Chapter Two.
Natasha
“I have no intention of changing my mind, Mother. You still have a long way to go, before descending from your position as queen. I don't want to become your successor,” I snapped, not bothering to hide the biting edge in my voice.
She winced, and leaned down to gently raise her cup of tea from the table. I watched as she slowly brought it to her lips and took a sip.
“I don't remember seeking your permission, Nat.” She said quietly.
But beneath that calm facade, I could sense her boiling anger. I took a deep breath, and leaned against the sofa.
After scolding me about my constant visits to the human realm, she'd asked to have a discussion with me. And here we were.
“Mother, anyone could have the throne. I don't care.” I retorted. I was sorry for speaking to her in that manner, yet I wasn't.
She remained silent for a while, and then holding my gaze she asked, “Even Calise?”
My gaze turned sharp, and I straightened on my seat. A gnawing feeling began sprouting within my belly. But I didn't avert my gaze.
“What about her?”
Calise.
I hated the name, just as I did the owner. Last I heard of my cousin, she was having the time of her life in the human realm. Italy, I'd heard.
Hearing my mother mention her name brought back memories I wasn't willing to relive.
“Nevermind. We'll continue this discussion tomorrow.” My mother said dismissively, her other fingers wrapped elegantly around the porcelain cup.
I fought back my sharp retort, knowing it'd do no good. Certain I was as level headed as possible, I asked again,
“What about Calise, Mother?”
“Well, she's scheduled to return to Gavemorth soon. And I've known my niece long enough to know her intentions.” She said, crossing her legs leisurely.
Her intentions…
“When do you think she'd arrive?” I asked again.
My mother simply shrugged, a glint in her eyes that suggested her triumph at finally gaining my interest.
And I hated that I could do nothing about it. Hated that when it came to any matter concerning Calise, my cousin, I always became blind to logic. To my own desires even.
“I’ll think about it tonight. About ascending the throne, I mean. You'd have my response tomorrow.” With that I rose to my feet.
I was halfway across the large white themed living room when her next words made me halt right in my tracks.
“Lest I forget, Nat. You'll be attending the Dark Realm Royal Academy. That's if your response tomorrow turns out to be positive.” She said calmly.
I didn't bother turning to look at her. “I don't want to attend any academy. Becoming a queen is tasking enough already.” I replied, my nails digging into the palm of my hand, hard enough to draw blood.
“The Dark Realm Royal Academy is a test, as well as a training. You don't want your subjects looking down on you now, do you? Maybe enough to think that there's a better choice aside from you.” She said in a lethally calm tone.
My chest heaved. I knew what she was insinuating. She was laying a trap. One I didn't mind falling into.
She knew how much I loved challenges.
“Do you think Calise would attend the academy?” I asked her, after a moment's silence.
I heard the silent laughter in her voice. “She would.”
I nodded. “Tomorrow. I'll let you know my decision tomorrow.” And with that, I hurried towards my room.
My room was on the east wing of the castle. The scent of lavender hit me once I pushed the door open. With a sigh, I strolled over to my queen-sized bed and plopped down on it.
“Fuck,” I cursed beneath my breath, running my hand through my hair.
I pondered over my mother's words. I already knew what my decision would be. I'd known since the moment she mentioned Calise.
I hated Calise more than anything unlikable. And it wasn't in a casual ‘I hate you’ sense. No, it was stronger than that. My hatred for my cousin ran deeper.
I took off my shirt slowly, and with robotic steps walked over to my large mirror. I slanted my head in an angle that let me catch the glimpse of my back. I swallowed, my eyes burning with hatred.
On my back was a large hideous tattoo branded forcefully by my-
I shook my head, willing myself not to think about the past. A past which even my mother wasn't aware of.
Calise. She'd caused it. Had taken everything I loved away from me.
And if taking my rightful place on the throne of my kingdom, would be the first step to my plans to torture her, I'd do it.
Then, there was the matter of the Dark Realm Royal Academy.
And Kai.
His name slipped into my mind so easily. So naturally.
His scent.
I walked back to my bed, forcing myself not to think about how aroused I'd been back there. How I'd attempted kissing him, and how I'd even thought of him as handsome.
I was probably running mad.
I clamped my legs together, and turned to the other side of my bed.
And since I'd become so accustomed to lying to myself, I insisted that I hadn't felt the spark that ignited between us back in that deserted street.
…
I let out a deep sigh as the water from the showerhead rained down on me. I placed my hand against the wall, standing immobile as my chest rose and fell.
My hand inched down towards my aching core, but halfway I decided against it, and moved it away.
I had to find some way to let out my built up tension. Tonight would've been perfect, if my plans hadn't been ruined.
I sauntered out of the bathroom minutes later, and slipped into my silky nightgown.
