All Chapters of The King’s Obsession: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

~AkaraI stare out toward the forest, remembering moments where things were easier.Zavian sits next to me, letting me be silent for some time. It's frustrating, having so many questions, their answers only capable of coming from one man, who could be anywhere right now. And I'm not sure I can face him, after what has been revealed to me."Remind me of why Marek is here again," Zavian asks after awhile.He's been holding onto that question, I can tell."Believe it or not, he was working on our side the entire time," I explain, still hardly able to believe it myself. Marek sacrificed so much for me, and now I'm unsure if I'll ever be able to repay him. "Well, he was trying to protect me. He protected my family and everything, when I couldn't.""I don't trust him. Whether he saved my life or not." Zavian's expression remains solemn, as he looks out into the forest. Zavian didn't know Marek like I did, so I can't blame him for having reservations.I nod, wrapping my arms around myself. "

~VaelaI stare up out of the carriage window, admiring the sprawling buildings at heights I've never conceived of before."So this is what a city looks like," I marvel, tilting my head to get a better look.This place is almost the exact opposite of the Jade Province. Instead of trees, there are endless buildings and roads paved through them, copious amounts of people mulling about, minding their own business. It's like one of the villages, but tripled in size, with enough people to fill all these buildings."I don't recommend any of you going for a walk without someone else with you," Marek instructs, bringing my gaze back to his. "This place is very unforgiving.""We will be fine," Zavian mutters."I've been here a few times on tours with Kailor. I've never liked it," Nakoa says, shivering. She has huddled closer to Zavian, avoiding looking out the window. Whatever memories haunt her, I doubt she is going to share them with us, and I wouldn't dare ask.All of a sudden the carriage c

~AkaraMarek and I promptly set up on the floor, with not much to sleep on other than the couch cushions.But I'll take anything over climbing back into bed with Tai right now."How do you feel?" Marek asks, turning his head to face me. I stare up at the ceiling, trying not to think too much about Marek's proximity. We don't touch, but our sleeping area's are set up right next to each other's. Somehow, it makes me feel safer, even if I'm not sure what from."Sick, honestly," I murmur, clutching my stomach. It twists painfully, the anxiety of the entire situation having taken me in it's ruthless clutches. "I have to kill to survive.""There will be another way, I'm certain of it,” Marek mutters, although I hear the uncertainty in his voice. Neither of us have dealt with something like this before, and neither have many other people. It leaves us with nowhere to turn to for answers, and I’m terrified of that.I roll onto my side, propping my head up with my arm. "Who else would be able

~AkaraWe didn't get very far.At least we've made it out of the Scarlet Province, from the looming city that terrifies me. But what terrifies me more is sitting in the same space as Marek and Tai. Thankfully they haven't spoken the entire nine hours we have been travelling, preferring to sit in seething silence, which I like just fine too.Rain started soon after leaving the city, but now that dusk has fallen, has turned into a raging storm. We all mutually decided to stop at a nearby village for the night, which may be the only thing we can agree on for a while.Marek stays close to my side as we wander into the inn. It's small, but it will do for one night. I'm eager for sleep too, exhausted from travelling and worrying about Marek and Tai all day.Tai walks up to the front desk, while the rest of us linger back. "We will take five rooms.""I'm sorry sir, we only have two rooms," she responds, gaze darting between him and us. There are three imposing men in here that would terrify

~AkaraThe weight of the room bears heavily on me, to the point I can't stand it anymore, and rush out of the room.Both Marek and Tai follow me, but none of them know what to say. They could either allow me to live, and turn into an irredeemable monster and completely lose my sense or self, or they could be merciful and let me die."You have to kill me," I demand. If they won't do it, I'll do it to myself.Marek steps forward, looking like he wants to reach out and touch me, but I don't think I could handle it right now. "Akara, don't...""It needs to be done." I'm pacing back and forth, long grass rubbing against my legs. Nothing is relevant in my mind anymore. All that matters is my impending doom, and how inevitable it is. "Tai, you will do it."Tai's eyes widen and he looks disgusted. "You're asking me to kill you?""Do you want to see me become a monster?" I ask. It's like I can already feel the foreignness in my veins. I'm losing control, the feeling of it slipping away from me