BLESSED BONDS

CHAPTER 05

KYLO

I felt something in me drop.

My hand grasped at empty air, and I was left to watch blonde hair sway against the dark shadows of the woods.

I lamented on the same spot for what felt like hours. My body froze. I started to doubt if my limbs still belonged to me.

It was like a scene from a movie — the image of her back, running away from me.

Feet meeting harsh terrain and dead leaves crunching at every stride she made. Wet hair swung left to right, soaked clothes clung onto her like a second skin.

It was all happening as if in slow motion. Probably just fate doing another sick joke on me again. My chest was twinging and I honest to god wasn’t breathing anymore.

She doesn’t look back. She never did. And I was left there watching her form gradually diminish. As if she wasn’t just gazing at me — with what I could closely describe as melancholy on her face — a few moments ago.

As if she never was never there, never found. Like she was a figment of my imagination.

Maybe it was all a dream?

That tonight was just a ploy my head — no, heart — had desperately made so I’d get over the missing piece in me that ached non stop for the past four years.

I tried and tried and tried, to come to terms that she went off with no baggage left behind. Purposely abandoning everything that belonged to her — her life, her home, her family, her name and including us.

I wanted more than just to forget about her. What was the point of me holding on to someone who easily let go.

I should’ve just let go as well.

However, seeing her run with my own eyes was different than being told she ran away that night of her 18th birthday.

One second I was nailed there to the ground, the next were my legs finally moving. Towards her as if I feel an invisible tug within me, pulling me as she goes farther away.

This wasn’t just me deciding to let her go or not. The only thing throbbing in my mind right now was if she really does want to go, I was going with her.

I’ll leave everything behind, just like her — my life, my home, my brother, hell, I’ll even change my name if I have to — then it hits me.

I’ll be leaving the other guys as well.

Luca, Hael and Calix.

I can’t do that to them. Not after all they’ve ever done for me.

I just can’t selfishly run away, hogging our fated bond. There’s even a big chance that she won’t even let me.

I can’t just choose her against them. Even if it is her.

Fuck.

Morana was everything to me back then — early and mid adolescence Kylo.

We were the same age, in the same class. Even before I ever found out we were fated to be together, I already had an embarrassingly huge crush on her. I was on cloud nine when the second opinion results came out, even childishly thinking we were getting married as soon as the next day. I never saw her the next day, instead she transferred out, her parents sending her to an all-girls private school in the Capital where the rich paraded their wealth shamelessly.

Ouch.

It hurt, of course. My mother was devastated for me. She worked and worked, day and night so she would be able to afford us a small place in the Capital. In order for me to be nearer to my fated bond.

Her hard persistence paid off with a miracle, getting married to a high ranking military official she had met in one of her jobs.

Next thing I know, my family status was good enough for Morana’s parents. Letting me attend the few special occasions they allowed us all to see her.

That’s where I met the guys — they were older than me and knew each other longer, still they openly welcomed me.

I thought it would've been smooth sailing from then on, even through the rough times that happened behind curtains in my life with my new family. What’s a couple more years of waiting going to do?

We were both going to be eighteen soon and we’ll all finally start the life fate intended for us all.

But it never happened.

She was gone.

She ran away.

She left — she left me.

And four years later, she’s still trying to leave me.

Something finally snaps in me. Every emotion I was capable of feeling rushed together and crumpled like a piece of paper. With only my sore ego left, I threw that trash over my shoulder and lunged.

As if she could outrun me.

It was a frenzied attempt, crashing into her back. It forced out a piercing yowl from her as we both hit and rolled on the damp rough ground.

On my side, I shook my head before whipping it towards where the pained grunts came from.

“f*****g hell.” She curses, her eyes shut as she holds the aching side of her skull. She took her time trying to gain her wits back. On the other hand, I was already pushing myself back up on my feet.

I opened my mouth, “You’re not running away again.” It cracked horribly, but at least it sent the message clear.

