

"I was right?" he murmured, uncertain at what she was referring to. After a moment, his eyes rounded as he felt his heart plummet into his gut. "Christ, she heard the conversation." He clutched onto the sides of his head and gritted his teeth. "She knows her family is going to die today. Damnit, she's running straight to her grave. That stupid girl! I am so going to murder you when I catch you, Irina Kavalier!"

* * *

With the sun already in view up in the dreary colored sky, Irina decided to take a break. She didn't know how far she had come but she knew it must have been a great amount of distance for hours to have passed by so quickly. By this point in time she was exhausted, hungry and sweaty. Her body felt like it was ready to give out on her as she pressed a palm against the bark of a tree. She attempted to regain her breath while her other hand moved around and blotted her moist and perspired face.

She did not expect Savage Rogue territory to be this vast and immense.

The trees seemed never-ending in her perspective and it felt like she had been helplessly roaming around in circles. Next, she lifted up her head and saw Kaya perched on a branch a few yards away from her. Irina sighed and dropped her hands to her sides. "Let's keep going," she panted. She whistled and the falcon received her message almost immediately.

Once again, it spread its wings and took flight. Just a little further, was what Irina kept telling herself as she continued jogging. Just a little while longer and you'll be with them again. These words were like a mantra to the young girl. She had to motivate herself because if she didn't, it would be the end. Irina could feel how weak and tired she was becoming and if she was to fall, she was positive she would not be able to rise back up to her feet.

While her eyes were currently fixated on Kaya, she tripped and landed on the ground with a thud. Lying on her stomach, the princess's body seemed to ache everywhere. She then rolled over and rested on her back. Her chest was inflating and deflating at a rapid pace as she stared at the dark clouds which seemed to have multiply in number.

Rumbling thunders suddenly boomed and echoed around Irina, followed by a series of lightning bolts slicing through the air.

It was ironic how the weather was reflecting exactly what she was feeling on the inside.

Her heart was hurting a great deal, as her eyes clamped shut. Soon, she could feel cool droplets of water hitting her skin. They were small and light at first but then the rain grew heavier and began to beat against her vehemently. Irina couldn't get up anymore as she stayed there and continued to get assaulted by the rain.

She just wanted to stay there and drown, but she knew that wouldn't be possible.

Tears had formed in her eyes and one managed to slip free from the confines of her lids, blending in with the beads of water which seemed to be falling everywhere. She had lost all hope of making it back to Elysium and seeing her family. No matter how hard she tried to push herself, no matter how much motivation she fed herself, she had lost the will to carry on. At least physically speaking she did. Spiritually, emotionally and mentally, however, she remained strong.

But what use were they if she was physically handicapped from continuing?

At the moment, she felt so useless and stupid. So useless and helpless. After, images of Irina's family flashed into her mind and a melancholic smile graced her lips. Within that certain memory, they were all exuberantly stunning. Beautiful and generous smiles were stretched across their faces as laughter rang in her ears. Irina remembered that day perfectly.

It was Michael's fifth birthday and for once, none of them had to think about their reputations, titles or duties.

That day was one filled with simplicity and joy.

A day where they weren't members of the royal family. A day where they were just an ordinary family celebrating the blessing of one of their own.

The saddest part about it? Her little brother's fifth birthday took place only seven months prior to this day.

Get up, Irina ordered herself as her eyes shot open. She couldn't throw in the towel. There was no way she could quit. Not now, not ever. Not until she was with them. Gathering the last bit of strength she had left, Irina struggled to her feet. The rain was still coming down and she looked straight ahead in the direction she had last spotted Kaya.

Although her legs felt like lead, she picked them up and began journeying further north. The ground beneath her was beginning to transform into sludgy mud thanks to the merciless downpour and she was finding it more strenuous to move. Her vision began to blur as well while the rest of her body was getting soaked. Irina wouldn't fall again because all she saw as she moved were the smiling faces of her parents and siblings.

In her mind, it was like the storm had subsided as the sun beam glistened through the scene stored in her brain.

It might have been a figment of her imagination, but it was helping her push herself further along and that was all that mattered to Irina. The more steps she took, the lighter the rain had become. Then she could see the trees slowly disappearing and her eyes widened as she found Kaya resting on a large rock. She stumbled up a hill, struggling against the elements working against her.

Luckily it wasn't too steep or else she would have tumbled back down in an instant.

Reaching the top, Irina could see a lone hut planted in the middle of the field. She wasn't sure where she was now and she looked around for any visual signs that could possibly assist her in figuring it out. Her prayers were answered when she discovered a sign with a huge wolf printed and a huge red slash marked through it.

Her hopes were rekindled as the back of her hand moved to her mouth. Irina could have cried right on the spot. She had made it to Elysium. She really did it.

But even if she did, she wasn't sure as to which part of the kingdom she had arrived at. For all she knew, she could have been hundreds of miles away from Collier. There would only be one way to find out.

Irina was contemplating on what her next move would be while the rain generously watered the plants. Then she spotted a figure, lugging dead branches, scurrying towards the small house. She could hear his panting before he disappeared into the shelter. It was now or never. Another thunder banged and Irina ran over to the hut. Hesitantly, she knocked on the door and a few seconds later, it was opened. Her eyes and head were hung low, only staring at the pair of boots before her.

