~Lily~ “What… what are you doing?..”. The words sputtered out of my lips as I went all frozen on his laps. “Just stay here. A few more minutes and you can join them to train.” He muttered with those words more like a muffled sound as he held me in place, talking and sounding very low with his face moving slowly in my hair. I didn’t know what made me still and what prevented me from protesting as I didn’t move a bit. I was more than confused and I didn’t know what to do, lost on what to do in my next line of action. “Why are you doing this?” My voice faltered, sounding the exact way I was feeling as I wasn’t in any way comfortable with this. I didn’t want to feel anything or think anything as the pictures came rolling in, adding this one to the collection. That old weird tingling feeling crawling my skin and taking more effect from my insides. He didn’t say anything and just left his face there, clearly taking the punishment to another level as there i
~Lily~ I got out, walking straight out and not turning to look back at any point. This was crazy and while I was trying my best to understand it, they were now like pictures dancing in my head, screaming words I can not understand. Hell, I don’t even want to understand what happened just now. ‘What happened just now?’ Raya finally asked, getting a group of herself. ‘I should be asking you that. I felt numb and didn’t find my strength to fight back.’ “It felt wrong but I couldn’t stop him. It felt uncomfortable and spelt out wrong for me but I really just wanted to sit and find out what’s really going to happen.” I finally spit it out to Raya as I held that in. ‘I’m sorry Lily, it felt weird but calm and a bit relaxing. I can only see that we should prepare ourselves more if that could really happen.’ I could hear her worries as it wasn’t different from mine. I don’t know what he had up his sleeves but it’s looking like he has the upper hand and we can’t
~Lily~ It was settled, we were going to act like nothing happened here and moved on to the training ground. He didn’t give extra reasons and I know for sure that he wasn’t just passing by. And I relented in asking further since it was definitely going to lead to me talking more about the punishment. Like I quietly read up the air and choose to let it be. We walked back together, my decision made up while doing all I could to hold on to that tiny string that held me together. We got back and quietly blended in with the rest. I avoided that gaze ogling my back as she has been looking at me right from my entrance, obviously she has been waiting for my return. “You want to stand here?” I asked quietly, directing my question at Nova, making my voice sound as light as a feather. I still had to be cautious even though Kade didn’t thankfully react to my entrance or ask any questions. And that forbidden name.. I still really do not want to hear his name. He
~Lily~ “What the hell happened? Didn’t see you till the very end. Are you okay?” She was the very first person to move as she stalked backwards immediately the end of training was announced. “I’m fine.” I answered her. It really was the truth since I didn’t undergo anything severe from what we probably both were expecting. I was looking alright, whatever fear and uncertainty that stained my face before, now gone since I already made a decision. I tried using my eyes to tell her to acknowledge Nova ego was just standing right beside me but she acts like she’s not understanding. “Come on Lee. I was the one that told him to go check on you.” Her face moved about with a lazy frown as she turned to acknowledge him like I wanted before moving back to face me. “Huh but… I thought you were just passing by.” I asked directing my question at Nova as I turned to face him with my voice hinting that I was getting confused. With a quick glance and feeling
~Nova~ “Erhm I’ll like to pass through?” He stood face to face with me like a block. He definitely wasn’t planning on moving with the look he had on right now. “Backwards”. Those were the only words he muttered, his eyes refusing to leave mine, waiting for me to comply. It really wasn’t a big deal owning to the fact that I’m in another’s land where I have to respect those in authority first. And it was supposed to remain a beautiful evening, getting to talk with Lily after so long. We weren’t all alone like i originally wanted but it was worth the while with her even though it had to be shared with Molly. I moved backwards, complying with him so I could go back to my room with her voice still ringing softly in my memory. “Stay rooted and listen carefully.” His voice came out boldly and not pleasant in a hushed whisper. He followed my every steps backward and stood right in front of me, making it clear that he didn’t earlier bump into me. “What?
