Chapter 115: Let her go
Belle eventually gave up trying to convince Quinn to get her another horse, resigning herself to her fate. At some point during the journey, she even found herself leaning into him. From now on, she would ask questions instead of making assumptions.
Two hours into the ride, sleep began creeping in, her head bobbing forward before she jerked herself awake, only to repeat the cycle moments later.
Quinn, noticing how hard she was struggling to stay awake, offered, "Close your eyes for a few minutes. I will let you take over the reins once you wake." A tempting bargain, one he knew she wouldn’t refuse.
Her eyes snapped open. "Really? Don’t go back on your word later," she said, eager at the prospect. The entire reason she had wanted to ride was to have some fun, but with Quinn controlling the reins, it had been nothing but dull. Had she known, she would have simply stayed in the carriage.
"Of course." Without warning, he pulled her closer until her back rested against him, his voice turning smooth as he coaxed, "Sleep."
Before Belle could fully relax, an arrow suddenly whizzed through the air toward them. Quinn, sensing the attack, dodged instantly, but with Belle in his arms, he was forced to shift his movement, going down to shield her as they hit the ground.
Belle jolted awake, gasping as the impact registered. Her eyes landed on the arrow now embedded in the dirt, her breath hitching as she turned to Quinn. "Are you okay?" She asked, scanning him frantically for any sign of injury.
"We are under attack!!" Ray’s voice rang through the air, and at once, the warriors fell into formation, preparing for battle against the unseen assailants.
"I am fine," Quinn assured her as he stood, keeping Belle securely in his arms while his sharp gaze fixed on the direction the arrow had come from.