Her eyes automatically landed on me, nose flaring, “Are you f*****g kidding me right now?” She hacks out a loud infuriated breath, “You just tackled me to the ground with the full force of an NFL player, you d**k!”

I hid my grimace because she was definitely right. I should’ve held back a ton.

I’ll remorse on that later, as of now I should focus on what I was supposed to do. And that was to make sure she won’t make a break for it. Again.

“Stay where you are, if you know what’s good for you.”

Threats don’t work on her apparently, boldly turning her back after throwing me daggers through her eyes, “Screw off, Kylo.”

It baffled me, “Don’t you dare walk away from me!” I barely managed to duck my head when a rock missiled its way through the air. It was my turn to gasp, gaping at her, “That could’ve decapitated me!” It was an exaggeration. But still.

“Stay away from me, if you know what’s good for you!” She threw my words back to me.

That’s it.

I’ve had enough of this bullshit.

I stomped my way to her and she tried to book it, but I was able to grab a fistful of fabric on the back of her collar just in time, yanking her back. It makes a ripping sound but I didn’t care.

Twisting her body to face mine, she starts clawing at me.

“Let go of me!”

I refused to. Swatting her attacks away as I was struggling to grab her properly. One of my hands finds its way to the front of her shirt, gripping it so tight that when I attempt to constrain her, the flimsy top just tears in the middle.

We both let out a very audible gasp. Just standing still as we stare at her now bare front.

I could see the ink that hid down there, various of them — butterflies, birds, moths, and even spiders were some that I could work out. Even going over the swell of her chest and under her bra.

Damn, she has tattoos literally everywhere.

I guess I gaped at them too long, that my head pretty much rotated on my neck with how hard that slap landed on my check.

“Y—You! You degenerate freak!” I start to see color come back to her face. Red. Not from being abashed. But from pure red rage.

Shit.

I couldn’t defend myself quickly enough. The next thing I know, she slammed her fist to my gut. I stumbled, folding forward when the air got knocked out of me. That was leverage for her to reach and latch on to my head. My locks in her hands and she starts pulling violently.

I could barely make out the words she was screeching.

“I’m going to pull your head off!” Was one of many.

Tears were starting to form at the corner of my eyes as I tried to pry her hands off my hair.

“Chill! Chill! I didn’t mean to do that! Honest!” I explain yet she doesn’t lighten her abuse.

As I was backing away from her, something behind — a root sticking out or a rock — tripped me and I was falling backwards, taking her with me.

Her shriek got cut off when she landed face flat on my chest.

I revel at the short instant relief on my scalp when her grip loosens. Only to dodge my head to the side when I glimpsed a fist coming down at me.

From the sound it makes colliding on the ground, that was a solid straight.

“Jesus.” My savior's name slipped out. Where was he when you needed him the most?

I look at her straddling me, keeping me in place as she pulls her arm back to throw another hit. Having anticipated, I caught it. Her eyes narrow at me and she raises her other fist instead. I caught that too. Thank f**k.

“One hit, Kylo.” She strains, “No, two. Then we’ll call it quits.” It was a bargain I would’ve taken to be fair but something in me tells me two punches — maybe even more — from her will knock me the f**k out. So, no thank you.

The girl on top of me was so small, light, that I easily overpowered her, remembering to mindfully hold back my strength. I flipped us over, me on top of her as I pin her hands above her head.

She squirmed underneath me, struggling for control. When she found out it was futile, she wails. “Get off me!”

Damn, if someone saw us right now — me, straddling her, her screaming, and in the middle of the woods? — automatic jail time. Castration after.

“Just try to calm down,” I try to reason, paying mind to her kicking, “if you do that first, then I’ll let go.” Not entirely true. We just needed to stick to one place.

All that was left to do was wait for the others. By now, they would’ve been getting close once they got notified of my whereabouts, having turned on my GPS earlier when we were still by the river.

