~ NYRAMy body instantly froze as Ried's words echoed thunderously in my head.My senses felt jumbled and I suddenly believed I had once again imagined what didn’t happen.But his next words threw me into shock as it occurred to me that I wasn’t imagining anything at all..."So, having said that, I am going to leave the rest of the decision for you to make," he beamed like he was sharing the best news in the world.It was really happening... I whispered as I felt my lungs begin to vibrate in their place."Father, what other decision can we possibly make when it’s looking like you have done most of the job yourself?" Cassian hissed, and I could see the shock that also reflected in his eyes.But Ried's smile only brightened as he clapped his hands. "Yes, you may say that. But the decision to either share her or keep her for only one of you solely rests on you to decide!"At his response, the tension in the room thickened further. I could feel the weight pressing down against my lungs, f
~ NYRAThe rays of the sun gently pulled me awake. I stirred on the bed, my eyes opening to meet Rylan smiling at me."Good morning," he whispered, and I felt a jolt of energy travel into my heart.Like an infection, I mirrored his smile too. "Morning... How are you?"His eyes twinkled as he slowly pulled himself out of bed. Then he flashed me that warm smile again. "I think I can survive for a few more years."I laughed at his cuteness and moved to help him. "Alright, immortal man, let's get you to the shower."But as I reached for his arm, he gently grabbed my hand and led it to his lips. He placed gentle kisses over it and smiled even brighter."I can manage a shower. And you need to get ready for breakfast too," he muttered. "The last thing we need is for father to get pissed off over our absence or lateness.""But I can help you and then still prepare myself for—"His warm lips covered my hand again, the heat shooting sweet pleasure down my stomach, forcing me to stop speaking."
~ CASSIANOnce in my room, I was on the verge of taking off my shirt when it suddenly occurred to me that neither Nyra nor Rylan had anything to eat.The whole day had been so eventful that they all missed dinner. In fact, practically everyone in the house skipped dinner after we found out what happened to Rylan.And knowing Rylan, he would die first before he complained about the worms in his stomach to Nyra.Nyra on the other hand, would probably feel too self-conscious to excuse herself for food."Those kids," I sighed, fixing back my shirt. The duty fell on me to get them food.I then went back out of my room and headed down to the kitchen.As I got there, the sweet smell of freshly made chicken soup tickled my nostrils, pushing back my thoughts until a smile sat on my face.—Food was indeed the key to happiness. A filled stomach was a fulfilled life."Your highness..." The maids giggled the moment they saw me approach.My eyes moved to them and my smile stretched into a smirk as
~ NYRAMy heart skipped as I looked into his beautiful ocean blue eyes.He was so gentle. So quiet.Seeing such pain embedded in his eyes broke a piece of my heart.The way his beautiful eyes searched my face, I felt butterflies stir inside of me. My stomach flipped as his eyes started a fire deep within me—despite the situation.Then I realized this was the first time we were this close to each other after that damned party. This was the first time he was holding me after Sylver unfairly forbade him to. I could clearly see the sadness in his eyes, the silent longing he had to suppress just because of Sylver.My heart tightened as my emotions swelled inside of me. Rylan was going through so much pain and trouble... And his only crime was the fact that he loved me...My emotions burned strong, fueling the flames of desires already kindling inside of me. And before I could stop myself, I made the first move. I kissed him.Rylan slipped his hand to the small of my back, kissing me ba
~RYLANThe moment Sylver walked away, my body gave in to the pain I was ignoring and I collapsed to the ground. The world started spinning and before I could realise it, my vision darkened. I could still feel what was happening around me, but I felt myself float into a memory. —A dark hole that no creature should visit."No... No..." I mumbled as I suddenly saw Sylver appear before me. His body was radiating dark energy that wrapped dangerously around me. It was sucking the air around me, leaving my lungs empty as I desperately began to claw for air. Then he stretched his large hand to me. The moment it connected to my body, I felt an involuntary shiver run through my entire body.I knew it wasn't real. It was just a terrible memory. But I couldn't stop it. My body felt physically connected to it. I could feel everything. Every pain, every prick and shiver.The dark aura around Sylver got stronger, pushing my body to the ground. Then like he had cast a spell on me— my entire bod
~SYLVERMy eyes were wide with shock as I watched Rylan. I was surprised that he was able to leave his room after what I did to him— My heart flipped as thoughts of what I had done to him flashed through my mind. I was too hard on him... But I could at least be glad that he was fine now—fine enough to stand on his own. It meant he was getting better, even if I could pick the subtle metallic smell of his blood. He was reopening his wounds by leaving his room, yet he did it anyway."Are you listening to me?" His voice cut through my thoughts and I blinked back at him.My head cocked to the side as it dawned on me what he had been saying—what he was ultimately trying to do. I couldn't deny it. I was taken aback by his sudden courage to talk back at me—even after everything I had put him through.After all, it was his sudden need to be brave that made me angry at him the last time. Not like I was justifying it, but it was his disrespect that forced me to lose control. His behaviour u