Chapter 22

Gabriel and Scarlette continued walking through the woods, treading softly as they kept their guard up. They could feel eyes watching them from the surrounding trees, and the occasional rustling of leaves made them jump in anticipation.

Scarlette couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal that Gabriel's confession had caused her. She trusted him with her life, but now she felt like she didn't even know him. Her mind raced with questions she didn't know how to ask.

Gabriel could feel Scarlette's unease, and he wanted nothing more than to make things right. He reached for her hand, but she pulled away, keeping her distance.

"I'm sorry," Gabriel said, his voice low. "I never wanted to hurt you."

"How could you keep something like that from me?" Scarlette's voice was icy. "How could you lie to me?"

"I didn't want you to be involved," Gabriel explained. "I didn't want you to have to deal with the consequences of my actions."

"I'm involved now, whether I wanted to be or not," Scarlette said, her