ELIAS' POV.I could see Scarlet's face turn red when she got over the shock of seeing her friends in the room with us. Embarrassment crept over her face, as she realized why I had been attempting to stop her from trying to make love with me.I understood it had to be very embarrassing. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it back, and gave an embarrassed smile."Gosh. What was that?" She asked, with a little embarrassed chuckle. Her friends were all giving her goofy smiles, including Sylvia."Hey, what are we doing?" Sylvia asked, snapping out of whatever communication they had been having with the embarrassed scarlet."Oh, goodness me. Cue!" One of Scarlet's friends said, and they burst into a birthday song."Happy birthday to you." They were parting their tones harmoniously, and Scarlet covered her mouth with her hands amazed."Happy birthday to you? Happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday to you!" They sang."May the good Lord bless you.May the good Lord bless
SCARLET'S POV.The fox walked towards us all with its bright red fur full on its body, and its bushy tail, high and majestic, and as it came closer, a voice whispered in my ear. Doom.The voice kept on whispering continuously in my ear, and I put my index finger in my ear, trying to drown out the sound, but it refused to fade away. It kept on repeating itself, haunting me, as the red fox got closer.I knew the fox was bringing trouble with it. It seemed to be my inner voice speaking to me and alerting me on what was going to happen.When I woke up, I was sweating, and my heart was beating hard in my chest. So hard that I placed a hand on my chest to try to stop it.The nightmare had felt so real, so real that it began to feel like someone was watching me.I scrambled out of bed, and met Sylvia making scrambled eggs."Good morning. I'm making toast and scrambled eggs for breakfast. Want some?" She asked, as the bread popped out of the toaster dramatically."Sure…and some hot tea also,
ELIAS' POVI gazed at the woman before us. Even with all the gloom that seemed to have descended on her, she still had a beautiful face that emerged from simplicity.She had large brown eyes that seemed to hold so much sadness that they could not seem to look upwards.Her lips were dry, and a little cracked, looking like they were once a pale pink. Her face was a soft oval and for some reason, I pitied her. I didn't know what had happened or what had made her that way, but I felt compassion for her.She raised her head, and the black scarf she was wearing slipped off her head.There, full on her head was a beautiful fall of red hair. It had been packed messily into a bun at the back of her head and a few strands came loose with the scarf, flowing in the direction of the wind."This is Ashley." My mum introduced, placing her hands on Ashley's shoulders. "Ashley, meet Elias and Scarlet. Elias is my son and Scarlet…" she hesitated. "She's more like a daughter I wasn't opportuned to have.
SCARLET’S POVAll through the day after Elias had disappeared, probably to speak with his parents, I noticed that he had been moody.He wasn’t seeming as bright as earlier before his parents got back from their trip, or did something transpire between them?I didn’t want to ask him or make it look even more awkward by asking if there was anything wrong, but I could feel it right in my bones that he was in a sour mood, and that was quite disturbing.I came out from the corner I was watching him from, then went to sit beside him on the sofa.“Hey.” I called to his attention, and then he turned to me.“Didn’t hear you coming.” Elias said, with a smile that seemed like he managed to put it up.“Well, that’s because you’re thinking. You’re worrying about something, aren’t you?”Elias chuckled awkwardly as his eyes fluttered like he had been caught off-guard.“No…No. I’m not worrying.”“You know you can’t lie to me.” I said to him, not feeling convinced.“I know, Scarlet. But regardless, ev
ELIAS’ POVWhat my mother had said about I getting married to Ashely was still disturbing me and eating at my heart like the way a termite does to make a building crumble.It was beginning to feel more like a tensed feeling, building up in my chest, and not giving me a breathing space. I rose to my feet, and thought of what to do to get all these out of my head.Oh, yeah. I can call Ralph. Probably some sparring would take these off my mind. I grabbed my phone which was on the table, and then dialed his contact.“Hey Ralph. Up for some sparring?”“Sure, yeah. Where’s the meeting point?” Ralph asked.“Well, let’s meet at the palace sparring ground.”“Alright, will be there in thirty.”I hung up the call, and then looked towards our matrimonial bedroom. I could imagine how she was going to feel if she figured out that my parents weren’t considering her to get married to me.It would hurt her beyond measure. Scarlet and I have gone through highs and lows together. It’s going to be unfair
SCARLET’S POVMy last encounter with Ashely made me feel calm and okay about any meeting we come to have again. In fact, she seems like she could be a new friend.We have a few major things in common. Most especially the fact that we both lost our parents to gruesome fate. I could understand what Ashley was going through now, and I know that right now, she certainly needs someone who can be there for her.It’s just the way I needed someone badly when my mother died, but I was lucky. I had Carla and Elias by my side, and that was comforting. My best friend and my lover.It wouldn’t hurt if I try to be someone she can lean on. Someone she can trust and come to, whenever things were seeming a bit sour for her.I decided to prepare a present for her to give to her today. That would make her feel happy and to realize that someone was actually thinking of her, and has good intentions for her.I placed my index finger on my philtrum, and leaned my thumb against my chin as I began to think ab
