Chapter Four

Aria's POV

I sat in my cell, I had lost all sense of time. Days blended together, and I had given up hope of ever seeing the light of day again. But every day, a young lady named Lyra would visit me, bringing me food and water. She was kind and gentle, with a warm smile that made me feel a little less alone.

I had grown to look forward to her visits, and today was no exception. She came to my cell, carrying a tray of food and a pitcher of water. But as she approached, I noticed something different about her. She seemed…nervous.

"Kael has instructed me to bring you to him for dinner."

she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

My heart skipped a beat as she unlocked my cell door and gestured for me to follow her. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to expect. But the young lady's kind eyes encouraged me to trust her, and I stepped out of my cell for the first time in days.

As we left the cell, Lyra led me to a set of stairs that wound their way up to the main floor of the castle. The stairs were narrow and steep, with stone walls that seemed to press in on us from either side. The air was musty and damp, and I could hear the sound of dripping water echoing off the walls.

Lyra went first, her shoes sounding softly on the stone steps as she climbed. I followed close behind, my heart pounding in my chest as I pondered my faith. Maybe he's had a change of heart and decided to let me go. The thought seemed too farfetched even for my optimistic self. The stairs seemed to go on forever, twisting and turning through the darkness like a labyrinth.

As we climbed, the air grew warmer and the smell of dampness gave way to the scent of wood smoke and cooking meat. I could hear the sound of voices and clanging pots coming from above, and my stomach growled with hunger.

Finally, we reached the top of the stairs and emerged into a bright, airy corridor. The floor was made of polished wood, and the walls were adorned with tapestries and paintings. The air was warm and welcoming, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I left the darkness of the stairs behind.

I was struck by the beauty of the castle.

But it was the light that really caught my attention. I had been in darkness for so long, and the sudden brightness was almost blinding. I squinted, covering my eyes with my hand as I followed her through the winding corridors.

Finally, we arrived at a wooden door, which Lyra pushed open with a gentle nudge.

As I stepped into the room, I was struck by the abundance of natural light pouring in through the large windows, illuminating the space with a warm, golden glow.

The room itself was spacious and elegantly decorated, with a high ceiling and walls adorned with intricate tapestries. The floor was made of polished wood, and a plush carpet in a soft, creamy color covered most of it. The furniture was ornate and beautifully crafted, with intricate carvings and delicate patterns etched into the wood.

A large, four-poster bed dominated one side of the room, its canopy draped with flowing curtains in a soft, silky fabric. The bed itself was covered in a thick, plush comforter, and a multitude of pillows in various shapes and sizes were arranged against the headboard.

Against one wall stood a beautifully crafted dresser, its surface adorned with delicate carvings and a large, ornate mirror. A nearby wardrobe was filled with a selection of elegant gowns and dresses, each one more beautiful than the last.

The room was filled with all manner of comforts and luxuries, from the soft, cushioned chairs to the delicate, porcelain vases filled with fresh flowers. A small, ornate table sat in one corner, laden with a selection of books.

As I looked around the room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and gratitude. After the bleak, barren cell, this room was a true haven.

Kael had given me this room, and I couldn't help but wonder why. Was it a genuine attempt to make me more comfortable, or was it just another tactic to manipulate me? I didn't know, but for now, I was just grateful to be out of the cell and in a place that felt like a little slice of heaven.

But what caught my attention was the window. It was a large, barred window that let in a flood of light. I walked over to the window, running my fingers over the cold metal bars. It was a reminder that I was still a prisoner, no matter how nicely I was being treated.

Lyra cleared her throat reminding me of her presence. "It's time to get ready for dinner," she said, smiling. "Kael expects you to look your best."

She led me to a small bathroom, where a warm bath was waiting for me. I sank into the water, feeling it wash away the dirt and grime of my imprisonment. Lyra helped me wash my hair, and then handed me a towel to dry off with.

As I emerged from the bathroom, Lyra was waiting with a beautiful dinner dress. It was a deep, rich blue, and it sparkled in the light. She helped me into the dress, fastening the buttons and adjusting the fit.

I looked at myself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the person staring back at me. The dress was elegant and sophisticated, rivaling anything I've ever worn.

Lyra smiled, satisfied with her handiwork. "You look beautiful," she said. "Kael will be pleased."

