"Are you feeling sick? You look awfully pale" Millena pointed out, reaching out and placing the back of her hand to my forehead. I flinched momentarily before realizing what I was doing. I just couldn't sit still knowing a phantom of some sort was standing in the corner of the room observing my every move.
A phantom that only I could see.
"What has gotten into you? Why are you so jumpy all of a sudden?" She questioned once more and I locked eyes with Millena for the first time while being here, but the slightly panicked and terrorized expression I wore never faltered.
"I- I..." I trailed off as my brain refused to form a response. I, however, had no idea that I was squeezing down too hard on my wrist, and when Millena pulled at my arm, a bruise had already formed.
She gazed in shock at the partially blue area then at me then back at the bruise.
"Is he- Is he abusing you?" She whispered, and her eyes widened with concern.
"No, God no," I said startled at the idea. "I'm just still a bit shaken up about the whole ordeal"
"I guess that's understandable considering what you went through" She sympathized with a sigh and I diverted my eyes when Primrose disappeared then reappeared to stand behind Millena, staring at me pleadingly and it was then that I saw the gaping hole in the left side of her chest while trying my hardest not to through up in my mouth.
"Although, even though that happened, I still feel it was all my fault" She admitted, resting her head in her palms as if at war with herself. "If I had just...
"No Millena, nothing about what happened is your fault, so don't let it get to you," I said trying to steady my voice, pretending that Primrose wasn't there.
"Skyler I need to talk to you..." Primrose urged anxiously and I fearfully looked at Millena to see if she had heard her but had to dreadfully accept that she didn't when she made no reaction to Primroses' voice at all.
"No, but you don't get it Sky. I'm a horrible person and it's eating me up inside" Millena confessed, turning away from me, yet I was too caught up to listen to what Millena was trying to say.
"And after hearing about what happened, I cannot pretend anymore-
"I think you should go Millena. I'm sorry if I sound harsh but right now I'm at a crossroads where I can't decide if this is the reality that I will have to endure or if the expanse of said reality is real or not" I voiced, taking a quick glance at Primroses' figure then back at Millena.
For a second, Millena was quiet, then walked up to me, encircling me in a tight embrace before saying.
"It's ok. I know that my sudden presence is probably suffocating you and I'm certain if your mate came and saw me here things wouldn't go so well on my end as he is already suspicious of me. She breathed. "My only regret is that if the essence of time was right, I would have been more honest then maybe things would have gone differently. Goodbye Skyler"
I closed the door behind her, puzzled at her unexpected sentiment but decided not to question her actions, especially with the prospect of being in the same room with a ghost.
I became overwhelmed with dread and my blood ran cold when I turned and Primroses' rice water figure was standing a mere foot ahead of me, not to mention the already gruesome sight of connective tissues hanging dead like ropes.
And common sense told me her heart was ripped from her chest.
"Ho-how are you here, why can I see you?" I freaked jumping backward and bracing against the door.
"Skyler, please. Calm down-
"Calm down...Calm down? Primrose, you're dead, how do you expect me to be calm when I was told you died and now you reappear here as a...as a ghost?" I whispered harshly, gripping my hair feeling nothing but blind terror.
"That's exactly why I need to talk to you, I can't seem to move on"
My eyebrows knitted together like thunderous clouds as I stared at her astonished.
"I don-I don't know what you're talking about and why it has anything to do with me" I stuttered shaking my head, pressing myself further in the door as she floated closer toward me.
"I'm not going to hurt you, Skyler" She persuaded in obvious defeat. "But I have been like this for so long, I have become miserable and at the moment you are the only option I have since you are the only one that apparently has the ability to see me"
She hang her head appearing lost and sad all at once while my heart swelled with empathy for her and her situation. Deep down I was still frightened by her presence yet nothing could be scarier than death.
I looked from her face to the enormous hole in her chest, my eyes seemingly lingering on that area longer than was appropriate, then like lightning, it struck me.
"Primrose, how did you die?" I asked feeling my pulse rise in my throat.
"Isn't it obvious?" She said motioning to the grotesque sight. "My heart was torn from my chest"
Her admission left me panicking before I said.
"But if that's the case, why did the headmaster inform us that you died from Ares' semen when you got sent to be his mistress that fateful night?"
She burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter, throwing her head back and gripping her stomach while her eyes flooded with tears.
"Skyler are you mad. Semen...seriously?" She cackled. "I mean yes I did get sent to his room but the man didn't even touch me, better yet he kicked me out instantly-
She stopped mid-sentence looking up at me as if the haze in her brain was finally subsiding and a part of me felt relieved when she expressed that Ares didn't do that to her.
