The Premortals (The Premortals Series Book 1)

by Jacqueline Wrenley

  “You need to warm by the fire,” he offered gently.

  I was indeed cold so I did what he told me to do and sat near the fire trying to keep myself warm. Curtis took off his coat and placed it around my shoulders.

  “Thank you,” I said softly as I snuggled under it.

  He sat not far from me and we stayed there not talking for a while. Was this my chance to escape? But I wondered why was he here, was he going to help me? It was very unlikely that he would do this and he had no reason to be here with me tonight. I didn’t know what was he planning but I was tired of the awkward silence and so I faced him.

  “Why are you doing this?” I softly asked.

  “Doing what’” he gently asked confused staring at the fire.

  “This. Why are you here?”

  He paused before he gave an answer, “I couldn’t just let you run away alone.”

  I was not expecting that answer from him. He was always so distant with me and so preoccupied with himself. Why would he suddenly say that?

  “Honestly, I was hoping that you’d change your mind though,” he added.

  I was silent then resumed, “What if I don’t?”

  He didn’t answer right away and it seemed that he was thinking, then he replied, “Then I have no choice but to come with you. I can’t go back there alone, Andrew would kill me.”

  I didn’t know how to respond to that. Was he serious?

  He turned to face me, “But…. Running away isn’t the answer. It’s not going to solve anything and it would only make it worst,” he explained.

  I shook my head, “But I can’t go back there, Andrew is….” My voice trailed off, it was hard talking about him.

  “I know,” he agreed quietly.

  The fire continued to burn in the dark.

  “Andrew would never change. He was always moody, manipulative, and obnoxious. So I do not blame you if you want to run away,” he stated in a comforting tone, “I confess that there was a time that I wanted to leave too but I couldn’t, partly because I didn’t know where I would go,” he threw a branch at the fire, “But…. if you need a reason to go back, you are not going back because of him. You are staying because you care for the people left behind. Without us, Andrew can do more damage and more people are going to get hurt. We cannot stop Andrew for sure but we can help those who had suffered by his hands.”

  I was speechless. It was the first time I heard of him speak of such words against Andrew and how much he seemed to genuinely care for Pinewood, and he was absolutely right. I hadn’t thought of it that way. I was preoccupied on how miserable my life was living with Andrew that I hadn’t consider those who had lived here around the longest under his rule. If I leave, it would not change anything.

  “You’re right. Things could get worst if I leave,” I sadly agreed.

  “And besides…. You’re too popular to run away, everybody is going to notice you,” he declared slightly grinning.

  It was the first time I saw him smile and it was not at all disappointing.

  “Popular?” I asked puzzled.

  “Well, you made quite an impression to the villagers when you stood up for them at the First Village,” he smiled some more.

  “But I only said a few words,” I spoke defensively.

  “Apparently those few words made an impact and scared off the Captain. You’re a hero to them now.”

  “What? I don’t want to be a hero. You were there, you did more than I did,” I objected.

  “No,” he shook his head while smiling, “they don’t want me, they want you,” he chuckled.

  His laugh caught me off guard. I never saw him like this before, so at ease. I knew he was only trying to make me feel better and it was definitely working. His friendly disposition was a delightful surprise, and it made me wonder if this was what he really was inside all this time.

  “You’re serious aren’t you?” I couldn’t help but smile too, “Sorry but I don’t have any intentions of becoming a hero.”

  He looked at me with warmth in his eyes, “All heroes never planned to be one, they are chosen by those who were inspired by them.”

  He spoke like he was not an Elite. He was the opposite of what I thought he was, and I felt like I was wrong about him. He was suddenly more friendly and I didn’t know where this was coming from; it could be that he took pity of me after what Andrew said.

  “I am sorry for tonight though,” Curtis suddenly apologized.

  “It’s not your fault,” I reassured solemnly.

  “But still I could have said something.”

  “It’s okay I didn’t expect you to say anything at all in my defense.”

  He sighed, “It’s just his way, he likes to provoke people, and if he sees you break, he would relish it and he won’t stop.”

  “And he is good at it too, provoking people, that’s why he enjoys it. I guess sometimes the only way not to give in to him is to stay silent,” I sadly stated in disgust.

  The night grew colder while I looked around beyond the trees behind us. It was so dark that anybody could be lurking in these woods. Curtis must had read my expression that he said, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.”

  I smiled at him which I never did before, it felt awkward at first but became natural after.

  “But who was going to keep him safe?” I teased motioning my head towards the horse standing not far from us.

  “Oh him?” he glanced at the horse, “No he’s not going anywhere as long as I have his favorite treats right here in my pocket,” he gleamed patting the right pocket on his pants.

  There it was again, his smile. I was not aware then but when he smiles, it made him glow and strikingly more handsome. I couldn’t help but see him differently tonight; I suddenly took noticed of everything about him. The features on his face, his chiseled jawline, his piercing eyes that showed a hint of blue when the fire reflects on them, his gestures and his sudden gentle expression. They all seemed to resonate who he was and that made him very attractive.

