Let's see about that
1020 Words
I jerk upright in my seat at the sound of a voice, and there he is—Drake, descending the stairs with an effortless grace, his damp hair clinging to his face. My heart skips a beat at the sight; the man seems divinely favored, his looks capable of outshining even celestial beings. He is so wet.
'Oh my god, what?' what was I thinking, closing my eyes briefly as I try a deep breathing technique to steady my racing pulse.
Drake settles across from me while Fredrick, the ever-present butler, places a cup of tea before him. With a nod of thanks, Drake takes a sip. At his subtle signal, the servants quietly disperse, and Fredrick retreats with a respectful bow.
"You should rest, little human. We can continue this conversation tomorrow," Drake says, his cool smile doing little to mask the predatory calm in his tone. Though his demeanor is soothing, a flicker of caution tugs at me—I mustn't fall into any trap he’s laid in wait.
"No, I think it's better we set the conditions right now," I insist, hastily cutting through the tension.
His eyes lock with mine—intense, unyielding, like a prison that refuses to let go. Then, with a single blink, he breaks the connection. "Okay, let's go to my study," he declares, rising and striding away.
I follow quickly down the right-hand stairs, stepping into a shadowed corridor. At its end stands a heavy black door adorned with the same crow symbol as the gate. When Drake pushes it open, the crow’s red eyes gleam ominously in the morning light.
Inside, the study is as vast like a hall. His study is actually the size of my hall. A grand table surrounded by chairs dominates the center, while a large window casts soft light behind it. A sweeping staircase must have library beyond.
Drake takes a seat and gestures for me to sit opposite him. I obey, though his unwavering stare makes me uncomfortable. Clearing my throat, I venture, "So, where do we begin?"
"You tell me, Cassandra Dawn. You already know what I want—now tell me what you want," he replies, tilting his head in a silent challenge.
I glance down at my hands, gathering my resolve. Meeting his piercing gaze again, I say, "I want you to protect me."
For a moment, his expression falters; his eyes turn cold and unyielding. "Is someone trying to harm you?" he asks.
I shake my head firmly. "No, but there will be. I need to know you'll keep me safe, pull me out of any situation—especially since I'm just a human, vulnerable to vampires, werewolves, and witches alike."
He pauses. "Okay, is that it?"
"No, there's more, but that's it for now," I reply, waiting for him to respond.
Then, he extends his hand. "Give me your hand," Drake commands.
Almost without thinking, I comply. He takes my hand and, with deliberate precision, makes a small cut along my skin with his nail. I wince at the sting, but before I can protest, he does the same to his own hand. Our blood mingles as he closes his eyes and begins a low, resonant chant.
A radiant light bursts forth from where our hands meet, overpowering even the morning sun, until the room is plunged into darkness. Startled, I pull my hand away and examine it closely.
A tattoo has formed on my wrist—a finely detailed crow, its design unique different from the one on gate, this one was bound by a chain. Glancing at his wrist, I see a blue bird encircled in a similar chain, as if trapped. I look up at him, my expression filled with questions, and he chuckles softly.
"This is the promise chant. In my world, people will do anything for their own gain, so we use this binding spell to ensure they abide by our rules," he explains.
I nod in understanding, gazing at our newly formed tattoos with a small, reluctant smile. In that moment, despite the lingering danger and uncertainty, I know that my life is now inextricably linked to his—saved, even if things go south.
I return his smile, a fragile gesture of trust in the dark, unpredictable world we now share.
Then remembering something, I ask, " Tell me how am I believe that? I don't know anything about this, and I don't trust you."
Drake smiles and leans back, " You will know, real fast."
I shivered seeing his smile, those eyes were telling about the mischief he planned. I raise my eyebrows, clearly conveing that I am not afraid.
" You will stay with me from today, and before you won't stay and that is your other rule then let me explain you, from today I will tell you what is safe and what is unsafe. Now I am telling you that going back to your house is unsafe. They attacked me in your house. They will come back for answers, and when they found out that you saved me then you can kiss your life a goodbye. Understood?"
I frown, not comfortable with the situation. Staying at home was my safe place after coming into this world and now I don't have that. Not having any option I nod my head.
" Your things will be sent to you by tomorrow and forget about your clinic for sometime."
I frowned, " No, I will need to open my clinic, there are many people who need my help." Before Drake could say anything I put forth my decision, " This is not up for a discussion." I huffed after that, angry that someone is trying to take my clinic away.
That clinic has been my source of income and also my existence.
Drake then signed, " I will hire someone to take care of the clinic, you will get tired if you overload yourself with work."
" I can manage." I said proudly while raising my head to make a point.
" Let's see about that, shall we?" He laughs
- Writer
