Forbidden Love

by UnknownEntity0

(Flash): "Astral." A soft and gentle voice called out. "Who's there?" I said glancing around the darkness. "Did you forget me?" She asks as her voice quivered as if she was about to cry. "Who are you?" I repeated once more to the darkness in an annoyed tone of voice. She took a shaky breath. "I'm..." (Flash) I snapped my eyes open and clutched my forehead. Who is she?

40. 40

Astral's POV:

So warm… I leaned closer to the heat source, clinging into it like my life depends on it. Thank goodness for this heat source or else, I think that I would have frozen. I slowly open my eyes as I found myself face to face with Lily, hugging her close to my body as we were both… Wait, what happened yesterday?

My eyes widen. I got bitten by a venomous snake! Then how did I… I blinked and stared at her as I cupped her face gently. How is it that I can see?

So, wait… am I cured? I thought as a dizzy spell passed through me, making me clutch my head in pain. Nope… at least, I don't think so… I slowly got off the bed, shaking my head as I stumbled. I feel so drained. I looked at her, sleeping peacefully as our clothes are in a neat pile besides the bed. I blinked. Just what happened after I passed out last night?

I placed the clothes in the hamper as I tried to walk over towards my closet but my legs gave out as I slumped on the ground, breathing heavily. Do I not have the energy to walk? Looks like I have to use my powers then. I used my powers to put new clothes on my body as I also did the same for my love. Having powers sure are handy.

I slowly walked over towards her, leaned down and kissed her on her forehead. I smiled. She sure is stunning.

(Knock)(Knock)

Who is knocking this early in the morning? I held onto the wall as I walked towards the door, opening it to reveal my parents.

Their eyes widen. "A-Astral-"

"Shh!" I looked back at her, stirring in her sleep as I gently closed the door to my bedroom.

I don't want to wake her while she's resting. "Mother, father, good morning." I greeted them as they pulled me into a hug. Huh?

"You're awake!" My mother exclaimed happily as she held me by the shoulders.

I smiled. "Yes I am."

"But how?" My father asks in disbelief.

I shrugged. Beats me. "I don't know."

All of a sudden, my vision starts to get blurry as another dizzy wave coursed through my being, making me hold onto the wall to prevent falling. How am I awake when the venom isn't out of my system?

"Woah, careful!" My father said as he and my mother guided me towards a chair. Don't pass out…

"Even though you are awake," She said. "You still look pale."

"I will alert the doctor to administer the antivenin." He said, flying off.

"Are you feeling okay?" My mother asks in concern as I looked up at her.

I nod. "I'm fine. Just a little dizzy and weak but overall, fine." I responded as she sighs in relief. "I'm curious, what happened after I passed out?"

"Well, the doctor came." She started. "You were cold so we tried to warm you up with blankets as Lily rubbed your hands nonstop."

"Cold?"

She nods. "Yup, you were shivering and your body temperature was decreasing at a rapid rate." No wonder… My eyes widen. So is that why… she was sharing her body heat to warm me up.

"Your Highness," He said in shock as he flew up to me. "How is it that you're awake?"

"I don't know." I responded. It's weird to say the least.

"Is the antivenin ready?" My mother ask as he took out an IV needle and a bottle of antivenin. Needle? Please don't be what I think it is.

My eyes darted from the needle to the bottle, my heart racing, sweat dripping from my face, labored breathing. "W-What are you going to do with that needle?" I stammered put in a quiet voice as they all looked at me in concern.

"Your Highness, I'm going to inject the medicine into your bloodstream."

I gripped the handles of the chair as I clench my jaw. It's just a needle. Just a needle. Just an ordinary little needle used for injection…

(Pulse)

I clutched my throbbing head while wincing.

(Flash):

"Don't bring that that near me!"

(Flash):

…A figure being whipped while being tied to a cross…

(Flash):

… A girl laying on a table, screaming…

(Flash):

… Smell of blood everywhere…"

(Flash):

… A little girl smiling as she took the little boy's hand…

(Flash):

"My name is Starlight."

(Flash)

My heart accelerated as the needle came closer to my arm. No. No.

"Astral," My mother said as she held me to the chair. "I know that you don't like needles but you have to hold still," She said softly as the needle came closer. No. No. No.

I shook my head rapidly as I tried to get out of their hold. "Let go of me." I said quietly, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Sorry son but this is for your own good." My father said as they tightened their hold on my arm.

No no no no no no! "Don't you dare bring that demented thing near me!" I yelled as I thrashed around in the chair, pulling my arm from them as I started to back away. I need to get out of here. I need to escape!

A dizzy spell passed through me once again, making me stumble, clutching my head with agony.

(Flash):

"Millenia, wait for me!" I shouted as I ran after her in a flower field.

(Flash):

… A monstrous looking man with coming into a dark room and smiling gleefully while holding a needle…

(Flash):

… The boy and girl shivering in the fear while rocking themselves…

(Flash):

"I am Astral." I introduced to the silver haired girl while shaking her hand in a dark room.

(Flash)

What is that?

"Astral-"

I looked up and focused my gaze at the needle. "Don't you dare bring that thing near me!" I exclaimed while backing away from the three of them in fear.

"Astral?" I turned around to see everyone else, standing there with a confused expression.

"Thank goodness that you are here." I said in relief as I pushed them in front of me to act as a shield. "Save me from that demented thing!"

"What do you mean?" Derek asks in confusion.

"That!" I pointed as everyone looked at the needle in his hands.

"Are you also afraid of needles?" Lilith said as she also backed away from the needle.

I nodded. "Ever since I was 8, I somehow developed a fear of needles."

"And do you remember the root cause of it?"

I blinked as I pondered her words. Well… "No. All I know is that I'm afraid of needles." I said, still backing away.

All of my friends and my lover went to the other side of the room as well as Lilith. You traitors!

"I'm sorry but this is for your own good." My sister said.

They came closer as I backed myself towards a wall. Uh-oh.

"Stop!" I said raising my arms in front of my face defensively.

My father sighs. "Astral-"

"Father, mother, you know that I fear tiny needles. So why are you-"

"This is for your own good."

"The venom is still in your body. If it doesn't receive the antivenin soon then-"

"I feel fine." I said, in hopes of not getting the antivenin. Isn't there any other way to administer the antivenin?

Why must it be this way? "I-"

(Pulse)

"Argh!" I clutched my head and shut my eyes in pain.

(Flash):

"Time for your beating, little Prince!" A monstrous looking man said while holding a whip.

(Flash):

"Why are you here?" A white haired girl asks as we sat in the dark cell.

"I was kidnapped."

(Flash):

"Why?" An 18 year old girl asks.

"I'm sorry, Millenia." A guy that looks exactly like me said as he stabbed her with a sword in her chest.

(Flash)

I felt a needle in my arm for a quick second. "Get that thing away from me!" I exclaimed with my voice rising a bit.

He took the needle out and left while I stood there thinking. Just what happened when I was a kid? Beatings? Kidnaps? Whip? Injections?

…

…

…

…

"Astral?" Lily called out with concern as she looked at me.

I walked over slowly and sat down on the chair. Why do I feel so guilty? Just what happened in the past? Why does that guy look like me? Who is this Millenia person? Why did I stab her with a sword? Did I meet Starlight when we were little? Where was that place?

