"You need to learn how to keep him under control" Ryker whispered, according to the sensitive topic with the tenderness it deserved. "I can't keep him under control" I shook my head, looking black at her beautiful face. I felt the ache in my chest ease up a bit. She made it all better. "You know it's coming" I spoke vaguely, looking back up at Ryker. His peculiar orbs held fear and restraint. He knew what was coming and what he had to do. It was never easy on him. It was never easy on any of them. "But she's here. It can be different" he pitched in, invading my mental debate.I shook my head, looking back at him, "You see what happens? Phoenix is dangerous, he's getting out and when he does.. " I trailed off, taking my eyes back to the only piece of salvation I had right now. Was she meant for this? No, I couldn't risk her like that. "It's two celestial events away Darius" he reminded me, making my hands go rigid, stopping me from tracing the curve of Audrey's face. Her skin alway
❉𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘❉I watched the little specks of dust float in the air into nothingness. The salty taste that lingered on my lips had not yet faded, the cruel reality that was my life slipping through the cracks. I tightened my hands around my legs, burying my head further into my knees. Another sob wracked through my body, my chest tightening the more as an overwhelming sense of pain overtook me. I knew it wasn't mine, it had to be his, was he as sad as I was? Really? I was miserable, all the hope that once gleamed in my eyes had been dimmed, all the light and joy in them darkened with my soul. I had no idea for how long I stayed here but I hadn't seen another person for as long as I could recall. Faye had tried severally to get me to open up and take the food she unfailingly brought every single day but I refused. She tried time and time again to convince me to get up and at least lay on the bed but I ignored her, turning over to the other side, away from her face. She always let o
𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐘✥I didn't have enough time to react before my legs were hauling me to the toilet as I emptied the little contents that resided in my stomach. It felt like I was throwing my entire insides out into the toilet. I couldn't stop my gagging as I felt a thug on my hair, my curls were pulled back and held tightly in a bun. Calloused hand soothingly rubbed circles around my back as I continued to empty my guts out. I continued to hurl till I got so tired I fell back on my butt. I didn't have the luxury of staying for long before I was picked up bridal style from the floor. I felt so drained and tired I couldn't protest or make any move to resist as Darius proceeded to carry me into my room. I watched his face with half lidded eyes, sleep pulling at my consciousness every so often. I hadn't gotten any sleep for days and I was sure at this point I had dark circles under my eyes, but I honestly didn't care. He didn't seem to care that I looked horrible and smelt even worse as he c
KING DARIUS/ᏦᎨᏁ ᎠæᏒᎨ^Ꮥ/"She's here boss" Ryker informs me through the mind link. "We just came into the kitchen, Faye's making dinner"I could hear little footsteps padding down a path and I knew all too well whose it was. I let my mind wander as I focused on her little feet. It was the closest thing to serenity both Phoenix and I had felt in the last couple of weeks. Images of that night flashed through my mind like it was yesterday- her sunken cheeks, the dark circles that rimmed her eyes, her pale skin that had turned an almost dark shade and the red body fluid that dripped from the corner of her lips. The scene still haunted my mind till this day. Immediately I had gotten her to her bed safetly I waisted no time in mind linking the pack senior doctor. He was more experienced than the last one that came here. I didn't need an amateur attending to my mate, the situation was dire and it needed to be treated with such importance. The doctor arrived a few minutes later, heavily equip
AUDREYI watched Faye intently as she chopped the vegetables into little pieces and added them to the pan that sat on fire. I never took an interest in learning how to cook when I was younger, mother always tried to engage me in kitchen chores but I hated them. She would always ask me, "One day when you get married to your mate and he's hungry what would you cook for him if you don't learn how to cook!?" I was too young to read any meaning into it, my response was always "If he's hungry he'll make something for himself. He wouldn't need to, I would be more than enough for him mama". Immediately after I said that mother would get so annoyed she would chase me around the kitchen with the spatula in her hand. Giggles spilled from my lips as I diverted, running straight into my father's outsretched arms. He would pick me up, spin me around and throw me over his shoulder just to hear my giggles once again. He settled me on his hip, flicking my nose making me snort as I pushed his hand awa
Third Person POVShe felt her eyes water, tears prickling her vision as she clutched her stomach tight, laughter falling from her lips at Greer's hilarious childhood memory. "So he ran in before me, his hands behind his back as he looked with the most innocent eyes directed at my mother. He knew very well how to get to her. By the time I'd run in I was too late, her was already telling on me and I just stood there frozen. He pointed his little flour coated finger at me, his accusing gaze directed at my direction. I gave him the worst scowl and looked back at my mom to see she was glaring at me. I tried to deny everything but she already punished me to make our meals for the next two weeks. After her verdict was delivered Nuelle stuck out his tongue at me and showed all the sugar that coated it, leaving my mom to gape wide eyed at him. Realising he had given himself up he shut his mouth close, his hands coming to rest on his sealed lips. Ha! Served him right. Talk about karma" They a
