Lady of Gévaudan

A Love Like Fire and Ice Chapter 80

( Lexxia's POV )

Sawyer had warned her of the violent nature that he kept leashed and she had never put much thought into what that would look like. Staring at Alex's broken bloody form and then to Sawyer who still had Alex's blood dripping from his hands and a crazy look in his eyes, Lexxia could see why he had warned her.

But even after seeing the violence that he was capable of, when Sawyer looked at Lexxia her heart jumped and she ran to him. Lexxia collided with Sawyer and she felt his arms go around her as her face rested against his chest a laugh escaped her lips. Sawyer pulled away and grabbed Lexxia's face his eyes focusing on the cut that Victoria had given her.

Lexxia took his hands in her's not even caring that they were covered in blood.

" I'm fine. We're both fine, we did it!"

Lexxia kissed Sawyer and felt him smile against her lips. She pulled back and noticed with a pang of worry just how exhausted Sawyer looked. Lexxia rushed to catch Sawyer as he wavered on his feet falling forward, Lexxia looked in horror at her hand as she felt the blood that was covering Sawyer's side. Sawyer swallowed and Lexxia could tell he was struggling to stay with her.

" Genevieve got lucky."

Lexxia managed to slow Sawyer's fall to his knees and she desperately tried to keep him upright as she kept her hand against Sawyer's wound trying to slow the bleeding.

" It's ok just hang in there Princess. We won they have to come get us now and then we can get you help."

Lexxia looked around and felt dread crawl up her spine.

" Why aren't they coming? We won the Game is over. They need to hurry so we can save you!" 

Lexxia watched the guilt cross Sawyer's face. He shook his head and Lexxia saw something in his eyes that scared her.

" They aren't coming Love because the Game isn't over, Only one person can win the Game."

Lexxia shook her head.

" No no that's not true! You heard Thorn's announcement! The last two Tributes would be the winners!"

Sawyer's hand gripped Lexxia's.

" It was just another trick Love. The announcement was only for the Tributes to hear, as far as the Capital see's it the Game is still going."

Lexxia stared at Sawyer in horror.

" You knew? That's what you wouldn't tell me when I asked you what was wrong?"

Lexxia felt the tears falling down her face as Sawyer nodded.

" You needed to have hope that we would both make it. I'm sorry love, Lexxia I'm truly sorry."

Lexxia shook her head. No this couldn't be happening! She couldn't be losing Sawyer like this! She couldn't lose one more person she loved to the Arena! She couldn't kill him!

An idea hit her like a strike of lightning and she realized that she could save Sawyer. Lexxia grabbed Sawyer's dagger from her side and brought the blade quickly towards her chest.

Lexxia looked at the boy she loved in desperation as her vision blurred from her tears. Sawyer had caught her wrist as she was about to stab herself, his eyes held fierce determination as he took the dagger from her. Lexxia cried in a broken voice.

" Why? Why won't you let me save you?!"

Sawyer gently took Lexxia's face into his hands.

" You can't insure that the Capital can save me. I can insure that you go home, I can make sure that you still have your future."

Lexxia's shoulders shook as she cried.  

" But you still have a future too."

Lexxia felt Sawyer kiss her forehead.

" My future was you. That's the future I chose, that's the future I'm protecting now."

Lexxia leaned into Sawyer as pain burned her chest.

" What happens now?"

Lexxia felt Sawyer leaning as his body became too much for him to hold on his own. Lexxia held him close to her and clung desperately to every ragged breath.

" You go home. You go home to Mila and you live your life."

Lexxia felt the tremors make their way through Sawyer's body and his voice was becoming distant.

" I'm going to die Lexxia. I'm not dying fast enough to be entertaining for the Capital's viewers so the Gamemakers are going to activate the trigger that is in our trackers to kill me faster. I need you to bring Andrew Em's necklace, I can't keep my promise to her so I need you to do it for me."

Lexxia felt Sawyer place Em's necklace into her hands. Lexxia looked into Sawyer's steel grey eyes and traced the scar that lined the left side of his face. Sawyer leaned into her touch, turning his head to kiss the palm of Lexxia's hand.

" Lexxia Pierce you are one of the best parts of my life. You taught me how to love someone and I can never repay you for that. I never wanted to hurt you Love and I hope that someday you can forgive me, but I can't go on any longer I'm to tired."

Lexxia felt the hot tears trail down her face. She nodded as she swallowed and helped to lean Sawyer back before resting her head against his chest, right above his heart. Lexxia put her fingers through Sawyer's and felt his ring against her hand as Sawyer wrapped his other arm around her.

" I love you Lexxia, don't ever forget that. Go live your life to its fullest. Do that for all of us."

Lexxia sat up and looked into Sawyer's eyes watching as he fought the hold that death so clearly wanted. Leaning forward Lexxia kissed Sawyer with everything she had, every emotion that she couldn't say was put into that kiss that tasted of tears.

Lexxia had her head on Sawyer's chest shakily singing the song that his mother used to sing to him, because she knew that he loved her voice, when the canon sounded.

Lexxia cried harder and clung tighter to the boy she had fallen in love with and she had to be fought by Peacekeepers to let him go.

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2 days ago | [YT] | 2

Lady of Gévaudan

A Love Like Fire and Ice Chapter 79

( Sawyer's POV )

Strike first. 

Strike hard.

Never let your emotions cloud your judgment.

Never make it personal.

Follow the orders of those higher ranking than you.

Never let your enemy know what you're thinking.

These were only some of the lessons Sawyer's father had drilled into his head growing up. Sawyer had lived by these lessons his entire life.

Up until now.

Malikai's death was personal. His entire alliance's deaths were personal and Sawyer was tired of letting his anger sit dormant. When Alex started to lunge in his direction Sawyer shoved Lexxia further behind himself and away from their enemies, that would give her just a few more seconds of an advantage over Victoria.

Sawyer had told Lexxia and Roxim that he would deal with Alex however he saw fit, and that ment he was going to make Alex suffer. Sawyer prided himself in ending the lives of his enemies quickly and with minimal suffering on their end, but that didn't mean he didn't know how to drag out a death. Sawyer usually avoided the art of torture because he knew that he was good at it and didn't want to lose his humanity by becoming numb to it.

Alex was an exception to a lot of Sawyer's rules.

As their blades clashed Sawyer tapped into the sources of strength that had never failed him. Anger, vengeance, and the primal need to defend and protect what was precious to him. Alex had killed Malikai and threatened Lexxia more than once, he was an enemy that needed to be dealt with.

Sawyer caught sight of Lexxia dodging one of Victoria's axes right before she cut a nasty gash into Victoria's wrist. Lexxia was clearly fighting with everything she had left, but then again they all were.

His father never talked about this part of the Game not really. Sure his father had talked about the rush that consumed you as you realized that it all came down to what happened next. The knowledge that you were on the verge of tasting victory and glory if you succeeded. What was always left out was the desperation of your opponent who was just as tired as you were. The moment you remembered that you were both just kids forced into something violent and evil. There was a feeling that you would never see your family again and it was like something died inside you because what would their lives look like when you were gone?