"Millenia…" I pondered out loud. What was my relationship with her?

"Mother," I ask, looking at her.

"Yes?"

"Do I know a woman named Millenia?"

She furrowed her brows in confusion. "I don't think so…"

"Even if you do know her, you never mentioned her to any of us." My father said looking at the rest of them as they nodded.

I looked down. "Millenia…" If she was in my memories then I definitely know her but why did I stab her?

"Father," Serenity came up to me looking concern. "Are you okay?"

I smiled. "I'm fine."

I looked at Lilith as I stood up and walked closer towards her. "What are you-"

I narrowed my eyes as I looked at her carefully. She appeared in my memories as well.

(Flash):

"I am Astral." I introduced to the silver haired girl while shaking her hand in a dark room.

(Flash)

I leaned closer towards her as she backed away from me slowly. "Brother?" She ask in uncertainty.

"Have I… met you before?" I said after a moment of silence.

She blinked. "You saved me, remember?" Yes but I wasn't talking about that.

I walked closer as she backed towards a table. "No," I shook my head slowly. "I definitely have met you before."

She tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

I leaned closer to her as she arched her back against the table. "Have we ever met when we were around the age of 8?"

She clutched her head while wincing and shutting her eyes tightly.

After a moment, she opens them in shock and placed a hand on my cheek. "Y-You're alive?" Looks like she remembers.

I smiled. "It's been a while since we saw each other, Lilith."

We both smiled as we hugged. "That day… I thought you were dead." She said, hugging my neck while I patted her on the shoulders.

"I'm sorry that I didn't come back to save you." I whispered. "I-"

"Don't apologize, Astral, you were only 8 at that time."

I hugged her even closer. "Thank goodness that you're still alive!" I exclaimed with great relief.

We broke the hug as the others stared at us with confusion. "Astral?" Maria asks in confusion as she stared at us. "What do you mean by Lilith?" Ohhhhh… I called her by… I looked at her as she nods.

I sigh as I looked at my parents. "Is there something you two are hiding from me?"

"Why would you assume that?"

I narrowed my eyes at them as they flinch from my harsh gaze. "Tell me the truth, what happened when I was 8?"

"Nothing happened." My mother said, looking at me. This isn't working… I need to get someone to tell me the truth of what happened…!

My eyes widen as a smile appeared on my face. I walked towards Lily. She will tell me the truth right?

"My love," I said, leaning closer towards her as I could see a blush forming on her cheeks.

"What is it?" She said getting flustered at our close proximity. This is going to be easy.

I grabbed her waist and pulled her closer as I could hear her heart beating rapidly. "Tell me the truth, did something happen to me when I was around the age of 8?"

"Um… you were…" She trailed off looking at my parents. Seriously, what won't my parents tell me what happened?

I placed a hand on her cheek to make focus on me again. "Tell me," I whispered as I leaned closer to her.

"You were kidnapped." She said quickly as they all groaned. I blinked as I removed my hands from her and glared at them. Something this important yet they keep it all to themselves? How could they?

I exhaled deeply. "You all knew about this right?"

They gulped. "Astral," My mother said nervously looking at me. "It wasn't our intention to keep this from you."

"Then what was your intention then?" I ask calmly as sat down on one of the chairs. "You all kept this very important thing from me."

I turned my gaze onto my friends as my sister and Estella went to my side along with my love and Lilith. Crystal and Estella probably doesn't know about this. Lily on the other hand… I stared at her as she bit her lip. Well, I guess I can't blame her because she was only 8 at that time…

I snapped my gaze towards my parents. "You two better have a good explanation why you hid this from me." I said coldly as they winced.

"Astral," My father started. "When we found you, you were unconscious."

"When you woke up, you had absolutely no memory of what happened." My mother said. So, I forgot about the kidnapping?

"We thought that it was for the best if you didn't know that ever happened." She continued.

I stayed quiet. They didn't want me to remember the kidnapping ever took place… I guess that makes sense considering how protective they are. "So umm…" My mother asks as I looked at her. "If you are asking, does this mean you remember what happened?"

I nod. "Yes, I remember what happened."

"The Barians kidnapped and tortured me." I said as their eyes widen. "That was where I met Starlight."

She nods. "That was where I met Astral as well."

They all nod. "But why did you call Star by Lilith?" Estella asks.

I looked at Lilith. "Do you want to tell them?"

She sighs. "The truth will come out sooner or later." That's a yes.

"Have you ever heard of Multiple Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder?" I started out as blank expressions appeared on everyone's faces. That's a no.

"DID is a disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states." I explained in hopes of some recognition.

"Astral," Zach said. "Can you explain it in simple terms so that we can all understand?"

I nod. "To put it in simple terms, the person standing next to me right now, is Lilith." I said, gesturing to her as confused expressions appeared once again on their faces.

"Umm…" Brandon said, trailing off.

Looks like an even simpler explanation is needed. "A person with dissociative identity disorder (DID) often has a 'main personality'. This 'main personality' is the Starlight that we all know."

"By no means am I saying that Lilith is a side personality." I shot an apologetic look towards her as she smiled.

"I'm just saying that a person with DID has more than one personalities in them."

They stayed silent, processing my words. "So…" Crystal trailed off.

"This is Lilith?" Maria asks looking at her as she nods.

"Correct."

"How?" Derek asks.

I looked at her. I'm wondering that as well. "Ever since I was little, she had DID. I don't know how but I'm apart of her." Oh. So this condition is from birth.

"Lily, Astral," My mother said, looking at us. "You two knew about this?"

We nodded. "And you didn't even think to share this with us?" My father ask in disbelief. I was going to tell them sooner or later…

"I was going to tell you all sooner or later but-"

"I made him promise not to tell others." She interrupted me as we stared at her.

They nodded in understanding. "So, where is Star?" Crystal asks in concern.

"Don't worry," I said. "She's in a safe place right?"

"No need to be worried, Astral." She said, smiling. "After all, I promised you that no harm will come to her and I intend to keep that promise."

I turned back to the rest of them who is still processing this. Are they okay?

I waved a hand in front of their faces. "Are you alive?"

Brandon blinked. "Yea, I'm alive. I'm just processing this." He said in a disbelieving tone. This would come as a shock for everyone.

"Let me get this straight," Zach said as he looked at the three of us. "The one standing next to you is Lilith. Star is trapped somewhere. She has two personalities in one body and you two met each other when you were eight? Is that what you are saying right now?" The three of us nodded. That's right.

"That's the gist of it, yes." Lily said as they all blinked.

"Wow…" Maria said trailing off.

"Wow is right." Estella said in agreement.

"I'm sorry," Lilith said. "I didn't mean to-"

"What are you apologizing for?" Derek asks in confusion.

Her eyes widen in surprise. "Huh?"

"You have nothing to apologize for, Lilith." My mother said gently.

"But-"

"We understand why you didn't tell us this." My father said. "It's quite unbelievable."

"Lilith," I said as I stood up. "As I said before, whether you are Lilith or Star, you will always be my little sister."

"Really?"

"Really." I said as I took her into a small hug. Looks like this secret is finally out. It went better than expected.

We broke the hug as I looked at my parents. Speaking of secrets…

"You two aren't hiding anymore things from me are you?" I ask as I looked at them in suspicion.

