Chapter 20 - Name (2)

If one colour could represent chaos, mauve would unanimously be chosen. Believed as the colour of devils and thus represent destruction among every creature. Hybrids' only weakness is a plant called Aivn, light violet with alluring scent that could drive hybrids mad, turning them into a parasite instead of living creatures.

Werewolves believe dark violet represents death, because when years ago the night sky turned into this particular colour, thousands of werewolves suffered and died. Vampires had always thought mauve as a bad omen, able to create bad luck to those who possessed that colour.

Witches had once tried to concocted an immortal potion with mauve rose, but in turn led to thousands of its death. Fairy and Nymph alike, will stay far away from violet, because one of the deadly spells has violet dust coming out of it.

Thus the reason why Artha has been feared since his birth. Not a single creature has the courage to talk bad about him, he will be titled the Crown Prince. However, ever since the news of him killing a creature when he turned fifteen spread around, everyone started to believe the Crown Prince will bring disaster to every kind once he took a seat upon the throne.

It's him.

He is the cause of everything.

Those sentences had imprinted inside his mind for four years, haunting his dreams and causing him to lose everything he once believed. 

Then why?

Why did this girl manage to stare up at him, eyes crystal clear and tracing his soul brimming with sincere and certain.

Why couldn't he trace disgust or fear within those orbs?

Though the most bizarre thing of all would be the question she uttered. Part of him wanted to believe the girl is truly clueless to his existence, but a greater part of him doubts her innocence.

Throughout his life, many would try to flatter him, but he could easily pinpoint their intention and he was able to discern each of their ambitions. Mostly they would want something from him.

A greater part of him.

But those eyes hold sincere and expectation he had never witnessed before.

Just like the beat of his heart that he never felt before.

Artha turned his head, feeling heat crept up his neck, he never felt this way, this feeling of… shy, this pure feeling of wanting to hide though it was not a repulsive kind of feeling. The girl in front of him tilts her head, wanting a better glance of him, so he turned his head and stared at her light brown orbs, wanting to see once again the sincere gaze she managed to pour with ease. 

And yet again, the first time he ever witnessed.

"It's Artha."

He said with solemn lacing through his lips, determined to hide his full name. Afraid once he uttered his title and power, she would cower away and become scared, those precious eyes will be filled with fear. 

Raiene was flabbergasted.

His gaze seems to hold thousands of emotions, but upon closer look it disappeared without trace. She finds it bizarre for once in her life to feel these little tickles tracing her spine when he whispered his name with solemnity. Nodding her head, Raiene turned her vision somewhere else, trying to dismiss the sound of her heart, but still could feel his gaze on her.

"Your name."

Feeling his breath close to her neck, she shivers in shock. It sounds like a command instead of a question. Deep authority laced through his words, strangely it didn't bother her a bit.

Raiene turned around, his mauve orbs flickering with something she can't decipher. Gulping, Raiene was about to open her mouth when Ruby's voice rammed her head in full force.

Don't state your real name. You're a witch now. Your existence within Qye would draw suspicion. Stay away from any creature. It will be troublesome to explain to them once the fourth day arrives!

Raiene turned her head, feeling the ache that started to come, she started biting her lips in confusion.

Ruby told her to stay away from any creature within these four days, but this unexpected encounter with a Qye's guard somehow created an incredulous form of relationship. She was never the type to stay away from anyone because of petty reasons, she was usually the one being left behind.

I will have to leave by the end of the week, I'll forget him anyway, we're not going to meet next time after all.

Trying to convince herself, she takes a deep breath and faces Artha.

His name is really nice.

Wait, what?

"My name is Ra-"

Don't state your real name.

"-en?"

She was aware of the hesitation lacing through her teeth, her eyebrow pulled up and she felt sweat trickling down her face. However, Raiene was sure to show him a crooked awkward smile.

