Still own nothing, here's the next chapter.

Chapter 10

Isabella POV

After that I met with Phineas every night, I found myself looking forward to these meetings more than anything else. I hardly cared that I wasn't getting any sleep, I had never been more happy. Each night he showed me something new, astonishing me with each new discovery.

I had never known that so many magical creatures lived right outside my door. I had never known the world my father had tried so hard to destroy. What harm could a fairy be to him or even a peaceful water nymph? They didn't seem to want to fight anyone I can't see how my father could have been threatened by them.

I wondered about this as I got myself ready for another midnight rendezvous. I no longer viewed my meetings with Phineas as a scandal. He was my friend and I wanted to spend time with him. Blood status was a useless law that I once believed in, before I met Phineas.

A law that my father abided by, a law my father lived for. I bit my lip. He was also the man who tried to kill off millions of creatures for a reason I had yet to figure out. I had been quite young when he died, much to young to remember much about his person. I had been told enough stories however that it was almost like I knew him.

Seeing what he has done from another point of view makes what he did seem inhumane and pure evil. I had never viewed him like that before, was I betraying his memory by thinking differently? I banished the thought and wrapped my thick black cloak over my head and tied the bronze medallion holding it in place. I would think of this later, I had a visit to make. I grabbed a candle this time, already lit. The wax was already beginning to drip, but the candle was tall it would last a few good hours.

With light steps I made my way down careful to avoid the corridors where servants would be present. Once again I didn't run into any other humans as I made my way out into the courtyard. The moon hung high above me almost giving me a direct spotlight in my supposedly scandalous events.

Without any regrets I slipped inside the forest, it didn't take long to find him. In the dark even his hair was always the brightest object in the room. He sat on a fallen log carving a piece of wood. He didn't even notice that I had entered.

With a smile I went to go sit next to him on the log. 'What are you making?'

He jumped about a mile in the air. I giggled.

'When did you get here?'

'A few seconds ago why?'

'No reason, you just scared me out of skin that is all, princess.'

I laughed. 'Fine I'll repeat my question, what are you making?'

'A gift for my sister, her birthday is coming up soon and she deserves a nice gift same as anyone else. '

I nodded. He handed the trinket to me and my eyes grazed over the tiny object with fascination. It was a model of one of the fairies- beautifully done. I could tell that she was not quite finished yet, the wings were not in full detail- yet. Everything else was perfect, her slender body and wisp of hair. Her eyes were most impressive, since they were so tiny and yet in such great detail.

'She's beautiful. 'I said. I set the candle down on the ground next to me making sure it would not fall over to examine the object more.

'It is her, that's Candace.'

The connection clicked inside my head and I nodded. It looked exactly like her, exquisite.

'She will love it, I can tell.'

Phineas smiled. The look he gave me made my heart flutter.

'Good then, are you ready to see the water nymphs again? They seem overly excited today.'

I nodded, I liked the nymphs more than the fairies even. The way they swam across the water like they were a part of it...it was just so beautiful.

I placed my hand in his when he offered it and he led me to the river. I picked up my candle to bring it with him and he shook his head.

'Why?'

'Unless you want fire nymphs then I suggest putting out the candle.' He shivered at the thought.

'But how would we find our way back?'

'Don't worry, I know this forest better than the back of my hand.' I saw him place the trinket into his pocket as he said this.

I grumbled in protest but blew on the candle until the little flame blew out. 'Happy?' I asked my voice trimmed with sarcasm.

He nodded and took the candle from me and set it next to the decaying log. 'We will find our way back to it.' He explained. I didn't bother arguing.

Hiking up my skirts I raced with the boy through the branches of the trees, trusting him to lead me through the maze. Thankfully he did seem to know this land like the back of his hand.

I heard the light swish of the river before we even reached it. An unstoppable grin broke free on my face. The river was a bit large to call a river but it was not a lake so I did not know what else to call it.

A stone bridge was built over top of the wide river. I saw this first when we approached. Phineas led me to the bridge and gestured for me to kneel so I did. I smiled as I watched them: the water nymphs swam across the water as if they were a part of the current themselves.

I admired their peacefulness. I envied it also.

Phineas knelt next to me so close that our shoulders were touching. I found that I did not cringe away, his warmth was by all means welcome. It sent comfortable tingles up my spine and excited me as easily as the water nymphs were at the moment.

One nymph hopped in the air and twirled in place before diving back with her friends. I had never seen them this excited, I wonder what was different. Their bodies glowed with their excitement, the light reflected back at us, I peeked over at Phineas. The blue light reflected off his bright red hair in the most enchanting way almost making him appear like an elf or some even more powerful being. Though most importantly he looked handsome…so very handsome.

A blush soon covered my cheeks. I should not be thinking this way about him! He is just a friend.

But a little voice in my head had to voice her opinion. You are lying and you know it.

Unfortunately the annoying voice was right. Phineas was so much more than just a friend to me. The boy in question turned to smile at me, this made my heart melt.

'Aren't they beautiful?' I said with a smile referring to the nymphs.

'Yes, you are.' Phineas sighed. But once he realized what he had said, his face turned a red that oddly matched his hair perfectly.

I felt my cheeks redden at his compliment. I could not think of anything clever to say.

Phineas's hand grazed over mine and then took hold. His rough calloused hands felt strange on my more smooth ones. I liked it.

Before I could even react he had stood me up. I didn't object. He took my other hand and pulled me closer. I still did not object. He sighed and leaned in close to me.

He whispered. 'Isabella, do you even know how beautiful you are even without your mask?' Phineas pushed down my hood and braided his fingers through my long black locks. I still did not object.

He leaned in close to me, his lips a painfully far distance away despite it only being a few inches. I could hear and feel his deep breathing as he tried to muster up the courage. Impatient I pulled him closer and mashed our lips together. He did not object.

It was not like anything I had ever experienced before. His lips moved so perfectly with mine, as if we were meant to be together meant to be like this. His hands traveled up my back pulling me as close to him as possible. His fingers tangled themselves in my hair.

All around us the glow from the nymphs brightened, enlightening our tight embrace. The nymphs seemed to approve, I swear looking back on this beautiful moment I heard them cheering.

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