Kept By Her Obsessed Minotaurs

33. Lazir

33

LAZIR

T he Murdok dark elf estate looms before us, the towering spires clawing their way into the deepening twilight. The air is heavy with the scent of damp earth and a lingering unease that settles in the pit of my stomach. Each step we take is measured, deliberate—the weight of our mission pressing down on us like the impending storm clouds above.

I glance over at Mara, her face a mask of determination, yet her hands betray her with their restless dance. The sight of her, so small and fragile against the backdrop of dark elf power, stirs something protective within me. Garron and I exchange a look, a silent agreement passing between us. We'll see this through, for her.

Calo, ever the scout, fades into the shadows, his task to ensure we're not walking into a trap. The absence of his usual jovial banter underscores the gravity of our situation.

We stop in the shadows at the edge of the estate. I turn to Mara, her resolve as unyielding as the stone walls of the estate itself. She's convinced that General Draun, a man known for his ruthless ambition and rivalry with Wlloza, will act on the evidence she carries sewn into her flesh. The thought of what she's risking makes my blood run cold.

"We’ll leave the evidence here and get out," I say, my voice low but commanding. "No faces, no names. You’re not getting involved more than you already are."

She turns to me, her hazel eyes locking onto mine. There's a fire in them, a stubborn defiance that I've come to know well. "But Lazir—" she starts.

I cut her off with a sharp shake of my head. "No, Mara. This is as far as you go. We won't risk them connecting you to this," I say firmly.

Garron grunts his agreement, his arms crossed over his chest. His gaze scans the perimeter, always on alert. "Lazir's right. We can't afford to have you recognized," he concurs.

Mara's lips part, the argument poised on the tip of her tongue, but she seems to think better of it. She knows we're right.

The silence that falls between us is heavy, punctuated only by the distant call of a night bird and the rustle of leaves in the wind. I can feel the tension radiating off Garron and Mara.

My heart clenches like a fist as Mara pulls out a dagger and presses it into her flesh, the metallic scent of blood cutting through the air. I can't help but lurch forward, my hand reaching out to stop her. "Mara, stop! You don’t have to—" I plead.

Her eyes meet mine, a fierce determination burning within them. "It’s the only way," she insists, her voice steady despite the pain. She retrieves the tiny communication crystal from the incision, her hand trembling slightly as she passes it to me. Her skin is ashen, but her resolve is unbreakable.

I take the crystal, its cool surface a stark contrast to the warmth of her blood on my fingertips. She presses a small, folded piece of parchment into my palm—a letter. "Take it. Finish this," she says, her gaze never leaving mine.

The weight of her trust settles heavily on my shoulders, a tangible force that binds us together. "I’ll protect you. I swear it," I vow, my voice ringing with a pure conviction that courses through my veins. This is more than a mission now—it's a matter of honor.

The crunch of leaves underfoot signals Calo's return, a captive dark elf in tow. His armor is scuffed, a testament to a struggle, and his expression is grim. "There’s an underground passage to the cellar. We can get in that way," he reports, his eyes flicking to Mara with concern.

I nod, tucking the crystal and letter safely into my pouch. I turn to Calo, issuing a silent command with a mere look. He understands immediately, moving to Mara's side to ensure her safety while Garron and I head for the underground passage.

Mara's hands curl into fists as she steps forward, her jaw set with the kind of determination I've come to admire. "I've changed my mind. I’m coming with you," she declares, her voice unwavering despite the tremor I can see coursing through her.

I shake my head, my own hands clenching at my sides. "No, Mara. You’re staying here. You’ve done enough," I command. The words taste bitter as I say them, because I know what it costs her to step back, to relinquish control of her own vengeance.

Her eyes flash with defiance, a fire that I've seen before—in the eyes of warriors on the brink of battle, in the gaze of those who have nothing left to lose. But this is different. This is Mara, and the thought of her stepping one foot inside that estate makes my chest tighten.

"You can't stop me, Lazir," she retorts, her voice rising ever so slightly.

I step closer, my height forcing her to tilt her head back to meet my gaze. "We're not just asking, Mara. We're begging you to stay far away from the danger," I say, my voice dropping to a low rumble. I can see the conflict in her eyes, the struggle between her desire for revenge and the plea of her allies.

Garron's hand comes to rest on her shoulder, a silent show of support. "Listen to Lazir, Mara. We need to know you're safe," he says, his voice tinged with worry.

She swallows hard, her resolve faltering as she looks between us. "Fine," she concedes, her voice barely above a whisper. "But promise me you'll come back."

I exchange a glance with Garron before turning my attention back to her. "We swear it," I say, the weight of the promise settling heavily on me.

Calo steps forward, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a serious expression. "I'll take care of her," he assures us, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade—a silent vow to protect Mara with his life.

I nod, trusting in Calo's ability to keep her safe. But as I turn to leave, a part of me rebels against the idea of leaving Mara behind. The thought of something happening to her while we're gone gnaws at me, a relentless fear that I've never experienced before.

Is this what they call love? The question echoes in my mind, unsettling and foreign. I've spent my life guarding my heart, building walls to keep emotions like this at bay. Yet here I am, feeling a deep, undeniable need to stay by Mara's side, to protect her always.

"Stay hidden," I remind her, my voice gruff with the effort of concealing my concern. "Don't do anything brave or foolish until we get back."

She offers a small, reluctant smile—a concession, a promise. "I'll be here," she says, her hand coming up to rest briefly against my arm. The touch is fleeting, but it sends a jolt through me, a visceral reminder of the bond that has formed between us.

With a final nod to Calo, Garron and I set off, leaving the relative safety of our hiding spot to infiltrate the enemy stronghold.

There's no turning back now. We have a mission to complete, a promise to fulfill. And as we disappear into the shadows, I know that every step we take is not just for Mara, but for the future that we all dare to hope for.