That night, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the room shrouded in darkness. The faint glow of the moon filtered through the curtains, casting ghostly patterns on the walls. My mind refused to settle, thoughts swirling in a relentless dance that left me feeling both exhausted and restless.
Every time I closed my eyes, images played out behind my eyelids like an unwelcome film reel. Conversations replayed, words I wished I had said or hadn't said at all. I could still feel the touch of Alexander's hand, the coolness of his fingers against my skin, the way his eyes had locked onto mine with such intensity. The memory of his bite sent a shiver through me, a mixture of fear and excitement that I couldn't shake.
I turned onto my side, trying to find a comfortable position, but my body was just as restless as my mind. The bed felt too warm, the sheets too tangled. I kicked them off, only to pull them back up moments later, seeking comfort in its familiarity.
What was I doing? The question echoed in my mind, louder than any other thought. How had I allowed myself to get so deeply entwined with Alexander, a creature who straddled the line between life and death, human and monster? The rational part of me screamed that it was madness, that I was courting danger with every heartbeat. But there was another part of me, a quieter yet stronger voice, that revelled in the connection we shared. It whispered of the thrill, the undeniable chemistry, the way he made me feel alive in a way nothing else ever had. It reminded me of the laughter we shared at the market, the stolen moments of peace, the way he looked at me as if I were his entire world.
I sighed, rolling onto my back once more, staring at the ceiling with unseeing eyes. The shadows seemed to shift and move, as restless as my thoughts. I wondered what he was doing now, if he was as plagued by thoughts of me as I was of him. Was he fighting his nature, struggling against the same pull that threatened to consume us both?
I closed my eyes again, willing sleep to come, but it remained elusive. Instead, I focused on the sound of my own breathing, the rise and fall of my chest. I tried to ground myself in the present, to push away the past and the future, but it was like trying to catch smoke with my bare hands.
My body felt restless, a low, insistent ache building inside me. I closed my eyes, trying to focus on the sensations coursing through me. I let my fingers trail over my skin, the touch light and exploratory. My breath hitched as I brushed across sensitive spots, my skin tingling in response. The world outside faded, and it was just me and the desire that simmered beneath the surface.
Images flashed through my mind. I thought of Alexander's eyes, the way they seemed to see straight through me, and the way his voice sent shivers down my spine. The mere thought of him made my pulse quicken, my breath becoming shallow and ragged.
My hands moved with more purpose now, exploring the curves and contours of my body. I arched my back, a soft moan escaping my lips as I found the places that made my breath catch. I imagined his hands instead of mine, his touch both tender and demanding, guiding me to the edge of ecstasy.
Heat pooled in my core, the ache in-testifying with every passing moment. I could almost feel his breath on my neck, his lips grazing my skin, whispering words of desire. My body responded to the fantasy, hips lifting, seeking more, needing more.
I let myself get lost in the sensation, the pleasure building and cresting like waves. The tension coiled tighter and tighter, my movements becoming more urgent, driven by a need that felt almost primal. My mind was a haze of lust, the only coherent thought of desire for release.
When it finally came, it was like a floodgate opening, a rush of pleasure that left me gasping and trembling. I lay there, panting, my skin slick with sweat, the echoes of my orgasm still rippling through me. Slowly, my breathing steadied, my heart returning to his regular rhythm.
I opened my eyes, the room coming back into focus. The ache had subsided, replaced by a languid satisfaction that left me feeling both sated and yearning for more. I knew I had only scratched the surface of my desire, and the thought of exploring it further filled me with a heady mix of anticipation and excitement.
For now, though, I was content to lie there, basking in the afterglow, my body still humming with the remnants of pleasure. I smiled to myself, the quiet satisfaction of my solitary desire a secret I held close, a private joy in the stillness of the night.
Suddenly, a strange noise pierced the quiet night. My eyes fluttered open, adjusting slowly to the darkness. For a moment, I lay there, listening intently, my heart rate still calm. Probably just the palace settling, I thought, or maybe a gust of wind outside. I turned over, nestling back into the pillow, eager for sleep to overtake me.
