Chapter 8

I'm hyper-aware of him.

I don't feel like myself, and it's as if I can't catch my breath.

Raine has not once glanced my way since our meeting in the main hall. Nymph soldiers had rushed in and rushed out, taking orders from Raine. He looked furious, yelling orders to his men. So would I too if I spent almost two weeks being tortured by morbid Orgs. Hopefully, though, he had one positive experience in the dungeon.

Ehem.

I close my eyes, knowing I have a problem now.

I have a Raine obsession.

It happened fast.

Swift.

It's best if I acknowledge it, it's the first step to identifying that I have a problem. I can't fix something I don't accept. Right?

This is going to be emotional hell for a short while, watching him while being engaged to Brayja. Don't misunderstand me. I still want to be engaged to Brayja, very much. I will be a queen with untold power and riches beyond my imagination. I mean, I already have it in the bag, Brayja can barely keep his eyes from me. He already informed his adviser, Amete, that he has made his decision to choose me.

I bite my lip. I might be wrong, but I'm sensing some severe possessiveness from Brayja, almost excessive controlling. He tells me what to do, no, commands me like it's the most natural thing for him.

I have not known him long, and it's already grating at me.

My Daphine, stand next to the ladies in waiting.

Do not get in the way or talk. We need no distraction from pretty things.

I roll my eyes.

He called me a thing-what a turn on-not. Hardly groundbreaking, I have been called worse. The thing is, I really don't care. Brayja has no idea I'm just using him for my own advantage, not pining after him like he thinks. Call me what you will. I will not lose sleep over it, trust me. But it does not mean it's not irritating as hell, eye-twitch worthy.

Are you forgetting to lower your head around other men? He laughs to lighten the blow. You're not my Queen yet, my beautiful flower.

Let me take you to the throne room, so your beauty does not distract the other men.

Well, to be fair, he is to be king, so maybe it's in his blood to be commanding of everyone. Steven said that the Valkyries in the Gaya Empire are incredibly wealthy. Extreme vibrant colors, so opposite of this underwater haven. I also observed that Valkyrie women dress very scandalous, tons of sparkles and jewels galore. They like to flaunt their wealth, which is fine by me.

I love it, actually.

I would rule over millions.

I'm happy.

But I'm slightly bothered by Raine.

This palace is , and this is the first time I've seen the main objective. This room possesses giant statues of Poseidon and a clear dome that sits behind the central throne. This is not where Poseidon and Kalypso reside, Steven tells me, but it's still breathtaking.

Stunning.

I tilt my head as I watch Thetis, yes, that's him.

And, I also saw Sun Hai earlier.

I wonder how it feels to breathe underwater? She is very pale with blood-red lips and long black hair that's plaited. Stunning, really. I wonder if she has made any headway with Thetis. I have not seen any of the other girls yet, but I'm sure I will.

My eyes narrow on Thetis, lounging in his throne chair, listening to his council talk about the spreading Org war, and what steps to take.

I'm permitted to sit on the sidelines and watch with a few other top-ranking Valkyries. I nod to them, but apparently, there is no talking.

I take a breath.

Brayja lead me here and then left somewhere, saying he'd be back for me. I sigh and glance back to Thetis. He's handsome. There is no doubt about that with his timeless elegance they all seem to possess. His blond hair and Piercings make him look like a gothic elvan king. I can definitely see his appeal.

To be honest, he gives off an air of being spoiled rotten, almost rolling his eyes when his military men talk to him. He looks extremely put out as if he does not have time for this. I have not seen Poseidon or Raine's mother yet, but I can see why his father prefers Raine.

I can see and understand the deep jealousy that has taken place. It seems that no matter what dimension or planet you're on, scenarios repeat and reflect each other.

Seeing how Raine is more respected, in my opinion, that's sexier. Raine has that mysteriousness about him that drives women wild, including me. I want to know what he thinks when he looks at me, and I can't tell which drives me mad.

I take another bored breath and gaze out into the ocean, seeing the exotic sea life. I could not help but watch Raine in the main hall when Brayja was not watching me like a hawk. I was helpless to not salivate over him, and trying to hide it from Brayja was hard.

