The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

KATALEYA~

He's restless. I can sense it. Ever since I mentioned the prophecy, he seems distracted. Did I make a m by mentioning it?

I want to ask him, but he's lost in thought. I peek through the gap in the blank, watching as he stares vacanty at the wall opposite, a thoughtful expression in those hazel eyes. He reminds me of the little kiké, the one who would stay quiet but lost in the weight that he was burdened with. My eyes rake over him. Goddess, he's so perfect, like a god!

I'm willing my heart to remain calm, but he is making it harder. I'm calm now, ever since I realised I ma

My heart fills with warmth, the pleasant buzz of happiness remaining inside of me. I'm happy if he is...

smile no, I made him laugh.

He rests his head against the headboard, frowning deeply, and my mind flits to his laugh once more. I was sexy...

I blush as I smile softly and blink sleepily, wishing I could take away all his pain and worries.

"Sleep... it's late." I say, a sliver of guilt rushing through me.

Marie...

I shouldn't be in his bed.

He looks at me and I slowly lower the sheet. "I will. Now go to sleep or do you need me to put you to "I thought you were the one who needed to be put to bed," I whisper cheekily.

He cocks a brow. "There's that sassy mouth of yours again." He suddenly reaches over, grabbing my ja My cheeks heat up, although I'm not sure what exactly he means, but it sounds... dirty. I blush, pushin He doesn't reply but I can feel him watching me and I'm relieved when he finally sighs, tossing the file The bed dips a little as he lies down beside me and I can feel him turn onto his side, his gaze burning

incesa?" he asks, almost mockingly.

making me gasp. "It really needs washing out and I know exactly what would make the perfect thing to fill you up enough..."

him away and turn my back on him." Goodnight!"

he bedside table and switching the lamp off.

e back of my neck. I don't move, and after a while sleep begins to creep up on me.

I'm sure it's not much later when I feel his arm snake around my waist, feel him caress my stomach with his arm, my heart squeezing once more at what I cost him. I hope he accepts my gift soon...

It's after a while that he tugs closer, his other arm slipping beneath my head. My heart is pounding bu..... already hear his heavy breathing, he's fallen asleep.

But he's left me feeling like a mess of nerves. Goddess...

I can feel his inner turmoil, feel the lingering darkness at the cusp of his aura as if waiting for the right moment to poison him. I shudder and close my eyes, taking deep steadying breaths, letting my aura swirl around us, repelling the darkness. But what will happen when I fall asleep?

His mind is in turmoil... the darkness is relishing in it...

I turn slowly, gently shifting in his arms, making sure not to wake him, and gently run my fingers through his hair, wanting to relax him. Some sentences are incomplete if you are not reading this novel on . Visit to read the complete chapters for free. I feel drowsy, but I refuse to stop and keep running my fingers through his hair, feeling him relax in his sleep, but I keep going until I feel the darkness ebbing away.

Letting out a breath of relief, I softly kiss his forehead, inhaling his scent before I slowly move back and lie down beside him, gazing at his handsome face.

I'm almost falling asleep. When my phone beeps, I glance towards the table behind Enrique and slowly sit up reaching for it. He stirs a little, his arm tightening around my waist and I quickly grab the phone and slowly lie down again looking at the notification on the phone.

Jayce?

Confused, I unlock my phone. Jayce is one of my cousins, but he isn't one who texts much. He even leaves his happy birthday messages left on 'read

JAYCE: This is going to sound pretty wack, but wherever you are, you need to leave. I thought I'd tell you and not your old man... now it's on you.

My stomach somersaults as his chilling words glare back at me from my phone.

KATALEYA: What do you mean?

JAYCE: It means you're in danger.

My heart thunders as I hesitate, what do I reply?

KATALEYA: Thank you for telling me, I'll be careful.

JAYCE: Like I said, you need to leave.

KATALEYA: But I can't leave.

JAYCE: That's on you then. I'm out.

I stare at the screen.

KATALEYA: Thank you for telling me, I truly appreciate it, and I will take great care.

He doesn't reply, and I stare down at the strange conversation.

Strange...Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Taking a screenshot, I hesitate, wanting to send it to the girls but... I don't want them to act irrationally.

I'll be vigilant and then when I go to the summit, I'll tell them everything.

With new worries playing on my mind, I settle into his comfortable embrace. And as my eyelids flutter shut, I wonder how can something so comforting and safe be deadly? It's strange... isn't it... how does that work?

The smell of stale blood makes my stomach churn, my eyes widening as I recognise the stone walls and know exactly where I am.

The crypt.

How did I end up here?

What happened?

The eerie sound of something pure evil and dark approaching makes my heart pound violently.

I need to get out of here! I can hear him coming. He knows I'm here!

How did I get here?!

My heart is pounding painfully in my chest, it's hard to breathe and my head is blank.

Fear begins rising within me, beginning to drown me as I scan the stone walls, trying to find an escape, when I suddenly stop.

No. Calm down... he thrives off fear. I can't let him get the upper hand!

But despite my self-assurance, I'm unable to calm down, unable to stop my emotions from unravelling into despair.

I'm here, in this place again.

Where I am powerless!

You are stronger than this, Kataleya!

I can't! I can't- no I won't give him that power.

"But you give me the power..." his chilling voice comes.

I can feel the hair at the back of my neck rise, my entire body feels cold and clammy and when I open my mouth, I can't speak.

I see his shadow first, intense pain clamping down on my heart. I open my mouth to scream, but no sound comes out.

Must not fear, I won't fear, I am not afraid. I will never be afraid. I am stronger than this!

Darkness swirls around me as I remain on the floor, clutching my chest.

I... can't... breathe...

This isn't real!

I must be dreaming!

Wake up, Kat! WAKE UP!

My aura flares around me, and I suddenly gasp, my eyes flying open.

I'm in bed.

I sit up, making Enrique stir as I clamber out of bed, my heart pounding violently as I rush to the bathroom, needing water. My throat is parched, as if I have not drunk anything for days. Opening the tap, I splash my face with cold water, my hands trembling as I scoop up water and drink it.

Something is very, very wrong. I need to speak to someone.

'Come back!' the chilling voice hisses in my ear, making me spin around and scream in panic.

Sudden agonising pain rips through my shoulder just as the bathroom door flies open, banging off the wall behind it, as I clutch my shoulder.

"Kataleya!" Enrique says, his eyes blazing gold as he grabs hold of me."

Your bleeding..."

I whimper as I look down at my shoulder where blood has begun to soak through my top...