"Why would you ask that?" My mother ask me in confusion.

"Does it have something to do with this Lady named Millenia?" My father ask as I nodded.

"I feel like… she's someone important to me…" I said, closing my eyes.

(Pulse)

I hissed in pain as a throbbing sensation made me clutch my head.

(Flash):

"Miss?"

"Miss?" I shook her awake gently.

I glanced around, snow is everywhere. I can't just leave her like this.

(Flash):

"What is your name?"

"I don't have a name." She said quietly.

(Flash):

"Thank you Astral!" She said while hugging me tightly.

(Flash)

"Astral!" Lily shook my shoulders in concern. Why can't I see her appearance?

"What is it?" I ask as I glared at her.

Her eyes widen. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Millenia… just who are you?

Eliphas' POV:

I walked the halls with my wife. Just who is this Millenia?

"Who do you think Millenia is?" I ask my wife.

"I don't know…" She trailed off. "I'm still trying to wrap my mind around Lilith and Star."

I nodded. Me too. "Yeah, me too but whoever they are, they are both our daughter."

"Yes, whether she is Lilith or Starlight, they are both our daughters." I said with a smile.

"Is today a full moon?" I ask.

She tilt her head in confusion. "Yes, why are you asking?"

If it's a full moon, then he might… "It's a full moon tonight and-"

"Your majesty," Walter kneels before us. "What is it, Walter?"

"The slaves are rampaging in the dungeon." He said quickly as our eyes widen.

"Guards," My wife commanded as they kneeled. "Yes, My Queen?"

"Go and try to subdue them but don't injure anyone."

"Yes, your majesty." They quickly left.

We both sigh deeply. "Mom, dad," Crystal said as she walked towards us. "What's wrong?"

The rest of them walked up to us with a curious expression. Why? "It's nothing." I replied as I tried to avoid the questions. This doesn't concern any of them.

Suddenly, Astral and Lily walked up to us with Lily carrying their son in her arms. "What are you all talking about?" She asks, looking at us.

"We were wondering why the King and Queen looks so frustrated." Maria said as they all nodded. Why are they so nosy? It's just the slaves. It doesn't concern them.

His smile fades. "What's wrong." My son said, gazing at us with an emotionless expression. That expression… why is he looking at us like that?

"There is nothing wrong." My wife said, looking at him. I guess that she doesn't want him to worry about this as well.

He narrowed his eyes at us, making my wife flinch. "It's the slaves." My son said in a cold tone of voice. "They are rebelling aren't they?"

How does he know that? I looked at him intensely. Also, why is he looking at us like that? We nodded.

"No wonder you two look so flustered." Lilith said. "Is there any way to solve this?"

"I already sent the guards to subdue them." Enna said.

"Yes," My daughter said. "But that's only a temporary form of action."

"We might be able to subdue them this time but what if this happens again?" Estella asks in concern. True.

"I agree," Derek said as he nods towards her. "We need a plan."

Hmmm… Serenity ran up to her mother. "What are slaves?" She asks innocently as her eyes widen. Why is she so curious?

"Oh um…" She trailed off, probably not expecting that question.

She tilted her head in confusion. "Huh?"

She blinked and smiled. "So," She handed her son to Astral as she carried her. "The practice of people owning other people is called slavery."

"Owning people?" She furrowed her brows. "How do you own people?"

She stayed silent, choosing her words carefully. "People became enslaved in many ways. Some became slaves after being captured in wars or raids. Others became slaves because they had committed crimes or could not pay their debts. Some people were sold into slavery by their relatives. Others were children of slaves."

She ponders her words a bit. "So slavery is bad?"

"Yes, the acting of owning someone is very bad."

"But what about the maids and servants inside the palace? Aren't they slaves as well?"

All of our eyes widen. What?

She shook her head. "Serenity, they are different from slaves."

"How?"

"First of all, the servants in the palace serve us willingly as in they want to."

"Slaves, on the other hand were forced into serving other people."

She nodded in understanding. "Ohhhhh."

"Also, they get their pay and get treated well. While slaves, get no pay for their job and had very poor living conditions."

"So they are not the same?"

"No, they are not."

"If slaves get treated badly then why don't they run away?" Because they are under a legally binding contract.

She shook her head slowly. "It's not that simple. Enslaved people are under a legally binding contract which they cannot break."

"What happens if a person breaks it?"

"Well, they might be killed or hunted down and die a horrible death." My son said as she looked at him.

Our eyes widen at his words. How can he say that? She's just a child!

She turns towards him with disbelief. "D-Don't listen to your father." She stammered, still in shock that he said that.

"Why?"

"All you need to know is that slavery is a very bad thing." She summarized.

"Ok, mother." She said as she lets her down.

"Astral," My wife said as he looks at her. "You have been awfully quiet about this, do you have any ideas on what we should do about the slaves rebelling?"

He ponders her words for a couple of seconds. "That's easy." Does he have a plan?

"What's your plan?" I ask in curiosity.

He smiled. "If they are rebelling then what not just kill them?"

All of our eyes widen once again as we looked at him in shock and disbelief. What did he just say?!

"It will certainly be a lot easier for us in the long run." He said, still smiling. What is up with him today?

"B-But what about the black market?" Crystal asks, stuttering.

"What about it?"

"Only the slaves know where it is." My wife clarified.

"That's also easy as well." He said, smiling. "We could torture them until they tell us where it's located then kill them."

Who is this person standing in front of me? Is he really my son? "No," I said, sternly looking at him. "We will not be doing that." Absolutely not.

He tilts his head. "Why not?" Is he serious right now? I thought in disbelief.

"Astral!" My daughter shouted in shock. "How could you say that?"

"Is there something wrong with my plan?"

"Yes," Maria said.

"What's wrong with it?" He asks in confusion as I put a hand to my forehead. Does he honestly not know?

"Everything!" Estella said.

"Your majesties," Zach said. "Please, do not administer his plan." Like we ever would do such a thing.

"Don't worry," My wife said. "We will not be executing that plan."

They all sigh in relief. "Thank goodness." Derek exclaimed.

"But why not?" My son asks as I sigh deeply.

"Astral," Enna said. "Do you hear yourself right now?"

"Yeah," Lilith said, narrowing her gaze at him. "Do you know what you're saying right now?"

He nods. "Of course I know what I'm saying."

"All I'm asking is that why don't we execute that plan? It will be an effective way to get the information that we need." True.

"True but we are not doing that." I said calmly.

"Why?" It lacks morals!

"We can't just kill them and torture them like that." Lily said as she looks at him.

"Why not?"

"Slaves are still people!" She said with her voice rising a bit.

"I know that slaves are people but we need the information to free the others and to find the black market." My son said calmly.

"I know but there are better ways than torturing and killing."

"Like what?" He looks at her expectantly.

She stayed quiet. "Um…"

"Can't think of anything right?" He said rolling his eyes at her. "That's exactly why my plan would work. Think about it, it will be great in the long run. If we can just find it's location then crimes would decrease. We could actually do something about the slaves." True… all of what you're saying is true… but…

"We are not doing that." She said calmly as she glared at him.

"It's an effective way to-"

"I know it's effective in getting the information but it's immoral." She shouted at him in anger. "Seriously, I cannot believe that suggestion came out from your mouth."

"Why is that?"