“You’re such full s**t, Kylo.” I refocus on her and the comment.

“Oh yeah?” One of my brows raises, “I’m not the one trying to run away again.”

“You know they’re going to have to chain me down.” She says, “I may be the worst fated b***h out there, but I just wanted to be free.” Her voice trailed a miserable tone and the dejected look on her is what gets me. I feel a pang somewhere in me, both my chest and the lower region of my body.

Unhinged b***h just kneed me hard on the groin.

Preoccupied with pure agony, she pushes with all her strength and rolls us so she can claim the top spot once more.

“You’re too good at distracting and then striking fast. That’s not fair, damn it.” I admit appreciatively, laying on my back, groaning.

“Thanks.” Her lips curved in victory. She made a move to stand, but my hands gripped her thighs, holding her down.

“I don’t think so.” I squeeze out to say as I let the pain in my northern region subside.

“Ugh—” it was a frustrated growl, “Come on, man. We’ve been rolling on the mud for far too long. I’m starting to itch.”

She was right. I wasn’t so happy about the mud either.

“Just please,” I nearly begged, “Talk to us.”

I witness the mix of emotions on her face before she just ends up shaking her head.

“Kylo,” she exhales long, “I can, but there’s no beating around the bush, you’ll ask me to stay.”

I cringe. I do that because she’s right. However, I don’t agree on why that has to be a bad thing. What was her deal about being with us?

“Why? Are you scared?” I forgot to think about it first as it already left my mouth.

Her brows instantly furrowed, “You don’t understand.”

Of-f*****g-course.

This is her being difficult and still thinking selfishly.

I rolled my eyes at her, “How can I when you practically gunned it the moment you turned old enough to make selfish decisions for yourself.”

My truth made her scoff in disbelief, “And forcing me to go with you guys whilst threatening me isn’t?” She tugs on my hold on her, even pinching my skin but I don’t let go and am not planning to.

“Let go.” She warns, “I swear to god I’m going to rip out your nipples.”

My body shudders at the thought, yet I still take a risk of ending up bleeding from my chest.

What would Hael do? No — what would Calix do?

It was stupid, I know. So I do it anyway, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“I would retaliate by pulling on yours, but there’s not much to hold on to.”

Fuck.

Calix has been rubbing off on me too much.

I’m going to f*****g die.

At least she’s not trying to run away anymore.

Too engrossed with really ripping my head off for real this time.

Send help.

○○○

MORANA

I stepped out of the car, my eyes squinting at the glaring morning sun.

I strained my neck up at the massive building in front of me.

I can’t even see where the top ends. Thinking to myself.

Stupid Capital and its concrete garden of skyscrapers.

Everything in this place screamed money.

The private jet they had to toss me into was already a big wad of cash, slapped to my face.

My family was sort of well off in a complicated way and I never really favored the spoilt and narcissistic ways everyone here was genetically built.

“Let’s go.” Hael lightly pushed the small of my back.

I didn’t protest, the lack of sleep and not to mention the diving, swimming and running were catching up to me.

Ugh. I already expect my impending crash. Praying it won’t happen during our “little” talk.

They lead me through a set of automatic sliding doors. My eyes wandered around the enormous reception area. The people at the front immediately stood in attention.

“Welcome back, Mr. Blackwell.” They greeted him first then the rest, “Sirs.”

My eyes blink as I eyed the bold signage over their heads — BLACKWELL TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Too damn rich, for crying out loud.

We head further in, on the way we meet a scrambling office lady.

“Good Morning, sir. Here’s your coffee.” She hands it out to Hael. Probably his secretary.

“No, thank you, Miss Carden.” He doesn’t even give her so little of a glance, “I will be heading up to go home. Cancel the rest of my plans today and reschedule them next Monday instead.”

Her steps falter, and her eyes meet mine.

I mouth a tiny ‘help’ at her, and I could see her swallow hard.

