Chapter 53 - I’ve Fallen (1) (2/2)

“I’ve heard enough about why you don’t want to reveal our relationship. I promise I will never let your identity be revealed, so take my hand.”

Elena hesitated. She was strongly against doing anything unnecessary.

Carlisle sensed her uncertainty.

“My arm hurts, quickly.”

Carlisle astride a large horse wasn’t exactly the fairytale picture of a prince on a white steed. But he had a much more dangerous allure. His thin, slanted eyes pierced Elena, and his pitch black hair and tall nose reflected the moonlight.

Her head hadn’t decided what to do with his proposal yet. But despite the complicated thoughts racing through her mind…

She took his offered hand. While she had faith in his promise that they would be unseen, it was also true that she longed to be on horseback again. There was no reason to reject Carlisle’s offer to do what she desired. However, she didn’t want a burden for nothing.

Carlisle, however, had no such thoughts at all, and smiled faintly as soon as Elena’s hand was in his.

Hwiig–

Carlisle pulled her up, and Elena settled in front of him. The long skirt of her dress made sitting a little uncomfortable, but she loved this wide open view that could only be seen from atop a horse.

Tadak, tadak.

The horse began to walk forward. Suddenly she felt something warm around her shoulders, and when she turned her head she saw that Carlisle had taken off his coat jacket and placed it around her.

“I’m alright. It’s not cold–”

“Keep yourself covered, though. Just in case someone sees you.”

The coat certainly wasn’t covering her face, but it was slightly better than exposing her full dress. She had started to refuse, but found that he had a point.

“Yes, then…thank you.”

Carlisle seemed to have anticipated her answer. He spoke after he confirmed that Elena was warmly clad in his coat.

“Let’s run.”

Carlisle snapped the reins, and the horse began to gallop at a faster speed. Elena smiled as the cool breeze whipped past her cheeks and ears.

“Aren’t you scared?”

“Not at all. I want to go faster.”

“As you command.”

He urged the horse to go faster and faster. The freshness of the air seemed to cleanse her body. She felt more gloriously alive than before. She didn’t know how long it had been since she last hurtled freely through a dark forest road.

Carlisle could not see Elena’s flushed face, but could hear her small gasps of happiness she unintentionally let out. Elena savored the cool breeze like she did when she was a knight.