Eclipse of Souls

Chapter 3

Frozen in place, I watched as he drew near, my pulse racing in time with the rhythm of the forest around us. The mysterious man exuded a magnetic aura, pulling me into his orbit. My heart pounded in my chest as he closed the distance, the moonlight painting his features with an otherworldly glow.

And then he was upon me, his arms enveloping me in an embrace that sent a shiver down my spine. He leaned in, his lips brushing against my hair as he whispered, "Mine."

Time stood still as his words echoed in the quiet night. My mind raced, trying to comprehend the surreal turn of events. Before I could gather my thoughts, he tightened his hold, his breath warming my ear. Panic and realization surged within me, snapping me out of my stupor.

"Wait, hold on," I stammered, my voice unsteady as I struggled to step away from his grasp. His arms remained resolute, his scent enveloping me—a mix of earth, pine, and something uniquely him.

He growled, the sound vibrating through his chest as his hold on me tightened even further. "No, mine."

Confusion clouded my mind, tangled with the pulsating threads of attraction and apprehension. I renewed my efforts to break free, my voice more forceful. "Let me go, please."

His grip didn't waver, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that left me breathless. "Mine."

I gazed back at him, my bewilderment turning into a stubborn defiance. "I don't belong to anyone. And I definitely don't belong to you."

A low rumble emanated from his chest, a primal sound that made my heart race. "Mine." he repeated, his voice laced with an edge of possession that sent a shiver down my spine.

Desperation coursed through me, my mind a whirlwind of questions and disbelief. "Where did you come from? Where's the wolf? Please, what's happening?"

Before I could react, he hoisted me over his shoulders with a strength that startled me. I yelped in surprise, my protests echoing through the night as I struggled to free myself from his hold.

"Put me down!" I demanded, my fists pounding against his back. "This is insane! What are you doing?"

He continued walking, his steps confident and deliberate as he ventured deeper into the woods. My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of fear and confusion fueling my determination to escape.

"Where are you taking me?" I shouted, my voice tinged with a mix of anger and frustration.

He didn't respond, his silence an infuriating enigma. Panic clawed at me as the shadows of the forest swallowed us, the moonlight barely reaching through the dense canopy of trees.

"Let me go!" I screamed again, my desperation escalating.

But my cries seemed to fall on deaf ears, his grip unyielding as he carried me further into the heart of the wilderness. My thoughts raced, the surreal nature of the situation spiraling through my mind.

"You can't just kidnap me like this!" I exclaimed, my chest heaving as I glared at him.

The journey through the forest felt like an eternity. Despite my protests and struggles, he carried me over his shoulder as if I were weightless. He remained steadfastly silent, his determination unswayed by my objections. The more I fought against him, the more I realized how futile it was, and a begrudging acceptance settled over me.

Time lost its meaning as we walked on, the only sound accompanying us being the rustling of leaves and the faint whisper of the wind. Eventually, we reached a spot that seemed to be concealed by nature itself—a hidden entrance to a cave.