  “You were an animal doctor back then?” he spoke, suddenly interrupting my thoughts. His question was new to me, it was at a personal level but I didn’t mind. It was a comforting change talking to someone about it.

  I nodded, “Yes, it was something that I was always passionate about.”

  “It shows and you’re really good at it like what you did with Mr. Conolly’s horse.”

  “Oh, any animal doctor could do that,” I spoke embarrassed by his praises.

  “Well…. you’re the only animal doctor I know; still it was impressive what you did.”

  “I guess….” I conceded reluctantly.

  Curtis threw another branch at the fire and it continued to burn brightly, “It must have been terrible leaving home so suddenly,” he spoke with a change of topic.

  “It was. I thought my life would be over. I kept hoping that this was all a mistake….” My words faded as I spoke. I wondered if he thought that this was a mistake as well. It felt like he could be trusted but I was not sure if he felt the same way as I did about this.

  “Someday you’ll go back home,” he said with assurance that I was hoping was true.

  “I hope so,” I prayed.

  “Could you tell me more about your home?,” he spoke softly.

  I told him what it was like back home, the weather, what type of people lived there and what my typical day was at work. I didn’t realize that I was smiling when I was talking about it; it made me happy, and homesick at the same time but I didn’t mentioned to him about the man from across the street because it was a part of my life that I wasn’t ever going to talk about to anyone. That life was long gone and soon would be forgotten.

  CHAPTER 8: Wild Horses

  CURTIS

  I was relieved when Elaine decided to return to the manor last night. I thought she was going to run away for good after what happened with Andrew. That night at the dining room was painful to watch. Andrew was out of control and what he said to her
was truly unforgivable. One thing that surprised me though was when I ran after Elaine, I didn’t know what exactly happened but a voice in my head told me to go after her and so I did without any second thoughts. I wanted to call out to her to stop but I knew she would not listen so instead I ran away with her, and it was invigorating just the two of us. I didn’t know what came over me that night at the river; it was confusing at first but the more we talked, the more I couldn’t resist looking at her. I was afraid that she might catch me staring as I tried to be inconspicuous. The way she was beaming with happiness when she talked about her home entranced me, and the sound of her voice I wanted to hear more of. There must have been something in the air that night that made it different yet special. I was thinking often of her as I walked aimlessly in the hallway. I was about to pass the library when suddenly the door opened and to my delightful surprise it was Elaine. Her presence stunned me, and I suddenly became nervous around her but in a good way. She took noticed that I was there probably standing like a fool, and before any of us could speak, I heard a little girl’s voice shouting, “Ellie!”

  We both turned and I saw Katrina was skipping towards us.

  “I’m sorry I shouldn’t have yelled that name, I forgot Curtis was here,” Kat worriedly apologized.

  “Huh?” I was confused.

  “It’s okay. I don’t think he’s going to tell anyone,” Elaine warmly assured Kat.

  “What’s this all about?” I asked still puzzled.

  Kat grinned, “She likes to be called Ellie.”

  “It’s just something they call me back home,” she tried to explain dismissively.

  “Oh! Then we should call you Ellie then,” I cheerfully suggested.

  Elaine just gave an awkward smile then glanced at Kat, “So where are you off to?”

  “I have a class in the library today,” she replied sweetly.

  “That’s great! Come in then,” Ellie directed her to the door and opened it for her, and just as Kat left, a voice called out my name.

  “Lord Curtis.”

  I glanced at the hallway and it was Mr. Logan bounding towards my direction. Ellie was still at the hallway closing the library door glancing at his direction as well.

  “Lord Curtis, His Grace would like to know if there are any new developments,” Mr. Logan inquired.

  “None at the moment, but I have been working with the Protectors as he ordered.”

  “His Grace will not be happy to hear that.”

  “Tell him I have been closely monitoring the villages and if he could leave me for once to do my job then maybe we would catch the Defiers sooner than later,” I exclaimed annoyed by his lack in faith in me.

  “Very well my Lord, His Grace is expecting you to be true to your word when you told him you will help him put an end to this rebellion.”

  “I am Lord of Pinewood, I will do my duty,” I declared firmly.

  Mr. Logan nodded and bowed then he took his leave. I was about to face Ellie when she suddenly blurted in a hushed voice, “You’re helping Andrew?! And you’re working with the Protectors now?! Why?” she gave me a look that I betrayed her and her disappointment only grieved me knowing that she felt this way.

  “I am just doing my duty,” I stammered, and it was all I could answer.

  “You know how Andrew feels about the villagers,” she reminded and I could hear the anger in her voice as she glared, “And I thought after last night you were different,” and with that she stormed away from me while I stood there in agony by the pain that I caused her.

  Days turned to weeks since Ellie hadn’t spoken to me. I knew she was mad, and I wanted to explain to her but time was never on my favor, and each time she found out that I would leave for the villages with the Protectors, I saw it angered her more and then she would ignore me completely. Andrew was pleased when we intercepted a plan of attack from the Defiers. Explosives were found in an abandoned barn and it was to be used on another truck from the Steel Plants but no Defier were ever caught though. He was extremely satisfied with what I uncovered that my days were easier whenever I was around him.