ELIAS' POV.Ashley looked horrified when she saw the chandelier with its pieces of glass shattered and scattered across the floor.Her mouth hung open, and she couldn't stop staring at it.“Are you okay?” I asked, and she turned to me, sharply, like I had startled her. She looked at me briefly, nodded, and turned back to the chandelier. “Oh…” she breathed out, and raised her shaking hands to her face. She must have been scared out of her mind. Who wouldn't be, seconds after a chandelier could have crushed them?I got to my feet, and raised her gently by the shoulders. Already, maids were scampering to the spot, looking horrified, with their gazes shifting from me and Ashley to the mess on the floor.They apologized, and although I couldn't understand their reasons for apologizing, I left them. Then they began to clean it up.“Thank you so much. Thank you.” She said, looking at me with gratitude shining in her eyes.“No, it's fine. Are you sure you're okay?”“Yes, yes, I'm fine. Luck
SCARLET’S POVIt was now evident and certain that my hunch about Ashley is real, and not just based on jealousy. I didn’t need to disregard such when it comes to my mind.I can’t just be jealous just anyhow, without understanding the fact that as a young prince, Elias could be getting advances, and it doesn’t mean he’s going to fall for them all of a sudden.But then, since that moment when I slapped Elias, I haven’t set my eyes on him, and it was becoming worrisome. I was annoyed, but then, I had calmed down a bit, and all I needed from him were answers.I decided to wait for him to get back, because he wasn’t around, and I also needed to tell him what I discovered; the trance I had, the moment I left Ashley.I paced around the bedroom, expecting him to come anytime soon as it was nightfall already, but I was beginning to get tired as the minutes passed by.I checked my phone, and noticed it was getting late already, then I dialed his contact. Unfortunately, the call wasn’t going thr
SCARLET'S POV. Egg after egg dropped, filling the space, and I couldn't help the feeling of raw panic eating me up. I had ever seen such a monster with different traits. It has pincers like scorpions and made loud noises. It buzzed like a bee, and was so solid even though it was made of ants. It was laying eggs which was really unbelievable, but what scared me was that I didn't know what would happen if the eggs happened to hatch. What creature would we see there, and how would they eat us up?I took in deep breaths, as me and Elias were pushed together. I couldn't help myself. It felt like I would suddenly scream, and go out. The eggs fell against us, and it was then I knew I couldn't help myself. “Elias!” I called out, as my hand closed over his shirt tightly. My mouth opened wide, and I fought for breath, but couldn't find it. “Scarlet, Scarlet, breathe!” Elias said, looking at me intently, as I hit my chest, trying to breathe. My eyes filled up with tears, and it felt like I w
RALPH'S POVEstelle looked at us all, enjoying the looks of shock on the faces of the men. Then she walked over to me, and bent, placing a hand on the table, and the other behind my chair. I wouldn't deny the ice in her eyes. Everything about her seemed cold, and although I hated her being that close to me, I did not budge. I stared at her right in the eye, without fear. “You must be having a hard time, right?” She spoke softly. “Well, I've had a harder time.” She said, then straightened up, without taking her eyes off me for a second. She seemed to built for revenge, and in her eyes were the echoes of pain, and cold. She took a few steps backwards, before giving a smile that didn't reach her eyes, then she turned away, walking out of the hall. The elders all looked like they had been holding their breaths, and they let it out quickly, looking at each other. “I believe we've discussed all we need to discuss.” I said, getting to my feet. Sitting around, doing nothing was something
RALPH’S POVI dressed in my room, trying hard so time wouldn't run out on me. There was a council meeting scheduled for the day, and I had to attend instead of Elias. The council elders had sent in multiple envelopes, all demanding to see Elias. ‘Where is the Alpha?’‘What is the Alpha planning on doing?’‘Is Alpha Elias aware that things are becoming even worse?’They had sent in all kinds of questions, and I understood their impatience. It was all stemming from the fear Estelle had woven into their hearts. A knock came on my door. “Come in.” I said, brushing my hair. If I didn't look my best, they would assume Elias didn't know what he was doing, and that he had just put some random person on his throne. I really hoped he and Scarlet would make it back alive, and quickly because I was in no way fit for an Alpha. A maid walked in with toast on a tray. “No, no, I'm fine. I didn't ask for breakfast.” I said, but she didn't retreat. “Before leaving, Alpha Elias gave me strict ord
