It was my second night as a royal guard. My sword felt heavy at my side. I was missing something.

“Arya, missing something?” Captain Holt said with a smirk, holding my bow and arrows up.

I sigh with relief. That’s what I was missing.

I grab them and put them on my back.

“Tonight, guards,” Captain Holt began, “we are to catch an enemy of our kingdom. It is said a spy is watching from the shadows.”

He lays out a map and directs groups to each sensitive part of the village.

I am to go the furthest, by the gates.

“Arya, you’re with me and Fletcher,” Captain Holt said.

I nod.

We walk under the blanket of darkness. The moon and stars no where in sight.

“Remember, we don’t know if the spy has any magic on his side, so be careful.” Captain Holt sent out the groups.

I stayed near him, biting back the pain in my side.

I was punished yesterday for losing a training fight. Captain Holt made sure I wouldn’t make that mistake again. My ribs are bruised, and my fear of him grew.

I hate that I’m in his group.

I stay near Fletcher as Captain Holt guides us towards the village gates.

As we near, something within me ignites and my nerves increase. It’s though my veins are vibrating. My heart beat quickens.

Something isn’t right.

“Captain,” I whisper.

“Not now, Arya,” he bits back.

I gulp. My body feels a pull, and we’re getting closer to it.

My hands begin to shake and sweat rolls down my face.

It hurts to breathe; my ribs aching with pain.

It’s all too much.

Captain Holt halts.

He points to a tree where shadows swirl.

We edge closer.

I grip my bow and arrows, ready to take down the spy, but my hands shake unbearably and the pull within my body increases.

Suddenly, from behind the tree, a man steps before us.

Darkness surrounds him, but a sliver of light shows his tan skin and black wavy hair. He’s tall and muscular; we won’t go without a fight.

A sword sits on his right hip.

He’s staring at me with a smile.

“Hello, Arya,” he says, slowly walking towards me.

“You know him!” Captain Hilt exclaimed with rage.

“I-I no no,” I stutter. The pull within my body increases as the man steps closer. My heart beats faster and louder.

I’m shaking uncontrollably.

Fletcher throws a dagger at the man, but it freezes midair and flies back into Fletcher’s leg. He screams in pain.

Captain Holt makes a move but he’s frozen, trapped by shadows.

“Arya, make your move NOW!” He shouts. “Do it now or your pretty face will be the next thing brusied!”

The threat brings my bow to point at the man, but I’m shaking so badly.

A small whimper escapes my lips from the pain on my side.

_I can’t do it. _

The man clears the shadows hiding him. I can see him clearly now.

He has bright blue eyes and a small scar on his left eyebrow. He’s unmistakably beautiful.

_What am I thinking! Kill him! _

I aim my bow at him.

“Take your shot, Arya. You’ll only get one,” he says, holding up his hands.

But I can’t. I can’t shoot him. My body is screaming at me not too.

“I can’t,” I whisper.

Captain Holt is screaming at me now, threatening to bruise every bone in my body.

Tears fall from my eyes down.

I can’t do this.

I can’t be here.

I can’t fight.

It’s all too much.

I don’t make my shot, I pull my bow down.

The man steps closer, mere inches from me.

“Let me take your pain, Arya. I am not your enemy.” He touches my hand and shadows surround me.

I feel my body leave from screaming Captain Holt and I’ve never felt happier.