Faster. He had to go faster! Why couldn't he protect her? Again and again he failed to her. He couldn't lose her. Duty, loyalty, he’d give it all up for this spirited, smart, beautiful, unique woman. There was no one like her and never would be. No one would ever live up to her. He couldn't lose her. They had to go faster. When they caught up, as soon as Serenity was safe, Robert was going to rip this scum to pieces. Never again would he hurt those Robert loved. He leaned down closer to his horse neck.

***

They were gaining, thank goodness. Serenity's arm hurt from Wick's unforgiving grip and her feet ached. He had forced them to run non-stop and she was really feeling it, but Wick seemed to have gained a second wind. There was something unnatural about it and Serenity began to wonder what other abilities may come with these Jumps. But there was no time for that now.

Serenity was growing desperate. The plan had failed, yet again Wick had thwarted them. How was he doing it? She was beginning to think he was more powerful than her. If he could do even half of what he envisioned… Fear shivered its way up her spine and the hair in her neck prickled. The realisation numbed her. He had to be stopped. No matter what, he couldn't be allowed to continue. This wasn't just about history or Robert and the people she cared about here. This was bigger than she had let her consider. Wick was truly dangerous. He had to be stopped.

Wick was also getting desperate, running erratically , eyes wide and face pale. The sound of pursuit only got louder and it gave Serenity hope. Perhaps- Suddenly the tree line broke and they stopped short, staring. They were standing on the edge of cliff, looking into a ravine with a torrent of water rushing beneath. Despite the sunny days, the river was high and fast. There’s was no way to cross, the edge was treacherous and the forest, with their pursuers, was at their backs. Serenity smiled. Robert would catch them. It would be okay.

Wick had the look or a cornered wild animal and his eyes darted everywhere for an escape route. He knew it was over. He stared at the waters below as if contemplating jumping into their cold embrace. He couldn't be that desperate could he? Despite everything, Serenity didn’t want him dead. He needed to be stopped but he also needed help.

"Wick… Wick! Look at me, it's finished. You have to stop now. Please."

He turned wild eyes on her, lost and uncomprehending. He was lost. Why hadn't she seen it before. There was fear in his eyes and it was almost more terrifying than the hollowness from before. He didn't know who he was anymore or what to he was supposed to do. What had brought him to this? Serenity suspected she already knew and was afraid. Maybe she could reason with him. It might work this time. It was now or never. But her time was up. Horses crashed through the undergrowth of the forest and Wick eyes hardened as he renewed his punishing grip on her arms, holding her in front of him, their backs to the cliff.

Robert, worried and resolute, appeared like a ray of light out of the trees, his war horse large as life. Wow, relief was making her a delusional. He dismounted and strode forward but halted when he saw her and Wick, his face turning red with anger.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Let her go, and we will show you mercy."

"Silence Norman. Stay back or I will take your beloved from you. As she was taken from me… I was going to allow some of you to live and serve me and my Queen but you have sealed your own fate. I will rend asunder everything you care for. There will be nothing left but ashes and you will be but shadows under my feet." Wick spat out savagely.

"Enough of this madness. Release Serenity. After all you have done to claim her you cannot wish her harm."

"You know nothing. How foolish to think my Angles can belong to anyone. No one, not even I, can have her. She is to be admired, adored and pampered as she rules over the universes and shapes them to her will. If she cannot take her place as my Angel, then I shall ensure no other will lay hands on her. No, she will never be in the hands of another."

Serenity wanted to throw up. Wick had completely lost it. Robert growled and she tensed, the animosity among the company growing. "Then I will take you down before you can harm her. I will protect her." Robert looked into her eyes. "I will protect you."

Serenity nodded. "I know. I trust you Robert."

Robert signalled his men who had stayed back, partially obscured by the trees. They now fanned out around her and Wick. Despite the swelling on the side of her face, Serenity could see Gwain and Aelfwine among them, both grim faced and focused. She felt Wick tense and grimaced at the pain inflicted on her arms. Wick intently watched their movements, and moved his grip to hold her wrists behind her, wrapping a hand round her neck once her wrists were secure. She swallowed convulsively and tried to breathe normally. Roberts eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched.

Behind her, Serenity could hear Wick whispering frantically, nonsense words and ramblings. It scared her. The hair on her neck prickled and her throat went dry. The wind tousled her hair and the air turned cold. How did he do this? The clearing stilled under the eerie breeze and suddenly Serenity understood. It didn't matter if it was real or not, whatever Wick did had power over these people. He’s made the kill, he’d manipulated them to his will. They were at his mercy, and he had none. It had to stop. She had to stop it.

She looked up and saw the fear on her rescuers faces. She remembered the faces of the refugees they had taken in. She remembered the hate that Wick had cultured and understood that if he remained, the medieval era would never be the same. The world would never be the same. She flicked her glance around and saw men emerging from the forest behind Roberts men. Her heart sank. Wicks followers had found him. She had to finish this and now she knew how. It hurt, knowing what she had to do, but she had to do it. Some things didn't belong. She only prayed she was strong enough.

Serenity looked at Robert, still poised to attack as soon as he saw an opening, and despite the tears gathering in her eyes, she grinned beautifully at the man she loved. "I wish we’d have more time Robert, but it’s time. I protect what I love." Robert frowned in confusion at her odd words and she had to hold back a laugh. She supposed it was an odd thing for her to say considering her position. Closing her eyes briefly, she took a deep breath to calm herself and looked back at him. "You’re a good man. Look after Osgar, and stay strong. Watch your back.” Her eyes that swam with tears, finally spilled over to run down her cheeks, but she never stopped smiling for him. Robert looked worried but she knew it had to be done.

"Serenity…?"

Robert tried to moved forward. Wick twitched causing renewed pain for her and Robert stilled but she still smiled. With love in her eyes, she whispered her final good bye to the man she loved. "I love you Robert… always."

Before she could see the panic and sadness in his face, she closed her eyes and leaned back into Wick as if she’d run out of strength. He stumbled as he took her weight and Serenity, taking advantage of his unbalance stance, straightened her bent knees and launched back violently. The cliff edge shifted beneath her feet and she gave one last push with her toes. And then they were falling.

"NO! SERENITYYYYYYYYYYY!!”

Serenity heard Roberts voice before the roaring of the water drowned him out and the tears never stopped falling. Please, don't let him live in pain she prayed. It was the only way to save them. She and Wick were too powerful, they didn't belong here in the past. Her last thoughts were for Robert the man she loved and Wick, the lost friend. "Forgive me". Then the cold blackness consumed her and all was silent…