Chapter Ten MirahI switched positions, lying faceup and staring unblinkingly at the ceiling. My belly grumbled, and I fondled it gently. I'd skipped breakfast this morning, and it was still sitting on the bedside table, cold and untouched.My head ached so bad from the different thoughts that'd been flying in my mind all day. With a groan, I sat up.I sauntered into the bathroom, and splattered cold water on my face, before coming out into my room again. ‘It was a mistake.’ The words reverberated over and over in my mind, leaving a hollowed heart in its wake. I sniffled as the tears streamed down my cheeks in two thick lines.The clench of his jaw. The way his face had been set in a determined line. I should've known.What the hell had I been thinking when I allowed Zeke fuck me in his room?I knew the answer. It rang in my ears, and though I tried denying it, I couldn't.I'd fallen in love with him. The realization brought more pain than I thought it would.
Chapter Eleven. MirahI shivered as his hand cupped my mound and stroked my clit. A gasp made its way out of my throat, but he swallowed it with an intense kiss.As the sexual tension mounted, he pulled away. I stared into his lust-darkened eyes. “Why did you stop?” I whispered.“Leave.” A single word.I sat up, ignoring the throbbing between my legs. “Excuse me?” My brain struggled to catch up, and my voice was pathetically shaky.“Leave Mirabella.” He said again, and I clambered off the bed. My hand was on the doorknob, when I turned again.“This night never happened.” I hurried out of the room without waiting for his response.That happened nights ago. As I leaned against the headboard that morning, after a wicked hangover, I wondered what festivity was on. Even the maids that'd served breakfast and lunch had queer looks on their faces.“What's happening?” I tried asking one of them, but got no response. She simply stared at me like I was a clown, before
Chapter Twelve MirahThe next few days passed by in a blur. Mostly of me crying myself to sleep each night. Continuing from where I stopped during the day, and the cycle started all over again.Steam rolled off my body as I stepped out of the shower on Monday evening. I dried off my hair, and walked over to the bed. I ignored the tray containing my dinner, and hugged myself. Breakfast had been taken away. And it was just as they'd brought it.Untouched.I bit on my lower lip hard, wincing as the coppery taste of blood flowed into my mouth. I thought Zeke would relent as the days passed by.But as the days rolled on, it became evident that he was truly keeping me imprisoned here. The sooner I came to the realization, hatred sprouted in my heart. I cringed at my naive self ever thinking that he had even the teeny-weeny bit of feeling for me. You don't imprison someone you have feelings for.The rattle of the window jutted through my thoughts, and I jumped. The
Chapter Thirteen. ZekeDark ornate vases lined the corridor, as I walked alongside Master Ragnarok to his study. Like every other room in his castle, I hated the smell of old wood, and the out-of-date portraits hanging on the wall.He continued talking as we walked. “...as befitting the king-to-be. The marriage has to be best that ever was.” He flashed me a broad smile, which I reciprocated with a tight one of my own.Days ago, Master Ragnarok had asked to see me. It turned out Darcel had told him about the incident at the bar. A completely twisted version.Expecting to see him flare up, I'd gotten wary when he beamed me a warm smile, and shook my hand. “Great to see you taking the much-awaited step forward.” He'd said, leaving me bewildered.As he continued in his excitement, I finally realized what was going on. She'd told him I wanted to tie the knot officially.I'd never been helpless as I was at that moment. Saying no, would be going back on the engagemen
Chapter Fourteen. MirahI padded over to the kitchen, clad in my sleepwear. My eyes were half open, as I took a bottle of juice from the fridge.I'd only taken a second gulp, when voices from the door halted my movement. Nessa should have gone to work by this time. So I wondered where the noise was coming from.I placed the bottle on the island, and hurried out of the kitchen.Nessa stood at the entrance talking to someone. I'd never seen her so worked up before.“Just leave, Mr Qyle.” She hissed, getting ready to shut the door.I craned my neck to catch a glimpse of who Mr Qyle was, but all I could see was a blue suit. He was saying something, when she banged the door on his face.She abruptly turned, and was startled to see me. “Hey, you're up?” She asked in the guilty tone of someone who'd been caught doing something bad.A mischievous smile tugged at my lips. “No, don't even start.” She held up her hand, and went over to take a seat.“Is that how estranged our
Chapter Fifteen. Mirah“A monster won't emerge from the door, young lady. Relax.” Nessa assured, as she threw some popcorn into her mouth.But even with her assurance, I couldn't help but feel wary. It was already the third day since I encountered Jayden at the shopping mall. The third day since I had restless nights.“Do you think he'd come here?” I asked Nessa in a defeated tone. She regarded me for a moment, and turned back to the TV's lit screen. We were watching one of her favorite thrillers. “He's wiser than that. Relax, Mirah.” She cooed.I nodded and turned back to watching the thriller. My mind was disconcerted, my head feeling woozy.“Do you have some tequila?” I asked her after a while.She looked at me with an odd expression. “You don't drink.” More of a statement than a question.That was then. Before I allowed a certain vampire help me escape. Thinking about Zeke made me began drinking.“People change.” I shrugged, and grabbed my bowl of popcorn from