I reached out for the bottle of foul tasting medicine on my bedside table, and took a gulp. The last time I'd tried to go to sleep without my usual dose, my nightmares had hunted me, and I hadn't gotten a wink of sleep that night.
The inner calming effect was almost immediate, as I leaned back against my bed.
Kai was dangerous. I had to steer clear his path.
With that thought, I finally fell asleep.
★★★
My mother was seated at the dining table the next morning when I came downstairs. My legs felt wobbly.
“I’ll attend the Academy,” I said as a form of greeting, as I took my seat and placed my elbow on the table.
Her face remained neutral, to her credit.
“Good. Then, you have to leave as soon as possible.” She said, smothering apricot jam over her bread gently.
A flicker of surprise crossed my eyes. “How soon?”
“After breakfast,” she simply replied.
My stomach flipped again. “What is the rush? Surely, I could resume next week.” I poured myself a glass of lemonade.
“All that's left for you is to report yourself present, and of course claim a room. I've sorted out everything else.” She ventured to say.
I stilled. “You registered, even before telling me?” My voice dropped low, my fingers clasping the stalk of my glass hard.
She didn't respond, and instead pushed off her chair.
“After breakfast, Nat.” Then she left the dining room. I waited until the sound of her footsteps died down. Then I turned towards my plate of food, and dug in.
I met her outside two hours later, standing with that regal calm that I was already accustomed to. I hadn't bothered dressing up in fancy attire, opting instead for gray pants and a deeper shade gray sweater.
She spared me a nod, and created a portal.
“Ready?” She asked, turning back to me.
“Would you let me stay, if I said no?” I retorted.
“Not a chance,” she chuckled.
“Then, let's go.” I said blandly, stepping into the portal.
A large towering gate appeared in my line of sight, as I stepped out of the portal again. My mother stood behind me.
Air wheezed out of my lungs, as I beheld the splendor before me. Even before stepping through the gates, I could feel the power thrumming within. My chest constricted, as I suddenly found it hard to breathe.
“This place…” I choked out.
“Nothing to worry about. It's the Academy's defense merely being hostile to strangers. Your powers would return once you're fully registered as a student.” My mother explained.
Dark Realm Royal Academy.
This was where I'd be spending the next few years of my life.
And before I could turn to my mother, someone materialized before us. He was dressed in black trousers, and sleeveless black shirt.
My eyes slid down to his diamond wristwatch with the initials ‘DRRA’ on it. His muscles bunched, and lethality oozed from his body. He bowed before us, and straightened. Then holding my gaze, he said in a cold voice,
“Welcome to the Dark Realm Royal Academy.”
Chapter Three. Natasha Stepping through the gates of the Academy was like walking into a different world. Towering stonewalled buildings, with winding staircases that led to their individual entrances. My eyes widened when I spotted flying gargoyles in the sky. I ignored my guide, as he warned me to stay close. And regretted it almost immediately. I ducked just in time as one headed straight for me. My knee scraped the gravel floor, and I cursed. “And you didn't deem it fit to warn me?” I hissed, rising to my feet. Thankfully, my pants had lessened the effect of my fall. “I told you to stay close. The gargoyles are hostile to non-students.” He said, and that was it. He didn't offer further information. He led me to one of the buildings that stood out. If I'd thought the Academy was majestic on the exterior, then the word for the interior would be; grand. Breathtaking. Paintings adorned the wall, and I let myself admire them as my guide led me
Chapter Four. Kai Natasha's face turned pale as Kaleb walked into the room. I tuned out the rest of their words, while I struggled to keep my anger at bay. Natasha at the Dark Realm Royal Academy? I pushed off the sofa and walked out of the room. They could kill themselves for all I cared. The hallway was unusually silent, courtesy of the first week of resumption. I rounded up a corner, and pushed the door open. “A knock would do, Sir Kai,” Sir Patrick said leisurely, without lifting his head from the book he was reading. “Take Natasha to another dorm.” I said straightforwardly. He finally lifted his head. “And why would I do that?” He countered. I took a step closer to him, slamming both hands on the table before him. He didn't flinch. I held his gaze as I gritted out the words. “Switch her dorm. The sight of her irks me.” “The only alternative is taking her to Dorm Beige.” He said with a sigh. I scoffed. “So? Isn't the Academy all about t