Sawyer had never even said goodbye to his father.

The sound of steel brought Sawyer back into the present and he leaned into the years of training as he swung and dodged, advanced and retreated. Sawyer watched the fear enter Alex's eyes and relished in it, but fear still wasn't enough.

Sawyer heard Victoria give a cry of pain and turned his head to see that Lexxia's knife was to the hilt in her shoulder. Lexxia had blood on her face from a cut and Sawyer fought the urge to run to her defense, she was handling things just fine. Lexxia had grabbed his dagger from her hip and was using it to continue her advance on Victoria, Sawyer grinned at the knowledge that his girl was going to win that battle.

What happened next with Alex was violent, reckless, and self destructive. In short it was everything the Capital would love and cheer for.

Sawyer stopped caring about his own personal wellbeing and threw everything he had at Alex, ignoring any and all pain that was going through his body. Sawyer's blade became an extension of himself and Alex was forced to retreat a few steps as Sawyer's wrath came through. If this was a movie or some kind of story the two boys would be throwing insults or taunts at each other, neither one had the energy to spare.

Alex got lucky and managed to knock Sawyer's blade with a powerful swing and Sawyer lost his grip on the hilt. Sawyer didn't even pause to think, simply reacted, and lunged for Alex with his bear hands. Alex wasn't prepared for Sawyer to attack him without a weapon and Sawyer was able to knock Alex's blade from his hand as the two boys hit the ground. Sawyer's fist collided with Alex's face as he rolled himself on top of the other boy using his size to his advantage.

Sawyer slammed his fists into Alex repeatedly as the other boy tried to defend himself. Alex managed to get a few hits in but nothing that shook Sawyer's hold on him. Sawyer could feel the blood as his hands collided with Alex and the feeling of the other boy's nose breaking under his fist blended with Sawyer's shaking limbs. Sawyer briefly registered the fact that a canon had gone off but he was to occupied to divert his attention, he knew Lexxia had won.

Every time Sawyer's fist met Alex's face he saw the face of one of his allies. Alex was the victim of all Sawyer's wrath because Sawyer wasn't able to get his hands on the Capital, Snow, or Thorn. Sawyer couldn't make all of the people he wanted to bleed, so he settled for Alex. Even as his own breath became shallow and ragged Sawyer never stopped, Alex was basically dead at this point.

Sawyer paused and forced himself to his feet. He walked over to where his sword had fallen and picked it up. He barely noticed Lexxia watching him and refused to see if there was any form of horror on her face at what he had done. Sawyer's sword was heavy as he made his way back to Alex, his vision was blurring but he didn't stop. The other boy looked up at Sawyer with swollen eyes and croaked in a small broken voice.

" You're a monster."

Sawyer rested the tip of his sword on Alex's chest. The exact same place that Alex had run Malikai through and leaned towards Alex so he could better hear his icy response.

" I'm what they made me."

With a shove Sawyer's blade went through Alex's chest.

Taking a step back Sawyer felt his whole body go weak. He didn't care because the canon that sounded a moment later was the sound of Malikai being avenged, it was the sound of Lexxia's safety, it was the sound of victory. Sawyer smiled as he looked up from Alex's body.

He had won.

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2 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 3

Lady of Gévaudan

A Love Like Fire and Ice Chapter 78

( Lexxia's POV )

Lexxia's head was throbbing as she started to come to.

She went to rub the back of her head only to find that she couldn't move. Lexxia opened her eyes in alarm and saw that she was tied to a tree. Lexxia's breathing started to increase as she struggled against her restraints. Lexxia quickly went still as she heard footsteps approaching.

" How do you know this is actually going to work? That canon could have just as easily been Chance."

Lexxia felt panic flood her chest at Victoria's words. A canon had gone off? How long had she been out? Was Sawyer ok or had Genevieve killed him? Alex snorted.

" Please even with whatever is wrong with him there is no way that Genevieve took out Chance, trust me he's alive. Well look who's finally awake."

Lexxia glared at Alex as he came into view. Victoria was behind him with a look of disgust on her face and Erin followed slowly constantly looking over his shoulder. Alex crouched down in front of Lexxia and grinned.

" How'd you sleep sweetheart?"

Lexxia lunged for Alex but her restraints kept her from reaching him. Her voice dripped venom as she spoke.

" Go to hell."

Alex shook his head.

" Nah think I'll go to the Capital instead. You know after you're dead and all."

Victoria rolled her eyes and placed her hands on her hips.

" Why don't we just kill her now? What's the point of keeping her alive?"

Lexxia watched as Alex shook his head as if he was explaining things to a child.

" Don't you get it? She's the bait for Chance to come exactly where we want him too."

Lexxia felt horror building as memories tried to surface. This wouldn't be the first time she was tied up and forced to watch people kill someone she loved. Swallowing Lexxia did her best to keep the shaking out of her voice as she forced a laugh.

" You don't need bait idiot, he's already coming for you."

Alex smiled which left Lexxia internally shaking.

" And now when he gets here he'll do exactly what I want him to. I saw the way he lost it when I killed what's his name, just imagine what he'll do when he realizes that your life is in my hands."

It was Lexxia's turn to smile at Alex and she took pleasure in watching his smile falter a bit.

" I have a feeling that Sawyer's gong to rip you apart."

Lexxia watched as Erin paled and took another look around them. Lexxia couldn't believe that this guy had made it this far with how jumpy he was. Victoria brandished her axe in Lexxia's direction clearly frustrated.

" If we take her out now we'll still outnumber Chance three to one. I'm sick of your theatrics Myxin, I want to win this!"

Alex glared at Victoria and angrily raised his sword.

" And I want to watch Chance die! And SHE gets to watch as well!"

Lexxia watched a look of fear pass over both Victoria and Erin's faces before all of their attention turned to a crashing sound in the distance. Lexxia could smell the faint trace of smoke and knew that there was a fire. Alex stood up and grinned.

" Looks like the wolf came to play, Erin watch her."

Alex and Victoria moved towards the crashing sound leaving Erin and Lexxia alone. Erin moved his spear from one hand to the other before he started to pace. On one of his rounds Lexxia tried to loosen her restraints again but struck out. Lexxia felt the anxiety crawling up her spine as she imagined Alex and Victoria cornering Sawyer. What didn't make sense was the fact that Sawyer wasn't trying to use stealth at all!

Lexxia turned her head as light caught something in the woods near her left. Turning Lexxia almost let out a sound of relief as she caught sight of Sawyer angling a blade to catch the light and by consequence Lexxia's attention. Lexxia watched as Sawyer eyed Erin and when he walked past Sawyer lunged for the other boy taking him out before he could sound an alarm.

Lexxia felt tears forming in her eyes as Sawyer made his way to her kneeling down in front of her and making quick work of her restraints. He had come for her, it surprised her every time. And every time she felt her chest swell because Sawyer kept coming back for her, even when it was dangerous. He kept choosing HER.

" You came for me."

Lexxia threw herself into Sawyer's arms as soon as she was free.

