Prisoner of Darkness

chapter 2 part 1

Chapter 2

Zavier

I tucked the letters and my small parcel I had collected from the island into my jacket, as I waited for others to board. I could hear the familiar cadence of Elizabeth’s voice. Ariana’s Mother, adopted mother, but Ari never made that distinction. I thought now would be an enjoyable time to make my presence known to her, feeling for the familiar connection between us. I knew it could be an unnerving sensation, especially when forced. So, I hoped it was enough to get her attention without making her sick.

I waited patiently, hoping she would follow the sensation, but time passed, and she did not come through those doors. The whistle blew for departure, and they began the process of undocking, I checked with the clerk that she did indeed board the ship. The clerk informed them that her mother was in ill health, and she wanted to rest in their cabins before dinner. Very well, I thought I needed to stretch my legs, anyway. I took to the deck to watch the process of departure. The crew made quick work of it, lowering, tying, and storing of the many ropes needed to land this machine. I watched the sunset from the deck, hopefully this will be the last one I had to endure without her beside me, would she be happy to see me, or would she be angry I hoped for the first, but she was not known for being predictable. One of the things I loved so much about her.

The Sun was warm and felt warm against my skin. Winter was fast approaching and the time till the eclipse also where to be when it occurs was something I have been contemplating since realizing I could reunite with her. The island perhaps, or The Astarum if it were safe, and she could manage the memories that came with it.

The dinner bell rang, and I made my way back to the dining room. Sitting just out of line of sight of the main door for her arrival, this time hopefully she would see me and remember. Her mother arrived first; her red hair gave her away. She had aged a great deal for ten years; I thought. She was not alone, escorted by a young man. Next, she came also escorted by a young boy, brothers I realized as what obviously once seeing their mother behind them.

Ariana Ronan let her long, black, silky hair hung loose down her back, her cream skin stood out brightly from her midnight blue dress, dark blue eyes shone brightly framed with dark lashes. She was just as beautiful as I pictured her to be when I first found her years ago on Coralline. It hurt to do what I did next, but I needed her attention. Her eyes looked up, and widened, looking in my direction, she froze and paled. I could not tell if she was scared or surprised to see me.

Everyone around her began asking if she was all right. I stepped out of sight, hoping maybe if she could not see me, she would not draw attention to me. I heard her excuse herself before leaving.

*I do not think that was happiness. *

I heard a voice drawl in my head. It was Draeil, *I let you in as a courtesy, not as a requirement, so sit back and shut up. *

She went quiet after that, and I went in search of Ariana. I found her on the deck. She froze at hearing my footsteps.

‘Why are you here?’ She asked. Her voice had changed, not as innocent as she once was, I realized.

‘For my friend, always for her.’

She turned slowly to face me. She was even more beautiful up close, her skin was luminescent, and her eyes were deep blue. She was always beautiful to me, but now everyone else can see it. ‘I thought you were dead.’ she sobbed. I thought they had captured or killed you.’ I crossed the distance between us.

‘It would take more that death to keep me from you now.’

I traced her face. It was a familiar gesture we did as children to let us know we were safe. ‘I'm here Ari,’ I waited till her eyes were on me. ‘I'm not leaving you again. I swear.’

I heard foots steps from below deck.

‘Meet me in the library at midnight. I will explain everything then.’ I kissed her cheek and stepped away from her, becoming invisible. As one of their escorts came above deck, I quickly made my way back downstairs and to my cabin to think.

Fuck, what have I done? I waited too long I paced the floor. I should have tried harder to get to her.

*Well, that did not go according to plan. *

‘Get out of my head’ I yelled, forcing her out of my head. *This is your fault, * I argued, * I could have been there, I could have stayed and been with her. *

* And be discovered without completing the ritual, *

* I do not care, * she pushed back against my mind, and I felt pinned against the wall.

* Your lives are not the only one affected by your choices Zavier, *

* You should have thought about that before destroying mine. *

I forced closed the link and shut it tight, refusing to let her back in. I was exhausted, unable to move from where I lay. I heard the clock strikes eleven thirty. I must have fallen asleep. I was in a crumpled heap on the floor. f*****g Draeil, she could not keep out of it.

I rose to my feet, straightening myself up in the mirror, before heading to the library.