"Wait! The headmaster told you that?" She asked seriously this time, yet nothing needed to be said for her to form the obvious conclusion.
"Oh my God, Skyler. The day I got sent to Ares' room I was coming from the garden when I overheard the headmaster conspiring with someone in his office, yet I was just going to quietly pass by if I didn't hear them mention your name...
I remember it pretty clearly now. The voice that is, it was an annoying hiss with an underlying tone of anger and wicked and very unbelievable that a woman would talk like that. She kept repeating- 'it's her, she's the one. Skyler is the one I want" as if she were a broken record.
And I must have stayed outside for too long because not long after the headmaster caught me and the rest is history. As punishment, he sent me to be Ares' mistress but as I was leaving I was knocked out then once I woke up, I was like this-
She didn't continue, and as her face dropped, and a lone tear ran down ashen skin, my heart sank in sorrow. I went to hold her hand, however, my arm just passed right through her. After a moment of defeated silence, I asked.
"Well, this woman, do you remember what she looked like?" I asked slowly.
Her face brightened momentarily before exclaiming, "In fact yes I do-
Yet as quick as she started, she stopped and her expression betrayed her thoughts as her manner faltered once again. She slowly slid down and hugged her knees up to her chest appearing conflicted and confused.
"Why can't I remember what she looks like? I remember everything else, but...why?" I saw when her eyes began to tear up however I didn't have enough time to console her as the sound of approaching vehicles interrupted us.
I ran to a nearby window to take a peek at what was happening outside to see three monstrously huge vehicles, all black, parked up in front of our house and my stranger-danger flight mode kicked in... because I definitely couldn't fight.
Same time, one of the men, who from his long and purposeful strides towards the front porch, the way his shoulders were brought upwards with his chest pushed forward, he exuded that of a leader.
All the same a sudden thought struck as he was getting closer to the front door.
"Skyler, did you close the front door when Milllena left?" Primrose asked alarmed
Crap
Without a second thought, I shot towards the entrance, however, the heavy curtains had other plans for me yet I managed to catch myself before I could pummel head first into the door.
And despite all my efforts to reach in time, the door was pulled open and a very militant man stood dead still in front of me. His gaze stood amidst nonchalance and belligerent with an air of hostility and power.
For a moment there was a period of absolute silence that was so stifling, that the hairs on my body stood at attention.
Oh my God! Why the hell hasn't Ares swooped in to save me from this lemon-faced terd?
"If it Ares that you need-
"Don't speak....that is, unless it's consensual" He stated waspishly, leaving barely any room for debate while taking a threatening step toward me yet I didn't cower, knowing all too well, that he was just trying to shatter whatever courage I had.
"I'm not afraid of you" I mumbled even though my heart said otherwise, but he did not answer and that left me with a feeling of radical unease.
Who was he, and why was Ares always leaving me to fend for myself?
His boots echoed off the marble floor as one step turned into two, until he paused, only brushing past me. And I didn't know what was scarier- the anticipation I had of him possibly hurting me or the reality that he didn't at that moment.
"There is no doubt about it" He said, in a hollow tone, and I could almost hear the bitterness seeping in his voice as he said.
"You reek of his scent"
My breaths became short, shallow and rapid, not because of what he said, but the likelihood of knowing where this conversation was headed. It was all too familiar.
For a moment I was unresponsive, unable to shake the emotions running through me and having a vivid replay of past, unfortunate events.
"I have no idea what you speak of"
"What did I say about consent" He demanded sharply, tangling his hand in my hair and roughly pulling my head to expose my neck. "In fact...it is futile to behave dumber than you already appear when that wretched mark is so obvious"
He shoved me forward with the strength of ten elephants and my hands shot out to break my fall. Yet in the interval of him pushing me and the speedily approaching ground, I was caught underneath my arms and delicately wrapped up in the warm cocoon of someone's chest and arms.
My eyes were screwed shut, not realizing I hadn't succumbed to a tragic fate. His hands moved from my arms to enclose around my waist, pulling my body closer, molding our bodies to become one, feeling all the blood rush to that space where he had touched.
I knew who it was instantly.
I slowly looked up from his hands to his angular face, noticing how the shadows formed by his long lashes animated the ambers as his face tilted to look down at me. Nevertheless, I realized how his calm and concerned persona totally belied the anger in his eyes.
