Eli POV
He’d lost control of his Demon Power, and I could tell he was feeling the strain of it. I continue to suppress his Power and notice some of his features had changed. The light had left his eyes and were no longer an emerald green, but black, filled with terror. His nails had become claws, long and sharper than any steel blade made. They had also turned black along with his fingertips. His canines were now prominent fangs, pointed daggers ready to tear through anything. His body had gained some muscle but, his overall appearance hadn’t changed that much, he still looked like Kinru.
I found his Demon Form just as attractive as I did his Natural one, he was beautiful to me either way. I sit by his side, my fingers ruffle his hair while I suppress his Demon Power. I was happy that I was able to touch him, it seemed to satisfy my Inner Demon. However the circumstances were unfortunate and it made me feel guilty about enjoying it, but I couldn’t help it. I knew something was different the moment I met him.
When a Demon finds a Mate, they usually pair for life, we’re loyal creatures and build strong bonds. We do anything to protect those we love! I’d never experienced these types of feelings before though, and it had been so long since I’d even seen another Demon, I just didn’t know what to expect when, or if I did ever find a Mate. He always seemed quite tense when it came to being around me as well, I’d put it down to us just meeting, and both of us being on guard. But this was clearly something more!
As my fingers run through his hair, his focus shifts towards me. He gently leans in a little closer and looks at me with worry.
“Eli?...” he says, grabbing my attention.
“Yes Kinru, is everything ok?” I answer.
The worry on his face changed, and began to show fear. He gritted his teeth together and his body became tense.
“I.. I.. Do you...” he stutters, unable to ask his question.
He suddenly shakes his head, causing me to pull my hand away. He swiftly grabs my arm and pulls me close to him.
“I can’t stop thinking about you!” he exclaimed. “Ever since I arrived here, I can’t control my thoughts! And now I can’t control my actions! I wanted to tell you before, but I didn’t want to push you, or cause any mistrust between us... But after what just happened I need to be honest, and tell you what’s going on!”
His tone and expression had become quite serious, and I was nervous to answer. I worried he thought I had all the answers, but I didn’t. I place my free hand on his chest, over his heart and he looks at me with his glazed, black eyes.
“Well...” I say, trying to think of a way to answer him without confusing both of us. “I’ve been feeling quite strange too, since your arrival. I don’t really know how to explain it but, I know that when a Demon finds their mate, they build an unbreakable bond. They stay together as long as they are alive, and protect each other no matter what."
“So, these thoughts and feelings I’m having are normal for us?” his voice had become more relaxed and he looked away as if he was lost in his thoughts.
“I honestly don’t know what normal is for us, I’ve been a lone Demon in this world since I came here. I’m sorry I don’t have all the answers, I wish I knew more myself.” I say with envy in my voice.
The night is nearly through, and day would be breaking soon. I suggest to Kinru that we should return to the Castle so he could recover. He tries to stand, pushing himself up from where he sat. His body was tense and hot to the touch, his eyes, a picture of exhaustion and pain. He stumbles trying to get on his feet. I manage to grab his arm, catching him before he falls from the rooftop. I feel the heat surging through his body, his Power and Aura still not in balance.
We steadily start to make our way back to the Castle passing through the Southern Village. It was beautiful again after casting the Charm, torches lit up the streets, consuming the darkness and revealing all its detail. Vibrant flowers of all kinds filled windows and gardens, sweet essences poured into the air from their bloom. Elder Evergreens towered over homes, their thick leaves covered every branch and swayed steady with blissful breeze. The fountains now sparkled with their clear flowing water, and the cobbled pathways showed us the way home.
It felt strange not being alone, the empty streets always had an odd, eerie feel to them. Even though I was used to being here, there was just something off about living in a lifeless Kingdom. As we make way, the birds begin to sing their songs and the rise of the sun painted the sky a warm, deep red. This would be the first sunrise I’d seen in centuries!
I imagined I’d be enjoying this experience when the time came, but the unexpected events that had taken place start to weigh heavy on my mind. I didn’t know if I was happy, sad, excited, confused, emotional, you name it. My emotions were just a mixture of everything, pulling and pushing, causing chaos within my mind. The last time I felt lost like this was when I woke up in this world for the first time, dumped by the God’s in the middle of a War, no explanation, no nothing. This was different though, I feel I have no control of what will happen. I can’t use my Power in a situation like this, the God’s say its destiny...
I watch the sun rise as we walk, and Kinru notices me staring off.
“Do you see something?” he says, gaining my attention.
“Huh?” I turn my head towards him and see he’s looking right at me.
He switches his gaze to where I was looking and begins to scan the sky.