" They said a canon went off! I was so scared that it was you, God I'm so sorry this is all my fault!"

Sawyer held Lexxia close and she could feel the relief run through him.

" It's not your fault love. Everything is going to be just fine."

Sawyer held Lexxia away from himself and looked her over carefully. A dark look had entered his eyes turning the usual steel to stormy grey.

" Did he hurt you?"

Lexxia shook her head.

" Victoria just knocked me out. They wanted to use me as bait to mess with you and there's a fire somewhere."

Sawyer had a mix of emotions cross his face before cold rage settled. Lexxia had only seen this look three times. The first time was when Alex had gone to hit Lexxia at the Tribute Center and Sawyer had slammed him against the wall. The second time was after the river incident right before Sawyer had taken off to hunt down the guy who had shoved Lexxia into the river and killed Regina. The third time was when Alex had killed Malikai.

" I started the fire to cause a distraction, I started carrying flint a while ago for emergencies."

Sawyer passed Lexxia her knives.

" You dropped these, take this too."

Sawyer handed Lexxia his dagger. Lexxia looked into his face questioningly.

" You only have two knives love. I want you armed for the entire fight coming up."

The sound of slow applause sounded and Lexxia turned to see Alex and Victoria approaching. Alex frowned at Erin's body and shook his head.

" Well I guess it's just the four of us huh? Should have left Victoria behind, she'd still be alive. Welcome to the show Chance well done with your little fire trick, real smart. You still look like death though."

Sawyer had a murderous look on his face as he glared at Alex.

" Still plenty alive to kill you though."

Lexxia and Sawyer had stood up at this point and Lexxia was just behind Sawyer's shoulder. Leaning forward Lexxia kept eye contact with Alex and Victoria as she spoke to Sawyer.

" I'll deal with her. Play nice with Myxin, you wouldn't want him to get his feelings hurt would you Princess?"

Sawyer grinned a savage grin as he raised his sword, there was a level of crazy in his eyes that would have scared Lexxia if she hadn't been on his side.

" I can't make any promises."

Lexxia held her knives tightly Sawyer's dagger at her hip.

They just had to make it through this battle than they could go home.

‪@s1mplylexx1a_13‬ ‪@TheHungerGamesGurl‬ ‪@That_Christian_Girl4‬ ‪@ChildofGod_Tëmeyo‬ ‪@manthagrace7‬ ‪@GraceIsRandom‬ ‪@Otterly_amazing‬ ‪@Wehappyphew‬ ‪@AmandaJohnson-s1c‬ ‪@Maysilee_Donner_13‬

3 days ago | [YT] | 2

Lady of Gévaudan

A Love Like Fire and Ice Chapter 77

( Sawyer's POV )

Sawyer watched Lexxia until she disappeared from his sight.

He hated this plan. He hated this plan with every fiber of his being, but he didn't see any other option. Setting his jaw Sawyer turned to keep following Genevieve's trail knowing that he had to keep going at a quick pace if he was going to catch up to Lexxia. The reality was she was going to be able to move a lot faster than he was and that was even if he didn't catch up with Genevieve first, he fully intended on catching up.

Sawyer pointblank refused to think of all the things that could go wrong, that was a surefire way for him to drive himself insane. Instead Sawyer worked on pacing his breath so he was less likely to become winded and exhaust himself before he would need his strength and energy.

The black spots in his vision had become permeant though thankfully they were only at the sides of his vision. His coordination was becoming less reliable and Sawyer felt a hollow loss when he realized that he had come to the Capital in far better condition than he was now. He wasn't a complete idiot he knew that he would face things like lack of sleep, water, and food. But the loss of his body and mind was what was hurting, after years of training he had hoped that he would at least have that to the end.

Sawyer's attention was peaked when he heard the crumbling sound of falling dirt ahead of him. Taking his sword from its sheath Sawyer slowly advanced to the bend in the ravine.

Turning the corner Sawyer expected to find Genevieve and a wave of disappointment hit him as he stared at the empty space. With a frown Sawyer started looking around himself, he knew that she was close. Looking along the side of the ravine Sawyer saw a fresh trail of blood leading up to a small brush growing out of the ravine wall. Looking up Sawyer watched as Genevieve jumped from her hiding place straight for him.

They crashed to the ground and both rushed to avoid the other's blade. Sawyer cursed himself as he realized his disadvantage at choosing his sword over dagger while Genevieve swung her dagger just missing him. 

Theseus had once told Sawyer that there was nothing more dangerous than a cornered animal that was injured, he had to disagree. People were much more dangerous but thankfully this was something that Sawyer knew how to deal with, and he knew how to deal with it well.

Genevieve was favoring her injured leg greatly and Sawyer saw three different ways that he could take Genevieve out in a matter of minutes. Sawyer put enough distance between the two of them so he could get his sword up and moved to advance, that's when a dizzy spell crashed into him.

Instead of bringing his blade down on Genevieve the way he had intended Sawyer overextended and Genevieve was able to slide under his arm and collided with his chest knocking the air from his lungs. Coughing Sawyer stumbled forward and turned quickly swinging his blade blindly hoping he was able to hit Genevieve before she could get him. His blade connected with Genevieve and Sawyer watched as she dropped her dagger clutching her arm as blood ran down her arm.

Seeing his opportunity Sawyer didn't hesitate and quickly finished Genevieve off, making sure that he struck her down in a single clean blow. She had suffered enough. The canon sounded and Sawyer breathed a little easier.

Sawyer wiped his blade clean. As he twisted to sheath his blade Sawyer gave a sharp gasp as pain flared up his side. Sawyer removed his hand from his side and saw the crimson stain that Genevieve had left behind when she had run into him. The gash wasn't too deep but was bleeding consistently, what worried Sawyer was he hadn't noticed when it happened. The pain bled into the rest of the pain that he felt.

Thinking quickly Sawyer unwrapped his hands and tied the bandages together. He did his best to wrap his side once he removed his shirt, he would put it back on once he dealt with his injury to help hold the bandages in place. Once that was complete Sawyer set off to try and find a way out of the ravine.

Eventually Sawyer saw a pile of rocks and boulders that had fallen in some kind of rockslide along the ravine wall. It took a painfully long time to get up the pile and once at the top Sawyer collapsed breathing heavily. Once he had somewhat caught his breath Sawyer sat up in alarm. There was no way he should have beat Lexxia here.

Pushing the panic to the side Sawyer stood up and started to make his way in the opposite way he had come from. Keeping the ravine in his eyesight Sawyer became more concerned the longer he walked without running into Lexxia.

Sawyer came into a slight clearing and was about to keep going when something caught the sun and hit his eye. Sawyer turned to investigate and felt his heart constrict in fear. Lexxia's knives were on the ground and not too far from her knives were traces of blood.

Sawyer felt rage burn deep in his bones. The was only one explanation as to what happened.

Alex and his allies had Lexxia.

