Shadow Beasts

"Are you calm now?" Crown Prince Felix asked as he pulled away from the kiss and took a step back to put some space between the two of them.

Instead of answering, Roselyn just stared at the man in silence. Her brain was still having a hard time functioning properly because of the kiss that came out of nowhere.

Even though there had been a sense of connection between the two of them from the moment they met, he was still the last person she was expecting to kiss her. Not only because he was the brother of her so-called soulmate but also because he already had a fiance.

"Was that really necessary?" Xander asked and his question was directed at the Crown Prince and though her brain was still a little foggy, Roselyn was still able to see a glimpse of something dark in his beautiful green eyes.

The Crown Prince let out a sigh as he once again ignored Xander's question and pointed at Roselyn's neck, "No matter what you think about this pendant but one of its major functions is to protect its bearer." 

Roselyn's hands immediately went to her neck and she found the pendant sitting there. She had no idea when he wrapped that damned thing around her throat. Her fingers struggled to break the silver wire but Felix stopped her as he took hold of her wrist and pulled her hand away from the pendant.

He closed the little space that he had previously created between the two of them as he whispered in her ear, "Don't even try it, Princess. You will only be disappointed." 

And somehow, Roselyn knew that his words carried truth. After all, it was an ancient treasure of the Shadow Realm and no matter how powerful she was, she couldn't break it that easily. Besides, everyone thought of her as a halfling and because of that, she had to keep her real powers hidden as long as she was stuck in the Shadow Realm.

"I think she already got your point," Xander spoke as he came to take off Felix's hand that was still holding her wrist. "How about you leave us alone as your here job is already done?" It didn't sound like a request at all.

Felix pulled his hand free from Xander's hold as something deep and dark passed between the two of them as they glared at each other for a couple of seconds. Felix was the first one to look away and he turned his attention back to her. "I'll see you around." 

Roselyn wanted to tell him that she was the least bit excited to see him again but thought better of it and remained silent as she watched the Crown Prince leaving the quarters.

Letting out a sigh, she turned to look at her guardian only to find the living room completely empty. Xander too had disappeared from the quarters at some point.

*****

An hour later...

"What are we buying?" Roselyn asked as she followed Xander toward the Academy gates. A teleportation array was built in the protection ward of the academy that would send them directly to their destination.

"Your course books, other stationeries, clothes, uniform, toiletries, and a shadow beast," Xander answered as he walked towards the huge nymph statue standing on the left side of the gate and placed his hand over the huge crystal ball that it was holding.

A blue light shone through the ball and the next second, the statue was replaced by a huge portal. "Come." He said while offering his palm.

She was probably too busy observing the portal that she unconsciously placed her hand in his palm and allowed him to pull her into the portal. The feeling of passing through the void engulfed her for a second before she was pushed out to the other side of the portal.

Roselyn found herself standing next to a fountain built in the square of the bustling central market. Several storey buildings stood on either side of the street, luxury brands, book stores, cafes, salons, shadow pet stores, herb stores, and many more.

"Uh... about that shadow beast thing..." Roselyn started as her attention landed on a shop selling baby shadow beasts.

"Every student has to take a shadow beast and train it, both during their school years and then in their academy years. So you will need to have one too." Xander informed her as he pulled her toward one of the book stores that seemed to be the biggest one in the entire market.

"I'm not one of the shadows." Roselyn huffed in annoyance as she took another look at the shadow beast shop over her shoulder which caused her to collide against Xander's solid back as the man suddenly stopped walking.

He turned to face her as he asked, "Why do you keep forgetting about your current situation? It's no longer fun to remind you that you are now a part of our darkness." 

His words sting like a sharp dagger being pierced through her heart. She hated every time they tried to remind her that her light had been infected by their darkness, that she was no longer normal.

When she didn't say anything, he tilted his head to the side and looked at her with questioning eyes. "Don't tell me you are worried because you have no experience in taking care of a beast? Don't you have any spirit beasts?" He genuinely seemed curious.

"Halflings don't do spirit beasts," Roselyn responded to his question in an indifferent tone as she tried to look anywhere but at his judging eyes.

"You are quite powerful for a halfling." His words didn't sound accusing but rather fascinated. He seemed to be impressed by her control over her elements.

Roselyn finally looked at him as she spoke, "Because halfling or not, I'm still royal blood of the light realm." This statement had always helped her in quenching the fascination and confusion of others whenever they noticed her strong control over the magical elements.

A twitch appeared on Xander's lips as he turned around and started walking and even though there was a lot of noise around them, she still caught his words. "A royal blood but still not qualified to have spirit beasts. Interesting!"