Page 43 of Dark Captivation

“We’re here. Follow me.” Malek pointed square into the darkness, his eyes bright enough to light up the night.

He passed the threshold, turning back to wait for me.

“Don’t be afraid. I’ll be with you all the way.” He encouraged and after taking a deep breath, I followed.

Past the thick layer of shadow and gray, the dark passage widened, and we entered a spacious cavern.

“Oh my God.” I said, my eyes exploring every bejeweled inch of splendor that surrounded me.

Precious and semi-precious stones glittered the walls like a work of art. Moonlight sauntered in through a hole in the ceiling leading to the outside. The moonlight filtered through a magnifying glass bolted to the ceiling, amplifying its light.

The light made the colorful stones sparkle so beautifully, it felt like I was inside a kaleidoscope.

Malek took me deeper inside, to where the precious stones were even bigger and reflected even more colorful lights.

The sound of waterfalls played like music as pools filled with water peeked out from behind a bend. The five pools were different sizes, presenting like majestic, limestone jacuzzis.

The largest pool fed water into the slightly smaller pool below it. The second feeds into the third and so on, connecting them all in an intricate chain. Each pool was based with a different gem color. So that the first pool was green from emeralds, the second was yellowish brown from topaz. The third was blue, the fourth was bright pink and the fifth was red, though I didn’t know the names of those.

“They’re incredible!” I ran my hand through the water in the red pool, dipping my toe in the blue pool after.

“It’s called ‘Serenity’s Kaleidoscope’. It only happens two to three times a year, when the moon is in perfect alignment.” Malek made a cup with his hands, scooping up water from the red pool and watched as it sieved through his fingers.

“I’ve been sensing your hesitancy.” His voice was a slow and deep drawl. “Every time we’ve been alone, I’ve felt your fear. Do you have any idea how it makes me feel that you, my Sunny, would fear me? The closest being I’ve ever cherished fears me.”

His hand formed a fist as his gaze pivoted in my direction.

“I’ve already told you I don’t scare so easily.”

“I see it in the tremble of your eyes. You’ve never been able to hide anything from me.” His nostrils flared as anger and sadness competed for dominance on his handsome face.

I drew back a few steps feeling his power rise and fill the cavern. I didn’t want to be on the receiving end of it should he explode.

He gave me a good long stare, looking past my skin into the depths of my soul. His lips parted; but instead of saying anything further, he dug into his pockets.

“Malek, what are you up to?” I asked as he pulled out three glass vials.

“This water has been known to amplify demonic power when used correctly. There’s something I want to try.”

He caught some red water in one vial, blue water in the second vial and green in the third. Clutching all three in the center of his palm he set his attention intensely on me.

I stiffened, not liking the way sweat dampened his face and thin lines formed on his forehead.

He charged for me, backing me into a corner. My back hit the wall and my hand pressed into his chest, stopping him from coming closer.

“Wait. What are going to do with those?” I interrogated.

His oversized body enveloped mine and he was practically on top of me, his power dominating every inch of the corner.

His dark gaze burned into me like a branding iron. “I have to do this because you are mine, Sunny. From the tips of your toes to the ends of your silky hair. You are mine. All mine.” He combed his fingers through my hair eyeing each strand with selfish possession.

“Your sweet lips were made for my kiss and I will stop at nothing until you remember me.” Hot passion dripped in his deep voice.

The tip of his tongue smoothed over my bottom lip and my body quaked with desire. He inched closer, wrapping me in his warmth. My lips puckered, hungrily expecting his lips to find mine.

“If I channel my power just right into these sacred waters, I might be able to get your memories back.” He whispered.

I’d expected a sweet kiss, one that would transport me to a beautiful, heavenly new world. But instead, Malek hastily emptied the vials by splashing their contents in my face. It was like a priest trying to exercise a demon with holy water.

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