‪@s1mplylexx1a_13‬ ‪@TheHungerGamesGurl‬ ‪@That_Christian_Girl4‬ ‪@ChildofGod_Tëmeyo‬ ‪@manthagrace7‬ ‪@GraceIsRandom‬ ‪@Otterly_amazing‬ ‪@Wehappyphew‬ ‪@AmandaJohnson-s1c‬ ‪@Maysilee_Donner_13‬

4 days ago | [YT] | 2

Lady of Gévaudan

A Love Like Fire and Ice Chapter 76

( Lexxia's POV )

Lexxia was fairly certain that Sawyer was going to scare her for the rest of their lives.

When the ground broke from beneath Sawyer and he fell into the ravine Lexxia had been scared that she had lost him. She had been dreading the sound of canon fire and had run as quickly as she could to the edge of the ravine but fearing what she would find when she got there. Lexxia had felt her entire body sink in relief when she saw Sawyer looking back up at her, admittedly a bit dazed, but he was alive.

Lexxia was looking along the edges of the ravine trying to see if there was a safe way to get down, she wasn't having much luck. The sides were far too steep as well as dry and crumbling, she couldn't safely climb down and even if Sawyer was in a better position he couldn't climb out. With a sigh of frustration Lexxia looked down at Sawyer.

" Please tell me you're seeing something I'm not."

Sawyer slowly shook his head and studied the ravine around himself.

" Hear me out before you say anything. This ravine has to lead somewhere, right? I propose that we keep moving, I'll follow Genevieve's trail and confront her if I run into her. You follow from above and keep your eyes peeled for a way out, warn me if you catch sight of Genevieve before I do."

Lexxia crossed her arms hugging herself as she bit her bottom lip. She didn't like this plan, there were too many variables and she didn't like leaving Sawyer alone. Unfortunately she couldn't see an alternative option.

" Lexxia? Talk to me what are you thinking?"

Lexxia took a deep breath.

" I don't like this, but we don't have any other choices at the moment."

Sawyer nodded watching her closely. Lexxia rolled her eyes and threw her arms to her sides.

" You better be careful. I don't want to lose you to a ditch."

Sawyer grinned.

" It's a ravine, but you've made your point. Keep your eyes open to your surroundings, if you think you're in ANY kind of danger forget about looking out for me and focus on defending yourself. I refuse to lose you because I'm stuck in a ditch and can't watch your back."

Lexxia wrinkled her nose and stuck her tongue out at Sawyer who laughed in response to her childish antics. Lexxia smiled as she called down in a mocking tone.

" It's a RAVINE not a DITCH."

They set out and did their best to keep pace with each other. Lexxia was glad that Sawyer was the one who fell into the ravine, the terrain was much easier for him than it was up above. Lexxia didn't mind its not that it was DIFFICULT to navigate her path, it was just much more cluttered with brush and foliage. Lexxia kept one eye on her path and the other on Sawyer.

Even though he had the easier path Lexxia watched Sawyer stumble a few times and could see the more ragged breaths he took as he pushed himself along the path that he was tracking. Lexxia held on to the reminder that they just had to get through the day. With a smile Lexxia called down to Sawyer who startled a little at her voice.

" Can we have dahlia flowers planted around the house?"

Sawyer smiled and nodded.

" I think Amy would have liked that."

Lexxia was glad that Sawyer knew why she wanted the dahlias and started to think of other things they could incorporate to honor their allies.

" What would Jax have liked?"

Sawyer was silent a few minutes before answering.

" He loved trees. He told me a few stories about how his father was going to teach him wood carving."

Lexxia nodded. They talked a little longer about things they would put into place for the others. Lexxia suggested bird feeders for Max, he had mentioned a love for them once. Sawyer said that a body of water was needed for Em, she had told him stories of spending days on the water. Lexxia suggested planting marigolds, the colors reminded her of Regina's hair. Sawyer suggested a medicinal herb garden in memory of James, he said that he had been an ally no matter what James had done. The two of them fell silent as they came upon Malikai and Roxim though, neither of them were ready to talk about those losses yet.

Lexxia stopped and groaned.

" Sawyer the brush is way too thick for me to get through up here."

Sawyer looked up and shook his head.

" Doesn't look like it lets up for quite some time either."

A chill went down Lexxia's spine and she rubbed her arms.

" We have to split up don't we?"

Lexxia heard the tension in Sawyer's voice and knew that he hated it as much as she did.

" It won't be for long. Just get yourself clear of the thick part and find the ravine once you're in the clear. I'll meet you on the other side, just please be careful."

Lexxia nodded finding her knives and readying herself for the hike ahead.

" Take care of yourself Princess."

Lexxia felt worse the further she got from Sawyer. She kept imagining all that could go wrong without her there to look out for him, and the fear that she wouldn't see him again kept building. Lexxia kept reminding herself that Sawyer could handle himself and didn't need her to save him, but that only did so much to ease her mind.

A snapping of branches brought Lexxia out of her mind and on high alert. Gripping her knives in her hands Lexxia looked around herself and got into a defensive stance. Her skin crawled as Alex and Erin came into view. Alex grinned at her as he held his sword up catching the light.

" Where's your boyfriend sweetheart? No hero to save you this time huh?"

Lexxia gritted her teeth as she glared at Alex.

" Heroes aren't really my thing. I think you'll find I can handle things myself."

Alex laughed. Erin walked a little towards the left, his eyes scanning the woods clearly looking for Sawyer.

" Oh I'm sure you can sweetheart. Unfortunately for you I have other plans."

Lexxia became aware that someone was missing and turned just in time to see Victoria swing a large branch at her head.

The next thing Lexxia knew the world was black.

‪@s1mplylexx1a_13‬ ‪@TheHungerGamesGurl‬ ‪@That_Christian_Girl4‬ ‪@ChildofGod_Tëmeyo‬ ‪@manthagrace7‬ ‪@GraceIsRandom‬ ‪@Otterly_amazing‬ ‪@Wehappyphew‬ ‪@AmandaJohnson-s1c‬ ‪@Maysilee_Donner_13‬ @

5 days ago | [YT] | 2

Lady of Gévaudan

A Love Like Fire and Ice Chapter 75

( Sawyer's POV )

He couldn't recall falling asleep.The last thing Sawyer remembered was Lexxia lying on his chest as he kept watch.

As Sawyer's mind became conciseness he nearly lost that concisenesses as pain like nothing he had ever known engulfed him. Sawyer knew pain he knew it well, but this was unlike anything he had ever felt before. It was hard to draw in air to breathe because every breath taken was like fire burning his lungs.

He sat unmoving trying to keep some form of evenness to his breathing as he hoped the pain would pass or at the very least fade to something bearable. But a few minutes of silently suffering told him that this was a permeant pain and it was going nowhere. Sawyer remained still for another few breaths as he tried to become accustomed to this new baseline. He couldn't afford to be taken out like this. 

He still had to kill Alex Myxin.

With this in mind Sawyer forced his eyes open, a task that was more difficult than he would like, and saw that Lexxia was still sleeping in his arms. A smile found its way to his lips as he watched the sun dance across Lexxia's face and a look of peace softened her features. Sawyer watched Lexxia sleep for a while and took great pleasure in the knowledge that he had made her feel safe enough that she was able to sleep so peacefully.

