-Karen-As soon as I fell asleep, I entered a dream. I was walking along the main corridor to the Library. It was a bright day out beyond the palace windows, and I could see the Metaxas Ocean in the distance. I went into the Library and to my horror; Conor, Joanne and Bart were lying on the ground dead. Throats slashed and their hearts had been ripped out. Each heart had a dagger in it. I felt my soul shiver at the gory sight and to make it even worse, I could hear Lewis laughing and saying how proud he was to take their lives. ‘Now no one can save you!’ The laugh grew louder and louder until it turned into him screaming angrily, just like in that tiny room at the end of the servant tunnel.I woke up hearing Lewis’s voice screaming in my ears. I was drenched in a cold sweat and felt my heart pounding. I looked over and saw Conor was asleep with his mouth open slightly. I looked over and could see Joanne and Bart cuddled together. Everything is fine Kay. It’s just a nightmare… After a
-Karen-This nightmare was of when he followed me to my servant room and beat me with the whip for trying to call him out for being unfair to another servant in front of the kitchen staff. I felt every blow and relived the whipping, the punches and the many rapes that night brought. When I showed up to my next shift with a black eye, busted lip and a broken wrist, none of the other servants asked what happened except Novo. He took me to his office and summoned Robert. I told the truth about what happened. Nothing came of it because Lewis was over all of us and he sure the hell wasn’t going to punish himself when he thought he was doing nothing wrong. The next nightmare was just as bad only Lewis left me for dead all over again.The next time I woke up my heart was pounding. I was shivering trying not to scream from the overwhelming terror that plagued me. I hung my head and cried quietly as I balled up on the chaise. I don’t want to see these memories anymore! I was on the verge of sn
-Conor-“Do you think this will help her?” Joanne asked from the table. “I think she’s been up for at least three days.”“I hope so for her sake.” Bart said, watching her sleep for a few minutes. Me too. She’s been exhausted for the last few days. I know it’s been taking a toll on her. Especially after how she sat in the shower practically all day yesterday. I wonder if it has anything to with that contracted demon… They said that attack would end after it was purified.“What should we do in the meantime?” Conor asked softly. He kissed her lips again. “I mean, I could cuddle her, but I feel like she needs some really good rest.” Undisturbed sleep is the best thing for her right now.“Let’s play Onde! I’m gonna win Conor! You owe me from last time!” Joanne commented as she cleared off the table with the exception of Conor’s breakfast. “I can at least make back the money I lost before I have to see father tonight…” She went to her night bag and pulled out a deck of cards. I don’t owe yo
-Karen-Ugh… My head hurts… “Ten times now.” Eldon’s voice replied from the above me. Ten times? For what?“I thought when I purified the demon, the attack was over?” Nathan asked quietly. What demon? “Really?”“Contracted demons kill after purification. Especially since it touched her. They are the worst kind of demon to be summoned. I don’t like them being used because of the damage they do…” Eldon explained as I slowly sat up and looked from the bed to the ground. Contracted… Demon? What happened? Why am I on the floor?“Did I fall out of bed?” I asked out loud. My head is pounding… Even my ears hurt! “Ugh…” I held my head in my hands as my head throbbed. I looked to the left and saw Nathan and Eldon staring down at me. Uh? “Nathan? What are you doing here?” I asked getting up and rubbing my face. “What happened?”“I came to take you home, Karen, where you truly belong!” Nathan replied, grabbing my left wrist. Ouch… “You aren’t safe here with them.” He sneered looking over to the d
-Karen-I released my tight grip on Conor and picked up my jewel to get a better look at it. It was weird to see it in a new shape and a lighter color, but it fit much better in my hand versus it being a simple sphere. “I died… Didn’t I, Conor?” I asked as I examined the stone. I can’t explain a new stone any other way… “Yeah… For the second time this year.” Conor replied quietly. I looked up and he looked stoic. Don’t cry baby! “Are you sure you’re alright?” I asked instinctively cupping his cheek. I’m right here with you! Right where I plan to be until I die.“As long as I can keep you alive, I’ll be just fine. I promise.” He said softly. I heard my stomach growl and felt my face get hot as he chuckled at me. Oh… I’m starving… How embarrassing. “I think it’s time for lunch… And then a lesson… If you’re up for it?” Maybe…Bart and Joanne walked over to us. They were staring at me and it was sort of unnerving. “I can't believe you died and that man was able to revive you again…” Joa
-Karen-I picked up the next parcel and opened it even more eagerly. The dark gray robes were just as pretty as the violet robes. There were variations of purple, black and silver in the fabric but there was a touch of lace on the cuffs and the collar. “Oh! It has lace like the under dress!! It looks so regal Conor!” I was thoroughly impressed with the robes. These are so pretty too! Lacey and powerful looking!“I wanted them to be similar but also unique. Let’s take this one off of you for now because I want to see how the black set fit.” Conor instructed as Joanne came over and carefully folded the gray robes. Conor helped me out of the purple robes and then handed them to her.I picked up the last package while Bart answered the door. Lunch had arrived and I was starving but I wanted to see these robes. I opened the last parcel and the fabric alone was incredible. It looked like the night sky with pops of magenta, purples, blues, silver and white. How breathtaking! It’s just like t
-Conor-Bart and Joanne had spent the night back in their own apartment. Bart chuckled lightly when he and Joanne arrived back at the apartments the next morning. “Tired from last night, Jo?” She nodded sleepily while Bart carefully woke Conor up without waking up Karen. “Morning Conor…” Conor rubbed his face and nodded. He looked down at Karen and kissed her cheek. “So, what do we want to do about this situation?” Bart asked quietly. Conor stretched and went to get some clothes. Joanne gave them both a sleepy look and then crawled into bed next to Karen. After putting some boxers on, Conor walked over to the chaise silently and sat down. Bart sat down next to him quietly. “Have you thought about it at all?” They looked over at Joanne and Karen who were both fast asleep. Joanne was hugging Karen while Karen mumbled in her sleep. I rubbed off on her! That’s hilarious! Conor chuckled quietly under his breath. “I rubbed off on her Bart… She’s been mumbling in her sleep since she woke up
-Karen-I felt his lips attack mine and then my neck. Mm… My eyes fluttered open as he kissed me again. Before I could say anything he set a small white box on my chest and then laid his head down on my left shoulder. A ring box? “Morning handsome… What is it? A present?” I asked sleepily picking up the box. I felt like I was asleep for a lot longer than a night. I feel kinda groggy… How long was I asleep for? I chalked the thought up to just being exhausted from the sleepless nights I had previously.“Close your eyes, my love.” He replied with a sweet smile. I closed my eyes and waited. Maybe it’s a new promise ring? I told him he didn’t have to get one… But we’re both stubborn. I could hear the box open and then it was gently placed back on my chest. “Keep them closed, Kay.” He instructed as I grinned anxiously. But I want to see what it is! I felt him move next to my left ear and breathlessly whisper, “Open...”I opened my eyes and saw a gorgeous ring sitting in the middle of the b