A little bit afraid Artha wouldn't believe her and demand an honest explanation out of her, just like the last time when he forced her to blabber everything out. Raiene stretched out her hand, feeling regret washing over her for fooling this innocent guard, but she has reasons for this.

Any creature would agree with her if they are put in the same position as her. She is a human. Trying to adapt with abilities that are inhuman, within crowds of creatures that either hunt or despise humans. So yeah, fooling other creatures into believing that she is something else is actually kinda acceptable.

But why do I feel guilty?

A warm hand engulfed her small cold one, warmth slowly taking over Raiene's body, feeling it strange yet pleasant, this is not the first time Raiene came in contact with the opposite gender before. However, this is definitely the first time Raiene felt this way. This feeling of… embarrassed, her cheeks turned slightly red from the contact, she wanted to let go of his hand but his grip became tighter.

"Weird name."

Raiene raised her head and came in contact with his eyes. Facing him with an annoyed look, she can't disagree with his statement knowing the fact that what he said is slightly true.

Her face scrunched up in annoyance as loud breath came out of her nose, clearly bothered. For once, Raiene had caught a glimpse of him smirking at her just now, but that was probably an illusion.

Raiene huffed and strolled away from him. She decided to enjoy the scenery and breathe in the fresh scent of flowers and herbs, instead of acknowledging his presence. Gradually feeling better, she started looking around and traced the flowers with her fingers, some she found quite familiar with while a few felt strange and new.

Her mind wandered off to the time before she left Ruby's cottage this morning. She had wanted to sneak with Alin before, but Ruby forbade her. The redhead was worried that Raiene would get lost, so she had then promised Raiene that Ruby would accompany her to visit Qye's market tomorrow morning.

To be honest, she wanted to visit the market during the night. Ruby had once stated about the wonderful crowd of Qye's Night Market, the palpable colourful atmosphere and how words simply can't describe it.

Raiene wasn't particularly interested in visiting Qye's market in the morning. However, she can't demand such a request when she wasn't even wearing an Errian ring, knowing well the person who made this trip possible is currently still occupied with repairing her ring. She could only agree with Ruby's arrangement.

"It would be nice to venture Qye's market," Raiene whispered without thinking much.

"I can take you there," a cold voice said.

Raiene answered absentmindedly, "yeah, sure."

However, she turned her head upon understanding the sentence, eyes glowing with anticipation though it only lasts for seconds. She bit her lips as doubt graced her face.

The sentence that he managed to utter without slight hesitation had managed to make her expectation rise beyond the sky, but the fear of going against Ruby's instruction had also consumed her greatly. Raiene steps a little bit closer to him, eyes tracing his face for uncertainty, but cold and hard stares are the only thing she could find.

"You sure?" she managed to ask him after hesitating for a while.

Artha stares back at the girl before him, the question she uttered remains unanswered as he starts to slowly take a step, decreasing the distance between the two.

He never felt this urge of wanting to please another creature, this greater part of him wanted nothing but the breathtaking smile etched on her lips or her eyes lit up like the stars.

This was the first for him, those eyes and everything of hers, staring at him without nothing but a smile. This was the first and he wants to cherish it.

There will be a day, Artha. When someone will value you as a worthy creature. Worthy of love.

Artha grunted and dismissed that voice. He wouldn't let those voices haunt him this time, not when he is trying to please this girl. A witch who shouldn't be associated with a Suttern like him.

But I didn't care.

Not anymore.

Raiene was about to question him when she could hear a slight grunt emitted from his lips, his face showed a little discomfort that tugs a little at her heart.

All of a sudden, a flutter of feathery wings emerges from his back, it flutters away a few gusts of wind before settling. The colour is as dark as the night, contrasting with his silver hair and slightly pale features. His eyes emit a glow that causes Raiene to gasp from witnessing the sight.

She stares in awe, taking in the reality that unfolds before her. His mauve orbs staring deep and for once Raiene couldn't hear the palpitating sound of her heartbeat quickens within seconds.

"I'll take you there."