"Oh my god." His deep voice gasped. "What are you doing out here? Get in before you catch a fever," he urged yet she did not move. The boy was shocked by her passiveness, but grabbed her arm and dragged her in. He closed the door and noticed how drenched she was. "What are you doing out here? You're a girl. You should be indoors, not wandering the outskirts of the kingdom. Didn't you hear about the storm?" he chided worriedly which caught Irina off guard. Slowly, she raised her eyes and met his back. He was very tall and lean. Next, he spun around and Irina was speechless. He was absolutely handsome and looked as though he was only a year or two older than her if he wasn't her age. He had dirty, ashy blonde hair, a chiseled jawline, a slightly crooked nose and luscious pink lips.

Irina felt her mind drawing a blank, as she gazed at his beauty. He took her silence as a sign that she was either shy or scared and sighed. "Sorry if I sound mean. It's just—it's very dangerous for a girl like you to be out alone. You must be freezing. I'll get you some clothes." She was shivering and her teeth chattering. The boy walked over to a drawer and rummaged through it. Irina's eyes scanned the place and realized it was made for one person to dwell in. It was simple and had this homey feel to it.

Books were sprawled out across the table, the blanket was neatly folded on the bed and it looked pretty well-kept (besides for the books of course).

"Um, the bathroom stall is outside..." the boy said as he handed Irina a black sweater and sweatpants. She didn't understand why he was telling her that and then realization hit her. "I can stand outside while you change." Just as he was about to open the door, they heard a loud crashing sound and peered out the window to find that a big tree had toppled over. She concluded that it must have been struck by lightning and the compassion in her told her not to let the boy step out into harm's way.

"It's quite all right," she voiced out gently. She didn't understand it but somehow she trusted him. He did not come off as a bad person. "If you just stare out the window and promise not to look, you can stay inside. It is your home after all." Her cheeks were changing into a bright red as the boy stared at her. She felt embarrassed at the suggestion, since it made her seem promiscuous and shameless, like a woman without virtue, but when she looked at him, he was smiling.

"Okay. I won't look," he promised as he turned back around. Irina took this chance to listen to his heartbeat and found it steady which meant he was speaking truthfully.

Her chest caved in with relief and she walked over to the other end of the room. She stood facing a corner and began unbuttoning the top of her dress. Every few seconds she would glance at the boy to find that he was keeping his word. She giggled quietly, noticing how his fingers were fidgeting behind him and quickly slipped out of her dress.

Her undergarments were both soaked and she chose to remove her bra first since the sweater looked protective and warm. Before she unclasped it though, she peeked over at the host and he was still in the same position. She proceeded to remove it and threw the sweater over her head.

As she was tugging it down, the boy turned around, forgetting for a moment she was changing. He had caught sight of her panties and exposed legs. She was flawless. His eyes rounded and he hastily whipped his head back around. She was the first girl he had interacted with in a long time, which meant he was deprived of many things involving the opposite sex. He was just going to ask for her name but got more than he beckoned for. He felt heat rising to his face and his hormones stirring. His eyes were clamped shut and a replay of her backside ran in his mind. He felt dirty and perverted but he would be lying if he said he hadn't enjoyed it. He was still a teenaged boy after all.

Irina tried putting the pants on but they were too big for her and would just slide back down and pool around her ankles. She didn't know what she was supposed to do as she pulled on the hem of the top further down. It stopped mid-thigh but it was still too revealing for her taste. Looking around, she picked up the blanket and coiled it around her waist so that the rest of her body was concealed. "Excuse me," she called out shyly.

Immediately, the boy whirled around. "Yes?" he replied, a little on edge.

Irina showed him the pants. "It's a little too big for me."

"Ah." He rubbed the back of his neck. Of course it would be too big for her. He was practically a giant. "I'm sorry I don't have anything smaller for you to wear."

"Oh." Irina's lips pressed into a thin line and she carefully trudged towards him. "I apologize if my presence is a burden for you but once the storm settles, I'll be on my way." She handed him the article of clothing and their fingers touched. It was a slight graze but that minuscule contact sent electricity shooting up both of their arms. They were flabbergasted, needless to say. Locking eyes for a few brief seconds, the boy finally broke the gaze as he cleared his throat.

"You are not a burden at all," he gently differed. "And you might be stuck here for a while since the storm is supposed to last until four."

"What time is it now?"

"Only ten," he answered.

"Wow. The duration of this storm is six hours? Elysium has never had a storm last that long." It must be a bad sign.

"The worse we've had in years. But can I offer you anything?" Irina took a seat in a stool and felt like a huge bother to the stranger. Then, an unexpected grumble echoed from her stomach. She grew flustered and bit down on her bottom lip. What an unladylike thing for her to do. "You must be starving. I'll warm up the soup for you then." The boy chuckled as he walked over to the stove.

She felt welcomed and the sincere hospitality from him, unlike when she was with Kaleb, and smiled. How was it that kind hearted people like him still existed? And at such a young as well. She was certainly impressed.

While the boy was turning the fire on, Irina examined the various books spread out in front of her. They were written by some of the most intelligent and renowned authors known throughout the entire world. She began to wonder how a lad like him was able to afford such books because they were pretty