But then, I heard it again - a faint creak, like a floorboard under pressure. My heart skipped a beat, my senses sharpening instantly. I held my breath, straining to hear anything that might confirm my suspicion. The silence was heavy now, pressing down on me. I glanced at the clock on my bedside table; it read 3:13AM. The palace was supposed to be empty. I was supposed to be alone.
I told myself to relax. It was probably nothing. I settled back into bed, willing my eyes to close, my mind to shut off. But just as I began to drift, there was a louder noise, a definite thump, followed by the unmistakable sound of footsteps. My blood ran cold. Panic surged through me, and I sat up, the darkness around me suddenly feeling oppressive and threatening.
I fumbled for the nightstand, my hands trembling as I tried to be as quiet as possible. Just as I grasped the candelabra, my bedroom door creaked open, and a shadowy figure loomed in the doorway. My breath caught in my throat, paralysed by fear. The figure moved quickly, closing the distance between us in an instant. I barely had time to register what was happening before a strong hand clamped over my mouth, stifling my scream. I struggled, kicking and thrashing but the grip was ironclad. My mind raced, a whirlwind of terror and desperation.
The intruder pulled me closer, their breath mingling with mine. "Be quiet, human, it's me."
I froze.
The voice was familiar.
It took a moment for recognition to hit me.
Phoenix?
"Promise me you won't scream, and I'll remove my hand."
I blinked, stunned, then nodded.
His eyes were locked onto mine, but they were filled with something dark and intense. I could feel a cold, almost unnerving chill emanating from him. The calm demeanour I was used to had vanished, replaced by an overwhelming pressure.
He slowly removed his hand from my mouth. "I'm not here to hurt you."
I stared at him, confusion and a tinge of alarm seeping into my thoughts. "Phoenix, what-"
"Listen to me, there's no time..." He hissed.
I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. Panic surged through me, and I struggled, trying to free myself. "Phoenix, please." I begged, my voice trembling. "What's happening? Why are you -"
The look in his eyes shifted, a flicker of recognition breaking through the darkness. He seemed to come to himself, the intensity fading as he realised the fear in my eyes. His grip loosened, though his hands still trembled slightly. "You have to listen to me. There's something you need to know."
I stared at him, struggling to process what had just happened. The shock and fear made it hard to think clearly. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Leave me alone." I said, my voice shaky.
"No." He said, stepping closer.
Instinctively, I swung the candelabra, connecting with his shoulder. He stumbled back, grimacing in pain.
"Stay away from me!" I screamed, as I held the candelabra out in front of me like a shield.
"No, you don't understand, human." Phoenix uttered, wincing. "You're in danger."
"What!?" I shot back.
"I had to warn you. She's coming for you." He said bluntly, his voice a low growl.
My mind raced, caught between disbelief and fear. "Who? Who's coming for me?"
"Just trust me." He said simply.
I paced the length of my room, the frustration boiling over. "How am I supposed to trust you, if I can't believe a single word you say?"
Phoenix lounged in the corner, arms folded across his chest, eyes following my every move. "Trust isn't exactly something that comes naturally to your kind, does it?" His voice was smooth, with that infuriating edge of condescension.
"Don't turn this around on me, Phoenix." I snapped, stopping to face him. "You're telling me to leave because someone's coming for me. Why won't you tell me who it is?"
He sighed, running a hand through his blonde hair. "Some things are better left unsaid. For your safety. And for mine."
"And that's supposed to make me feel better?" I demanded. "You sneak into my room in the middle of the night, making me believe that you're an intruder coming to hurt me."
"I came here to warn you." He said, pushing off the wall and stepping closer.
I shook my head, bitter laughter escaping my lips. "About what!?"
He took a deep breath, his gaze flicking around as if he expected danger to leap out from the shadows at any moment. My heart skipped a beat at the intensity in his eyes. "Lilith."
I swallowed hard, and took a step back, the gravity of his words sinking in. "Why is she coming for me?"