I wonder if Raine knows he was set up by Thetis? The jealous and bitter brother.

That might just be FGI knowledge.

"So, Sun Hai is top runner with Thetis thus far, a couple of the girls have not even met him yet due to the Org war. Are you certain you do not want to try for Thetis? He's is in line for the throne."

"Steven, I already have the Queen thing in the bag," I slightly whisper. I look to my left and see the man sitting next to me is still staring straight ahead.

"True, but Thetis is the main objective."

I sigh. "Look at him, way too much drama. Too much work. And where are you?" I whisper under my breath and see the man slightly glance my way.

Great.

"I'm the Beatle on the chair next to you. Please, don't squash me. Dude, I have like eight eyes, shapeshifting when high is kinda fun."

"Cant. Talk." I slightly mutter and raise my chin.

"Dude, but what about Raine? I think a tsunami is headed your way if you stick with your position. Thetis might actually be a safer bet, he's not Raine's best friend. Haven't kingdoms fallen over a single woman? I Just want to win. I need the money for my kids back home."

"Bullshit. You just want to buy more watches," I get out as quietly as possible.

"You a mean bitch," he laughs like he is a broken record, "but that's true."

I take another breath and glance at Thetis rolling his eyes and stifling a yawn. "I can deal with Raine," I whisper. I don't mesh well with entitled brats.

I hear a disproving grunt from the man next to me.

Don't glare.

I don't need him telling Brayja I'm out of control. I need that ring on my finger before I start doing what I want.

"Another thing, I think Riane knows that Thetis is a pierce of shit."

I almost laugh.

Even Eluno could see that.

Oh, funny, I saw Eluno. A large brute of a man, like a massive Viking.

Yeah.

The FGI girls have it cut out for them because I'm sticking with the safe option. I will be rooting for them on the sidelines though. Go team! Whoo-hoo! Shake that fine FGI ass!

I suddenly hear a loud commotion coming from the entrance. I sit up straighter, frowning. My eyes widen when I see Brayja sprinting in with a couple of nymphs, making his way to me.

"Get back!"

Get back?

"Get back!"

Thetis slowly stands, and for once, he does not look tired. I stand and move back right as I see Raine enter in all of glory and rage. He bares his sharpened canines as he pines Thetis with his gaze.

Raine might know.

"Raine! So glad you're back and unharmed, brother!" the smile is cold and sinister.

Oh, I don't think sarcasm is helping this not to escalate.

The next thing I feel is my body being catapulted backward. My vision swims, and I realize I'm on the ground with broken wood around me.

I hear lots of sounds.

Yelling. Screaming.

I feel my nose as I try to right my vision, and realize it's bleeding.

"Dude! Get out! Get up! The brothers are in it deep! Raine is giving Thetis a massive beat down!"

I stand as I feel another shockwave that almost makes me lose the contents of my stomach. I glance to the men and see that Raine has Thetis up against the glass dome, hand on his throat, arm radiating electricity.

The color drains from my face.

It's breaking, cracking.

Raw fear washes over me.

I look over to see Brayja yelling at me, waving his arms for me to run. I turn to run, but it's too late. The sound of the dense sea waters smashing through the glass is earsplitting. Dark water pours in at an alarming rate and I scream. "Steven!"

"You'll have to swim out once it fills up with water or use a lifeline! They're shutting off this wing to prevent the water from flooding everywhere. Get ready to hold your breath!"

"Daphine!" Brayja tries to make his way to me but gets swept up with the raging currents.

Within minutes I'm underwater, being thrashed around.

I can feel my lungs.

I can tell I have about ten minutes of lung capacity.

Bubbles everywhere.

Survival instinct.

I'm thrown off balance, not sure which way I'm facing, my hair floating around me. Must get out. Adrenaline pumps through my body as I kick, starting my powerful swim, thankful it was one of my talents. I can see now as I squint, the water having surprising visibility.

I also realize I'm the only one left in the room, the backlash pulling them out but me.