  It was late at night when I was in my private chambers. I was getting ready for a change in clothes when I heard a soft knock. Who could it be at this hour? I went to the door and slowly opened it, and I was surprised to see that it was Ellie who pushed it open and came directly inside without asking for my consent, and all the while ignoring me. It was all over her face that she was outraged and frustrated, her hair was down, and her dress was unbuttoned on the neck and the sleeves. I closed the door wondering what she was doing here.

  “What were you thinking Curtis? I thought you were on my side not Andrew’s,” she was clearly disturbed and disgusted by what I did, and the look that she was betrayed was troubling me most but I was more taken aback when she finally said my name for the first time.

  “I thought you hated him?” she continued with the same appalled expression.

  I was searching for the right words then I explained, “What do you want me to do? You know the Defiers needs to be stopped.”

  “Yes but by helping Andrew? What you said that night at the river was it all true? Or did you just say it because you felt sorry for me?” she said her voice full of disappointment.

  “I have no other choice….” I tried to explain.

  “You’re just saying that to hide the fact that you’re actually a coward,” she interrupted fuming.

  Her words pierced through me, and I despised her accusing me of such but I took control and calmed myself down. Her words hurt me more than it angered me. I sighed feeling defeated, there was definitely no stopping her.

  “I should have told you but I didn’t want you to get involved,” I spoke feeling gloomy, “I know there would be certain danger if you knew what I am about to tell you but I feel that you won’t stop being persistent and you won’t ever forgive me for what I did.”

  I paused, thinking if what I was about to say was wise as she stood there patiently waiting. This could change our lives and whatever the outcome, I was willing to accept it if she wanted the answers. I stared at her gathering the strength I needed to say it.

  “I am a Defier.”

  Ellie gasped and I saw her face turned from confused to shock. She slowly went to a nearby couch and sat there and I followed and sat beside her. I waited for her to recover which she finally did and looked at me in fear.

  “Why would you help the rebels?” she silently asked.

  I told her what Olfren said to me at Greendale Forest. How Andrew were enslaving innocent villagers to work at the Steel Plants. She listened silently and I could tell that she was finding it hard to believe as I did.

  “The Defiers needed my help especially now that the Protectors are here,” I explained.

  “But…. I overheard you and Mr. Logan…. And the abandoned barn….” her voice trailed off as she sounded confuse.

  I shook my head, “It was all pretend, staged with the help of the Defiers so that I would gain Andrew’s trust completely and he would give me access to where he did not gave me before. We needed to be one step ahead of the Protectors and Andrew. ”

  She remained silent staring down at the floor. This must had been too much for her that I regret saying what I said. I moved closer to her, “Ellie look at me,” I gently asked, and she did, and I looked directly at her eyes and told her with my words full of sympathy, “I am sorry if I did this to you but sometimes I forget that my life is not my own anymore since we’ve been matched. I had no right to put your own life in danger because I became a Defier but if you tell me to end this right now, I would leave the Defiers for your sake.”

  I continued to gaze at her, and I thought I was going to find relief but instead I saw pity.

  “I am not going to tell you to stop on one condition,” she said softly but with determination, “that you let me join you.”

  “No you can’t, I can’t put you in danger” I said shaking my head, I was not expecting this and
I was not very enthusiastic of the idea.

  “But you already have by telling me, and by being one. I am your mate and the Empire would probably hold me accountable too for your actions if ever we were found out,” she explained with insistence.

  “This was a bad idea,” I said it out loud full of remorse.

  “You already got me involved so you might as well agree,” she declared feeling so sure of herself.

  “There’s no stopping you is there?” I sighed, “Alright but you must always follow my lead,” I firmly instructed.

  “Deal,” she willingly agreed.

  “Good! In the meantime, we act normally to avoid suspicion,” I suggested seriously.

  “And normal is?”

  I shrugged, “We don’t talk to each other like we usually do especially around Andrew.”

  “Like we can’t stand each other?”

  “I guess.”

  “Well, that’s not hard to do,” she declared grinning.

  “Wait…. What?”

  She giggled, “I was only kidding,” she sweetly teased.

  This side of her, I didn’t know that she was capable of it while being with me, and it was very refreshing, and I wanted more of her and seeing her happy was intoxicating.

  “If we’re going to work together, we might as well start getting to know each other,” she explained as if she read my mind. We sat there in silence and I found myself gazing at her and it was hard letting go. She suddenly cleared her throat and I woke up from my trance that it got awkward after. She finally stood and hurriedly said, “It’s getting late, I must return to my room, Good night.” I stood up as well as she bounded for the door and left the room.

  We were acting our usual selves as agreed since that night for the past few days. We were minding our own business but there would come a time when I wanted to see her, and I would look for excuses to run into her in the places where I knew she would be. One time I found her in the garden alone which was an opportunity for me to have a talk.