Sawyer felt the Arena shake in the familiar way it had since day one, but noted that the earthquake was a bit more violent than it had been previously. Somewhere far in the distance Sawyer heard trees fall and crash, Lexxia shifted a bit in her sleep but remained sleeping.

Sawyer sat and replayed the advents of the Arena since day one in his mind, ending with last nights announcement. He was fairly sure that Genevieve would try waiting out the Game with her injury, if she thought she only had to wait until the final two it would be the wise move for her. Sawyer knew that Genevieve had to go.

Lexxia shifted again and Sawyer smiled as he kissed Lexxia's forehead. Lexxia smiled and buried her head into Sawyer's chest before mumbling.

" I thought you hated mornings. Five more minutes."

Sawyer laughed softly and nodded even though Lexxia couldn't see it.

" Love I would give you all the time in the world if I could. Unfortunately we still have four other Tributes to deal with before the end of the day."

Lexxia sighed and pushed herself onto her arms. She looked into Sawyer's face and studied him for a few minutes a frown forming slowly replacing the smile that had been there only a few minutes ago. 

" It's bad today isn't it."

It wasn't a question and Sawyer didn't deny it. He forced a smile instead and kissed the tip of Lexxia's nose.

" Just have to get through today."

Lexxia wrinkled her nose and smiled.

" We get through the day and the Capital can get you better."

Sawyer closed his eyes as a wave of pain crashed over him. When he reopened his eyes Lexxia was looking at him with concern. Sawyer gave a shaky laugh as he felt the sweat drip down the back of his neck.

" I think it's going to be a long day."

Lexxia gave him a smile before bringing her lips to his. Sawyer could swear that Lexxia had some kind of magic if that even existed. When her lips met his Sawyer's thoughts stilled, the storm that was constantly in his mind calmed and for a moment he couldn't feel any pain whatsoever. Far too soon Lexxia pulled away and Sawyer was left wishing that he could kiss her forever. But for now they had things that they needed to do.

Lexxia stood up and extended a hand to help Sawyer to his feet. Taking a quick breath Sawyer took Lexxia's hand. When he got to his feet Lexxia rushed to help steady him, Sawyer blinked rapidly as his head spun and black spots danced across his vision. They stood like that from a minute and Sawyer tried to put as little weight on Lexxia as possible, but he found himself needing her far more than was good for them in the long run. Lexxia gave him her best smile as she put one of his arms across her shoulders.

" Just have to get through today. Which way Princess?"

Sawyer nodded in a direction and they started walking. The guilt that consumed Sawyer as they walked at a painfully slow pace was almost worse than the pain he was in. Lexxia could make much better time without him and Sawyer didn't even want to think about how he would mange in a fight, his final battle with Alex was becoming less appealing as time went on. Lexxia looked up at his face and glared shaking her head.

" Don't even think about it. We finish this together."

Sawyer felt a ghost of a grin on his face.

" I don't know what you're talking about."

Lexxia rolled her eyes.

" Don't play dumb, you know exactly what I'm talking about. You're making that brooding "I'm going to sacrifice myself to be the hero" face. I'm not looking for a hero Chance."

Sawyer actually laughed as he tilted his head to the side.

" Do I really make a face?"

Lexxia fought a smile as she nodded.

" It looks a little like this."

Lexxia worked her face into something that was almost a scowl yet had the weight of the world behind it. Lexxia shook her head and let out an annoyed huff.

" It's aggravatingly attractive on your face though."

Sawyer smirked and kissed Lexxia's check before whispering against her skin.

" So you like my hero face?"

Lexxia scoffed and playfully shoved his face away.

" More like your idiot face."

Sawyer chuckled and took his arm from around Lexxia's shoulders. He was feeling a bit more able the longer they walked and wanted to at least walk on his own, Lexxia frowned a little in disappointment at the loss of contact. Sawyer took her hand in his and watched as a small smile graced her lips.

They broke through some of the thickest bit of woods and came out next to a ravine. Sawyer frowned as he looked around. He had been making sure they followed Genevieve's trail as faint as it had been, but Sawyer was no longer able to find it. Lexxia cocked an eyebrow and waited for Sawyer to explain why he was upset.

" We've been following the path that Genevieve took. But I can't see any traces of her and don't know where she went. There wasn't any canon fire so she's still alive, but where did she go?"

Lexxia shrugged.

" Let's look around. Maybe we'll get lucky and find something."

The two of them started to comb through the area and neither one seemed to be finding anything. Sawyer's frustration kept growing, none of this made sense! There should be SOMETHING to indicate what had happened. Sawyer walked over towards the ravine and noticed that there was fresh dirt at the bottom. A thought started forming in his mind, keeping his eyes on the ravine Sawyer turned his head towards Lexxia.

" Lexxia I think I might-"

Sawyer was cut off as another earthquake shook the Arena and the ground beneath him started to give way. Panic seized him as Sawyer tried to catch himself from falling, but any handholds he managed to grab crumbled and Sawyer plummeted to the bottom of the ravine.

The next thing he knew Sawyer was flat on his back staring up at Lexxia's panicked face. She was yelling his name and Sawyer could imagine how bad it must have looked. With a groan Sawyer managed to sit up and looked up at Lexxia.

" I really hate this Arena."

Sawyer watched the relief wash over Lexxia's face once she realized he wasn't dead. Sawyer looked around himself and a grin of satisfaction crossed his face as he looked up at Lexxia.

" I think I found where Genevieve's tracks pick back up."


~ I know I said that there would be two chapters today and I apologize to you all! I'm having an off day and this was all I was able to do. I'll do double chapters on Friday to catch up, plus chapter sequence wise I think it will be much better to do it then. Again I'm sorry for the delay!~

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6 days ago | [YT] | 1

Lady of Gévaudan

A Love Like Fire and Ice Chapter 74

( Lexxia's POV )

The full weight of Sawyer's words didn't sink in at first.

He was going to get her home to Mila. The knowledge that Sawyer would die in the Arena hit a few minutes after he said that Lexxia would go home, but by the time Lexxia understood what Sawyer was saying it was to late for her to say anything and Sawyer had already moved on to getting them moving.

Lexxia was thankful that Sawyer didn't let go of her hand, she was afraid that if she let go of him then Sawyer would disappear. Sawyer seemed to understand her need for physical contact and laced his fingers into Lexxia's, his ring was cool against her skin.

Sawyer set the pace and he had a determined look on his face. Lexxia felt numb as she followed Sawyer's lead trusting in him to keep them both safe and moving. Lexxia couldn't believe that she was putting her faith in someone else, but then again Sawyer wasn't just someone.

They followed some invisible path through the woods stopping frequently as Sawyer struggled to keep his breathing even. Lexxia found that she was relying on Sawyer about as much as he was relying on her, his arm had found its way around her shoulders at some point during their hike.

When they finally stopped to set up camp for the night Sawyer built a low burning fire and when Lexxia stared at him Sawyer simply shrugged.