I bit back the snide remark that threatened to escape my lips. I didn't want to please Kael, didn't want to cater to his whims or desires. But I was afraid of being locked back in that cold, damp cell, afraid of being deprived of the small comforts that Lyra had provided for me.

So I kept my mouth shut, nodding instead as Lyra smiled and patted my arm "Let's get you to dinner, shall we?"

I followed her out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest. I had no idea what to expect, no idea what Kael planned or wanted from me.

We arrived at the dining room, and I was struck by its grandeur. The room was large and ornate, with a long, wooden table at its center.

I was immediately struck by the sight of Kael. He was seated at the head of the table, his features illuminated by the soft glow of the candles. I had seen him before, of course, but never like this. Never without the covers of darkness that had shrouded him in mystery.

I was starstruck as I gazed upon him in the light. He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. His beauty was captivating, mesmerizing, and I felt myself drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

His jawline was sharp, chiseled, and strong, giving him a rugged, masculine appearance that was both captivating and intimidating. A slight stubble covered his chin, adding a hint of roughness to his otherwise refined features.

But it was his eyes that truly took my breath away. They were piercing, dark onyx orbs that seemed to bore into my very soul. I had never seen eyes like them before, eyes that seemed to see right through me, to the very heart of who I was. They were hypnotic, drawing me in with an otherworldly allure that I couldn't resist.

And then there was his hair, as dark as the night itself, and looking so soft that I was tempted to reach out and touch it. It was a rich, luxurious black, with hints of deep blue and purple that seemed to shimmer in the light. I felt a sudden urge to run my fingers through its softness, to feel its texture and its gentle caress against my skin.

As I stood there, frozen in awe, Kael looked up and caught my gaze. For a moment, we just stared at each other, the air between us thick with tension. And then, slowly, he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he rose from his seat to greet me.

I felt my heart skip a beat as he approached me, his movements fluid and confident. He was a man who knew his own power, his own beauty, and he wasn't afraid to wield it. And as he drew closer, I felt myself becoming lost in the depths of his eyes, drowning in the darkness that seemed to surround him like an aura.

"Welcome, princess," he said, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine. "I'm glad you could join me for dinner."

I nodded, still feeling a little dazed and lighthead.

Lyra pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down, trying to compose myself. Kael smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm glad you could join me." he said, his voice low and smooth.

I raised an eyebrow, my tone snide. "I wasn't aware I had a choice," I replied, all the butterflies in my stomach disappearing in an instant.

Kael chuckled, a low, husky sound that sent a shiver down my spine.

The dinner was a strained affair, filled with loud silence and unspoken words. The only sound was the clinking of silverware against fine china, and the occasional soft murmur of Lyra and another lady as they refilled our glasses or cleared the table.

The food was a lavish spread, with dishes that seemed to be chosen for their opulence and extravagance rather than their flavor or nutritional value. We started with a creamy soup made from the finest mushrooms, served in delicate, gemstone-encrusted bowls. The soup was rich and velvety, with a deep, earthy flavor that was both comforting and overwhelming.

Next, we moved on to a salad of exotic greens, topped with succulent, pan-seared scallops and a tangy, citrus-based dressing. The scallops were cooked to perfection, with a tender, flaky texture that simply melted in my mouth. The greens were fresh and crisp, with a subtle bitterness that was balanced by the sweetness of the scallops and the dressing.

As we ate, the silence between us grew thicker and more oppressive, until it seemed to be a living, breathing thing that pulsed with its own rhythm and energy. I could feel Kael's eyes on me, boring into my skin like cold, dark drills, and I knew that he was waiting for me to speak, to break the silence and shatter the tension that had built up between us.

Finally, we both spoke at the same time, our words tumbling out in a rush of sound that was both awkward and relieving. "I…" we both said, before stopping and looking at each other in surprise.

Kael smiled, a small, wry smile that seemed to acknowledge the absurdity of the situation. "You go first," he said, his voice low and smooth, like honey poured over rough stone.

But I shook my head, feeling a surge of stubbornness and defiance. "No, you should go first," I said, my voice firm and resolute. "You're the one who's been keeping me prisoner, after all. I think it's only fair that you should speak first."

Kael raised an eyebrow, his expression amused and intrigued. "Very well," he said, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers together. "I shall go first, then. But be warned, you may not like what you hear"