that was never how the story was supposed to go. the hero's expected to never give up, never give in to evil, and, most of all, never die. or, at least, that's what most people think.

not missing a beat, you pressed your blade against jake's throat as crimson droplets of blood rolled down the side of his neck.

"listen to me," he managed to say, although it came out more like a whisper. "i didn't mean to kill them, i swear."

strangely enough, he sounded completely genuine—his voice stripped of any sign of deceit. you faltered at his words, still not loosening your grip on the blade.

ultimately. you decided against it. maybe you should've listened to what your mind told you instead of your heart—but it was too late. slowly, you pulled away from him.

the false tremble of his voice suddenly vanished, as if it was all just an illusion. in the blink of an eye, he slipped the knife out of your hand and into his as he spun you around so his chest was pressed up against your back. slowly, he wrapped an arm around you, pressing the blade against your neck just like you had done to him a mere minute ago.

"trust is a delicate thing, sweetheart," he whispered into your ear as you attempted to get out of his grasp. "hasn't anyone ever told you not to trust the villain?"