Hand in hand they walked through the twists and turns of the hallway, his eyes never leaving her. She could feel his gaze burning a hole in her head but she didnt dare look up at him, somehow she always managed to get stuck in a mysterious haze anytime she stared into his eyes. It may have been the mate bond trying to strengthen through their eye contact, she wasnt sure but all she knew was if she wanted to leave tonight she had to push back all the contradicting thoughts that had managed to sip through her mind's walls. Having him this close wasnt helping matters. Although pulling away wouldn't be the best option either, she could still hear the heels of the four maidens following fast behind them. For some odd reason she had this urge to want to seem as put together ans as prim and perfect as these girls made her out to be. Non of it would matter anyway, after tonight she wouldn't be seeing them again. Somehow that single truth left a pang in her chest. Her head turned she let her
"Audrey" she turned around sharply, hearing her name from the distant. Greer rushed over to Audrey, Ryker and two armed guards falling few steps back. "Are you okay?" Greer asked, holding Audrey's arms and looking her over for any injuries."Im fine. Why, what's wrong? " she asked, looking over to Ryker who had caught up tp them. Her eyes landed on his sword in hand and the gaurds who stood stoicly at the entrance. "There was a rogue attack near the castle. The guards spotted them and have been dispersed to their locations but its too risky to go on with the party. We have been ordered to make sure you reach your chambers safely. When we are certain there has been no briefing of the castle walls then everyone can be allowed to walk around but for now everyone is under lockdown. Please princess follow me" he gave way, waiting for Audrey to walk foward but she hadnt moved yet. She seemed to be thinking. After properly registering the situation in her mind and realising how dangerous i
The five market days moved passed in a flash. I kept to my word and made father a new set of kitchen knives, risking a few of my fingers in the process. Before I could register what was happening, father had begun packing my things in the cloth bag I had come with. He looked worried and concerned but he would never tell me that he did not want me to leave, he believed he would be holding me back. Gently he places my bags in my hand and I could hear the hooves of the horses arriving at the door, Commander Tanner was here. Before father could speak I interrupted, "Wait" I rushed to the work shop and brought out the clothes I had bought from the market place. I had to sneak out at night so he wouldn't see them. I presented them to him. He stood there, silently taking them in "Why did you?"I smile wolfishly, "So you can hold onto them till I get back. I will take the bee gloves you got me and my sandals, they will be better than any I could buy""How did you hide them?""I kept th
This veiled dancer, no one where she comes from?" I question, slipping on my sandals: yet another gift father had kept for my return. He had handed it to me like it was no big deal and he probably wanted me to treat it that way but of course I did not. I would get him a new set of clothes before I left for my new duties. I hurry after father as he walks ahead, insisting if we didn't hurry all the good stools would be taken. For an old man he was moving fast, "Nope, not a single person has seen her face so they can't trace her identity or lineage to any of the states"How conspicuous"Hurry up lad. The townspeople have prepared a feast after in your honor so it'll be quite a shame if we arrive late" We get to the small sitting arrangement made in the middle of the town. Little stools sat in a circular manner so no one would obstruct the people behind them. There was a space in front which I could tellw as reserved for the dancers. The scene reminded me of my old life, when we would ha
~ Ryker"Er, what is all the noise about? One cannot get a peaceful day in this town anymore" Mr. Rae grumbles, approaching the loud crowd that had gathered in front of the market place. Maybe they had caught a thief? I haven't witnessed any action around here, the quiet was becoming deafening but why this now when I wish to retire? Maybe I should move to a more desolate place. Hm, the young lad would probably refuse, if I move where would he come to when he returns? A sad smile wore his lips at the thought of Ryker. He must be getting such good training and living his life, why tie him down to an old fool like me? Mr. Rae got to the growing crowd and stood, trying to peel at what the fuss was about. Suddenly he heard a voice, one he could identify anywhere, despite his failing ears"Thank you for the very warm welcome townspeople. I missed you all dearly as well but I must be going to see my fa-" just then his voice stopped. Ryker looked into the crowd, the unmistakable smell of