" We're much closer to danger than we've been. Don't want to draw any unwanted attention."

They sat in silence as the fire gave off a comforting heat. Lexxia watched Sawyer rewind Em's necklace around his wrist and saw his face deepen in concentration as he got lost in whatever thoughts he was having. Lexxia hugged her knees to her chest and cautiously looked over at Sawyer.

" Did you mean it? Are you being honest when you say that you're going to make sure I get home, or was it just something you said to calm me down?"

Sawyer looked up from the fire and moved so he was sitting next to Lexxia. He took one of her hands in his and traced patterns into the back of her hand. Lexxia had noticed that Sawyer always seemed to need to distract his hands whenever he had deep conversations.

" I meant every word. You're going to go home, I won't let your sister lose both of her siblings to the Arena."

Lexxia flipped her hand and laced her fingers with Sawyer's.

" Why would you do that? You have the opportunity to win and go home, why waste it on me?"

Sawyer watched their interlaced hands as he answered.

" Because to me it's not a waste. This is something I can do to protect and show the girl I love that I care."

Lexxia felt her throat tighten.

" But what about you?"

Sawyer smiled and kissed Lexxia's hand.

" What about me? Regardless of what happens it all ends tomorrow, all I want is to make sure that you get home and that Malikai is avenged."

Lexxia shook her head tears brimming her eyes.

" That's not good enough for me. I didn't let myself fall for you just to have you be taken away from me! I can't lose any more of the people I love."

Sawyer froze at Lexxia's last words and Lexxia realized what she had let slip. Sawyer looked at her with quiet curiosity.

" What did you say?"

Lexxia swallowed and looked Sawyer in the eye. Her heart was hammering and her body felt like it had been shocked. But she needed to tell him this...

" I said I love you Sawyer Chance."

Lexxia watched as Sawyer's face lit up in a way that she had never seen before. The look in his eyes said that he never expected to hear those words spoken and he was trying to convince himself it was real. Lexxia wondered if it was the first time Sawyer had ever been told that he was loved. Lexxia suddenly felt shy which was weird because she had always been confidant around Sawyer.

" I love you."

Sawyer brushed the hair that had fallen into Lexxia's face aside. Cupping Lexxia's face gently he leaned forward and whispered against her lips.

" I love you Lexxia Pierce."

Lexxia melted into the kiss and just let herself be held as Sawyer pulled her closer to him. Lexxia deepened the kiss and her fingers found their way into Sawyer's hair pulling his face closer to her's. Lexxia knew that this is what peace and safety felt like, and she never wanted to let it go. Never wanted to let HIM go.

The fanfare and lights of the Fallen broke them apart. Lexxia couldn't bring herself to look up as Roxim's face lit up the sky and she closed her eyes. Sawyer kissed her forehead and whispered against her skin comforting words and told her when it was over.

They sat like that a while before a noise broke out across the Arena. The speakers that had been silent since the Cornucopia came to life and Thorn's voice sounded throughout the Arena.

" Final six Tributes of the 80th Annual Hunger Games I bring you news from the Capital. I've been informed by President Snow that due to the popular request by Capital viewers an alteration to the rules has been implemented. The final TWO Tributes standing will win the Game."

Lexxia felt her jaw drop and her heart swelled as hope flooded her. The last two Tributes would win? Lexxia looked at Sawyer and saw that he was frowning his head tilted in the adorable way it always did when he was thinking hard. Sawyer's eyes met Lexxia's and she grinned at him excitement swelling and spilling over. Sawyer slowly smiled back at her and Lexxia realized he was having a hard time excepting that they could both make it. Throwing her arms around his neck Lexxia kissed Sawyer and laughed.

" We're going to make it! We're both going to go home!"

Sawyer had his arms wrapped around Lexxia's waist and he smiled. Lexxia frowned slightly.

" What's wrong?"

Sawyer shook his head.

" I'll tell you later I promise. I just need some time to think."

Lexxia nodded and grinned kissing Sawyer again.

" We can make the dream a reality you know."

Sawyer smiled at her and kissed her back with a passion that left Lexxia breathless.

" We can do whatever you want love."

Lexxia had never felt this light before. They were going to make it!

Both of them.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 1

Lady of Gévaudan

A Love Like Fire and Ice Chapter 73 ( Sorry for the delay!)

( Sawyer's POV )

Lexxia was screaming in pain and Sawyer was holding her as tightly as he dared.

The canon had gone off and Sawyer was worried that the Mutts would turn around and attack them again. But it seemed that the badgers had gotten their fill of violence and they disappeared back into the woods dragging Roxim's body with them. Lexxia was struggling against Sawyer's grasp and she started to yell directly at him.

" Let me go! Let me go right now! I have to get to him, I need to save him!"

Sawyer's heart felt like it was being ripped from his chest as Lexxia screamed at him in a broken sob.

" We let you go when Malikai died! Why won't you let me go?!"

Sawyer felt the sting of Lexxia's words and knew that had been the point. He held her closer and wrapped his arms around her's.

" You let me go because I was a threat and danger to everyone around me. You're a threat to yourself and I refuse to let you hurt yourself."

Lexxia fought him for a little longer before she gave up and just cried. At some point Sawyer felt it was safe to lessen his hold on Lexxia and she only cried harder as he let her go. Sawyer moved so he was facing Lexxia instead of behind her. He ha no idea what he was supposed to do so he simply sat with her.

He wasn't prepared for her anger.

Lexxia sat up and shoved Sawyer in the chest hard as anger flowed her face. Tears still fell from her eyes and there was a pain so raw in her face that Sawyer nearly flinched back.

" Why did you stop me?! If you hadn't stopped me I could have reached him in time! This is all your fault! You stopped me from SAVING MY BROTHER! God I hate you! Do you hear me Chance? I hate you!"

Sawyer nodded.

" That's fine you can hate me, hate me all you want. I want you to hate me, hurt me, take it all out on me I promise you I can take it. What I won't have is you hating yourself when there is nothing you could have done."

Lexxia's face fell and she covered her mouth with her hands.

" God Mila! Oh God no, no she couldn't have seen that! Sawyer please tell me she didn't see that.... Oh God she did I know she did, she would have been forced to watch her brother die...."

Sawyer pulled Lexxia into his chest as sobs wrecked her body. Lexxia's voice came muffled and broken as she cried into Sawyer's shirt.

" This is all my fault. It should have been me, it happened again but it should have been me! All of this is my fault and not just my brother but everything."

Sawyer couldn't believe what he was hearing. How on earth could Lexxia blame herself for EVERYTHING that had happened in the Arena? Sawyer shook his head squeezing Lexxia trying to ground her.

" None of this is your fault. How could that even be possible?"

Lexxia looked in Sawyer's eyes shaking her head as if she couldn't see how he didn't blame her for everything.

" Regina died because I wasn't paying attention to our surroundings at the river! Max and Em died in a Mutt attack that happened while I was on watch! I killed James in a fit of anger! I failed to make a plan that protected Amy and Jax! If I hadn't stopped you from killing Alex at the Cornucopia then Malikai would still be alive! My brother died because he thought he had to protect me because I wasn't strong enough! And YOU! I knew that James hated you and wanted you dead, I should have kept an eye on him! If I had watched him closer than you wouldn't be dying right now!"