"Do you not get it?" She asks in disbelief. "If we do that then we would be the same as the slave holders. Torturing other people is wrong. It's immoral."

He sighs. "Seriously, this is an effective plan to get the information that we need. Also, who cares about morals?"

I blinked at his words and looked at the others who held a shocked expression. Just what has happened to him?

She stared at him in disbelief as she placed a hand on his forehead. "Are you feeling alright?"

He removes her hand. "I'm feeling fine. Why do you ask?"

"Are you sure that you are feeling okay father?" Serenity asks as she looks at him with concern.

"I'm sure. Why do you ask such a thing?"

"Because you aren't acting like your usual self." She pointed out. We all nod in agreement. I mean like with that suggestion alone should raise questions if he's feeling alright.

"Oh?" He said with a hint of anger in his voice. "How am I not acting like my normal self, Serenity?"

She gulped as he stared at her. "Umm…" Her eyes widen as she ran to Lily and hid behind her back. Since when did he get so… scary?

"Mother," She said quietly. "Father is scary."

She looks at her, patting her on the head gently. Great. He managed to scare his own child.

"Ahem," I cleared my throat as the attention directed towards me. "So, we will not be administering that plan."

His eyes widen. "But-"

"Sorry son but it's immoral." Enna said as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Alright then."

He hands his son to Lily as he walks away. "Where are you going?"

"For a short walk." He replied as he made his way towards the royal garden.

We looked at each other. Seriously, what is wrong with him today?

Crystal's POV:

"Mom, dad," I said as I walked towards them. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing." My dad replied. Right. I totally believe that.

Suddenly, Astral and Lily walked up to us with Lily carrying their son in her arms. "What are you all talking about?" She asks, looking at us.

"We were wondering why the King and Queen looks so frustrated." Maria said as we all nodded. I bet that something happened.

My brother's smile fades. "What's wrong." My son said, gazing at our parents with an emotionless expression.

"There is nothing wrong." My mom said, looking at him. What are they hiding?

He narrowed his eyes at them, making my mom flinch. "It's the slaves." He said in a cold tone of voice. "They are rebelling aren't they?"

Is that what this is about? Also, what's with his tone? They nodded.

"No wonder you two look so flustered." Lilith said. "Is there any way to solve this?" Hopefully there is.

"I already sent the guards to subdue them." My mom said.

"Yes," I said. "But that's only a temporary form of action." Sooner or later, they will rebel again.

"We might be able to subdue them this time but what if this happens again?" Estella asks in concern. Exactly.

"I agree," Derek said as he nods towards her. "We need a plan."

Hmmm… Serenity ran up to her mother. "What are slaves?" She asks innocently as her eyes widen. Why is she asking that?

"Oh um…" She trailed off, probably not expecting that question.

She tilted her head in confusion. "Huh?"

She blinked and smiled. "So," She handed her son to Astral as she carried her. "The practice of people owning other people is called slavery."

"Owning people?" She furrowed her brows. "How do you own people?"

She stayed silent, choosing her words carefully. "People became enslaved in many ways. Some became slaves after being captured in wars or raids. Others became slaves because they had committed crimes or could not pay their debts. Some people were sold into slavery by their relatives. Others were children of slaves."

She ponders her words a bit. "So slavery is bad?" Very bad.

"Yes, the acting of owning someone is very bad."

"But what about the maids and servants inside the palace? Aren't they slaves as well?"

All of our eyes widen. What? That's different.

She shook her head. "Serenity, they are different from slaves."

"How?" They get payed and are treated nicely.

"First of all, the servants in the palace serve us willingly as in they want to." Also that as well.

"Slaves, on the other hand were forced into serving other people."

She nodded in understanding. "Ohhhhh."

"Also, they get their pay and get treated well. While slaves, get no pay for their job and had very poor living conditions."

"So they are not the same?"

"No, they are not."

"If slaves get treated badly then why don't they run away?" If they could run then they would have.

She shook her head slowly. "It's not that simple. Enslaved people are under a legally binding contract which they cannot break." They are?

"What happens if a person breaks it?"

"Well, they might be killed or hunted down and die a horrible death." My brother said as she looked at him.

Our eyes widen at his words. She's just a child! Why would he say that?

She turns towards him with disbelief. "D-Don't listen to your father." She stammered, still in shock that he said that.

"Why?"

"All you need to know is that slavery is a very bad thing." She summarized. I agree. Those poor enslaved people…

"Ok, mother." She said as she lets her down.

"Astral," My mom said as he looks at her. "You have been awfully quiet about this, do you have any ideas on what we should do about the slaves rebelling?" Yea, he has been unusually quiet…

He ponders her words for a couple of seconds. "That's easy." Does he have a plan?

"What's your plan?" My dad ask in curiosity.

He smiled. "If they are rebelling then what not just kill them?"

All of our eyes widen once again as we looked at him in shock and disbelief. What did he just say?! Kill them?

"It will certainly be a lot easier for us in the long run." He said, still smiling weirdly. I blinked in shock at his words. Kill? How can he…?

"B-But what about the black market?" I ask, stuttering.

"What about it?"

"Only the slaves know where it is." My mom clarified.

"That's also easy as well." He said, smiling. "We could torture them until they tell us where it's located then kill them." Torture? Kill? Slaves? I stared at him. Who is this person?

"No," My dad said, sternly looking at him. "We will not be doing that."

He tilts his head. "Why not?" Is he serious right now? I thought in disbelief.

"Astral!" I shouted in shock. "How could you say that?"

"Is there something wrong with my plan?" It's so… wrong!

"Yes," Maria said.

"What's wrong with it?" He asks in confusion as my dad puts a hand to his forehead. Does he honestly not know?

"Everything!" Estella said.

"Your majesties," Zach said. "Please, do not administer his plan." Like my parents ever would do such a thing.

"Don't worry," My mom said. "We will not be executing that plan."

We all sigh in relief. "Thank goodness." Derek exclaimed.

"But why not?" My brother asks as my dad sigh deeply. Seriously?!

"Astral," My mom said. "Do you hear yourself right now?" Exactly! Does he hear himself right now?

"Yeah," Lilith said, narrowing her gaze at him. "Do you know what you're saying right now?"

He nods. "Of course I know what I'm saying."

"All I'm asking is that why don't we execute that plan? It will be an effective way to get the information that we need." But torturing other people to get the information?

"True but we are not doing that." My dad said calmly.

"Why?" It's immoral!

"We can't just kill them and torture them like that." Lily said as she looks at him.

"Why not?"

"Slaves are still people!" She said with her voice rising a bit. If we do that then we will be no better than the slave holders.

"I know that slaves are people but we need the information to free the others and to find the black market." He said calmly. He's got a point.

"I know but there are better ways than torturing and killing."

"Like what?" He looks at her expectantly. I don't know…

She stayed quiet. "Um…"

"Can't think of anything right?" He said rolling his eyes at her. "That's exactly why my plan would work. Think about it, it will be great in the long run. If we can just find it's location then crimes would decrease. We could actually do something about the slaves." It is an effective plan but it lacks morals!

"We are not doing that." She said calmly as she glared at him.

"It's an effective way to-"

"I know it's effective in getting the information but it's immoral." She shouted at him in anger. "Seriously, I cannot believe that suggestion came out from your mouth." Me neither. His plan is so wrong and immoral.

