The Enemy’s Mate

The dungeon reeked of rust and despair. Princess Aurelia hated it. Her silk gown rubbed the ground as they crept down the stairs. Her heart pounded so loudly. She was sure the guards could hear it. She had to see him, she had no choice. Ryker of the shadow pack She despised him, he was her father’s worst nightmare. He was the man chained to the wall. Her kingdom’s worst enemy, her fated mate. “Princess, “ his voice was a rough caress. “Come to watch me die?” She moved closer . He was devastating, his grey eyes burned with defiance, blood rolled down his forehead. You’ll be executed tomorrow and I can’t let that happen, she whispered. Then why are you here he growled. “To watch me die?”. “No, I won’t let that happen, she replied” I’m here to help you escape. Are you insane? how will you do that? Ryker asked. She reached into her gown and brought a small iron key-her father’s key and fitted it into his shackles. He yanked his wrist free. He kept looking at her. “You know what this means right? “ If we get caught, you die with me. Then we die together Aurelia replied. He gazed at her- this fierce, adamant princess, “I don’t deserve this Aurelia.” He pressed his head to hers. You don’t tell me what you deserve, I get to decide that. “Why do you choose me? he asked” I didn’t, fate did and I don’t get to fight fate. His mouth crashed into hers. Desperate, hungry. They parted. That’s enough. Let’s run she said. She grabbed his hands and they ran through the shadows, hands locked in. They burst through the castle. Slowly it faded away. When they finally stopped, they gasped. They hugged each other so tight. “If anything happens to us, I’ll haunt you. She laughed-it’s a deal. For a moment he stared at her, he drew her closer and kissed her cheek. For the first time Ryker laughed. Then they ran to the unknown.