Chapter 104

Sylvia curtsied on seeing Israel walk into her apartment. She had stayed in, brooding since their last talk.

"Sylvia, how are you doing?"Isreal took a seat on the couch.

"I'm okay Milord."She answered.

"You told the head of maids you weren't."Israel haf asked of her from the head maid since he didn't see her thought-out his preparations for Karen and her company.

Sylvia muttered an apology.

"Have you remembered?"He asked. Sylvia gave a solemn nod.

"Then I have no choice" Israel said. "We have a big war tomorrow. The chosen one and her comrades have arrived. You need your memory because you would be at war tomorrow and you need to remember your fighting skill at least. I can't leave you here in he castle. It's not safe. "He stood up from his seat and moved closer to her. Sylvia froze in place, scared of what his next step would be. She stood up, her back against the wall.

"We still have some time. it's just noon. You will be awake before dawn, surely with your memory. I apologise if it hurts but I have to." He closed the distance between them.

Sylvia stammered. "Mi..Milord. you 're too close. What..."

"Shsh."He hushed her. Sylvia closed her eyes. She knew he was going to do something, she just prayed while awaiting his actions.

Isreal transformed into an angelic like creature. He grew out wings, his nails grew longer and fangs. In an instant, he sank his fangs into the vein of her neck. Sylvia passed out in his arms.

*

After so much thinking, Alistair decided to pay Ethan a visit. Knocking on his door, the feeling that she was just about to make a bad decision hit her and she craved to go back but her guts led on. She felt like she's been possessed by her sister.

Oh Katrienair, what did you do to me?!

 She walked in after being permitted. She saw Ethan at his study table, studying a set of maps. His face lit up on seeing her. He packed the maps away and got up to welcome her. He was surprised though. He never expected Alistair to visit his room, ever.

"Hey"He met her at the door with a huge smile on his face. That was a turn off for Alistair. He would have just sat there.

"It's strange that you're here."

"Should I leave?"She asked, while she sat on his couch. His room had his scent, blackcurrant cologne. It's the first time she cared about seeing him and it felt so surreal.

"No. C'mon. It's nice that you are here."He said. "I was just thinking of you."He brought the maps tytge couch. "I'm trying to locate some places on this map and it's pretty hard. I know you can help me out with it"

Alistair took the map, glanced through it and flinged it across the room.

"I didn't come here for that!"She spat. Ethan laughed. That only got her more irritated. Alistair calm down. She told herself.

"What did you come here for My lady?"Ethan asked playfully.

Shit, his mood! She suddenly regretted why she came.

"You're always joking."She walked to the door. "I'll be back when you are serious."

Ethan noticed her moves quickly enough to stop her in time. He got to the door and locked it. Alistair's back was slammed against it while he closed the distance between them.

Alistair gulped. It wasn't intentional but anytime she gets this close to him she feels the urge to run away or kick him in the butt. Maybe it's because of her past, maybe not.

He took a step closer.

"We are too close."Alistair warned.

Ethan narrowed his eyelids, she wished she could tell if that speaks anger or not. But does Ethan ever get angry? "Stop trying to get away from me. It's absurd."

"Stop coming too close. It's pretty awkward!"Alistair blurted out.

After a long moment of silence, Alistair released her breathe. 

"Let's keep some distance between us, please." She suggested, her eyes so warily looking at him.

Ethan took few steps back. She sighed.

"I want to talk to you about something. But..." She bit her lip. "It's hard. I don't know how you're gonna take it. Your face is just enough discouragement."

She paused. "I'm sorry if I'm..." She snorted.

Ethan took two steps closer, as a reflex.

"Stay away."Alistair warned.

" Fine. Talk. "He turned his back at her an walked to his window, his gaze fixed outside.

"You can't see my face now." 

"Yeah."Alistair studied her breathe for a moment. She needed to be calm and collected.

"Ethan I... My past, it still taunts me. I'm not usually this aggressive. I'm not harsh or stone hearted. Well if you think I am, I don't know. You know who I am. You know I was caged by the demons. I was a kid when Roger got me, during the war..." She felt like her knee would give in if she continued to speak. She sat on the ground, her back against the door. She felt numb, ready to accept whatever her fate would bring. She made up her mind she would not cry. There's no point. She closed her eyes as tight as she could.

"I was the only target. He wanted me to accept their mark. I didn't. I was raped."She paused to examine the atmosphere. "I was chained, raped by several men from Roger's Army. They all did it. Roger expected me to die by it. Well, I didn't. I wish..."She trailed off. She felt the warm of a Ethan's embrace. That moved her to tears. Her guts failed her. Eyes closed, tears streamed down her face.

"You don't have to do this Ethan. I am worthless. They all did it. I'm empty. It's..."

"Shsh"He placed his hands on her lip. "Enough. You are the best thing this world has, okay? And I'm so lucky to be loved by you. About your past, it's the past. I promise to take the pain away."

Alistair was dazed. All she could think of was how much she owed the long haired fairy prince whose face was just half an inch away from.

"I don't care about your past Alistair. Cause I love you."In an instant, she kissed him. An explosion of passion and pain, all in one.