• Theme: Love
    For now, that is enough

    Rain. I lifted my face to meet the sky, feeling the heavy raindrops slowly sliding off my face; mingling with my tears. “What am I doing here?” I whispered out loud. But nothing answered me. Only my voice, filled with pain and terror echoed off the walls of the alley. I turned my head back. There was no one there to help me. I cried out in pain as I tripped over a big stone and landed hard on the rough ground. I crawled to one of the alley’s cold walls and sat there, hugging my knees, shivering in the cold rain. My once clean gown was soaked through with icy cold water.
    “Alyssa? Is that you?” the voice asked. I froze. I slowly looked up, not daring to believe it. I slowly rose up. Then I did believe it. I gave a cry of utter relief as I ran hard and fast, my matted red hair trailing behind me as I flung myself into Ben’s arms. “Ben, you’re here. Oh Ben!” I cried, sobs raking from my tired body. His arms circled me, holding me tight against him. I stayed there, my head resting on his shoulders. I finally pulled away and gazed up at him. In turn, he studied me, his eyes lingering on the purple bruises on my left arm. I turned away, ashamed. I felt his eyes on me.
    “What happened?” asked Ben softly. I couldn’t answer.
    Not to him.
    He pulled me back into his arms and I leaned into him, closing my eyes, rain dripping from my tangled hair. Ben lifted me up gently and carried me out of the dark alley and into a waiting carriage. He set me down on the velvet seats and spoke to the driver. In a few minutes, I felt the wheels moving. Ben sat next to me and pulled a strand of my wet hair away from my face. He pulled his cloak off his back and placed it around my shoulders. “Are you going to tell me what happened?” he whispered, his tone soft and gentle. I turned away and looked out of the window, watching the rain beating against the window recklessly. Then after a long pause, I turned back to him.

    “Hurry up Alyssa!” yelled a young girl, her blonde curls swishing in annoyance. I rolled my eyes and brought the frilly pink dress to her. “Here you go Aysha,” I forced myself to sound polite. Aysha sniffed and grabbed the dress. “Out!” she commanded. I exited her room. Since when did I have to take care of my bratty little step- sister? Then suddenly, a dark figure swept towards me and I curtsied.
    “Father,” I greeted him warmly. “How well do you fare today?”
    My father smiled at me and gave me a hug.
    “Darling daughter, I and Marylin have found another suitor for you.”
    I tried my best to suppress a groan but I don’t think it worked since the king frowned.
    “Alyssa.” His voice was stern. “I want you to be married and live a happy life.”
    I trembled.
    “You know the law. You must be married within 5 months or else the kingdom will crumble into ruin.”
    I glared at him.
    “Father. You KNOW that I love Ben! Why can’t you just accept him?”
    The king looked sad.
    “I want you to be happy but... I cannot let you produce an heir if the father is a mage.”
    I scowled. “Then what am I? A duck?”
    He chuckled. “You’re a very cute duck.”
    I turned away from him and glanced out of the window.
    “Just because you don’t want me to end up like mother.”
    My father put a hand on my shoulder.
    “Alyssa, that is exactly right. I lost your mother. I will not lose another member of my family… if Dragnoth knew that you were the daughter of Synthea, he will…”
    Tears prickled my eyes and I pulled away and ran to my room.

    I know what Dragnoth would do.
    He would kill me and take my powers for his own.
    I have to get away.
    I have to run.

    I flicked my hands towards my bags and used magic to put as much clothes, food and money as I could into the bag. I flung open my door and was about to run through the gate but suddenly, a black mist swarmed within the gardens. I froze.

    A handsome, gorgeous, beyond gorgeous man was standing there, his hair and eyes black as night and his lips ruby red. His face was pale, sculptured and his hair was swept onto his forehead. His body was slender, yet it held a commanding posture to it and it was just oh so huggable. He was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen.

    “Why hello my dear,” Dragnoth whispered. I backed away a step. “What is your name?”
    I didn’t answer.
    He sighed. “Princess, if you refuse to answer, I’m afraid that you’ll find your worthless father in pieces.”
    I scowled. How could I ever find this pig attractive?
    “It’s Alyssa isn’t it?”
    “If you know the answer, why bother asking me Damien?” I retorted, using his true name. I saw a smile form on his face.
    “My, my Ali... 6 years and you haven’t changed.”
    I snorted.
    “Well, with idiots like you popping up when you’re not invited, it’s not my fault that I still act like a cow.”
    Damien slowly advanced towards me, chuckling in amusement. I stood my ground, trying not to be afraid. “I remember a promise that you made me.” He murmured, standing in front of me. I stiffened. He smiled.
    “You have become beautiful Alyssa… just like your mother.”
    I glanced up, fire ranging through my body.
    “Pity you don’t have her powers... it would have been much more appropriate. Ah well…time to die.”
    I slowly looked up at him, smiling. I watched his eyes falter just for a minute.
    “What makes you think I don’t?” I whispered.
    Fire raked through the air, entwining around Damien. He stood still but started laughing.
    “So you do.” He flicked his fingers and the fire dispersed. “But you’re going to have to do better than that.”
    I closed my eyes and teleported.

    I sighed as I finished my story. The carriage drew to a halt in front of his house. Ben looked at me, his eyes sad. “I never knew…” he said softly. He led me out and stopped in front of the door, fumbling for his keys. I shivered as I thought of the palace door, dreading what would happen. Ben pulled me towards him and held me tight. “You have to trust me Alyssa,” he whispered. “You must go back.” I swallowed. “I’m scared Ben. I’m scared that something will happen to me. What if Dragnoth tries to steal me again? What if he tries to…?”
    I couldn’t say it. I lowered my head and my red hair hung lank around my shoulders. Ben was silent. I swallowed again.
    I wish I could kiss him.
    Ben gasped. “I-I-I cannot.” He stuttered.
    My eyes widened.
    Did I just say that out loud?
    He chuckled and curled his fingers around mine. “You forget that I can read your thoughts.” I looked up. Green eyes met grey.
    I pressed my lips gently to his.
    In such a time as this, in such a place as this, everything becomes right.
    However, why can’t I get rid of Damien’s face in my mind?