Page 75 of Dark Captivation

Kneeling at my feet, he captured both my hands. His touch was warm and comforting.

“To have to resort to using your chaos element as you did, you must have been so scared. Sunny, I promise you I will never let you fall into the hands of my enemies ever again.”

“Ohhh. So that’s the power of a chaos elemental, huh? Fascinating.” Ferina said before casually reaching for her phone and flipping through social media like none of this even mattered.

“You knew I was a chaos elemental?” I asked, bewildered.

“Of course. Even back when we were younger, you tried to hide it from me, like your element embarrassed you. But random explosions would happen around town every time you got really angry or scared. It was obvious that you were a chaos elemental. I just decided to let you tell me when you were ready.”

I wasn’t sure what impressed me more, the fact that Malek could easily figure out something that no one in the Prometheus Pack ever could. Or the fact that he cared enough about my insecurities that he would wait until I was ready to come clean to him about my chaos.

“So, you don’t think I’m cursed?” Still a bit insecure about my secret being revealed, my hands shrank away of their own accord.

He scooped them up, nestling them over his chest.

“I could never think that about you and if anyone ever tells you anything to that effect, I want you to tell me and I will handle it.” He showed just enough teeth to make his violent intentions absolutely clear.

I didn’t like that everything for Malek seemed to link back to ruthlessness and brutality, but I did like how willing he was to fight for me.

“Okay, I didn’t want to have to be the one to say this but you two have been in here all day and it’s starting to get a little ripe. Plus, you guys look like hell. Why don’t you wash up and get some sleep, okay?” Ferina said sweetly, clasping her hands to her puffy cheek.

I glanced down at my dust and blood smattered blouse. Malek would look gorgeous in a burlap sack, but even he was looking pretty chewed up after his battle with the mages.

Malek agreed with Ferina and escorted me back to my room. I took a well needed hot shower, fighting the sleepiness that weighed down my lids.

The violet skies were dotted with clouds and wind rattled the window. I hoped it would rain, it was always easier to sleep during a downpour.

The bed called to me so loudly, I didn’t even check my phone before crawling under the thick fluffy covers and drifting off to sleep.

A deep throated yell jolted me from sleep. I wasn’t sure how much time had passed since I went to bed but I guessed a few hours since I felt moderately well rested.

A second scream rang out, this one drowned out by the heavy rain that now drummed against the window.

Flipping the covers up, I climbed out of bed and searched for the light switch.

“Livienne.” A voice called my name, it was distorted as if the sound were bubbling up from under deep water.

I shifted on my heels and something thick got stuck in my throat. My heart chimed like a symbol, and I drew myself back two steps.

First I sensed the presence of someone in my room and then I saw it. It was a male. He was see through, appearing like a wispy ghost or a corporeal hallucination. His eyes, dark and soulful and his handsome face gaunter than I remember. His clothes were tattered, soiled and peppered with tiny holes.

“Chasten?” I asked and he didn’t answer.

He looked just like Chasten. I was sure of it. I tried to forget about him and the other demi-gods but now with him in my room, it was utterly impossible to ignore him.

I touched his face, my hand moving right through him as if he were smoke.

He looked at me with a blank, dead-like expression as he floated past me, phasing through my door.

I pursued him, flinging the door open and darting after him.

None of the hatred or rage I felt the last time I’d seen the demi-gods was present now. Yes, they killed my parents and I needed answers. But as I flew down the dark hallway after him, confusion and concern swept me up like a broom. Was Chasten dead? If so, how?

“Slow down. I can’t run any faster!” I called out to him, but he just kept going, always maintaining a seven step lead, no matter how swiftly I moved.

Now on the bottom floor, he phased through the palace’s front door. I hauled the heavy door open, ushering in the raging winds.

Challenging the pouring rain, I followed him into the gardens. My bare feet sunk into spongy grass as I tried not to slip.

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