"Why is that?"

"Do you not get it?" She asks in disbelief. "If we do that then we would be the same as the slave holders. Torturing other people is wrong. It's immoral." It's unethical. I mean like torturing criminals is another matter but slaves? They have done nothing wrong. They were forced to become slaves.

He sighs. "Seriously, this is an effective plan to get the information that we need. Also, who cares about morals?"

I blinked at his words and looked at the others who held a shocked expression. Just what has happened to him? Did those words just come out from his mouth? Who cares about morals? I thought in disbelief as I looked at my older brother. Is this even Astral anymore?

She stared at him in disbelief as she placed a hand on his forehead. "Are you feeling alright?"

He removes her hand. "I'm feeling fine. Why do you ask?"

"Are you sure that you are feeling okay father?" Serenity asks as she looks at him with concern.

"I'm sure. Why do you ask such a thing?"

"Because you aren't acting like your usual self." She pointed out. We all nod in agreement. You are not acting like your usual self. I totally agree with that. He's not this cruel and cold blooded. Just what happened?

"Oh?" He said with a hint of anger in his voice. "How am I not acting like my normal self, Serenity?"

She gulped as he stared at her. "Umm…" Her eyes widen as she ran to Lily and hid behind her back. Did he just manage to scare her? I shook my head. What has gotten into you?

"Mother," She said quietly. "Father is scary."

She looks at her, patting her on the head gently. Great. He managed to scare his own child.

"Ahem," My dad cleared his throat as the attention directed towards him. "So, we will not be administering that plan."

His eyes widen. "But-"

"Sorry son but it's immoral." My mom said as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Alright then."

He hands his son to Lily as he walks away. "Where are you going?" She asks.

"For a short walk." He replied as he made his way towards the royal garden.

We looked at each other. Seriously, what is wrong with him today? Did he take the wrong medication or something?

Maria's POV:

Just what is wrong with Astral today? Why is he acting like this? "I'm telling you," Lily said. "It makes no sense." She exclaimed as we roamed the halls.

"I know," I said. "Since when does he act so… cold and scary?"

"Starting a few minutes ago." Lilith said with a sigh.

"Lily," Estella said. "You know him the best. Has he acted like this before?" I don't think so…

She stayed quiet for a few moments. "Not that I know of…" She said while trailing off.

"I still can't believe that suggestion came out of his mouth." Crystal said as we all nodded. Me neither.

"Yes," Lilith said. "That suggestion is immoral, unethical, and cold blooded."

"Mhm." I said in agreement.

"Mother," Serenity suddenly chimes in as she looks up at Lily. "Is father sick?" It sure seems like it.

"He's acting odd." She said in concern.

"Indeed." Lilith said. "Maybe suddenly remembering that he was kidnapped and tortured was too much for him to handle emotionally so he's acting like this." She speculated as we nod slowly.

"That could be the case…" Estella said, pondering her words.

"True," I said.

"He was fine this morning apart from the memory." Crystal said.

Lily furrowed her brows. "Millenia…" Huh?

"Hey girls?" She asks as we all turned to her.

"What is it?" Estella asks.

"This morning, he mentioned a girl named Millenia. Who do you think she is?"

I shrugged. "I don't know."

"That's an interesting name…" Crystal said, trailing off.

"He did say that she's important to him." Estella said making our eyes widen. Oh yea, he did say that.

"What do you think he means by that?" Lilith asks. Hmmm…

"It could mean that she's a special person to him." I said as I looked at Lily.

"Millenia…" She ponders, while in deep thought. "What an interesting name…"

I leaned closer towards Crystal and Estella. "Psst," I whispered. "Do you think she's okay?"

"I mean like he did say that this Millenia person is important to him so…" Crystal said, trailing off.

"Do you think that she might be a bit jealous?" Estella asks as we looked at her once more.

"I guess that is the case." I whispered.

She sighs. "You do know that I can hear you three right?"

"Are you-" Estella started.

"No, I'm not jealous." She said calmly. "I just find that name somewhat familiar." Familiar?

"Familiar?" Lilith asks in curiosity as she nods.

"Yeah, I felt like I heard it somewhere before…"

"How odd." I said. Do they both know this Millenia person?

"Do you know this Millenia person?" Crystal asks as she closed her eyes.

"I don't know." She said after a moment of silence. She doesn't know?

"How do you not know?" Lilith asks her.

She shrugs as she walks onwards towards the garden. How peculiar…

Brandon's POV:

"Astral," I said as Zach, Derek and I walked in the garden with him.

"What is it?"

"Are you sure that you are okay?" I ask in concern.

"What makes you say that?"

"The way that your acting…" Derek trailed off and gulped nervously at his glare.

"I told you, I am fine." Of course we believe you.

"Are you sure?" Zach asks.

He nods. "I'm sure. No need to worry."

We looked at each other with concern. Something is definitely wrong with him today.

"So, are you excited to go to the party later today?" I ask, changing the subject in hopes he will not glare at us any longer. His glares are frightening.

He furrowed his brows and looked at us. "There's a party going on later today?"

I nod. "Yea,"

"What for?" Has he not been paying attention?

"A party for the birth of Amelia, the daughter of the Viscount." Zach said.

He blinked. "Really?"

"Have you not heard about this?" Derek asks in slight disbelief. How has he not heard about this?

He shook his head. "I haven't." We stared at him. "When is it?" He asks after a moment of silence.

"I believe it's in the evening." I said as he sigh.

"Is there a dress code?" He asks, looking at the clouds.

"Of course there is a dress code." Derek said.

"Is it formal?" It's a party.

Zach looks at him. "Actually, semi formal."

He stayed quiet with an unreadable expression on his face. What is he thinking? "Can I not go?"

We blinked. "I mean… you are invited to the party, Astral." I started.

"Yea," Derek said, looking at him. "Plus, it's a party for a baby."

"So?" He asks as he looks at us with confusion.

"Don't you think it's kind of rude not to show up at a party?" Zach asks as he scoffed.

"Who cares if it's rude or not. I don't want to go to a party."

We looked at each other once more. Something is definitely up with him. We nod in understanding.

"It's just a party." I started.

"Going to a party won't harm you." Zach said.

He stared deadpan at us. Why is he staring at us like that?

"Why are you staring at us like that?" Derek asks nervously.

"Did you forget what happened at the last party I went to?" He asks in a cold tone as we all widen our eyes. Ohhhhh… he got punched by… Zach and I looked at Derek as he smiled sheepishly.

"Going to a party won't harm you huh?" He mocked and rolled his eyes. "You sure have your way with words."

We laughed nervously. Since when does he mock people? "Oops…" Zach said as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"But this time it will be different." I said.

"I promise that I won't punch you in the jaw again." Derek said as our sweat dropped. You better not!

He chuckles as we shiver. Why does his chuckle sound so bone chilling? "Like I will let myself get punched by you again."

We let out nervous laughs as we looked at each other. Just who is this person? And why does his chuckle sound so terrifying? Was he always this scary?

I looked around the the garden and saw an injured pigeon laying on the floor. I flew towards it and picked it up. It injured its leg.

"Is that a pigeon?" Derek ask as I brought it over towards the gazebo.

I nod. "Yup." I summoned up an emergency medical kit and start bandaging the wound. Poor little pigeon.

