Her King Of Shadows

Chapter XXXV.

She stood on the terrace looking at the vast desert before her. Light white curtains danced in the cold winter air. All around them were sands and skies. She felt him coming behind her. He had called her to come. And she knew what he wanted. What he has always wanted. She turned around to look at his blue ocean. He had a simple black shirt and black pants. His short hair was still wet from his shower. He had all the water in his hand while his people were suffering.

-How long will you refuse me?-his voice was almost gentle. But it was always like that with him. He had no compassion. Each time he spoke to her it would start this way. And end in her pain. -Where is he now? Your warrior? Where is he to save you?-he mocked her. Her hands touched the black stone around her neck. He noticed it. He hated it so much.

-He is somewhere out there.-she whispered. Rishon was coming closer now.

-How long are you going to wait for him, Lady Alexandra? How long, when I can give you all the things he never will?-his face was close to her. She wanted to step away but it wasn’t something she could do. Not without a punishment. She looked at his blue eyes. There were no feelings there. Only lust. Only desire to have her and then throw her away. She would be just a number for him.

-But you can't give me the things I need. You don’t have them.-she was sure of that. She looked at his heart and found it wanting. There was a rage in those blue eyes. She could see it rising to his heart. Consuming his soul. Before she could blink, he had already grabbed her.

-Then fall into the darkness you came from.-he yelled, throwing her down from the terrace into the sand of the desert.

Shana opened her eyes with a start. It was just a dream, she told herself. It has been happening more and more lately. Ever since she left the castle. She would be dreaming of the things in the desert. Her nightmares were becoming more violent each week. She got up from the large bed, remembering that she was sleeping in the penthouse. The first time she came to the hotel she was so confused. But the staff took one look at her and called the manager. He escorted her to the top floor, giving her the keys and telling her to enjoy her stay. When she went inside she was surprised by the comfort and luxury of the place. She took one of the smaller bedrooms, well aware that the master one belonged to Araphel. When she got the courage to look at it, his clothes and things were still there. As if waiting for him to come any moment. But he kept his word and didn’t show up at all. And now it had been almost two months and she still felt the same confusion each week she had to go there.

She went into the living room aware of the smell of coffee. Somehow, the staff would come and deliver breakfast each morning without waking her up. She poured herself a cup of coffee. Another thing she also likes doing now. Drinking coffee. With a splash of milk and one sugar. She loved it. She looked at the time, knowing she had to get ready soon. Last night Victoria had called her to come and spend the night in the penthouse. She will pick her up and take her back to the castle. The university was closed for the winter holidays. This was her first time going back to the castle since she left two months ago. And her life has been wonderful. She made friends with Lily and Sarah, herroommatess in the small apartment on campus. She made a few friends in her classes. She met the teachers and chose what she wanted to learn. She chose history of literature and poetry. She loved it. But now she was forced to go back for a couple of weeks into the world she didn’t feel she belonged. She went back to her bedroom and changed her clothes into simple jeans and a black sweater. She would only use the money that her brother sent her each month. The amount was small and when she bought books and school supplies there wouldn’t be much left for clothes or food. But she didn’t mind. Because she didn’t want to use his money. Never ever would she use his money if she could avoid it. He had already paid her university costs and her rent each month. It was enough. She didn’t want to be indebted to him in any way.

Victoria had already texted her that she was downstairs waiting for her in the car. She hurried to pick up her bag and ran out of the suit. She waited for the elevator and in a couple of minutes, she had already entered a black car.Victoria was reading a book in the back seat and gave her a smile when she saw her.

-You look good.-she commented. Shana just nodded, closing the car door. The driver was eager to take them back to the castle. -It's going to snow tonight.-Victoria looked through the window. She liked snow. But it was a long time since she saw it last.

-Who is going to be in the castle?-she dared to ask.

-The usual people.-she said, avoiding any names. -I'm just dropping you off. I have something to attend to. But I should be back next week to check up on you.-she added. Shana took a deep breath.

-Did he send you away?-she wanted to know. Victoria looked at her without an answer. The situation with her and Araphel was difficult and strained ever since they had their fight. If she could call it that.

-No dear. It's just I have something to do outside.-she didn’t go into details. But Shana still had doubts. -Einar has promised me to keep an eye on you. You will be perfectly safe with him.-she wanted to make her feel better. She had to hope for the best. The drive to the castle took about four hours. And Victoria was right. By the time they arrived, it started snowing. It was colder than she ever remembered. And she forgot to take her coat with her. Victoria waved goodbye without stepping out of the car and told the driver to pull away. She was left standing in front of the door with approaching darkness. Before she made a step, Einar opened them, looking at her with his green cat-like eyes.

-Welcome back Eandil Shana.-he said politely.

-Thank you.-she whispered. He took her bag and led her into the lobby. Shana stood closer to the open fireplace warming her hands over the flames. It was nice here. If she imagined it, she could pretend to be all alone.

-The dinner will be sent to your room in an hour.-he informed her.

-I'm not really hungry.-she said. But that didn’t matter. They would still send it. She looked towards the large staircase. Praying not to see him so soon. Not to see him at all.

-There is going to be a storm tonight. I suggest you stay in your room till morning. I have prepared candles should we lose electricity and the fire is well stocked. The wind is picking up as we speak.-he spoke while they started to climb to her room. But still, his words had a warning feeling. She looked at him curiously.