I kick more, the pressure from the electric pulse is making it feel like I'm swimming in mud, oddly enough, confusing me. A wave of panic hits me.

"Camila! Pierce says use your lifeline! Don't be stupid! FGI is watching your vital signs. I'm permitted to use a life-line on your behalf!" Steven yells in my head. "By the way, I'm the little fish to your right. I'm kinda cute."

No life-lines yet.

I see a tiny little fish to my left with large, bulging eyes like someone squeezed it.

In a weird way...it looks like Steven.

I kick more, the dress I'm wearing hinders my legs. I stop and reach down and grab the end of the dress and pull hard, trying to rip the material.

I curse.

The effort is wasting my oxygen.

But, it finally rips.

I'm now able to move my legs in a better motion. I can do this. I don't need to waste a life-line this early in the game, which would put me at a major disadvantage. Swiping my hair out of my face I notice a current. I'm wasting a lot of effort making my way to the giant glass hole.

Something is pulling me, and I notice I'm going around in a circle like there is a mini hurricane in here.

"Camila, you might have to throw in the towel! Dude! Raine has created a tunnel current! Hold up five fingers if you want to activate the life-line!"

I fight even harder, and it does nothing, my body being pulled around. Desperation floods my emotions as I kick harder. I can feel my pulse beat in my neck, readying myself for a lifeline activate.

I have just a little air left as I kick one last time, and I see a large figure swim through the massive glass hole.

My eyes widen.

"Oh Shit. It's Raine! I'm out."

Raine.

It only takes him a few leg kicks to make his way to me like the strong currents are nothing. My heart is beating as he grabs me around the waist pulling me to his large body aggressively. I give him a panicked look.

Air!

His gaze glows orange under the water, and his hand grabs my chin, lowering his mouth to mine. I suck in the air he forcefully blows into my mouth like a life-line, and something happens.

Something major.

I didn't just suck in his air, but a shock courses through my body, and I know immediately what happened.

I took some of his power.

Or stole it.

Beautiful air fills my blood cells as I look at my hands which are now metallic maroon and orange-ish yellow. I look up into Raine's handsome face as he also regards my skin, which I can see matches his. His neck and what disappears into his black shirt is the same.

He hand touches my arm, then back up to me.

We both float together as I wrap my arms around his neck, my body molding to his. I will argue later why I did this - mostly reasons to do with him having to carry me out of here.

But right now, I just want to feel him.

I can't help it.

His black floating hair and piercing gaze underwater is a heady combination. The grip around my waist tightens, and I wrap my legs around his hips thanks to my ripped dress. Not sure what's happening, but something is.

My dark hair floats all around us as he holds me, his hands now grabbing my tighs. Finally, he turns his head and looks behind him, carrying me with him while he swims with one arm.

I can feel his muscles work.

I dig my head into his neck as he swims with powerful strokes. He exists the hole like it was a walk in the park, not the hurricane from hell. He does not go to the surface like I thought he would, but he keeps swimming. I told on tight, not sure how long Raine's abilities would be present in me. I open my eyes and see that we are swimming under the rooms at the palace. Lots of ramps leading up into apartments are visible with glowing blue lights.

I stare in awe.

Where is he taking me?

Then I realize where, as he swims up into my room.

Nice to know he knows where my room is.

We break the surface, and I take a large breath, looking around, confirming that this is my room. Still hooked to his shoulders, I also realize we are alone. Raine sets me on the ledge's entrance and stands between my thighs, water sloshing around us.

He is wet, water droplets running down his neck and face.

"Daphine," he breathes, his fire gaze roaming over my face. "I think we should talk."

I swallow, trying to ignore how hot he is. His powerful arms on either side of me, pinning me. "First, thank you for saving me."

I can feel his body heat, his slight breathing. Raine glances down then back up to me. "How long did you know you were engaged to Brayja?"

I shift, realizing my golden gown is hiked up around my waist. "Well, just for a little bit, but only just today he chose to marry me."

"Did he now?" Raine whispers.

I look away and nod.

His gaze is so intense it's hard to keep his stare without blushing. Raine tilts his head to gain my attention again. "Daphine. I'm still trying to piece together who you are. What's your real name? Because we both know it's not Daphine."