“I don’t see anything.” He says.
“Oh.. Uhmm...” I pause for a second suddenly feeling quite flustered. “The sunrise...” I say with slight embarrassment.
“The sunrise?... Why?” His eyes now also fixed on the rising sun.
“It feels good seeing it again after all this time, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen anything. I’ve slept for centuries, I don’t really know what the world’s like anymore.” I say, lowering my gaze to the floor.
“You’ve been alone here this entire time too? Why did you create this place and go into hiding?” Why not stay with the Humans? They piss me off sometimes too like, but hundreds of years alone...” he was unable to finish his response, he just stared back towards the sun rise, and I couldn’t yet answer.
We reach the castle and I lead Kinru to a private lounge area close to the Throne Room. I help him lay on one of the Divans in the room, fine material covered the wooden bench frame. It was filled with soft feathers and topped with fur.
He let out a sigh as his head hit the cushioned arm of the Divan, he seemed comfortable but I could still feel his Demon Blood burning through his skin. I sit on the floor next to him, place my hand on his bare chest and again suppress his Demon Power. I feel his body become less tense and his Aura begin to calm.
I soon feel confident that I’d suppressed his Power enough for him to keep it under control. He seems so peaceful now, he’s breathing easy and his eyes remain closed. I thought he was sleeping, so I decide to give him some space while he rests. I slowly move my hand from his chest and try stand up, but as I get to my feet..
“Don’t leave yet.” He mumbles while suddenly grabbing my wrist.
“You should re...” I’m cut off my Kinru pulling me sharply back down and over on to the Divan with him.
I fall partly on top of him and he swiftly throws his arm around my body, grabbing my side and pulling me in closer. He wraps his other arm around me and he holds me tight!
A sudden spark shot through my body! It was like lightning! I was strong enough to resist and break free of his grip if I wanted, but I didn’t. I don’t know why, but... It felt right, like I was where I was supposed to be...
With him...
As I relax my body I feel the grip of his hands become tight, his fingertips digging into my arm and side. The breaths he takes brush past my ear, now shallow and deep. A wave of warmth fills my body as he keeps his arms locked around me. I shift my arm slightly as his grip gets tighter and my hand grazes his chest.
“Don’t move.. Please.” He whispers, placing one hand on the back of my head. “I think I’m gunna lose control again.”
“If you go too far I can suppress it, there’s no need to worry” I say leaning my head into his.
His grip again became tighter as my body moved.
“Suppress it?” he quietly says with confusion and strain in his voice.
“Yes, I manipulate your Inner Power so it remains a stable state.” I smile and gently brush my fingertips over his chest. “Think I prodded your forehead for a laugh earlier?”
Kinru didn’t answer, he took a deep breath in. I could tell he was holding back with all he had. He grabs a handful of my hair and pushes my head into his shoulder. His other hand runs down my back while he pushes my body against his.
“Stop me!” he moans, his words faint.
I feel his fingers dig deeper into my skin, his claws almost piercing through my dress. I didn’t want him to stop but I knew he didn’t want it to happen like this, he wanted to be in control of his actions. I rest my hand in his chest and begin to suppress his Power once again.
“f**k!” He sighs, his breaths harsh and heavy with relief. “Pretty nice trick that. You’ll have to show me.”
“It’s not something you use on yourself.” I push the top half of my body up and both our eyes meet. “You need to lean to control your power, and it might not be an ability you have.”
“I see.. So that also means you’re able to torture me until I learn. What a thought eh..” A tiny laugh escapes and I feel his body begin to relax again.
“You shouldn’t worry about it, I can handle myself you know!” I say with confidence.
“Hmm.” He snuffs. “Never thought my match would be a little girl.”
“Someone’s beginning to feel brave.” I say, smirking at his confidence.
He gives a short sharp laugh and smiles back meeting my gaze. His lifeless, black eyes had now returned to an emerald green. They were glazed and almost glowing, the light that left them had now come back. I could feel our connection when I stared into them and the feeling was overwhelming for me too.
Once I felt his Power settle and his Aura flow steady, I decide to give him a moment alone to gather his thoughts. I begin to get up from the Divan we’re laying on as my mind tells me to stay there with him.
“Where are you going?” he says as he grabs my wrist.
“You need food and water.” I answer bluntly. “I’ll bring some, you need to rest a bit.”
“You don’t have to do that for me.”
“I want to, I’ll be back soon.” I smile and get up, his grip remained on my wrist as I walked away, letting go only when he couldn’t reach any further.
I hastily make my way out of the room, leaving him there hurt a little. I wanted to stay with him desperately, but I know it’s better that he be alone for a while.