-Don’t worry, I won't be wandering around.-she said calmly. He looked back at her.

-That s good. When the weather is bad like this, all sorts of things could come out looking for shelter.-he said, opening the doors of her rooms. What was he talking about?

-Einar.-she said his name when he was placing her bag on the chair next to her desk. -What is going on?-Shana was confused by him. -The leader is not in the best of mood lately. It would be good if we remained careful and out of his way. Since we don’t know which is his way, it's best to just stay where we are until the morning. Hopefully, then he would have some good news coming.-he made it clear to her. If he asked her to stay in her room, she wouldn’t have a problem with that.

-Thanks for the warning.-she whispered. He stepped out of the room, closing the door. Shana went inside the bathroom and took her clothes off. The long drive to the castle was tiring. She filled the bath with hot water and a couple of drops of lavender oil. She went inside enjoying the warmth of the water. She is obsessed with long baths now. She closed her eyes while hearing the wind outside of her window. But it was nice and warm in her room. For the first time after a long time, she felt safe. She relaxed her entire body, trying to let go of all the things from the past. She was strong now. She was free. She can deal with any situation that comes before her. When she was finally ready to go out she noticed that Einar had already brought food for her. Lentil soup with baked potatoes and blueberry muffins. The truth was she really didn’t like eating. Each time she would take a bite she would come back to the night that haunted her. She would taste her own blood in her mouth. She would feel the food so dry in her mouth and throat that she was afraid of suffocating. But still, she forced herself to take a couple of bites. Her body needed energy. But after some time Shana just gave up and lay down on the bed, still wearing her bathrobe. She didn’t bother to change into pajamas. She will do that later. Now she just wanted to lie down and relax. Listening to the wind. Telling her heart to stay strong. To stop breaking down. To find a place to hide itself from hurting that was coming her way.

She opened her eyes in semidarkness. She was sure that she had left the light on but then she remembered Einars' warning about electricity. The fire in the fireplace provided enough light for her. She was too tired to sit up from the bed. But then she felt the smell of fresh snow and cold wind. She moved in the bed but she was completely alone. There was no one else in the room with her. Stil,l when she put her head on the pillow again she felt the smell of wind and snow so strong like someone else was right there behind her. She thought her nerves were playing with her. Shana got up and checked that all the windows in the rooms were closed properly. As they were. When she turned to bed she felt a slight cold breeze on her face.And at that moment, her room was replaced by utter darkness. She felt her heart beating faster. She stood in place, afraid to move. Not knowing what was happening. A weak light appeared and she was consumed by the smell of roses. Soon she realized she was standing in front of a glass wall. In a room that was similar to a winter garden. There were roses, so many of them growing under the moonlightt. She looked down at herself realizing she was dressed in a long white dress. Her mind was telling her that she was dreaming. This had to be a dream. Or she was getting crazy. She accepted it as a dream.

-Welcome.-she heard a familiar voice. Araphel was standing only a couple of steps away.

-What are you doing here?-She didn’t want to see him in his dreams. There was a weak smile on his face.

-Waiting for you.-he answered. Shana turned to him, wanting him gone.

-You're not wanted.-she was brave enough to say it. He didn’t react but kept looking at her.

-You look beautiful.-he whispered. She felt her cheeks blush. Nobody ever said that to her.

-Why didn’t you notice it sooner?-she responded. He c****d his head to the side, still looking at her.

-I did.-was his reply. Before she could blink, he came closer. There was that smell of snow and wind. She looked into his emerald eyes while he was towering over her. He had a simple black shirt and pants. Always black. Always in the shadows.

-I don’t trust you.-this was her dream. She could tell him whatever she wanted. He nodded his head.

-I know. I have hurt you. A lot.-he reminded her. Her eyes were filling with tears. She didn’t want to be sad again. She didn’t want to cry.

-I don’t want to see you again.-she said with pain in her voice. But he was still there. She could feel his hand on her shoulder.

-It's ok. You won't remember this when you wake up in the morning.-he promised. She closed her eyes, aware of his fingers on her face. He was touching her cheek, going down towards her neck. Sliding over her collar bone to her shoulder.

-Are you going to hurt me again?-she didn’t want any more pain. She didn’t look at him. She felt his breath on her lips. He was taking his time. Enjoying every look on her face. His hand went down from her shoulder to her hand. To her fingers. He crossed them with his. He felt her tremble.

-No. I'm not going to hurt you, Shana. I just want to love you.-he answered. He pressed his lips to hers. Very lightly. As if he was planning to pull back any moment. He did it just for a second. And when it was over, Shana prayed he would leave. Her dream would end. She opened her eyes but he was still there. Watching her. Waiting. -Honey. They tasted like honey.-his voice was deeper now. Emerald eyes even darker than before. Before she could step away, he pulled her back to him. Lifted her from the ground like she weighed nothing. He raised her up in the air so his head was leaning on her chest. He inhaled her scent, pushing his face into the fabric of her dress. Shana wanted to get away but his hold was too strong. She closed her eyes again, wishing to wake up. End this. -Its not morning yet.-he said as if he knew what she was thinking about. And he carried her off into the darkness.