~COMMANDER TANNER "So, what will it be lad?"I close my open mouth, only now realising I had been gaping. I nod excitedly, "Yes sir. I will learn" I speak with determination, joy radiating off meThe knight nods, "Very well. As my armies commander, I will indeed take him under my wing and teach him the art. I will return in three work days so het your affairs in order and bid your master goodbye"He bows before turning and striding out of the tavern in long powerful steps. I release the breath I was holding, unsure if this was really happening. I turn to see Mr. Rae smiling down at me. The sight was uncanny, he never smiled, only when he roared in mocked laughter, but this was different. This was a genuine, affectionate smile. "Sir""Foolish boy, did you think I did not know you trained with that tool every night? I might be olding but my ears do still work as well as they did in my prime" he walks out to the shack and I follow behind. "But sir" he takes a seat on his work bench
~MR. RAE The distant singing of the birds above the thick trees, the rustling of the leaves from the afternoon wind. The sound of twigs breaking as the animal approached a strange lump of flesh cuddled up close to the stream. Cautiously the deer inches closer, leaning down to drink some water, keeping an eye on the creature. The deer stands there, tilting it's head to the side, trying to identify this creature that seemed so still. Inching forward the deer takes calculated, careful steps towards the boy, watching to see if he would react or move. Assuming it was safe, the deer walks forward, taking a sniff of Teigen's hair. It rubs its wet nose against his cheek, licking across the skin, following upwards to his eye. Teigen begins to twitch from the moist intrusion, swatting away at the deer but it continues to lick his cheek. Teigen tries to adjust, turning on his side only to grunt at the discomfort of the trees roots. His eyes lazily open before widening in shock and he je
~TEIGEN I could hear the voices of the men murmuring behind me, their harsh words causing my ears to hurt. I am not a demon, I am Teigen. I wanted to cry, my eyes hurt from how tight the blindfold was over my eyes, darkness was all I was left with. I had heard the town head telling the two men to lead me further into the forest and leave me here. I did not want to be left alone. It was scary here, wild animals were everywhere, looking for little preys like me to eat. I shivered, the cold night breeze whisking past me. I wanted mother, her sweet pies, muffins and all her baked goodies. I missed how she would kiss my cheeks before bed, how she would sneak me an extra cup of milk from the farmer's cow on her way back from the pub when I was extra good. My stomach growled, reminding me I had yet to eat anything. By now mother would be setting the table with bread made from whole grain flour and cheese and curd. Mother knew I disliked cheese, so when father wasn't looking she would sli
~TEIGEN"Come along Teigen" His mother motions him forward, smiling reassuringly to her shy little boy as he inches closer to the open door. Teigen was unlike other boys his age. At 11, his mates in the town had begun hunting bugs, critters like rats and squirrels. But Teigen was different. He was quiet, reserved and timid. He hated socialising with the other town kids, mostly because they looked at him with beady eyes of curiosity and intrigue. His peculiar violet orbs stared at his age mates, fear and anxiety tightening his irises. He was the only one in the whole town that had such color of eyes, none of his parents possessed such unique eyes. He inhaled a shaky breath, watching his mother drop him off at the children's playground while she went to work at the town pub. The pub was always very busy, patrons swarming in and out like bees. Everywhere was hot, noisy and crowded all the time. Teigen's mother: Geneva worked as the baker, she made all types of pasteries: from bre
AUDREY"I WILL HAVE NONE OF THIS. YOU ARE NEVER TO SEE NOSTRADAMUS AGAIN AND THAT IS THE END OF THIS DISCUSSION AUDREY, I FORBID YOU! " His harsh words resonate in the walls of my mind, like shoes stepping on broken shards, the fragments of hurt that had pierced my heart continued to mercilessly torment me. The words were constantly on repeat, the look of fury and anger in his dark eyes, an underlining fear tightened his irises. I couldn't understand anything, I couldn't see past the angry words he hauled at me. "My lady!" Marchioness Cordelia's voice reaches my ear before she does, her hand resting sympathetically on my shoulder, snapping me out of my reverie. I blink out of my mind, fresh drops of tears falling down my cheeks. I rush to wipe them away, not wanting her to know the reason behind my tears. I turn to face her, smiling wryly at her. Her beautiful features contorted into a worrisome look, her eyes searching my face before she pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my arms aro
"Audrey, dear?" Darius called out, walking into their chambers in search of Audrey. The talk with Ryker had gone on longer than expected and he began to feel bad and miss his little bride. As he walks in, the bed is messy, the black comforters wrinkled from their past activities. The pale skin that was meant to inhabit the sheets nowhere to be seen. Puzzled he walked back out, asking the guards where his bride had wandered off to. "The princess went to your study, my Lord. I believe she went there in search of you"One of the guards stationed at their quarters door informed Darius. Confused as to why Audrey would go to his study, knowing full well she heard the guard inform them that he and Ryker's meeting was happening in the garden. Wordlessly he walked over to his study, perplexed but majorly already missing his little mate. Who knew what his little kitten had gotten herself into? He walks in, immediately spotting her little form, cuddled up in a white loose dress that did absol