Death’s Embrace

No

{Amara’s POV}

I was confused, but also clearer now than I had been. I’m dead.. I was sacrificed by Kade, and Zorin brought me here. I still didn’t know where I was, or why I was here, but at least things felt a bit more clear.

I stood up carefully, my body still feeling weak, but not as bad as it was before. “Zorin.. Zeldryx.. Evander.. Evryn.. Vael.. Arina..” I went around the room, pausing on the man with white hair, and golden eyes. He was glaring at me, something I wasn’t prepared for, I tried, but I wasn’t able to muster up enough of my pride to hold my head up high. Instead I hid away.. I’d lost my pride. I looked up to him, smiling softly. “Who are you then?”

He looked taken aback, a bit flustered before clearing his throat. “I’m Vaius..” he said, anger still heavy in his voice.

I think I understand.. my anger went to Vaius.. the angry one. My sadness to Zorin.. who seems to be the most upset. My base emptiness was brought here by Zorin and given to Evander. I had no calm.. which seemed to mirror Evander’s personality. I was missing one, possibly two more pieces and those were it, calm, and pride. “Nice to meet you Vaius, I’m Amara.” I smiled up and him holding out my hand.

He looked at it for a long moment before turning away and crossing his arms. “Whatever, I’m going back to my wing, keep your pet away from me!” He snapped at Zorin and Evander.

I winced, taking a step back, I quickly turned away from him to face Zorin and Evander. “Any other ideas of where I might be?” I asked. Stopping and allowing myself to see the humor in this. “More me’s?” I said, looking over at the two of them.

“Well, we have another two brothers, but only one that I think will matter.” Evander said, standing from his place. “But if I’m right..”

“She’s with Lucien!” Zorin gasped, his eyes going wide. “We need to get there, now!”

“Lead the way please.” I said, walking to the door and pausing there. Zorin and Evandro rushed out of the room, while I quickly followed behind them. “Is there a reason why we’re running?” I asked.

“If you think Vaius was bad, just wait, Lucien hates humans.. he only enjoys their company if he gets to torment them.” Evander said, anxiety pouring through his voice.

As we approached the door I could hear voices inside. “I’m telling you, I don’t know how I got here!” I could hear my own voice say.

“And I’m telling you, there’s no way you just woke up here!” A deep masculine voice replied coldly.

As Evender pushed open the door I could see a tall man with tan skin, dark orange hair, and bright orange eyes towering over another me. He had me pinned to the wall, his hands on either side of my head to keep me boxed in.

“Stop it!” I shouted, catching both of their attention. I rushed to the other me’s side and shoved the orange man back. “I’m here, we’re here, it’s okay, everything will start to make sense soon!” I said, pulling myself into a hug. Soon the other me disappeared into myself, and as I turned back to the room of massive men I froze, staring at all of them. “I.. okay.. Evander.. Zorin.. Zeldryx.. and Evryn..” I said, looking between them. “I don’t know you two..” I looked between the small orange man, and the large one.

“You.. you’ve been split?” The orange man asked, his eyes trailing over me. I couldn’t help the embarrassment that suddenly washed over me.

His eyes scanned my body slowly, from my head to my feet then back up again. I crossed my arms over my chest and backed up a bit. “Y-Yes..” I muttered. “But I feel a bit more like myself now.. I think..” I sighed, running my hands through my hair. “I’ll admit, it’s hard to tell if I’m me.. or just some of the pieces.”

“You’ll know when you’re back to normal, trust me.” Zorin said softly, looking to Evander.

“You’ll feel whole again.” Zander smiled a gentle smile.

I gave a slight chuckle. “I haven’t felt whole in a very long time, so good luck with that..” I muttered, turning back towards the door. “I guess I’m going to go wander the halls until I find myself.” I shrugged, walking past them and back out into the hallway.

“That’s not a good idea!” The orange man said, reaching out and catching my wrist. When I turned back towards him, he was watching me with this careful amusement. “There is more than just us in these halls, occasionally there are vengeful spirits, and demons that come from outside the castle to try to curry favor with us.” He said, releasing my wrist, and rubbing the back of his neck. “I could come with you if you’d like.” He said, a small smirk spreading across his thick, full lips.

He was attractive.. dangerously so. I looked him over, before turning to Zorin and Evander. “Didn’t you guys say that he would eat me?” I asked.

His hand found its way around my waist, snaking up my back as he pulled me closely. “Only if you ask nicely.” He chuckled deeply.

I couldn’t stop the blush that spread across my face. No.. no, no, no! I couldn’t do this.. I couldn’t like them.. they’re demons.. they’re evil.. they kill people.. eat people. I had to pull myself together, literally. “Thanks, but I think I can handle walking down the hall on my own.” I said, turning and rushing away from the three of them.