Chapter Five NatashaThe shock only lasted for a few seconds, before I pushed him off my body. His lips tugged up in an unrepentant smirk. Our lips had merely touched, and couldn't qualify as a kiss, but repulsion crawled over my skin. “Did you just kiss me?” It was a stupid question. But my brain wasn't moving in sync with my mouth. The question was out before I could stop it.“Head back to the dorm, Natasha. Now.” Kai ordered. The smirk had long disappeared, and he was now looking around warily.But I was way past caring about whatever was happening around the Academy.“If you don't answer my question, I'll break your jaw, by the Goddess.” My chest heaved. His watch had begun glowing again, and I observed it without appearing to.“It was barely a kiss. Don't think highly of yourself, Pest. I've kissed many girls, than I can probably keep count of.” He scoffed.I shook my head. Of course he had.“Don’t give me that crap.” I rasped, raising my forefinger. B
Natasha.“I’m sorry,” I apologized in a flustered manner, attempting to brush off the uniform of the student I'd just bumped into. Buried in my thoughts on my way to my seat, I hadn't seen her, the result was a glowering blonde looking at me with a look that could kill.“Sorry?” she repeated, disgust lacing her tone as she looked at me over. She held my wrist when I attempted to smoothen her uniform once more. “Don’t you dare touch me with those hands of yours.”I was inwardly seething with rage, but for the fact that I was the one who'd hit her first, not the other way round, I tried to maintain my calm.“I already said sorry. I was thinking about something.” I said, praying she'd just let it go.“Thinking? Hear that guys?!” She raised her voice for the benefit of other students, and her cohorts who were popping chewing gum beside her.She moved closer to me, and jabbed a finger at my chest. To my credit, I didn't lose my calm.“And what could a new stud
Xavier.‘Don’t do it.’ My inner voice warned. I watched as the boy led Natasha out of the class. She didn't look good, with bruises covered over her body. I didn't care. She'd learn how to fight as time went by. But for now, even with all the strength she boasted, she was still weak compared to an average student of the Academy. I claimed that I didn't care, yet my tie seemed tighter than usual. And I wasn't even putting on a tie. They walked past me, and the boy dipped his head differentially, but Natasha walked past. A new rage brimmed within me, more at the fact that Natasha hadn't noticed me, than at the fact that the boy had saved her.I should've been the one to. Wait-I shook my head, and donned on my non passive look before walking into the class. The girl was still giggling over her triumph. Her back was turned towards the entrance of the class so she didn't notice my entrance until one of her cohorts gestured towards my direction.Her
KaiShe hadn't seen me. I stood behind a tree far away from the garden, and watched as an unfamiliar guy tended to her. She was obviously in pain, but that wasn't the reason for my sudden anger. But what business of mine was it if my enemy was in pain? I didn't know how long I stood there for, but my chest twisted as she laughed at something the guy said. Before I could stop myself, I beelined towards them with a determined expression. “Should you be out here?” I deadpanned. Startled, the guy scrambled to his feet and bowed hurriedly. Natasha remained sitting like she hadn't seen me. “Sir Kai,” the guy said.“Do I have to repeat my question?” I asked, with a glint in my eyes. “Um, Lady Natasha had-”“The lady can speak for herself, or is our new student deaf and dumb?” I asked, still staring hard at her.No response.“How would you like your punishment, Sir-?” I cocked my head.“Aaron.” He replied weakly.“Aaron,” I repeated, stroking the rim of my
Mirah “He’s killing them,” I said, and willed myself to avert my gaze from the scene that was playing out in the projection on the wall. How could someone be so mean? “That sick bastard,” I heard Zeke growl. As he moved away, I held his arm. “Listen Zeke, we have to map out a plan. And quickly too.” I said, holding his gaze. “No,” He straightened. “The only plan there is to go out, beat the shit out of his ass. And finally send him off to the land beyond.” Zeke said with a heated gaze. I didn't blame him for his reaction. He'd just watched an uncle whom he'd been warming up to- after many years, die before his very eyes. I would react the same, even worse. “Yes. But if we make the wrong move, lives would be lost.” I reminded him. Gwev had an anxious look on his face as he walked forward. “Someone’s attacking my people. I have to get back.” He said. Something gnawed at my stomach. Tyler put the S in Sick. He was- to put it simply, deranged. I was about t
Zeke This was totally unexpected. “What do we do?” Mirah whispered to me, her eyes still trained on Tyler who was still transforming. His hair darkened like the color of the inky black night, and his fangs retreated. His muscles doubled in size, giving him the look of a giant. “We have to be on alert.” I whispered. I stared closely at Tyler, and what he was doing revealed itself naturally to me. Probably one of the powers of a Source Architect. “I gave you many chances, Zeke. But you blatantly disregarded them,” Tyler laughed loudly. It was the first time he'd regarded me as ‘Zeke,’ and not as ‘young prince.’ I glanced at Kai who noted my signal, and shadowed the others to where we were standing. Swallowing, I closed my eyes. ‘Mirah, can you hear me?’ I delved into her consciousness. She jolted, but didn't turn to me. ‘How did you do that?’ She asked. ‘I’m your mate, so it's natural now.’ I chuckled. ‘Now, don't turn. Keep an eye on his movements. I'll