Chapter Sixteen. ZekeOver the years, I'd lessened my intake of blood. Mainly because of its intoxication, and addiction. I relaxed into my swivel chair, watching the starry night through the open ceiling. This place was my little alcove; hidden from the rest of the castle. It was where I could always unwind, and get away from the pressuring life of royalty.Glass after glass of blood, and I found myself becoming tipsy. I couldn't think. Couldn't feel.All I could see was- her. Everything in my room reminded me of her. When she'd moved out of my room the first time, she left her clothes in the closet. Even her perfumes were still intact. And now that she was finally gone, they were still there.My wedding with Darcel was in two weeks. And Lord knew I wasn't looking forward to it.“Loosen up, Zeke. Twisting your face like that would only scare women away from you.” A familiar voice tore through my self-wallowing.I turned my chair around to face the man who was leaning against the ent
Chapter Seventeen. MirahMy mother's call, and Jayden's threat vanished to the back of my mind as the days passed by. As Nessa's birthday party approached, I focused on persuading her to have a big birthday party. She was turning twenty-three after all.After countless reasons why she should throw a mini party, invite people, instead of the little stay-at-home birthday celebration we usually had, my efforts finally paid off.Hultons was the perfect and most expensive hotel in America. It was where the party was being held. Brightly illuminated, with guests moving around, it was worth the money.“Thank you,” I smiled at a passing waiter, and grabbed a glass of red wine. I watched as the celebrant attended to her guests.But with the look on her face, I knew she'd rather be eating an apple, than to chat with the man currently at her front. And Nessa hated apples.I caught her pleading look, and grinned inwardly. I was about to go over, when I caught the sight of someone.
To all readers and lovers of this book, thank you so much. Let's follow up on Natasha's story in the next book.I've specially created a playlist for this book, and hope you enjoy it!Daylight- Taylor Swift.Luminary- Joel Sunny.Don't Blame Me- Taylor Swift.Party Monster- The Weeknd.DARK REALM ROYAL ACADEMY “We’re the only ones who can help you. Just say the word. Beg us.”A cold smile tugged at my lips, as I crossed my arms, and stared daggers at them. “Never.” I said, through gritted teeth. ***To ascend the throne of her kingdom, Natasha Jace must attend a royal academy. Grudgingly, she agrees to attend the academy, only to meet her sworn enemies who were also students there. The pompous prince of Shadowers; Kai, the prince of Paradisia; Kaleb, and the arrogant prince of Zandaya; Xavier. Worse still, she becomes their roommate.Natasha soon discovers that the Dark Realm Royal Academy isn't all it seems, and to survive she must join hands with her enemies.
EPILOGUE Mirah“This is beautiful,” I breathed, letting go of Zeke's hand and standing on my feet.Candles were set up on the table, and the entire decor was so romantic. I turned back and kissed Zeke gently.“Thank you,” I muttered softly.He held onto my waist, and led me towards the table.“You deserve more, Kitten.” He said.“I never knew you had this romantic side to you,” I teased.“And like I said before, there are many sides to me that you don't know.” He chuckled. “But you will,” He quickly added, making the glower I was already putting on dissolve.“Better,” I laughed.After he poured us wine and I clinked my glass against his, I caught him staring intensely at me.“What? Do I have something on my face?” I asked, suddenly feeling shy.“Not at all. I just can't stop staring at you.” He said, lifting his glass towards his mouth.“I guess you're lucky then,” I winked.“Oh you have no idea, Kitten.” My skin scorched under his hot stare, and I pressed my le
Chapter Seventy-Seven MirahI took a deep breath, as I took in the faces of everyone present round the large table, in Mt Glacier.We'd automatically transformed it into a meeting place where all kingdoms met for discussion.“It has surely been a tough, intense ride for the past few months. I'm glad everything is over,” I began, my voice ringing clearly around the room.“But since everything is over, I'd like to return the Source to the rightful owner.” I said, letting my gaze land on Xavier.A temporary silence reigned, before Xavier broke it.“The Source chose you for a reason, Mirabella. You're kind, compassionate, and selfless. You're everything a Controller should possess. And I'm sorry for all the time I'd pretended to harm you.” Xavier said, the words sounding odd, considering how icy he was.But I smiled all the same. “I understand. But I don't belong here. You guys know it too.” Natasha rose to her feet, rounded the table, and came over to hug me.“I’l
Chapter Seventy-Six ZEKE/MIRAH MirahWe fought off members of the Circle with ease, as we advanced towards Mt Glacier.I dealt Master Damian a fierce punch, and sent him flying in the air.At the side, Zeke was fighting too. Gone was his indifferent demeanor, and its place was fierceness. A bloodthirsty look.“Watch out!” I turned and yelled.He moved from the position he'd been, and his grandfather's claws swiped at empty air.“Natchez, good to see you on the battlefield.” He scoffed, as their swords clanged.“It’s King Natchez to you.” His grandfather grunted, and dealt Zeke a blow on his jaw.I darted towards them, when a claw suddenly swiped in front of me. I staggered a few inches away, before gaining my footing.“I ceased to respect you the moment you chose to side with evil,” I heard Zeke sneer before piercing straight into his grandfather's chest a sword laced with vampires-bane.“Nice of you guys to join the party.” I heard Tyler sneer.
