Hazel's POV
My gaze darted around, unsure how to respond to his admission. He wanted to help me escape—but should I risk it? If we were caught, the punishment would be unbearable. Was it worth it?
The thought weighed heavily on me. Staying here meant my days were numbered. Liam could return at any moment—force me into submission, or worse, kill me and toss my body into a river without remorse.
My family wouldn't even blink. No pity. No grief. Nothing.
Could I really trust Colton? Perhaps not… but what choice did I have? He was right—I needed to escape. Remaining here was pointless. My family had cast me aside, Liam had broken me down, and I was left with nothing. For once, I needed to put myself first. I vowed that if I ever got a second chance at life, I would use it wisely.
"But what if Liam finds out I've escaped through the mate bond? What if he comes after us?" I asked, my voice laced with fear.
Colton's calm gaze met mine. "Liam already severed the mind link with the witch's potion. There's no way he'll know. This is your chance, Hazel."
I staggered back in shock. "So he won't feel it if I leave?"
"Exactly. Without the bond, he won't sense a thing."
The realization struck me. That explained why I hadn't felt his betrayal, his pain, or even his presence for so long. Colton must have seen the confusion on my face because he pressed further.
"When was the last time you felt anything through the bond—his emotions, his pain, anything at all?"
I froze. My lips parted, but no answer came. Finally, I whispered, "I can't remember."
"That's because the bond is gone," he said firmly. "He can't feel you, and you can't feel him. This is your advantage. Take it—or lose it forever."
"I… I don't know," I murmured, my voice trembling.
He stood, his eyes steady. "Think it over. The next time I come, I hope you'll be ready." With that, he turned and left. I wanted to call out, to stop him—but the words never left my throat.
The following days were hell. The guards mocked me, laughed at me, spat into the scraps of food they threw my way. Sleep was impossible on the cold stone floor, and each morning I woke with fresh aches in my body. Hunger clawed at me, misery drowned me.
Regret haunted me. I should have taken Colton's offer. My fear had held me back, but now? Now, all I wanted was freedom.
A knock at the cell door pulled me from my thoughts. One of the guards sneered. "You've got a visitor."
My heart leapt. Could it be him? I rose slowly, hesitant, but a part of me prayed it was Everett.
The guard opened the gate, and I stepped out.
"Hazel?" A familiar voice called.
"Colton...…" Relief flooded me.
He frowned as his eyes scanned me. "You're thinner than before." I wrapped my arms around myself, ashamed. His frown deepened as he looked around, then leaned closer. "Have you thought about what I said?" he whispered.
I lifted my gaze. "Yes. I've reconsidered."
His eyes narrowed with anticipation. "And?"
"I've decided to go with you. You're right—I can't stay here."
A flicker of a smile crossed his face. "Good. Everything's arranged. Wait until midnight—some of the guards will be asleep by then."
I nodded. The guard escorted me back, but that night, I couldn't sleep. I waited, restless, until footsteps approached. A silhouette appeared in the dim light.
"Liam?" I whispered in terror.
"Shh. It's me," Colton's voice soothed as he unlocked the cell. Relief washed over me.
"Come—we must hurry." He held out his hand.
I hesitated, then placed mine in his. The moment our skin touched, a jolt of electricity shot through me, forcing a gasp from my lips. Startled, I pulled away.
His brows furrowed. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," I said quickly, embarrassed. I placed my hand back in his, steadier this time, and let him lead me out.
The dungeon was eerily quiet. Every guard slumped over their tables, bottles of liquor beside them. They were unconscious. Everett must have drugged them.
We slipped into a tunnel and ran. When we emerged, we were outside the building but still within the kingdom's walls.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed nearby. Colton yanked me into the shadows. I nearly gasped, but his hand covered my mouth, his other braced above my head. My heart thundered in my chest as his warmth pressed against me. His face hovered inches from mine, his hand firm against my lips. I could feel his breath, steady and close.
At last, he pulled away, and I exhaled shakily, realizing I'd been holding my breath. The guards passed, and the path cleared. We moved again, weaving through alleys.
"This way leads to the outer walls," Colton whispered after a while.
"Can we get past them?" I asked nervously.
He didn't reply. Instead, he suddenly pressed his body against mine. My breath caught as I looked up at him in shock, but his eyes were fixed ahead.
"The alley's too narrow," he explained calmly. "I can't move unless it's like this."
His composure didn't make it easier. His solid frame pressed against me, every movement measured yet controlled. Unlike Liam's harshness, Colton's touch was careful, almost gentle, as though he were restraining himself.
By the time we slipped free of the alley, my pulse hadn't slowed. The kingdom wall loomed before us.
"Come—I'll help you up," he murmured near my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. His hands settled at my waist, steadying me as I climbed. Ignoring the strange sensations curling in my stomach, I pulled myself up, and he followed close behind.
Once over the wall, we ran until we reached the villa he'd taken me to once before. He released my hand, but the ghost of his touch lingered on my skin.
Why was I reacting this way? Why did he intrigue me so much?
Colton's brow furrowed as he noticed me staring. "What is it?" he asked, stepping closer.
"What do you mean?" I deflected, backing away slightly.
"You've been staring at me," he said flatly.
Heat flooded my cheeks. So… he'd noticed all along.