“W—Will do, sir. Have a great day.” She gives a nod and turns to flee.

We pass by employee elevators, before reaching one painted in complete black. The words, ‘strictly private’ on top of it.

I hear a whistle and see Calix swipe a card on the machine, “Icing out your secretary again, Hael? Such a waste, since she’s pretty cute.” The doors open.

“I don’t engage my employees differently based on their looks.” Was Hael’s answer as he entered the elevator first. The rest followed but I was hesitant. Being trapped with four men in a tiny compartment — that’s a lot of testosterone to deal with all through how many floors this building has.

I see Hael cross his arms, raising his brow at me. It makes me twitch in irritation, but I comply, stepping foot inside.

The doors closed, and I was met with my reflection, the walls in here mirrored. One of them pressed the button for the 40th floor. Jesus. Why in the hell does this place need 40 floors?

“I think all women who are cute and submissive are a blessing.” I don’t know why this bastard at the back was still talking, “Sucks for us, this one’s a curse.”

I glared at Calix through the mirrored elevator door.

“Hael’s little secretary fits the ideal mold, right?” He said, trying to get a reaction out of me. Does he expect me to snap back in some kind of jealousy, or something?

I don’t give a fuuuu—

“I don’t know,” I smile sweetly, “Not my type. I don’t go for the jittery ones.” My voice is honey but laced in venom.

I should pat myself on the shoulder, seeing the range of reactions they have through the reflection.

Calix scoffs, trying to go to the front where I was, “What the f**k does that even me—”

“Stop,” Luca cuts in between, “No punching or kicking in the elevator.”

I nod in agreement. Good that they know provoking me wasn’t the best idea.

Yet somehow, what that jerk Calix said got under my skin a little. Of course, I’m far from being cute — for now that is.

Staring at myself in the mirrored walls, I inspected my face. Sure, I’m pretty busted right now but I was still a looker, all thanks to my mother’s superior — she likes to boost — genes. No matter how hard I did to alter my look over the years, there was no denying genetics. How utterly terrifying.

The idea of surgery was brought up, but I rather use the money to pay for shelter and food instead.

One of my lip rings was askew, and I leaned forward to the mirror to rearrange it, wincing a bit as it pressed against a cut on the corner of my lip. I further check for any more damages, checking my teeth and the inside of my cheeks. I stuck my tongue out, double checking if the metal ball was still there and that it hadn’t loosened. I almost accidentally swallowed it once.

“Goddamn.”

I don't know which one of them said it, but I was now made aware of how they were all staring right at me.

Clearing my throat, I straightened up.

Awkwardly, I shift. The holes they were boring on the back of my head made me crack.

“U—uh, piercing kinda gets loose sometimes.”

I bit my already bruised lips, cringing and blaming the cramped space for making me fold anxiously.

They didn’t comment, thank god, only the horrid elevator music left chiming in our ears.

Watching the number change above, I was left to lament once more on how ludicrously high this building is.

It felt like we were in there for hours that I was starting to unconsciously tap my foot impatiently. I almost threw my hands up in the air when the elevator finally did a loud ding!, signaling we finally arrived at the damn 40th floor.

“Thank f*****g god.” Exhaling in relief as I stepped out of that box. My mouth almost dropped at the sight of the extravagant penthouse that welcomed me.

Damn. Only the ridiculously rich get to have all the luxury to live like a god.

“The windows are reinforced glass and bolted shut. The elevator can be only accessed with a card.” Hael informed as he walked past me, “There’s literally no other way to get out, so do make yourself comfortable.” He enlightened me because of my tendency to make off to the sunrise far into the horizon.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at him.

“I’ll take you to one of the guest rooms.” He beckons me, “Rest there. We’ll chat when all of us get an adequate amount of sleep.”

Tilting my head to the side, I say, “I want to get this over as quickly as possible.”