Chapter Seventy-Five Mirah I spluttered, as I fell to the ground. Zeke ran over to my side, panic spreading over his face. “I’m fine,” I managed a smile, as he helped me up. “You’re not. What happened?” He asked, placing an arm around my neck, and leading me back towards the tower. The others tailed us. “I’m hungry,” I murmured. “We’ll get you something to eat. But what happened? Why do you have bruises on your arm?” He questioned, his voice dropping dangerously low. “Zeke, calm down,” I could see how angry he was, from his bulging veins. His anger seeped into our bond, making my heart burn. “I didn't want you to go.” He said gruffly. “But I'm back now, and safe too.” I countered, pulling away from him to walk on my own. The others were watching, so I managed a smile. “I’ll go get cleaned up,” I said, my voice barely a whisper as I tried to push past him. His hand gripped my arm. “Follow me.” He said, and pulled me away towards the tower. “You’re hurting
Chapter Seventy-Four MirahI hid behind a tree as I watched the swirl of dark energy swoosh past. I'd been roaming through the streets of Weasels for the past one hour, while staying hidden of course. I'd already used a spell on my back, where Darcel had stabbed me.The Lumi had completely taken over Weasels and the dark energy that spread around,made my heart beat fast.I waited until it had gone far, before coming out of my hiding place.My destination was the castle, although I doubted if Tyler was there. According to Zeke, Tyler hated the royal castle.And I wondered why, considering the fact that he wanted power. I held on to the hilt of my dark sword as I advanced.After minutes of hiding and resurfacing, the castle came into sight. I climbed a tree, so I could catch a clear glimpse of the security around.Turns out the guards manning the gates were Vampires. And they looked…different.Possessed.I inhaled sharply, and then jumped down from the tree.“Hey, there
Chapter Seventy-Three Mirah“Black spots, calloused hands, and bleeding nose,” I turned to Zeke who was standing close to me.“Why do I feel like each time we get close to winning, another problem arises taking us back to square one?” I sighed.“What’s the Book saying?” Kai asked, bringing in another sick person.“Da-ji has gone oddly silent, I can't even get a response out of it.” I said, massaging my temple.“Da-ji?” Zeke muttered.“Oh, that's the name of the Book. How about we get a message across to Queen Belinda? She may have a solution.” I asked, facing Natasha.“We can't risk it. Creating a portal is sure to attract the Lumi and Tyler. We agreed not to use magic within the fortress.” She replied, making creases appear on my forehead.Just great.A week ago, the Vampires within the fortress had begun developing a strange kind of illness, which made them fall unconscious. The numbers of affected people seemed to be increasing each day.And- which was the most f
Chapter Seventy-Two Mirah“You know, I've never had sex in a lake before,” I murmured, trailing my fingers over his chest, loving the way his muscles bunched beneath them.God, I was never going to get enough of him.“I know what you're thinking. Keep looking at me like that, and I can't guarantee if we'll get out of this lake early.” He said hoarsely, his gaze burning into my skin.I held his gaze challengingly. “You can't go for that long,” I scoffed and yelped almost immediately, as he spanked my ass.His hand palmed my mound, while making lazy circles that made me shudder.“It’s not my fault that the men you've been with before me were weak, Kitten.” He said, leading his hand to his now bulging erection.With one swift move, he turned me around so my ass hovered close to his cock. I inched closer, a jolt running through my body when I finally came in contact with his erection.“You’re so naughty, Kitten.” He murmured, spanking my ass yet again.“Would you like it
Chapter Seventy-One Mirah“In, in! Fast!” I called out, waving towards the door that led into the fortress.Vampires, PantherBrids- who looked in fact nothing like their name, Shadowers, piled in. I was mesmerized by how fast Kai and the others were bringing them over through a portal which Natasha was maintaining. The Dark realm was well…quite a lot.And according to Zeke, they were just three kingdoms. There were six others.Four of which had joined Tyler's scheme, and two- Rogue-brids and See-brids who were hiding at Gavemorth.The fortress turned out to be a beautiful island large enough to contain the entire Dark realm, complete with amenities.It wasn't actually built. I just had to open a certain page of the Book, and utter some words already written. With pure intentions.I could see the look the Vampires threw at me, especially since Zeke wasn't present. The other kingdoms weren't a hassle since their leaders were present.Thinking of Zeke made the worry