Sawyer felt anger build in his chest and he grabbed Lexxia firmly by the shoulders shaking her slightly.

" Lexxia Pierce shut up! Just stop it! Stop blaming yourself for the advents that were so far out of your control that to say that you're responsible for them is a direct insult to your intelligence. You are NOT responsible for any of deaths you just mentioned. So just stop, please for the love of God just stop."

Sawyer pulled Lexxia back into an embrace and just held her. He had spoken in a tone far more firm and hard than he had ever Spoken to Lexxia, but that seemed the only way to get her to see reason. Lexxia cried harder and for the first time Sawyer felt her completely rely on him to hold her together. Sawyer kissed Lexxia's foreheads he repeated the words she had spoken to him only the night before.

" I promise I won't let you fall apart alone. I'll be here to hold the pieces until you are able to bring them back together."

Lexxia's grip on him tightened and her voice came out in a desperate rush.

" I don't hate you. I don't know why I said it but it's not true. Just please don't leave me."

Sawyer rocked Lexxia gently shaking his head.

" I'm not going anywhere love."

After a few moments Sawyer gently lifted Lexxia's chin so her tear filled gaze met his.

'' I promise you this. I'm going to make sure that you get home to your sister, ok? You're going to go home and you're going to see her again."

Lexxia sniffed her runny nose and looked at him in confusion.

" I'm going home to Mila?"

Sawyer kissed Lexxia's forehead.

" Have I ever lied to you?"

Sawyer intended to keep his word. He would make sure that Lexxia left this Arena and got back home to her sister.

Or die trying.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 0

Lady of Gévaudan

A Love Like Fire and Ice Chapter 72

( Lexxia's POV )

Lexxia had watched Sawyer collapse.

The fear that had rushed through her was stronger than the current of the river she had been shoved into days ago. Lexxia had thought that she had lost Sawyer only to realize he was having a seizure as his body spasmed and shook. Lexxia had watched as the confusion clouded Sawyer's eyes when he came to, her heart had shattered when Sawyer had looked at her like she was a complete stranger. And she had felt the way that Sawyer shook as she held him after it was all over, she knew that there was a deep rooted fear that was coming to the surface for the boy she had fallen in love with.

Roxim had taken control of the group and forced them all to sit and rest. It had been about an hour and Sawyer finally seemed to be mostly recovered, he hadn't let go of Lexxia's hand the entire time. She was ok with that. She almost laughed at the fact that she had told herself that she would avoid and distance herself from this boy earlier, fate seemed to have a different plan.

Lexxia sat with her head on Sawyer's shoulder. Sawyer had managed to sit up against a tree a little bit ago and now he seemed to be finding some form of strength through just sitting with Lexxia. Suddenly Sawyer jerked and Lexxia's head shot up and she looked at him in alarm but Sawyer only looked like he had recalled something.

" There was blood. That's what I was looking at right before I collapsed! Roxim help me up will you I need to check it out."

Roxim came over and helped pull Sawyer to his feet. Sawyer swayed slightly but managed to stay up and Lexxia watched as he quickly made his way over to the spot he was talking about and crouched down to examine the ground. Lexxia followed and saw the blood trail that Sawyer had been talking about. A grin crossed Sawyer's face, the first since Malikai's death, and he looked up at Lexxia.

" I'm willing to bet this is from the wound you gave Genevieve."

Sawyer's face turned thoughtful and Lexxia had to smile. She loved when Sawyer got all focused and calculating his facial expressions were much more expressive then.

" We haven't heard a canon so that means she's still alive. Alex isn't the type of person to keep a liability around so Genevieve is probably alone. This trail isn't that old either, if we can find Genevieve then we can get her to tell us where Alex and the others are."

Roxim seemed doubtful.

" You really got all of that from a bit of blood in the dirt?"

Sawyer rolled his eyes and Lexxia fought to keep from laughing at his obvious offense.

" This is what I was trained to do. Find people who don't want to be found."

Roxim threw his hands up.

" My bad. I forgot that you were the next kill dog for the Capital."

Lexxia wasn't sure how she expected Sawyer to react to her brother's comment. Roxim had said it in a light tone but Lexxia knew it could be taken the wrong way. Sawyer grinned with a nod.

" Very useful right now huh?"

Lexxia watched the two boys laugh with each other, genuinely laugh, and her heart swelled with warmth. She was happy that they were on better terms, they both needed the company. Lexxia extended a hand to help Sawyer back to his feet and he took it gratefully. Lexxia watched as a wave of life came back to Sawyer as he led them all through the woods following the trail that he always seemed to find. She couldn't be happier to see him in his element even if it was for the purpose of eliminating an opponent.

After a while Lexxia watched a look of caution cross Sawyer's face. Walking up to his side Lexxia looked up at him.

" What is it? Something's wrong tell me what it is."

Sawyer reached for his sword and Lexxia instinctively reached for her knives in response. Roxim came up behind the two of them crossbow in hand. Sawyer was looking around them his eyes darting from side to side.

" Something's watching us."

Lexxia tensed and scanned the woods around them. A snapping sound brought her attention to her right and she caught a glimpse of something black and white moving in the woods. Lightly tapping Sawyer's arm in warning Lexxia whispered.

" Mutt."

Roxim loaded an arrow in his crossbow.

" They're all around us. I only have three arrows left."

Lexxia felt dread crawl over her skin.

" I've got four knives."

Sawyer's voice was calm and even.

" So use your weapons wisely. Wait until they show themselves we don't know what we're dealing with yet."

Lexxia watched as Sawyer unsheathed his sword and got into a defensive stance. All three of them were shoulder to shoulder as they heard a shuffling noise. Lexxia turned her head once more and finally saw what they were dealing with.

Badgers.

The badger Mutts had saliva dripping from their jaws as they became visible. There were three of them and Lexxia saw the jagged claws and strong jaws of the badgers as they got closer, their black eyes gleaming with malice. The speed in which the badgers moved was terrifying.

Lexxia felt herself being dragged by Roxim as one of the badgers came rushing at her. Sawyer swung his sword and caught the muzzle of the one that had been after Lexxia before quickly swinging at the second that rushed for him.

" Cover me."

Roxim had spoken to Lexxia as he aimed his crossbow at the third badger. Firing the arrow Roxim's mouth dropped and Lexxia felt his dismay as the badger turned its head in a flash and snapped the arrow in half with its teeth. Roxim quickly loaded another arrow and fired at one of the badgers circling Sawyer. The arrow landed in the hind leg of one of the badgers and it whipped its head around with a snarl.

Lexxia threw one of her knives at the badger that had caught the arrow and cursed as the beast ran out of range. Roxim shoved Lexxia and shouted at her.

" Go help Sawyer!"