Hael stops to survey me, eyeing me up and down, “I’m sure you do. But you look like you’re one push away from collapsing. I can literally hear the bones in your knees shaking.” He points out, proceeding to not care about my own opinions. Redirecting us to one of the rooms down the hall.

Opening the door, I peeked at the huge room, fully furnished, “Look for a change of clothes in the closet. Throw the ones you have on in the trash.”

I look down at the shirt and pants that the flight attendant from the plane offered to me. She was kind enough — probably felt obligated — to prepare me a hot shower and helped clean most of my wounds afterwards.

Hael doesn’t bother to stay any longer, leaving me to roam around the guest room.

“Uh,” I jump at the sound, twirling to the door.

Luca.

He shows me the smallest of smiles, his hand out, “For your knee.” It was an ice pack. My eyes darted between it and him, nodding as I went to snatch it.

“Thanks.” Muttering, before turning my back to him and heading to the closet. I ignored how he audibly exhaled out loud, and then heard the door close.

My shoulders drop instantly, releasing all the tension in my body. My knees buckled and I grabbed onto the wall.

“Crap.” I could feel everything buzzing, from my head down to my toes.

Exhausted both physically and mentally. Maybe even spiritually with all this bond bullshit flying around.

Why wasn’t I just born normal? Well, I was at first.

Fate just had to think it would be funny to bless me with bonds at the age of barely thirteen. My god, I couldn’t even ride a bike without training wheels at that time, let alone f*****g burden the existence of four boys that were practical engaged — as my mother unsugar coats it — to me out of nowhere.

Females like me were rare, as the government quotes it. The 1% from the 999%.

At a certain age, we would be gifted — gaining certain abilities. Along with power, status and oh, not to mention the unnecessary harem that comes as an added benefit. Like what the actual f**k?

The so-called fated bonds were nothing more than comparing it to pipelines. Water distribution, basically. The blessed female pumps power to the rest of their bonds, gaining abilities for themselves. That is, if they complete the bond — mental bonding, soul bonding, physical bonding, verbal bonding, whatever is out there, as long as it satisfies fate.

Fate — was not just an event of destiny. She was a being of higher power. A goddess. A patron of an old world. From the legends, she had an abundance of power, as well as the number of men kissing her feet. Despite her infamous and scandalous debauchery, she had always advocated for fellow females.

She despised the world where men ruled, and the women were casted down as lowly housewives and servants, abused like disposables.

In spite, she started giving lucky damsels a piece of her power. Gifting them abilities to start a riot and revolt against the tyrant standards set by the ruling men.

Fate was also a hypocrite, by the way — giving all that power to certain women then offering men a piece of it. In exchange? Those bastards, hand picked by her, had to form a bond with one of her blessed maidens and solemnly swear to protect them with all their lives.

She basically made an army of female leaders with male soldiers. All magically enhanced.

I used to think it was sick.

Who wouldn’t?

A goddess who treated men as mere accessories? — a total Queen.

Then, I got under her radar.

If you’re listening right now, Lady Fate — sincerely, f**k you.

It’s not like we’re still in that era of happily destroying kingdoms led by men and challenging their masculinity. I am in an era of taxes, financial crisis, and climate change.

Read the room, Lady!

My abilities I kinda like. Nevertheless. I do not need a goddamn harem!

Unfortunately, they need me.

With how I denied them from completing the bonds. Withholding from giving them their blessed abilities.

Maybe that’s the only reason they so desperately want to drag me back — no, I’m positively sure that it is the only motive they have in their entitled head asses.

I should just jump out of the window.

Double checking, I curse when I discover that they were indeed bolted shut.

I clicked my tongue, not even caring to change like Hael asked me to, and jumping instead to the bed.

A moan, which I can only describe as sounding so inappropriate, slipped past my lips, “It’s been forever since I had a decent bed.” It was so soft and fluffy that the moment I closed my eyes to bask in such luxury, I passed out.

From fatigue or the comfortable bed? Who knows.

Hmm. Definitely both.