His jaw tightened, and he took a step closer, his presence as overwhelming as always.
"What have you done?" I demanded, looking up into his eyes.
His eyes softened momentarily, a flicker of regret crossing his face. "I made a...mistake. Now, I'm trying to make things right."
I frowned as confusion mingled with fear. "What do you mean, you made a mistake?"
He shrugged. "I told her that you had the amulet."
"So what?" I scoffed, folding my arms. "It's just a necklace."
His gaze darkened. "Wrong. It's something much more than that."
My frown deepened just as Phoenix continued. "After my brother's untimely death, I came across his notes where he wrote about his adventures and findings, and amongst these notes, I found one about the amulet; about its origins, description, etc, and learnt...that it has the power to destroy the world."
I froze, my mind reeling. Destroy the world? Origins? What the hell was this?
I looked up to see Phoenix standing in front of me, his expression a mix of concern and something else-something guarded. "I was taken aback at the tavern when I discovered that the very same amulet my brother wrote about, the one that began the war fifteen years ago and what slaughtered thousands of creatures, including my brother, is currently worn around your neck."
I stared at him, a mix of disbelief and anger bubbling up. "It's a family heirloom."
He met my gaze, his eyes filled with an emotion I couldn't quite place. "That amulet is the one thing Lilith wishes to obtain more than anything. She wants nothing more than to wipe out the entire human race and rule beside Alexander for eternity. And she will stop at nothing until it is in her grasp."
I stepped away, my mind a chaotic mess of fear, anger and confusion. "Great."
"You need to leave." Phoenix said bluntly. "Go somewhere far away, a place where she can't find you."
"Leave?" I stared at him. "You can't be serious? I can't just run away. Where would I go?"
"Anywhere, but here." He insisted, stepping closer and gripping my shoulders. "But you have to leave now."
"I'm not going anywhere. I am a blood servant. I have a duty to fulfil." I said, my voice fierce.
Phoenix's eyes softened for a moment, and then hardened with resolve. "I'm sorry, human, but I can't let you stay. This is for your own good."
Before I could react, his gaze locked onto mine, those piercing red eyes drawing me in. I tried to look away, but something in his stare held me captive, like invisible chains wrapping around my will.
"Phoenix, what are you...?"
"Shh." He whispered, his voice smooth and soothing. "Just relax. Listen to my voice."
A strange calmness washed over me, dulling the edges of my thoughts. "No, I...don't want to..."
"Everything is going to be okay." He continued, his tone steady and hypnotic. "You trust me, don't you?"
I nodded slowly, unable to resist the pull of his words. "Yes, I trust you."
"Good girl." He said, his eyes never leaving mine. "Now, listen carefully. You need to leave this place. It's too dangerous for you here. You have to go far away, where you'll be safe."
A part of me screamed to fight it, but that voice grew fainter with each passing second. "But...but I don't want to leave."
"You must." He insisted gently. "For your own safety. You'll go back to your home, back to your mother and you won't look back. Do you understand?"
"Yes." I said, the words spilling out of my mouth without my control. "I understand."
"Good." He said, his voice soothing the last remnants of my resistance. "You'll forget this conversation. You'll just remember the need to leave. To be safe."
I blinked, the haze lifting slightly, but the compulsion remained. "I...I need to leave. To be safe."
"Exactly." Phoenix said, stepping back. "Now go. Before it's too late."
I turned, feeling like a marionette with its strings pulled, and walked towards the door. Each step felt heavy, my mind fighting a losing battle against the command implanted deep within.
As I reached the threshold, I glanced back one last time. Phoenix's face was a mask of sorrow and determination. "Goodbye, Jane." He whispered, his voice barely audible.
"Goodbye, Phoenix." I echoed, the words feeling distant and hollow.
And then, I was outside, the cold night air biting at my skin, the compulsion driving me forward. I didn't know where I was going, only that I had to get far away. My mind was a foggy whirl of confusion and a single overpowering urge: leave. Be safe.