"What do you think happened?" Zach asks in concern.

"I don't know." I replied as the pigeon moved around.

"Hold still little pigeon." I said as I tried to bandage his tiny leg up.

Astral looks at us and laughs. "Why are you bandaging it's leg?"

"It's hurt." I responded.

"So?" He asks as I looked up. "You don't have to bandage it. So why are you?"

I looked at him, eyes wide and in shock. "Because it's injured."

"It's his fault for injuring his leg in the first place."

How can he say that? "Astral," Derek said. "This is an injured pigeon. How can you not help an injured animal?"

He shrugged. "It's just a bird." He pointed out.

"You-" Zach and Derek placed their hands over my mouth as I pointed at him. Just who is he? He is not my friend! The Astral that we all know would never say that!

"Calm down, Brandon!" Zach whispered.

"Yeah," Derek said. "Astral is acting super weird right now."

They slowly released their hands from my mouth as I shot them a look. "What did you do that for?" I whispered angrily at them.

They pulled me aside. "Getting angry and shouting at him is not a good idea." Zach whispered.

"I agree," Derek said looking back at Astral, staring at the flowers. "For some odd reason, I find him quite terrifying."

"That person is not Astral!" I said as they shush me.

"Be quiet!" Zach exclaimed.

"It's really not wise to yell at him when he's like this." Derek said. "Who knows what he will do if he gets angry." … Good point…

"True." I said, looking back at him.

He suddenly looks over at us. "What are you three talking about?" He asks in suspicion as he narrowed his eyes, making us flinch.

"We were just discussing what we are going to do with the pigeon that's all." Derek said quickly as I finished bandaging the bird. He is right. For some reason, he is frightening.

He looks at the bird then at us then the bird again. What is he thinking? "Well, you could set it free and let it survive on its own." He said. That's a good idea.

He smirked as he looks at it. What is up with his smirk?

"Or, you can roast it and eat it." He said smiling.

"Are you nuts?!" I exclaimed holding the pigeon close to my body. How can he think of eating this pigeon?

"You are not eating this pigeon." Zach said calmly.

"We will not allow that to happen!" Derek said looking at him.

He chuckles once again. Why does it sound so sinister? We trembled and swallowed nervously. "Relax will you," He ceased his chuckle and reverts back to his smile. "I was just joking with you three. Do you honestly think I would go eat a pigeon?" He questioned us as we forced a smile.

"You were joking?" Derek asks quietly as he looked at him.

He nods. "I have no interest in eating a harmless little pigeon."

We sigh in relief. Was he really joking though? I can't tell.

I pulled the two of my friends towards the other corner of the gazebo. "Was he really joking about eating this pigeon?" I ask as they shrugged.

"I honestly don't know." Zach responded.

"It didn't look like he was joking but he's a great actor." Derek whispered. True. He is a great actor.

"There is definitely something wrong." I said, looking at them.

"Agreed." They simultaneously said.

I walked over to the edge and held the bird in my hands. "Be careful not to get injured again okay?" I said as I threw it up and it flew away. There is something about helping a bird that is so satisfying.

We all glanced back at him, sitting there picking at the flowers. I don't get it. How can he change this much?

Derek's POV:

"Should we just stand here?" I whispered as I looked at him, staring off into the distance.

"I don't know." Brandon whispered back as Astral turns his head towards us with a confused expression.

"Something wrong?"

"No, nothing is wrong." Zach replied as I started to look around and notice the girls walking. That could be our escape!

"A-Actually," I said, stammering. "I'm going to go and see what the girls are up to!" I said rather quickly as I darted out of the gazebo.

"Count me in as well!" Brandon said running after me. "Wait up!" Zach said, chasing after me.

I looked back at Astral, still staring at us. There is something creepy about his stare…

"Thank goodness that we got out of there." I said in utter relief.

They both nodded in agreement. "I don't get it though," Brandon said. "How can he-"

"Hey," Maria said, coming up to us.

"Where's Astral?" Lily ask in concern as I gulped. Should I tell her what just happened?

We looked at each other and nod. I think that she should know. "Lily," I began. "Something is very odd about him."

Her eyes widen in alarm. "What do you mean?"

"No need to panic," Brandon said, easing her nerves. "He's just acting super weird today."

How should we phrase this? "He's acting…" Zach trailed off.

"He's acting what?" Estella asks us.

I sigh. "Utterly terrifying!" I exclaimed as their eyes widen.

"Really?" Lilith ask as the three of us nodded.

"I'm not lying." Brandon said in a serious voice. "I saw an injured pigeon earlier so I tend it's wounds." He said as they all nodded in agreement.

"That's nice of you." Crystal said.

"Thank you but here comes the weird part." He said.

"Now," I said as I looked at them. "We all know Astral right? Would he leave a helpless, injured bird alone just laying there without treating it?" I ask as they shook their heads.

"No," Lily said. "He would never do that."

"Yea, I remember this one time, there was an injured puppy at the palace door and he selflessly took it in until it gotten better." Maria said. Really?

"When was that?" Lilith asks.

"I believe it was around the age of 10." Lily said.

"Yes but here comes the weird part." I said as they focused their gazes on me. "He said it was only a bird and ask why I was treating it."

"He said that?" Maria exclaimed in shock.

"Yes," Brandon said. "And after we were done tending to its wounds, he suggested that we should roast it."

"What?!" They all yelled in disbelief.

"That was my reaction when I heard that come out his mouth." I stated.

"How can he be so… cruel?" Maria said, still in shock.

I shrugged. "I don't know but it's off putting to say the least."

"Thankfully he was joking about eating it." Zach said as they all had relieved expressions. Was he really joking though?

"Oh and one more thing." I said as I shivered. "His glares, chuckles, and laughs are so sinister and frightening." I said as they furrowed their brows.

"Derek, Estella said. "Aren't you overreacting?"

"I wish I was overreacting, Estella but I'm telling the truth!" I exclaimed.

Out of the blue, a bone chilling, sinister, frightening chuckle rang throughout the garden making everyone jump and shiver. "Mother," Serenity said quietly as she hugged her tightly. "That laugh is scary!" See, even she is scared by it.

"W-Was that chuckle from him?" Crystal ask, stammering.

"See!" I said. "His chuckles and laughs are suddenly spooky."

Phoenix started to cry loudly as Lily rocked him in hopes of getting him to calm down. Even a baby is scared of his laugh. That's saying something right there.

"I have never seen him act so…" She trailed off, probably trying to find the right word.

"Just what on Astral World is wrong with my brother today?" Lilith exclaimed.

"I don't know," Estella said in deep thought. "Whatever it is, we will find out what is wrong."

We all nodded in agreement as we looked back at him, leaving the garden. Where is he going?

"Should we follow him?" Maria ask.

"I think we should." Lily said as she teleported Phoenix into their room.

"Let's go." I said as we all follow him at a distance.

Estella's POV:

We are now watching him walk the streets at a leisurely pace as we all spied on him. What is the purpose of this again?

"What is the purpose of this again?" I ask as I looked at him.

"With the way he's been acting, how can we not spy on him?" Crystal said in response to my question.

"Exactly," Derek said.

"Oh, are you guys excited to go to the party later?" I ask them as Lily's eyes widen.