SCARLET’S POVWe fell mercilessly, hitting the rough edges, getting bruises all over. I landed on the ground with my head in an awkward position, before straightening up, and looking at Elias, who was sprawled on the ground, breathing hard, as he looked up at the sky. I looked around. Apparently, we had fallen in some kind of hole. Due to taking quick hasty breaths, the dust managed to get into my nose, and I sneezed hard. We heard the strange buzzing sound, and I covered my mouth, only for another sneeze to come true. I sneezed again, and Elias scrambled to his fist to cover my mouth. I held his hand there, willing myself not to sneeze. Eventually, I let out a tiny one, and with my eyes watering, I looked around, taking Elias' hands off my mouth. Everywhere was dusty. It was probably because we had fallen through it. All the dust seemed to be settling. “What do we do now?” I whispered, giving a little cough, as I tried to swipe the dust away from settling on my face.“I think w
THIRD PERSONIt wasn't just Elias who felt the tendrils of fear squeezing his heart. Scarlet felt it too, and it felt like her chest was on fire, just from wondering what would happen. The mere terror that the clanging sound generated made her heart beat faster at every clang. It was too much for her to handle. She looked around repeatedly, and the soft wind whipped her hair into her face, which she brushed back with both hands. Already, her palms were cold and sweaty, and the anxiety was just too much. She needed the suspense to be over. “What do you think that is?” She asked Elias, still looking around, trying to guess what could be the reason for the weird sound. “I have no idea.” Elias replied, as the sound grew louder. “We should… I think we should move on.” Scarlet suggested, wanting to make a move. It was so obvious that whatever was approaching them with the weird sound wasn't single. It wasn't two, nor was it three. It was definitely a lot.“I say we wait.” Elias replied,
ELIAS’ POVI couldn't understand the fear and anxiety filling me up. It wasn't the first time Scarlet and I had been on a journey, or been faced with dangerous creatures, and people, but still there was that nervousness. That whispering voice that told me my fears were not twisting lies in my head, but trying to bore the truth into me. Something really awful could happen, and I might be unable to escape it with Scarlet by my side. Either way, I hated the feeling. The whole place spoke, and gave an aura of power, dark power, and it boasted too easily of how we could get killed. It was the main reason for my fears. The man looked at us, and even without the features on his face, I was somehow able to tell that he had a smile on. Then, I looked at Scarlet. She also seemed lost in thoughts, and it would be the best time to try to convince her, but she would despise me for it. It was better I carried out her wish, than to let my fear get the best of me. “We are willing to try. After
Scarlet and Elias couldn’t help but admit within themselves that they were overwhelmed by fear. Elias knew how dangerous the journey was, and this made him even more scared. “Well, hello.” The man spoke, in an eerie tone. “Who the hell are you?” Elias managed to question him, as they were both wary of him. “A question which actually isn’t the major concern. But I’ll tell you one thing. If you dare try to escape, because it’s only expected of you to want to run from me, you won’t be able to get to the world beyond.” “Uhn!” Elias exclaimed softly, not knowing whether to believe the man or not. “Yeah. To make things more understandable for you, I am the passage to the world beyond, which only means without me, you can’t go into the world beyond. So, now, I hope you know that it is only unwise of you to run from me. And if you have enough time to waste, you can actually run from me, and when you realize you’ve been wasting your time, you’ll come back, and definitely meet me here.” Bo
SCARLET’S POV It was dawn already, and was time for us to set out for her journey. If it was an outing, I would have been so excited about it, but then, it was a dangerous journey which we are just going on for the sake of a friend which we have taken as a family. Even from the name, the world beyond, one would have known that it isn’t a place one can take lightly. For Elias to have been so adamant on us not going there, it was evident that it wasn’t like other dangerous places that we have gotten ourselves into. “Are you certain you are ready?” Elias asked me as we headed towards the woods. “I am more than ready.” I responded to him, not wanting to sound discouraging. Even if I wanted to sound discouraging, it shouldn’t be from here when he could easily turn back and by then, whatever I do, might not make him change his mind, anymore. We didn’t have to walk too much before we got to the woods, and that only made me feel a little anxious. But then, I had to stop myself from getti
SCARLET'S POV “I know, and I feel quite bad for going down that lane, but you know we’ve got to do all it takes to ensure Ashley is back to good health. Who knows? She might be able to help us with an information. You know she was captured by Estelle. She must have seen a lot which would be very helpful for us.” “I understand. Just look for better ways to convince him regarding something than hurting yourself. Well, let me leave you to go over to meet him. I’m sure he’s so annoyed with both you, and himself. You’ve got to make him feel he isn’t making the wrong decision.” “Alright! I’m on it.” “He’s in the garden, by the way.” Ralph informed me, and I smiled lightly. “Thanks.” I appreciated him, then I stepped out of the room and walked towards the garden. On getting to the garden, I saw him standing and gazing at the sky with both hands in his pockets. I knew he was going through a lot, and had a lot of responsibilities burdening him. So, all he needed was things to go a bit eas