Lexxia turned to see the badgers snapping their jaws at Sawyer who just barely avoided them. The badgers were working themselves into a frenzy and Sawyer swung his blade putting some distance between him and the jaws of death. Lexxia ran to Sawyer's aid and threw another one of her knives this time hitting one of the Mutts. Mentally she realized she only had two knives left.

Lexxia found herself back to back with Sawyer as the badgers advanced when a sharp whistle broke through the air. Lexxia felt her panic turn to horror as she looked over to see her brother waving his hands trying to get the Mutts attention. Lexxia froze, what was Roxim doing? Her brother looked Sawyer in the eye and his face was pained yet determined.

" Take care of my sister Chance. Love you Lex, take care of Mila ok."

Lexxia felt horror and panic consume her as the badgers turned towards Roxim. As the Mutts rushed her brother Roxim fired his last arrow and one of the badgers fell. The other two seemed to get angrier as they charged Roxim. Lexxia started to run towards her brother tears blurring her vision.

" No no no Roxim! Roxim don't you dare! Stop!"

Lexxia was caught by the waist as the badgers swarmed over her brother. Lexxia screamed and fought against Sawyer's hold on her as tears streamed down her face. Her heart was shattering as she watched the badgers sink their teeth and claws into Roxim. Sawyer somehow managed to turn Lexxia around so that Sawyer's back was to Roxim and the Mutts and Lexxia was facing away from her brother's death. She fought him every step of the way as she tried to turn and get to her brother.

Sawyer's gip never loosened as he held Lexxia firmly to his chest the two of them falling to the ground. Lexxia doubled over when she hit her knees Sawyer's weight trapping her. Lexxia screamed Roxim's name even after the canon went off.

She had just lost another sibling.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 0

Lady of Gévaudan

A Love Like Fire and Ice Chapter 71

( Sawyer's POV )

Sawyer was racking his brain trying to figure out what had happened.

They had all been making their way to the woods where Alex and his alliance had gone and Sawyer was baffled. Lexxia was avoiding him and he had no idea what he had done. What he really needed was someone to point out whatever it was he was missing. Malikai had always been that person for Sawyer and he was really starting to feel his friend's absence and the cold that encircled him was heavy.

Sawyer had considered asking Roxim what he had done to upset Lexxia but thought that might be a bit inappropriate. So instead of circling the same questions about Lexxia that were leaving him nothing but a worse headache than he already had, Sawyer tried to think of other things while he gave Lexxia the space that she wanted.

Any thoughts of Malikai or any of his other lost allies were off the table. Sawyer couldn't let himself go down that train of thought or he would risk losing what little composure he had left. So Sawyer turned his mind to the only thing left for him to hone in on.

Revenge.

Sawyer focused on the rage that burned in the pit of his stomach and gave him some kind of strength. He took a small bit of pleasure in imagining different ways that he was going to make Alex suffer for what he had done to Malikai. It was a good distraction from everything else that was happening.

His fever was clouding his mind and Sawyer found himself winded far too easily needing to stop frequently to catch his breath. He was dizzy and needed to lean on trees when he stopped to catch his breath and there was a numbness in his hands that came and went. All of this added with the nausea was really starting to grate his nerves and he could swear he heard things that weren't actually there.

Sawyer stood leaning heavily on a tree waving Roxim and Lexxia off. He shook his head and ignored their worried looks.

" I'm fine just need a minute. Keep going I'm right behind you."

Sawyer watched as the Pierce siblings reluctantly walked ahead of him and noted how they had slowed their pace considerably so he wasn't completely left behind. Sawyer found his head spinning and felt very similarly to how he would if he was on a mountain, which didn't help his nerves in the slightest. As he looked ahead he caught sight of something that peaked his interest.

Pushing himself from the tree Sawyer started to walk to the place of interest and felt the world sway and spin around him. His vision blurred and there was a weird taste in his mouth as the numb feeling came back.

He could just barely hear Lexxia yell his name before he blacked out.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Groaning Sawyer struggled to open his eyes.

His body hurt and his head ached, there was also a taste of blood in his mouth. Slowly he looked around himself trying to figure out where he was and what happened to him. Sawyer saw the somewhat blurry image of a girl with dark hair and the fear in her starlight eyes confused him. What had happened?

Sawyer put together the fact that he was on the ground and he felt exhausted, as if he had just been in a fight. When he tried to sit up Sawyer couldn't even find the strength to do that. The girl put her hands gently on his arms and turned him over so he was on his side and she was telling him that everything was ok and that the seizure had passed. Sawyer felt fear building in his chest. What seizure? He'd never had a seizure in his life. And who was this girl and who was the boy standing just behind her?

The girl with starlight eyes stared at him and her voice was oddly calming and almost familiar as she asked him questions.

" Do you know what your name is?"

Sawyer frowned. What kind of a question was that?

" Sawyer, Sawyer Chance."

Relief flooded the girls face.

" Do you know where you are Sawyer? Do you know who I am?"

Sawyer thought hard for a minute as his mind started to clear and things came back to him. The fear he had a moment ago eased.

" We're in the Arena. Your Lexxia Pierce and Roxim is behind you, you're my allies."

Relief consumed Lexxia's face as she rested her head on Sawyer's shoulder. Sawyer did his best to wrap his arm around Lexxia, he hated when she was worried. The reality of what had happened hit and Sawyer found himself holding Lexxia for a different reason.

He was terrified.

His body started to tremble and Lexxia wrapped her arms around him. Sawyer hated this. He was so unbelievably scared and all he wanted was to go home. He wanted to go home and have his father tell him that this wasn't a big deal and that he would be fine, he just had to solider through it. He wanted Theseus to call him Little Wolf and give him some ridiculous advice and talk blacksmith things that always confused Sawyer. He wanted Malikai to say that he had come up with some crazy plan and that he needed Sawyer to help him incase things went south.

He was realizing that this poison wasn't something he was going to beat. He was going to die because of a stupid plant! There was no honor in that, this wasn't a death of a warrior or soldier! This was the death dealt to him by a coward and Sawyer found that he was terrified at the idea of dying alone.

Lexxia's hand on his face brought Sawyer out of his spiral and he gripped her hand tightly. Closing his eyes Sawyer leaned into Lexxia.

" I'm sorry. For whatever I did I'm sorry. I'm sorry I scared you just now as well."

Sawyer felt Lexxia's fingers in his hair as she leaned over him.

" It's not you. I swear it's not you. Please just rest so you can get better Princess."

Sawyer felt relief flood him at Lexxia's words. She didn't hate him and it wasn't something he did! Sawyer heard Roxim's voice and was thankful that the other boy was taking charge.

" We're going to sit here for a while. We all could use the rest and you need to recover. Can you sit up at all?"

Sawyer shook his head.

" I don't really want to sit up at the moment. The ground is just fine and can't hurt me further if I'm already down here. Thanks though."

Sawyer felt Lexxia's lips on his temple.

" Take all the time you need. We aren't leaving until you're ok."

Sawyer nodded. He hated this. He hated needing to be cared for when he should be taking care of everyone else. The only upside to any of this was that Lexxia was by his side and no longer avoiding him.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 0