"He didn't hurt you did he?" His voice was like a silent breeze, but I knew him all too well to know that, that silent breeze could turn into a hurricane in a matter of minutes. I also knew that my response stood center of chaos and his control.
"You can tell me" His hand came up to palm my cheek, grazing the pad of his thumb across the veins that were pulsing beneath my skin.
"I would almost say it was cute standing and watching as both of you savor in the feel of your last moments together, but there are better things to do, not to mention I'd much rather be on my way than overstay my time in an inauspicious place like this..."
The man behind me challengingly stated as if he had no regard or interest in Ares' deathly presence.
"Frederic-"Ares began, turning his soft gaze away from me to through a steely one in Frederic's direction. "I hope you know that 'position' isn't anything but just a word that stands between us and I won't hesitate to plant another scar on your face if you lay another hand on her"
By now I was safely tucked behind him as he stood in front of me. I could feel the tension sizzling between the two as if they had an unspoken problem that was bigger than both me and this huge house.
The hatred that I noticed in Frederic's stare for Ares was palpable, and unlike any I had seen before. Yet while he stood daringly appearing dangerous and combative, Ares had the aura of death and despair.
"Oh great look who the cat shit out!" Cyrus exclaimed coming to stand amongst us, and the tension partially alleviated, upon his arrival.
Frederic's head snapped to Cyrus before his once stony expression turned into that of annoyance.
"You're as dumb and rambunctious as I remembered. I wonder- did your mother ever drop you on your head as a child for you to be this stupid, or did it come over night?
It's a good thing I just came here for the girl, it would be very unfortunate if some of your illiteracy were to rub off on me"
His admission shocked me and I took a wavering step back. There could be no way he was from the Court and that too so soon.
"Well guess what officer brain-fart. We have decided to keep her, so you and the court might as well just kiss our asses. Isn't that right Ares?" Cyrus argued, while everyone including me waited for his to respond.
But he didn't...
"Right Ares?" Cyrus asked once more, raising his voice an octave but I knew he had heard him.
"Ares" Cyrus said looking at him astonished while I looked at him with betrayal and regret. Regret that I ever trusted him and that I had fallen for his words the other night.
Just how gullible I was, that I believed anything he said.
"You gotta be kidding me" He said, shoulders dropping, spinning around to glare at him. "I can't believe-
"That's enough Cyrus" And his warning shot across the room and had accomplished what he wished it to and that was for him to let go of an argument he couldn't win. "Frederic will be taking her to the court...Unfortunately, the extremity of my decision is finally taking its course and has led us here. Skyler will go and will be staying at the Court-
"-until they decide whether or not if she should be executed" Frederic butted in and my head snapped to where he stood, not believing my ears and a feeling of dread nudging my spine.
A sort of fire exploded in Ares's eyes at that moment only growing his unrest but before he could speak, Cyrus had already beat him to it.
"She's human, the Court wouldn't dare"
"Yes, but only if she wasn't, then her execution would have been decided without delay" His voice was mocking, but beneath, it was a furious scorn. It was almost as if he hated me, even though he didn't even know me.
It reminded me of how the Headmaster would speak to me back when I was at the estate.
"Your choice to hurt my mate is totally dependent on if you or the Court wishes to live the rest of your lives on the run or with eyes plastered on the back of your head because believe me when I say this Frederic..."
He took a step forward, and while it happened in a split second, I saw when Frederic sucked in a breath. Black veins protruding against his skin, and running up to his neck caught my eyes. It was the most bizarre thing, and before I knew it, my hand shot out to grasp his.
His wrist was a brick of ice, and the tension lining his shoulders lessened when I slipped my fingers to interlock with his.
"I will bring hell to this earth and to your doorstep if you touch my woman"
"Think again Ares, as strong as you are, you can't fight the world while protecting someone that cannot even protect themself..."
I wasn't dumb, but I wasn't that smart either, even so, I was knowledgeable enough to know that what Frederic had said made lots of sense. It was evident that both Ares and the Court were playing the most dangerous of game, yet it was quite obvious that either side was not prepared to lose.
"I'll be outside"
"So even after knowing they want me executed, you still considered sending me to them" I stated, more to myself when only three of us remained.
Guilt swept over his face and he looked away from me.
The ground wavered beneath me, and I felt myself getting utterly depressed. I was like an unsuspecting fly that got caught in a web of lies, betrayal, and deception. And I was tired of it all.
"Skyler-
"SKYLER!" The next thing I heard was boots stomping toward me, and hands snaking around my lower spine to steady me from falling. I didn't look at him, in fact, I didn't look at either of them as they sat me down on a nearby stool.
