Chapter XXXVI

My hands trembled uncontrollably. I couldn't fathom why I confided in him, but there was an ache—an urgent need—for someone to hear my fears, to acknowledge the weight of the world closing in. Even if hope seemed elusive, I clung to the belief that he might offer solace. His eyes held concern, a flicker of understanding in the darkness. 

Eli's eyes bore into mine, their depths revealing secrets.

"Wear it, Oxyvi," Eli's voice was a whisper, yet it echoed through the cavernous chamber. "It will keep you safe." His gaze never wavered, and I felt the weight of centuries pressing down upon me. Something inside of me forcing me to not wear this. I cleared all the thoughts from my head and,

As the amulet settled against my skin, I felt a surge of energy and a sense of clarity. I knew that this was only the beginning of my journey, but I was determined to play my part in protecting the kingdom from this darkness that threatened to consume all of us.

The amulet settled against my skin, cool and alive. Its surface pulsed with energy, resonating with the ancient power that coursed through my veins. I closed my eyes, allowing the memories to flood my senses but nothing came, only the sudden urge to remove it from my skin. I tried to remove it, but it didn't budge, it burned against my skin the more I try to pull it away. I looked the cold gaze of Eli.

Eli's hand brushed my cheek, and I glimpsed the flicker of regret in his eyes. "Remember," he murmured, "the shadows have their own desires. Trust no one."

"What have you done to me?" I demanded. I coughed uncontrollably the necklace was choking me.

"Who are you, Oxyvi?" I heard Alec voice entered and he hissed and looked straight in my eyes. 

"What are you saying?" I hissed, my voice a blade honed by suspicion. Alec's gaze wavered, a flicker of guilt dancing across his features. But guilt for what? For leaving me vulnerable, or for harboring secrets darker than the castle's forgotten chambers?

The shadow—the insatiable phantom—loomed beyond the castle walls. It hungered for more than flesh; it craved the marrow of truth. And Alec, unwitting pawn or cunning conspirator, held a key. Yet, his betrayal was a riddle, a cipher etched in moonstone.

Alec felt not to reveal much to Oxyvi about the amulet purpose and left without uttering a word.

Eli trailed Alec's retreating figure; his footsteps muffled by the rugs. Oxyvi—the enigma he sought—eluded him like a wisp of moonlight. The choker necklace, its gem pulsing with secrets, weighed against her chest.

"Why the secrecy?" Eli wondered, frustration gnawing at his resolve. Alec's silence echoed through the dimly lit corridors, and the shadow—the insatiable phantom—watched, hungering for revelations.

.....

I was suffocated, it was constantly burning my skin but why? It's the same feeling I felt in my back. 

Come to the castle tonight.

I jumped out of my skin as i heard the familiar whisper in my head. 

"Who are you exactly? why you are after me?" I whispered, looking everywhere to find him. The shadow—the insatiable phantom—stirred, as if sensing her turmoil. It had no face, no heartbeat, yet it beckoned with promises of understanding.

"Whose essence I carry? Why you want to kill Alec" I demanded.

And so, I made choice. The living—fickle, flawed—could betray. But the shadow? It hungered for something, not betrayal. 

"Tell me or Leave me alone." I shouted at in the light dimly room. I heard him chuckle and from the corner of my eyes I saw dead roses scattered on the chair.

"Your bravery is fascinating, Oxyvee" He whispered against my neck and goosebumps erupted all over my body. I hesitated; he was in the same room as me and very close to me.

"Come to the castle tonight, Oxyvi."

"Why only in castle? why not here at this time?"

"Because this fucking amulet protecting you."

"Protecting me from wh...." I realized what he meant.

The room pulsed with tension, a symphony of shadows and moonlight. His breath—warm, intoxicating—brushed my skin like a whispered promise. The choker necklace, its midnight gem aflame against my throat, held secrets woven into its strands.

"Will you hurt me if I remove this?" My voice trembled, the question a fragile plea. He was no ordinary man; he bore the weight of centuries.

"I will cease the burning," he husked, his lips grazing my ear. His touch ignited trails of fire along my spine. But it wasn't pain—it was yearning, molten desire. The necklace, a conduit for ancient magic, bound us in a dance of fate.

And so, with trembling fingers, I grabbed the unclasped choker. The gem dimmed, its flames subsiding. But the burn—the sweet ache of destiny—remained. For in that stolen moment, I surrendered to the shadows, and love blazed brighter than any curse.

"Why?" I whispered, my voice a fragile echo. 

"What am I to you?" I dared ask, my heart a fragile thing. His lips met my skin, that felt of eternity. The necklace slipped from my hand, forgotten. The burn—the sweet ache—intensified, consuming reason.

"You," he whispered, "are the moon's reflection on water. The dream I've chased through centuries. The ember that defies time."

By the time I felt him gone I had remained breathless. 

Who is he? what am I to him? was he trying to lure me into the castle and bound me to him forever? was he going to torture me?