"There's a party later?" I turned around to look at her in disbelief. How could she not know there is a party later?

"I'm excited!" Serenity said happily as I ruffled her hair. "Of course you are."

"What is the party for?"

"It's for Amelia. The daughter of the viscount that was born a couple days ago." Lilith said as Lily groaned.

"Why do they even hold parties for babies?" She mutters. "It's not like they will remember them." She's got a point.

Maria sighs. "It's less about the baby and more like a celebration for the mother."

We all nodded as she groaned in discontent. "Do I have to go?"

"Yes," Zach said. "All of us were invited."

"Plus," Brandon said. "It's a party for a baby."

"It will be rude if you don't show up." Derek said.

After a moment of silence, she reluctantly agrees. "Fine and I'm assuming it's formal wear?"

We all nodded. "Actually," Lilith said. "It's semi formal."

Zach, Brandon, and Derek laughs. What's so funny?

"What's so funny?" I ask as they cease their laughing fit.

"This is such a deja vu moment." Derek said as he chuckles. Huh?

We all got confused looks as we looked at them. "What do you mean deja vu?" Crystal asks.

"Astral asks the same questions." Brandon said. Really?

"Yup," Zach said. "At least you gave us a clear cut answer."

"What do you mean?" Lily asks them in confusion.

"He's probably going to go because we were all invited but he said: Who cares if it's rude or not. I don't want to go to a party." Derek said as he quoted his words.

We blinked. He really said that? I sigh. "For some reason I'm not surprised."

"You're not?" Crystal asks as I shook my head.

"With the way that he's acting today," Lily said as she looks at him, walking. "Expect the unexpected."

We nod as we all looked back at him as a little girl around the age of 6 bumped into him and fell.

She blinks and rubbed her eyes as he offered her his hand to help her stand up. "I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going." She said quietly looking at him in awe. Why is she looking at him like that?

"It's fine." He said in a flat voice. "Just be more careful next time."

He starts to leave when she held his hand, making him turn back and look at her. "What is it?" He said coldly. Why is he speaking to a child this way?

"Can you help me look for my mommy?" She ask in desperation. She lost her mother. Poor little girl…

"Sorry, I'm busy." He said trying to get his hand from her grip. Seriously?! I can't believe he won't help her find her mother.

"I need to snap some sense into him!" Lily exclaimed as we all held her back.

"Calm down, Lily," I said. "He won't be that heartless to leave such a young girl alone without her guardian." I said as we looked back at them.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she sniffles. "You won't help me look for my mommy?" She cried attracting the bystanders. Uh-oh… there's a crowd.

He stole a glance at her crying figure and then looked back at the crowd, whispering some awful things about him making a child cry. Don't these people have better things to do than gossip?

He sighs. "Where did you last see your mother?" He said in a neutral tone.

"I was-"

"Julia!" A girl around my age shouted as she ran up and hugged her. "Thank goodness I found you!"

"Big sister!" She exclaimed happily.

"Don't you ever run off like that again. You hear me?" She said, looking at her sternly.

She nods and took Astral's hand, making his eyes widen a bit. "Big sister, this is the guy who helped me!"

She looks at him with a smile as a seep of redness dusted her cheeks. Is she blushing?

"T-Thank you for helping my little sister." She held out her hand as he shook it.

"No need to thank me." He replied with a slight smile, making her stare at him in awe.

He starts to leave but she held his hand, making him turn back around. "What is it?"

She avoided his gaze as she held his hand. He tilted his head in confusion. "Is something the matter, miss?" He asks.

"C-Can I have your name?" She said quietly.

"My name?" He ponders. "Ok, my name is Astral.

"Miss, may I have your name as well?" He asks while flashing a smile at her.

We looked at each other. There is something off about smile…

"M-My name?" She stutters as he walked closer towards her. "Yes, your name."

She swallowed nervously. "M-My name is Olivia."

He kneeled and kissed her hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Olivia."

I looked over at Lily. Her eye is twitching ever so slightly as she glared at him. Uh-oh…

"How dare he kiss her-"

"It's just her hand!" I said quickly as we all hold her back.

"I know it's just her hand but that's considered a flirty gesture!" She said, seething with anger. It is?

"Is it considered a flirty gesture?" I ask as I look at the guys.

Zach nods. "Well, it depends."

"It could be seen as a flirty gesture but it could also be seen as a sign of respect and politeness." Derek said, which somewhat calms her down.

"Let's see what happens next." Brandon said as we all looked back at them.

He stood up while staring at her. "Olivia…" He smiles and strokes the side of her hair, making her face more red.

"Such a beautiful name. Especially, fitting for a lady such as yourself."

"Really?" She said shyly as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He nods as he removes his hands from her. "Unfortunately, I have to go."

He turns around a flashes a charming smile at her. "If fate allows it, we will meet again, Olivia." He said as he walks away leaving her still blushing and staring at his figure.

I blinked in shock at what I just witnessed. What on earth?

"Ohhhhh," Lily said glaring at him while clenching her fist. "He is going to get it!"

We immediately held her back. "Stop," Crystal said. "I know that you're angry that he flirted with her but he's not in his right mind right now."

She stopped struggling as we slowly let her go. "You're right," She said slowly while smiling. "You are right…"

That smile… what is she planning? I looked at them. "Psst," I whispered.

"Her smile is weird." I pointed out as they nodded.

"Are you sure that she is okay?" Maria asks as we looked back at her, smiling all happily. That smile…

"Her smile is scary." Derek said as we nodded.

"Not terrifying as Astral's but still oddly creepy." Lilith said.

"What do you think she's planning?" Zach asks as we shrugged. I don't know…

Lilith's POV:

We followed him into the palace as he enters the main throne room. Why is he going here?

"Mother, father, when were you going to tell me about this party?" He asks my parents as they walked up towards him.

"We thought you already knew." My father said as the General and his wife enters the room. Why are they here?

"Greetings your majesties and his highness." They said while kneeling.

"You may rise." My father said as they rose.

"Hey Lily," I ask as she moved forward. "Where are you going?" I whispered behind the pillar.

"I'm going to meet my parents." She said as she walked up to them.

"Should we just keep watching?" Maria ask as we nod. We should. I want to see how this plays out.

Lily smiles. "Mother, father, you came back!"

"Of course we came back." Her mother said as she hugs her.

She tilts her head in confusion. "Why did you leave?"

Her father chuckles. "We had some work issues we had to sort out."

She nods in understanding then turns her gaze towards Astral, glaring at him as he stares at her expressionlessly.

My parents and her parents looked at them then looked at each other in confusion.

My father clears his throat. "Ahem,"

"So Astral," My mother said as they broke out of their staring contest. "What brings you here today?"

He tilts his head and looked at them. "Do I need a reason to talk to you two?"

Their eyes widen. "That's not what we-" My mother started as he lets out a chuckle. It does sound frightening.

"Relax, I'm just joking." He said.

"Astral," Lily said as she sat down across from him.

"What is it?"

"Are you attending the party later on?"

"I would rather not go but," He glanced at my parents then looks back at her. "But I will probably be forced to go."

"Yes," She said while sipping her tea.

"Why do you ask?"

"Out of curiosity."

He looks back at his parents. "Have the slaves settled at all?"

My father sighs. "They have settled down a bit."