"What did I ever do?" I whimpered and I watched as my hands trembled with grief.
"Why me...How much more will I have to endure?"
"Skyler, please-
"Don't touch me!" I yelled enraged, slapping his hands away before he could even touch me. He stretched his hand out to reach for me again but this time, I shoved at his chest. And in spite of my advances to prevent him from touching me he gripped both of my arms and pinned them behind me, stapling me to his body.
"This is not fair" My voice was barely above a whisper. "What could you have possibly done for the world to be against you this much?"
"It is beyond your comprehension, and I doubt very strongly you would understand half of it-
"And I never will!" I exclaimed, putting distance between us. "Because you refuse to even tell me the start of it, or maybe you think I'm too dumb to own the vocabulary that would allow me to understand that what you are doing is selfish and inconsiderate"
A terrible stretch of silence followed, and while I had hoped he would somehow comfort me and tell me everything was going to be all right, he just stood there expressionless. I wasn't only dragged into his world, I was wrapped up, tangled, and knotted, even so, something told me things were about to get a lot worse.
"You are indeed correct...I won't tell you so you don't need to probe any further"
"I hate you" The words felt limp and weak even in my own ears, nevertheless, the somewhat pained look he wore made me want to take it back. "I hate you so much it hurts to even look at you..."
When he began to walk over to where I was at, time seemed to stop for a heartbeat. I sunk myself into the wall I was leaning against, only making eye contact with his chest. And while I was expecting the worst, he hugged me, kissing me softly and passionately on my forehead.
I was shocked by his sudden form of affection, while the intensity of it all turned my lower belly into a furnace that swept through every part of me and making me achingly aware of the heat and smoothness of his body along with the warm mouth that was pressed against my forehead.
It was a new feeling, but not an uncomfortable one.
"I'm sorry you feel that way and that you have to go through this" He said after a while, slowly running his fingers up and down my spine. "It should have never come so far, but fate can be fickle at times, with that said I won't let them have you for too long. Trust me."
I hummed at his reassurance but didn't voice my opinion, only paying attention to the feel of his arms around me.
"I'm serious Skyler" he uttered suddenly, taking my chin in between his fingers while gazing down at me. "If I were in hell, and you in heaven, I would ascend the fiery depths just to be with you".
I paused, noticing his calm demeanor and honest insights, praying that he wasn't lying and having an internal battle to believe him or not.
"You say that but you don't even want me, or it wouldn't have been so easy for you to send me away" I breathed in a broken, helpless voice.
He sighed, wrapping his arms tighter around me and his touch had never felt so affectionate.
"Don't mistake my restraint for a lack of desire Skyler. I burn for you..."
******************************
"Come dear, you will ride with us" Frederic stood beside the door, as it was left open for me to enter.
"I think the hell not!" Cyrus yelled and I turned to see him with a bag slung over his shoulder, stomping toward us with dust kicking up behind him. "She's riding with me, sweetheart" He countered, swatting his hand that rested against my lower spine.
Tension crackled between the two, not to mention the look that Cyrus was giving Frederic, almost as if he was daring him to object. That was until Ares stepped in.
"Let it be Cyrus." He ordered, and as much as how it appeared that Cyrus was going to protest, he only turned away, slamming the car shut and driving away. Something told me that that car didn't belong to him.
For a fleeting moment, Frederic stood unmoving, peering over my head with a gaze so hard it could move stars and crash planets, still, I had an inkling who he was looking at. Ares.
I turned to see him already staring at me, not even giving Frederic the time of day, and my body reacting to him as if I was swimming in pheromones.
"Make sure everything that came from the Court, returns to the Court" He stated after a while, his glare sending a clear message, one I didn't quite understand.
"Milena" Frederic called, and I snapped my neck to look at him to see him looking toward the edge of the forest.
A second or two passed and to my horror, Milena stepped forward from behind a tree, hanging her head. My heart skipped a beat, while my hand found my mouth, not believing the message my eyes had sent to my brain.
Every step that she took, I felt myself being sucked deeper into the earth.
"It's time for our departure, your time here has come to an end. As for you efforts, the Court shall reward you greatly. Come now"
All the color drained from my face when she timidly shook her head and walked pass me to sit in a separate vehicle. Everything around me became dark, not to mention the cold and conflicting thoughts that raced through me.
Milena worked for the court, even so, the ideathat I had found a friend in her had proven to be monumentally stupid. Now Iknow it was all a lie, she was my friend, but I was just her assignment...