Shit.

I make a sound. "I'm sorry. What I told you in the dungeon was all fantasy; a friend of mine gave me this drug that I regret."

Raine laughs, and his gaze lowers to my breasts then back up. "I remember."

I shiver.

Raine is banned from laughing.

I repress a moan.

"Steven? Was your friend's name?"

I blush.

He was paying attention.

"Yes, I say."

"Thank him for me, will you?"

I don't say anything.

Raine's eyes lower again as if just realizing my dress has hiked up, revealing my ass. Now, I'm thanking my lucky stars it has. Thin underwear is all that stands in the way. I feel heat pool inside my body as I watch him expel a breath, jaw flexing.

"Thank Steven for letting me see the real you," he glances up at me. "Are you going to play coy with me, Daphine? I didn't get to be who I'm today without being able to read people."

I raise my chin. "Sorry Raine, baby. But, you can't prove anything."

He makes a sound.

Maybe he likes the pet name.

"I can," he says, pulling me slightly to him like he could not help it. "I might not be able to locate your music player or make Brayja believe that I got you off in two minutes in the pits of the dungeon. Or tell him that you're an agent from another planet. But, I can prove what you just did in the water."

I swallow, eyes narrowing.

"You should know that your people obsess over bloodlines. Brayja may under no circumstances marry a woman with tainted blood, nor would he want to," Raine tilts his head at me, his hands moving higher to cup my ass. Raine takes a breath as he rubs me into him. "Royal families are all alike, you should know this."

I stifle a moan when I feel him. "I'm n-not tainted."

I feel like I can't think.

What would it be like to have Raine make love to me?

Raine's lips graze my neck as he slightly grinds into me, rolling his hips masterfully. "I can. That talent you have is from nymphs."

"It's not," I hiss out, feeling hot all over my body.

Lies.

Did I just pick a talent that will screw me!?

But didn't Pierce pick that for me?!

"I think I know better than you, seeing how I'm from this planet," he whispers against my skin. "Valkyries do not have such powers. But, if you don't believe me, feel free to ask Brayja."

Fear washes over me through the desire.

"He will never believe you," I get out fast and try and kick Raine away from me. He catches my leg. "Go away."

"I want you to back out of the engagement from tainted blood," Raine says, eyeing me. "Not that I care about tainted blood, but I do care about the Gaya Empire alliance. I don't know who you are and I can't have the next Queen ruin everything. We are strong because of Gaya. Otherwise, my kind would be outnumbered."

"I'm no threat," I hiss back. Maybe the Gaya bank account but other than that, no. "I will not back down."

"I will break you then," he threatens.

I swallow. "I'm not scared."

Lies.

He smiles, and my pulse flutters. "I hope Brayja can tame the desire you have for me," his gaze lowers to my breasts and I feel hot all over. "I can sense how much you yearn for me, hear your rapid heartbeats, your rushed breaths. Honestly, it was hard to concentrate earlier." He tilts his head at me, licking his sensuous lips.

I can't breathe. "Not true."

He makes a sound. "Don't you want to see what it's like for me to devour you, every inch of you, not being in a dirty dungeon? I promise it's worth it, or, so I'm told."

I swallow and take a shaky breath. "You're arrogant," I say breathlessly. I need to get out of here.

I'm so in trouble.

Raine laughs. "Hardly, and you know that." He leans into me, his knuckle grazing over my hard nipple, making me suck in a breath. "Do you want to see what I can do with my tongue?"

YES!

"No," I pant.

I hate this game.

"I will give you a short time to end it with Brayja, or I will," he threatens in my ear. "Until then, think of me when you get yourself off, and I'm sure that will be quite frequent."

Steven was right.

Thetis would have been a safer bet.

He leans more into me, his hands gripping my thighs hard again. "I'm going to call you, Aora." I feel his breath on my neck.

A moan escapes my lips as his hands squeeze harder. "What does that mean? Should I be offended?"

"I don't think so, you might be used to it," he laughs into my neck and turns to leave, "It means, Little liar."