~Lily~ I didn’t need any alarm to wake me earlier today. It was already a planned day way before I woke up. If I was going to get breakfast with Molly then we were going to get it early. I got up and set, thankfully I didn’t get to see images in my dream that would drive sleep away from my eyes. It was dark and void with a tiny girl's voice weeping. Wasn’t my first time having such dreams, it’s always the same way and exact actions repeating themselves whenever I have it. It wasn’t disturbing like it used to be again and only comes at very few nights. We had time to beat, so I hurried downstairs after texting Molly to meet me outside. We couldn’t allow our mistakes to repeat itself again and spend way longer because I decided to go meet her first in her room. “Had something to eat yet? Or you want more?” Her eyes lit up with raised eyebrows as she asked her questions. Of course she was messing with me, making fun of what happened last to us. A very clear
~Lily~ With his voice completely silenced in my head, I expected the next thing to take place. Training started almost immediately and I could make a good guess that it wasn’t time yet. We got busy with Nova and Molly standing each beside my side. It got a little heated up and while we focused on the moves we were to master, Kade moved around. Watching everyone but I could see his eyes specifically on us as he looked with keen eyes with a list in hand. Today was surely serious and knowing it was exactly what I wanted since they had something big to prepare for. Now I only wished I hadn’t talked about it and stood up to Jaden about it. I mean I got to know that he wasn’t sleeping the training out but was only buying time he was giving out for relaxation. Now I really wished I didn’t call him on it. Everyone looked so serious with Kade passing every trip group or anyone at all, they became more serious, adding more agility like they were trying to impress h
~Lily~ “If only you can mute your actions the same way you are right now then I’m guessing you’ll have few visits from me.” She became a lot bold, whining and uttering more annoying words. With Molly and Nova’s eyes darting to me almost every minute like they were asking for permission to reply to her. I snapped them out of it, telling them it was fine and we could tell them what we were doing. “Ohh I can see their eyes pleading and wanting to help you. Why won’t you let them?” “Let them help you Lily.. it’s not like you could ever do anything all by yourself. You need someone to stand up for you, you need a pretend family to make you feel alright?” Her words became sharp and edgy and I sw**r to the heavens that I was doing my very best to hold still and not react to her. She was pushing me over the cliff and the only thing holding me back was the thought that silence was the best answer for a fool. She kept on rambling and mumbling words that
~Jaden~ We're sprawled out on the lush, dewy grass, the cool blades tickling my skin. Lily's back is against my chest, her hands on mine, which are relaxed on her lap. The night sky is a canvas of bright, vivid twinkling stars that are reflecting on the lake, and I feel a sense of wonder wash over me.I nuzzle my face into the curve of Lily's neck, inhaling the sweet scent of her skin. I feel a surge of excitement and happiness, and I smile, unable to contain my emotions."Molly," Lily says suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper.I sigh heavily, feeling a sting of guilt. "She lied to both of us," I mutter. "That bitch."Lily giggles. "Oh no, she was actually telling the truth to me," she says, her voice filled with amusement. "Well, except for the part about the lake, but yeah... She said good things about you. And she told me that you love me very much."I'm speechless, but then I laugh and plant a soft kiss at the base of Lily's neck. She shudders, breathing heavily agains
~Lily~ The twilight sky is a mixture of pinks and purples, the calm lake reflecting its serene beauty like a mirror. I sit on the bench, my heart racing with excitement and anticipation, but also a hint of anxiousness, like a butterfly fluttering in my chest.To be honest, Molly really placed me on the right track because I have almost forgotten the good moments Jaden and I have had together. I actually... want him. And I am very capable of giving him a second chance because of that.I pluck nervously at the hem of my dress, my fingers twitching with restless energy. Suddenly, I can hear footsteps, and now so accurately by the scent, I can tell it's not Jaden."Hey," Nova says, coming to stand in front of me with a smile on his face.He settles beside me, his weight causing the bench to creak softly. And lets out a deep, nervous sigh that draws my full attention to him."What are you doing here?""You..." He looks at me. "I'm here for you.""Oh!" I exclaim, shocked by his admission.
