Bab 3: Chapter 3: Betrayal
Samo turned to her. and with a smile , said "I'll show you around."
Katheryn smiled back at Samo, *At least his smile is cute.*
Samo took her hand, his grip warm and firm. "Don't let go," he told her, glancing around.
She nodded, trying to ignore the weight of curious, suspicious eyes following her. They walked onto a narrow street bustling with merchants and wandering chickens. After stopping at a small stall, Samo bought her an apple, wiping it on his tunic before handing it over. He took a bite himself and squinted, wincing a little at the tartness, she took a bite too and scowled at the tartness, *Definitely not a modern apple* she thought to herself.
He led her through the village, pointing out various spots along the way. For a moment, she almost forgot her unease, distracted by the lively sounds and smells of the market. But just as she was beginning to relax, Samo's demeanor shifted. His hand released hers, only to clamp down around her wrist, firm and unyielding.
"Come," he said curtly, dragging her forward. There was nothing gentle in his grip now.
Samo led Katheryn into the heart of the village, his grip firm around her wrist as they approached the largest wooden building she'd seen so far. She still felt dazed and uneasy, her mind racing with a mixture of confusion and fear as she tried to make sense of her situation. The village itself was simple but alive, filled with villagers casting her curious and wary glances, some whispering to one another. A faint whiff of burning wood and earth hung in the air.
As Samo pushed open the heavy door of the main building, Katheryn took in the sight of several rough-looking men inside, most of whom turned to stare at her. Her gut twisted as she caught the cold and calculating looks they threw her way. Samo's grip on her tightened just a bit, almost as if he could sense her hesitation.
The head of the tribe sat on a roughly carved wooden throne at the back of the room, his posture straight and his expression one of stern authority. His beard was thick, and his weathered face told a story of years spent leading, likely through both peace and conflict.
Samo stepped forward, inclining his head in deference. "I found this woman floating in the lake, near the land of the mountain god," he said, his voice deep and steady. "I believe she may be a spy from Constantinople—look at her clothing, and she said she is Romani, there is no tribe of that name in our or neighbouring lands"
Katheryn's mouth fell open in shock, her mind scrambling to process his words. "What are you talking about?" she burst out, tugging her arm away from him. "I'm not a spy! And Constantinople? Are you serious?" She stared at him, feeling a mix of betrayal and confusion as he glanced back at her, his brow furrowed.
The men in the room murmured, their eyes studying her with new intensity. The tribe leader's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing her from head to toe.
Before she could argue further, another figure entered the room—a young man, tall and broad-shouldered, with striking hazel-green eyes and black hair that fell just to his shoulders. His presence commanded attention, and a hint of curiosity sparked in his gaze as he looked at her. He was handsome in a rugged, almost dangerous way, and there was a strange warmth in his eyes that set him apart from the others.
"Father, who is this woman?" he asked, his gaze lingering on Katheryn as if he were trying to unravel a mystery.
The tribe head shifted in his seat, his gaze turning to the young man. "She is a spy," he declared, looking Katheryn over. "Samo found her near the mountain god's land."
The young man's eyes remained fixed on her, a smirk pulling at his lips. The tribe head leaned forward. "What is your name, woman?" he demanded.
Katheryn clenched her jaw, feeling anger and fear bubbling inside her. "Katheryn," she bit out through gritted teeth.
"Katheryn," he repeated, as if tasting the name. "That does not sound foreign... but explain your heritage."
She took a deep breath, shaking off Samo's grip as she stood tall. "My mother is Slavic, and my father comes from lands beyond the sea."
The leader gave her an appraising look, his face unreadable. Samo, however, didn't seem satisfied. "We can't be sure if she speaks the truth," he insisted, his tone laced with suspicion.
The tribe leader gave a slight nod, considering. "Then we shall keep her here and see what she knows. Put her into the cage," he ordered, gesturing with a dismissive wave.
Katheryn's heart pounded at his words. But before Samo could follow through, the young man with the hazel-green eyes interjected. "Father, she might be important. Keep her in my dwelling, and I'll watch her personally."
The tribe leader sighed, rubbing his forehead in clear irritation. "Athanasi, when will you stop interfering?"
Athanasi only laughed lightly. "Father, let me help you with your duties. I am your only son, after all."
The leader studied his son for a long moment before relenting. "Very well. You may watch her."
Athanasi turned to Katheryn, bending slightly to meet her eyes, his smirk widening. "Nice to meet you, Katheryn," he murmured, his voice soft but laced with something unsettling. Before she could react, he grabbed her arm and started leading her out of the building. Katheryn shot a glare at Samo, whose brows were already furrowed as he watched her leave.
"Thanks for nothing," she muttered under her breath, the sting of betrayal lingering as Athanasi guided her through the village.
They soon reached a modest wooden dwelling on the edge of the settlement. Athanasi shoved her inside,making Katheryn fall to her knees and causing her to wince. He followed her in, crouching down to look her over, his gaze lingering a little too long, his eyes shining with a hungry glint in his eye, almost like a wolf eyeing a potential meal.
"We'll be friends eventually," he said, a smirk playing on his lips. "With me, you're less likely to be mistreated."
Katheryn scoffed, folding her arms across her chest. "I don't feel any safer with you," she retorted.
Athanasi straightened up, brushing the dust off his knees. "Perhaps you should," he replied casually. "I'll bring dinner later. Until then, stay put." He turned and walked toward the door, pausing in the doorway with his back to her. His voice dropped, commanding. "And don't try to escape. If you do, you'll find it's not only me you'll be running from."
He shut the door firmly, locking it with a wooden plank from the outside. Katheryn glared at the door, a mixture of anger and fear churning in her gut. She got on her feet and started to pace the room, her thoughts racing, unable to shake the feeling of betrayal that simmered beneath everything else. Samo had brought her here, saved her, only to hand her over like a prisoner. She spent hours busy in her head, questioning her reality over and over again.
As thinking turned to daydreaming, Samo entered her mind, the image of him sleeping flooding her eyes, her chest tightened, her anger raising like a volcano, with big drops of tears falling down her cheeks, She ran to the door and pounded her fists against it, screaming with a slight twinge of hatred.
"Samo, you traitor! How could you do this to me after saving me?" She choked on her sobs, feeling as lost as she had ever felt, crying out for her mother, for anyone who could help her.
Eventually, her energy faded, and she slid to the floor, her cries turning to soft whimpers until she drifted into an uneasy sleep. Outside, Samo stood by the door, listening to her quiet sobs with a troubled look on his face.
In the distance, Athanasi watched him carefully, his gaze unreadable.
Hours later, Katheryn awoke in the dim room, her body aching from sleeping on the hard floor. She noticed a small candle on the table beside a wooden bowl and cup. She dragged herself over, gulping down the water, savoring the relief it brought to her parched throat.
Suddenly, a glint of movement caught her eye near the doorway. She froze, peering through the darkness, and saw a pair of glistening eyes watching her. Her breath hitched. It wasn't Samo.
A shadowy figure stepped further into the light, and as it drew closer, she realized it was Athanasi. His gaze was intense, his expression unreadable as he studied her, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Well, Katheryn," he said, his voice barely a murmur. "Are you adjusting to your new surroundings?" His tone was laced with mock sympathy, but his eyes were cold, calculating.
Katheryn swallowed, willing herself to remain calm. "I'd adjust a lot better if you let me go," she replied defiantly.
Athanasi chuckled, crossing his arms. "Letting you go isn't in my plans. But make no mistake—you'll be staying here. And if you're clever, you'll learn to make the best of it."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone