Maze
Once I'm confident that I'm alone, I push open the windows in my room. I'm on the highest floor, away from Azrael and everyone else. The stars shine like bright jewels in the sky, but my eyes focus on the black smoke impatiently waiting for me to speak.
"I invite you inside!" I speak audibly enough for the vampire to hear, and then the smoke rushes inside the building.
A ball of smoke hurries past me, landing on the red carpet in the middle of the room. Books fly out through their cases, and the candles in the room blow out in an instant. The chandelier is swaying from side to side, and unpleasant chills snake down my spine when the ball of shadows materialize into a gruesome man.
Bones crack and splinter, making me grimace until he is standing there, Fabian himself.
"Long time no see," Fabian smiles wickedly and reaches out a gnarly hand. His fingers are thin and long. I don't want him to touch me, yet I stretch my arm to shake his hand.
Alyssa I wrap my arms around my chest as the cold breeze blows in through the window. I'm broken. Azrael tried to kiss me earlier. The passion and the flames humming during our fight must have ignited something within him. The man bent down to claim me, but I won't accept the love of a man who came to tell me he would choose someone else. "He is such a jerk!" I promised myself that I wouldn't cry over Azrael. I've shed too many tears over that man already, but I cant fight that lump rising in my throat. And with devastating certainty, I realize I can't hold back the flood. Tears drip down on my dress, and I bite my lower lip so hard that I can taste metal. I hate how it feels like I'm constantly drowning. "You cry an awful lot these days," I swing around so fast I almost fall down from the windowsill. A gasp escapes my lips, but I manage to regain control, only to have my legs halt and freeze in midair like my thoughts. Sleepy!
Alyssa"Why are we going to the lake again? It's super dark," My voice is bitter.Hopefully, we will make it back to the hotel before the sun rises and burns me to a crisp. My bed is a way safer place to be than Sleepy's hands. It's hard to stomach the fact that we are flying above the clouds and that him clumsily dropping me would kill me.Not that I think he would. Sleepy is holding me tightly, and his hands are big enough to make me blush. While I'm trying not to, I can't help but wonder what it would feel like to be my actual size and have him palm my breasts down to my thighs.I blush. It kills me to admit, but the man does have sexy hands; they are sunkissed with veins that reach like branches to his wrist to then disappear under his tunic."The lake is my favorite spot," Sleepy bends forward and angles himself to look down at me. I'm sitting in his cupped palms, and he gives me a grin while hanging upside down. I feel heat curl inside my bel
Alyssa At first, I'm just standing there entirely spellbound while Sleepy pulls off his clothes to reveal his muscled back. He is sculpted to perfection with a juicy arse that must have escaped from the art gallery. Jesus Christ. How am I supposed to ever look away? I take him in for many moments while clenching my legs together. And when he turns around to see what is taking me so long, my cheeks turn molten. "Are you coming, or what?" Sleepy is challenging me by offering me his trademark grin. With that body, he doesn't need to ask me twice. I begin taking off my dress to join him but stop when I find his prying eyes looking me up and down. There is hunger in his gaze, but he tries to hide it behind his charming smile. Am I that desirable? I've never felt beautiful, but Sleepy is making me feel gorgeous. Hmm, maybe I should join in on the fun? With new assertiveness, I playfully throw my red hair over my shoulder and wink saucily at
AzraelI punch the wall in frustration and watch the debris fall to the floor like sprinkles. I should be in bed by now, but something tells me my confusion won't let me sleep."Why did I try to kiss her?" I ask myself angrily, still not understanding why I can't stop thinking about Alyssa.Deep inside, I know the answer—Alyssa is like a drug. One inhale of her fiery, untamed hair was all I needed for her to become imprinted into my memory. I shouldn't want Alyssa; settling for my mate was what I decided on, but I want them both because I'm a greedy bastard.Fuck me. I need some sleep to set my thoughts and emotions right; I'm a pure mess right now.Slowly, I walk down the corridor with a hundred racing thought, stopping when I spot Maze standing outside of Sleepy's door with something sharp sticking out from her lengthy, flowing sleeve. She is dressed like the night in a black tunic, probably something the witches gave her, but something see
Sleepy For the first time in what feels like forever, I'm happy. Alyssa is such a bliss to watch and talk with. Is she even real? I glance down at our conjoined hands, feel a rush of heat surging through me, and hide my smile by looking away when Alyssa glances up at me. This is heaven. I don't want to return to Azrael's hotel yet, even if the sun is about to rise. Alyssa takes a deep breath. "So you can control the elements?" I gaze down at Alyssa, see the pink hue splayed over her cheeks, and have to fight like hell to not dive at those swollen lips again. There are bite marks left all over her delicate neck, a reminder for others to keep away from what is mine. "Yes, but I'm not very good at controlling air and earth yet," I tell her as we stroll across a meadow. Our feet are naked, but the ground is soft, and right now, it feels like I'm walking on clouds. "That's amazing..." Alyssa stares down at the ground with a
"It might be too soon for you to decide, but if you want me—then I'm yours. Mark me if you want—I would love that." Sleepy's words hit me on a deeper plane, and I take him in, recognize the decision in his eyes—he has thought about this already. My heart squeezes at the sight of his brimming confidence, those red eyes telling what I already know—that he is in love with me. Is this truly happening? I bite my lower lip in an attempt to keep the tears at bay, but the teardrop slipping down my cheek informs me that ship has already sailed. I'm emotional, and it's not because I'm about to turn him down, but because I now realize that I want him. Thinking back, Sleepy has never once turned away from my side. He has always been there when I've needed him, so this is probably the most enlightened decision I've ever made. "Yes," I tell him, barely able to breathe with my heart thumping so fast. Seeming amused, he chuckles. "What are you
I free fall from the sky, screaming while Sleepy is getting chewed by the giant bat. The whole scene looks surreal. Fabian is screeching, trying to eat Sleepy, who is trying to escape from his jaws. Blood is being splatted everywhere, staining Fabian's white teeth. Sleepy must be severely injured already. It hurts me physically to realize my mate is fighting for his life. My every pore wants to help him, but I'm a healer, not a ruthless fighter. What am I supposed to do? "Fucking bat!" Sleepy is grumbling. I watch his arm bend into an unnatural position and hear him scream in pain. "Get off me!" Sleepy is trying to crawl, dig his nails into the skin outside of Fabian's mouth, but he is slinking further into the bat's mouth, disappearing from my line of sight. "SLEEPY!" I scream at the top of my lungs, widening my eyes when I notice his saliva-covered hand stretching out from the bat's mouth. Glitter seems to gather around his fingers,
Alyssa "What is your idea?" I shout at Azrael over the wind, hoping he will hear my voice. My hair is blowing in the wind, slinking into my mouth and forcing me to spit it out. "This!" Azrael speeds up, flying higher until we are right above the gigantic bat. His eyes lock on the target, and I shake my head, finally realizing what he is about to do. "No-no-no!" I warn him. "That is a terrible idea!" Azrael smiles goofily, fanning my face with his warm breath. "You have a better idea, princess?" "Anything that doesn't involve trying to tackle him into the portal sounds good—what if we get sucked into it too?" Azrael rubs his chin. He needs to shave. "I haven't thought about that..." I roll my eyes. "Figures." "But I know we can't defeat Fabian—look at him!" Azrael roars. "He is a monster!" Bitter laughter comes out through my mouth. Fabian is searching for us with his fierce eyes screeching when he catche
AlyssaThe plan is simple: find Sleepy and somehow return to our world. Azreal is going to try and open up a portal. But first, we need to find my mate. I can faintly sense him. It must mean we are getting closer. Sadly, it's dark, and Azrael and I have found a cave for shelter. A fire is lighting up the cave walls, and I'm sitting with my hands reached forward. The warmth feels nice on my skin. "I didn't think vampires could get cold," Azrael comments from the other side of the fire. He is wearing a curious smile. "Yeah, but..." I hesitate before speaking, unsure if I should tell him what I'm about to say. I'm still not sure. "I think I'm becoming human again. This realm is doing strange things to me, and I'm not even weak to the sun anymore. My skin might be pale, but I no longer burn.""Interesting... Do you think it's only because of this being the realm you came from? I have a hard time believing you could handle the sun back in our realm, err, the realm we lived in."My chest
AlyssaI stare at Azrael, unable to move because he has hit me with the truth. The strings of my heart are playing a tune of surrender. It's tired of running from the spiraling heat in my chest.And I agree—I can't flee forever. Not when Azrael's eyes are imprinted into my mind. He is like a spreading infection. When he was gone, I couldn't focus. It was like someone had taken all the colors from my eyes and painted the sky black.I was in pain when Azrael was gone, and now he is here—so why can't I just be honest with myself and take what I want? Why am I afraid?I wet my lips. "We should..."I can't finish the sentence. Something unnamed is swelling between us, warm and tender. It gives life to Azrael's eyes, and his features show radiant humor. Does he have to be so beautiful? He gives me sappy butterflies without even trying."We should what?" Azrael is watching me while walking. "Fuck? Because that would be a great idea."
AlyssaAzrael is eyeing me with severe eyes. "So you said the ones who kidnapped Sleepy smelled like cat people?"I inhale. In the past, I was more at ease with Azrael, but now there is electricity in the air. I should focus on the mission to find and save Sleepy before making it back to our world, but Azrael is making it somewhat hard.He has those bedroom eyes, and the mate-bond is like a sweet, romantic melody in my ears whispering, "You know you want him,"I need to get a grip, but it's easier said than done. Azrael is all curious eyes and smiles. It's seriously distracting. One glance and the man can reduce me into a nervous wreck."Yeah... And the other cat person called Sleepy's captor for "boss," so I imagine he is someone powerful.""Hmm..."Azrael taps his chin with his blonde hair falling into his eyes. He seems deep in thought, so I steal a glance of him. I absorb the view of his large shoulders and follow them down to his
AlyssaI slowly back away from the large angel. Azrael is glaring daggers at me, and it's making me uncomfortable. Blonde hair falls into his eyes, and his jaw is ticking with words unspoken. I'm not sure what Azrael's intentions are, but they can't be friendly, judging from his angry expression.And I would be a fool to stick around for too long—the angel could harm me with a move on his hand, squish me like a bug.Azrael is scary."Hello..." I lick my lips, trying to find words: his eyes, violet crystal, zero in on me, and it adds pressure. "I've been looking everywhere for you, but uh... Something tells me you don't remember me?""You're wrong." A smile, cruel and cold, seizes his lips. "I remember you, Alyssa. I gave my life to save you and—"I gasp, interrupting his hateful speech. I've never experienced a true mate bond in my entire life, but there is no doubt about it. Flames are dancing in my chest when I lock eyes with A
AlyssaWhen I open my eyes, an elderly lady with cat ears glares down at me while holding clothes in her arms. She is dressed in this medieval maid attire and throws me an identical-looking set of clothes. The colors are mainly white and brown."Well, get on with it then! Put on your clothes, lass!" The lady sounds upset with me, stressed. "My name is Esme, and the master doesn't like to wait! He is sleeping right now, and it's our job to clean him up after his latest battle. Hurry!""E-Excuse me?" My voice comes out high-pitched."What is it you don't understand?" Esme pulls me up from the mattress beneath me, and I squint at the sun coming in through the window, but I'm not hurt by it. It seems the feather around my neck is still determined to protect me."Stop dreaming and put on your clothes!"Startled by the tone of her voice, I stand straighter and nod at the bossy lady—I can already tell it's not wise messing with Esme. "Yes!"
Alyssa Sleepy and I are walking through the forest after disembarking the ship. The impossibly tall pine trees seeming to reach for the stars reminds me of home, yet the atmosphere is different. The winds traveling past us seem colder somehow, and the air is heavy to breathe. Every pant vaporizes, and I blink away frost from my eyelashes, shuddering. "It's so freaking cold!" My lips are quivering. Sleepy chuckles. "Well, it's autumn, not summer." "The seasons seriously change too quickly in this world!" "Agreed." "I'm starving too," I complain, wishing I had a coat to pull over my body. I'm snotty and probably close to running a fever. "But it doesn't look like we will find any nearby restaurants." "Meh, why not eat from nature?" My mate shoots me a charming smile. His hands are resting behind his head, and the muscles in his arms are bulging. How he isn't freezing is beyond me. "From nature?" I snort. Sleepy ca
Alyssa After some fun with shrinking and some much-needed cuddles, I'm sharing a blanket with Sleepy on deck. The boat is approaching land, and the skies have cleared, leaving the morning sun to sweep in through the cracks in the clouds. I sink further into Sleepy. I'm sitting in his lap, and with a content sigh, I relax my entire body weight against his chest, which seems to be made of steel. His arms curl tighter around me in response. My head is tucked between his shoulder and neck, and he smells great, like sea salt and the ocean mixed with his usual nectar. Neither of us says a word as the sun shines brighter above us. I'm so warm and reasonably confident I could die a smiling woman nestled against the firm expanse of his chest. I don't think I will ever be able to return to sitting alone, not after using him as my couch. "Alyssa, look over there!" Sleepy nods ahead of us, whispering into my ear in a tender voice. "I think I see our new h
AlyssaStrength isn't how you avoid trouble—it's how you act when put under pressure and your solution to getting out of the darkness. Right now, I'm battling for my life. It's getting harder to fight by the minute, yet the pain in my limbs is only fuelling my will to survive.I scream and punch a siren in the face, gritting my teeth and roaring before slamming my boot into another one's stomach. Even though I'm engaged in a losing game, a fire is raging on within my chest. The night might be cold, but my fists are heated."Why won't you give up?""Girl, you won't win this fight."I keep on struggling."Ah, you're getting tired."I throw another punch, screaming in vain when the sirens won't shut up. They keep harassing me, hugging my exhausted body when sweat has broken over my skin.A tongue flickers by my earlobe. "You're weak."Those words awaken more adrenaline, and I break free, crying out into the night as I
Alyssa Two months have passed since we defeated Fabian. And I still long to hear your voice again, watch your lips as you form the words to call me princess. I've been working hard on getting on this boat, and Sleepy has been making money too. We are fine. We are smiling. We are surviving. Yet I still miss you. "I swear to god that I will commit suicide and throw myself overboard if we eat the same slobbery fish for another day!" I grimace at the bitter flavor and shudder in disgust. "Surely, there must be better things in the sea. Why aren't they catching shrimp or lobster?!" I grumpily dig into the fish again, aware of the amused laughter coming from above. "Hey! It's not that bad!" Sleepy hangs his head like a bat and smiles down from the top of our bunk bed. Green hair falls around him like a mane, and I laugh at his big smile. We are eating dinner and praying the boat won't sink and disappear in the waves—t