THE DECISION
296 Words
“I’m leaving.”
The words came out before I could stop them.
But once they did…
I didn’t regret them.
Kael froze instantly.
“What did you just say?” he asked slowly.
“I said I’m leaving,” I repeated, my voice stronger this time.
Even through the pain.
Even through the weakness.
Silence filled the room.
Heavy.
Tense.
“You’re not going anywhere,” he said.
That tone.
That control.
Something inside me snapped.
“I almost died,” I said, my voice rising despite everything. “Do you understand that?”
His jaw tightened.
“I’m handling it—”
“No,” I cut him off sharply. “You’re not.”
The words hit harder this time.
“If you were, I wouldn’t be here like this,” I continued. “I wouldn’t have been attacked. I wouldn’t have been set up.”
His eyes darkened.
“I won’t let it happen again.”
“You said that before.”
Silence.
Again.
That same silence that always followed when he had no real answer.
“She tried to kill me,” I said quietly. “And you’re still protecting her.”
“I’m not protecting her.”
“Then prove it.”
He didn’t respond.
And that was all the answer I needed.
My chest tightened as I looked at him.
“I can’t stay here,” I whispered. “Not when I’m not safe.”
“You are safe.”
“No,” I said firmly. “I’m not.”
My hand moved slowly to my stomach.
“This isn’t just about me anymore.”
Something shifted in his expression.
But it didn’t change my mind.
“I’m leaving,” I said again.
And this time…
There was no hesitation.
- Writer