~Jaden~ I pace back and forth across my room, my footsteps echoing off the walls as anxiety gnaws at my insides. I stare at my hands, which are shaking like leaves, and jam them into my pockets, as if trying to physically restrain them."Damnit!" I let out a deep, heavy sigh, feeling the weight of my worry and impatience settling in.It's been a long while since I've felt this anxious. And I'm not just anxious about my upcoming coronation – I'm anxious because of Lily.But...There's no doubt in my mind that she'll listen to Molly; she's her friend, after all. But what if Molly can't convince her?I try to convince myself that everything will work out, but my heart is racing like a runaway train, my breath coming in short, sharp gasps."Gosh, Jaden, calm down," I whisper a stern warning to myself, my voice barely audible over the sound of my own ragged breathing and clamping my hand over my racing heart.Suddenly, there's a light and careful knock on the door, and I feel my heart ski
~Molly~ As I walk through the corridor, the sound of laughter and chatter carries from the main sitting room, a stark contrast to my own grouchy mood. I'm surrounded by people who seem to have found their silver lining, and it's almost ridiculous how optimistic they are.Meanwhile, I'm just trying to make it through the day, fueled by my desire for a satisfying meal and a long nap.The servants are a whirlwind of activity, racing from one place to another as they prepare the castle for Jaden's coronation. To be honest, it's all anyone can talk about, and as I enter the sitting room, I'm greeted by the sight of Tyler and Cameron inspecting Jaden's crown, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation.Approaching them, I plaster a bright, artificial smile on my face. "Hello," I wave at them, but they look at me like I'm an alien.Tyler's eyes narrow, his brow furrowed in a grim expression, as he mutters, "If you're looking for Jaden, he's at the garden with Kade." I sense a hin
~Lily~ I didn’t want for any arms to come grab like my heart was wanting right now. It was like my heart and head were wanting two different things and I’ll have to starve one. “I fully understand your standpoint and why you might want to reject him and sincerely I’ll ask you to do just that.” Molly uttered, turning me to face her as she had her hands on my shoulders, forcing me to face her. “You don’t think I should listen to him right?” It was different from when I was outside, shouting at the top of my lungs, screaming hard out all my pains. Now I was a lot calmer, the reality becoming so real that he was my mate and somehow I wasn’t so scared of it now that he wasn’t in front of me. It was like my heart already accepted it but my head was still trying to be very logical so we wouldn’t let the mate thing make me give in so quickly. “No, I don't think so. You have to protect yourself Lee.” Her eyes didn’t waver and she moved to hold my hands in h
~Lily~ I followed the scent wherever it went, as each step I took led me straight outside. I loved it and if it was some cologne or a soap thing then I’ll gladly ask for the bake so I could use it also. My nose carried me a few more steps outside as the scent was becoming stronger. It was like some hard drug and I could feel Raya drown in it and only her mumblings could be heard. We covered a few more steps and he was standing there, with a smile on his face and a bouquet in his hand. “Mate!” Raya screamed out loud in my head that I stood frozen again to the ground, the second tint today. The scent was intoxicating but I remained rooted to where I was. I just didn’t know what to do as Raya kept on chanting mate! Mate! And I wouldn’t lie I vent like running into his arms but I held myself back. I stayed there, refusing to take one more step as his eyes glowed and they looked so attractive that I wanted to have a close look. Like I could read up the
~Lily~ “Hey Molly, open up!” I banged for the third time on her door, trying to get her to talk to me. “Come on Molly! I heard what happened and I don’t think you should be Inside all alone.” I tried my luck again and the same response I got for all the times I knocked was the same answer I got. I continued banging and saying everything I could but they were all to no avail as she didn’t open up. It was even more shocking and surprising that everyone else in this wing obviously did hear me banging so hard but they didn’t even bulge or think to check on where the loud banging sounds were coming from. It wasn’t a futile effort as I didn’t get a response or even heard a sound from her room. Thoughts on if she was even there crossed my mind but there was actually nowhere else she could actually be. I decided to finally take my life and hating to go back upstairs I just went anywhere my legs could take me. It was still very much bright and it
~Lily~ The sudden tapping at the door came not so quickly. I went back up as Tyler suggested I should, and I waited for cam to come like he said he would pass on the information. It definitely took him long enough.. “Hey lollipop” he broke into my thoughts again, this time it felt more like he asked for permission first because I could wait for a while, like he was waiting for a response to give him a go ahead. My tongue went bland as he was just right there, like he was standing in my head and also like he took a chair to sit with the way he sounded so comfortable. “You're not going to talk? Are you not happy to see me? Or rather happy to hear my voice? He spoke softly again, ringing like rhythm in my ear just like when he mindlinked me immediately he got back. I wasn’t trying to waste time or anything, I was busy taking in every single detail of how he sounded so different this time around. Honestly it really didn’t feel like an invasion be
~Jaden~ “Have you seen her yet?” It was the third time I was asking Kade through the mindlink. I wanted to see her after all those hours without having to see her. “She’s fine, I learnt that she has been in her room since yesterday.” Kade responded, pretty much doing his best to cover up the tiredness in his voice. I know I made them come all the way back without stopping to rest after the h*ll of a suprise battle we gave them. I was more glad we didn’t lose anyone so my surprise party could go as planned as I wanted. “She wasn’t bored right?” A lot of questions still needed to be asked as I hadn’t set my eyes on her yet. “If she was then we’ll have to question Molly, won’t we? And talking about her, how’s it going there?” He asked, his voice turning to that of seriousness, definitely interested in whatever I had to say next concerning this issue. “The court session is about to start and her parents are going to be charged after they question her.