"But now we have to find a way to extract the information from them." My mother finished his train of thought.

"That's why I-"

"No." Lily said calmly. "You are definitely not executing that plan of yours."

He turns to her, sipping his own tea. "I already told you. It's effective in getting information."

"And I already told you that I will not allow you to go through with it."

"Why is that?"

"It's immoral and heartless." She said, glaring at him.

"I don't see what the problem is." He stated calmly. "All we need is the information."

"There are other ways of doing things that doesn't involve killing and torturing slaves."

"As I said before, all we need is the information from them. Who cares if one or two dies?" He said coldly as they all widen their eyes.

We blinked in shock as we looked at each other. When did he become so cold blooded?

"When did you become so cold blooded and heartless?" She uttered in disbelief as she stared at him.

He stares at her with an unreadable expression.

"I have always been like this." He said while looking at her. "You just never knew me well enough." No… he is not like this. Why on earth is he like this?

"No," She said as she exhaled. "You weren't like this before."

"I was."

She glares at him coldly. "You were not. I know for a fact like you are not like this before."

"Just what has happened? Why are you behaving this way?" She asks as he stares at her.

He stayed quiet. "When is the party again?" He ask our parents, trying to avoid her question.

"Don't you dare try to change the topic." She shouted angrily.

"I'm not changing the topic," He said with a spine chilling chuckle that made us all jump. Why is he so scary?

She took deep breaths while closing her eyes. "Ok," She said calmly as she opened her eyes and looked at him.

"I don't want to argue with you on this matter."

"Me neither." My brother said, sipping his tea. "We clearly don't see eye to eye on this subject."

"Next topic then."

"There is more you like to speak with me about?"

She glares at him in anger. "Just what happened 15 minutes ago?"

He tilts his head. "What do you mean?"

"You know what you did."

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"You kissed and flirted with another woman."

He furrowed his brows. "You were there?" He's not going to even try to deny it?

"Of course I was there." She said in a calm tone. Why is she so calm about this?

"What's there to explain?" He said as she looks at him in disbelief. "You saw it all didn't you?" Astral! What on earth are you doing?!

"You kissed her!" She shouted angrily at him. "Don't you have anything to explain to me?!"

He stares at her with a neutral expression. "I kissed her hand and complimented her name."

"That's all I did." He said. "I don't see what you're getting so angry about."

She pointed at him. "You were flirting with her!"

"I wasn't."

"Yes you were."

"I was not flirting with her." He said calmly. "If complimenting someone is a form of flirting then I flirted with many people." Ok, but the way that he said it though…

"Calling other people beautiful is okay but you were clearly flirting with her." She said. "I mean like the way you said it indicates flirtatious vibes."

"I don't follow."

She sighs in frustration as she shook her head. "You kneeled to kiss her hand and stroked her hair while calling her name beautiful and in thus, you said that she's also beautiful. You also stared at her while stroking her hair."

"Tell me, is that considered flirting to you?"

He blinked with a blank expression on his face. "I kissed her hand out of politeness and I stared at her because she was staring at me. It wasn't my intention to flirt with her." Really?

She rolled her eyes. "Right." She said sarcastically. "Then why were you stroking her hair? Also, you tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear."

"I saw a strand loose so I conveniently tucked it behind her ear." Really? I thought in disbelief.

She laughs. "Do you think that I would believe that?"

"If you're going to come up with a lie then come up with a better one. Do you think that I'm three years old or something?" She said, smiling at him as he kept an emotionless expression.

He stood up and sighs. "Believe what you want."

He turns to our parents. "Please, excuse me."

My parents seemed to snap out from their shocked state of the conversation and blinked at him. "Yes," My mother said. "You are excused."

He starts walking out the door, glancing at Lily for a bit. "It's almost time for the party. You better get ready." My brother said quietly as he walked out the doors.

We all stared at her as tears started to form in her eyes. We all came out of our hiding spot as she stood up.

"Lily," Estella said gently. "Are you-"

"I'm fine." She said with an emotionless expression while wiping her tears away.

"Mother," Serenity said as she came up to her. "You are crying."

She smiled as she looks down at her. "I'm fine." You are not fine.

Enna's POV:

"Astral," Lily said as she sat down across from him.

"What is it?"

"Are you attending the party later on?"

"I would rather not go but," He glanced at us then looks back at her. "But I will probably be forced to go." Does he really not want to go?

"Yes," She said while sipping her tea.

"Why do you ask?"

"Out of curiosity." There is something off with the way that they are speaking with each other…

He looks back at us. "Have the slaves settled at all?"

My husband sighs. "They have settled down a bit."

"But now we have to find a way to extract the information from them." I finished his train of thought.

"That's why I-"

"No." Lily said calmly. "You are definitely not executing that plan of yours."

He turns to her, sipping his own tea. "I already told you. It's effective in getting information." Yes, but it lacks something.

"And I already told you that I will not allow you to go through with it."

"Why is that?"

"It's immoral and heartless." She said, glaring at him.

"I don't see what the problem is." He stated calmly. "All we need is the information."

"There are other ways of doing things that doesn't involve killing and torturing slaves."

"As I said before, all we need is the information from them. Who cares if one or two dies?" He said coldly as they all widen their eyes.

We blinked in shock as we looked at each other. Does he know what he's saying right now?

I glanced at my husband as we looked at my son in concern. Is he feeling alright?

"When did you become so cold blooded and heartless?" She uttered in disbelief as she stared at him.

He stares at her with an unreadable expression.

"I have always been like this." He said while looking at her. "You just never knew me well enough." No… he is not like this. He's never been like this…

"No," She said as she exhaled. "You weren't like this before."

"I was."

She glares at him coldly. "You were not. I know for a fact like you are not like this before."

"Just what has happened? Why are you behaving this way?" She asks as he stares at her. I would like to know that as well.

He stayed quiet. "When is the party again?" He ask us, obviously trying to avoid her question.

"Don't you dare try to change the topic." She shouted angrily.

"I'm not changing the topic," He said with a ghastly chuckle that made us all jump. Why is his chuckle so scary?

She took deep breaths while closing her eyes. "Ok," She said calmly as she opened her eyes and looked at him.

"I don't want to argue with you on this matter." It's probably best not to argue. If they argue then we might be here all day.

"Me neither." My son said, sipping his tea. "We clearly don't see eye to eye on this subject."

"Next topic then."

"There is more you like to speak with me about?"

She glares at him in anger. "Just what happened 15 minutes ago?"

I furrowed my brows as we all looked at each other. What happened?

He tilts his head. "What do you mean?"

"You know what you did."

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"You kissed and flirted with another woman."

Our eyes widen. What?! I quickly covered Luca's mouth to prevent him from yelling. I know him all too well.

My son furrowed his brows. "You were there?" He's not going to even try to deny it?

"Of course I was there." She said in a calm tone. Why is she so calm about this?

"What's there to explain?" He said as she looks at him in disbelief. "You saw it all didn't you?" What the? Son, what are you doing?

"You kissed her!" She shouted angrily at him. "Don't you have anything to explain to me?!" Uh-oh…

He stares at her with a neutral expression. "I kissed her hand and complimented her name."

"That's all I did." He said. "I don't see what you're getting so angry about." Well, if it's just a hand kiss and compliment…

She pointed at him. "You were flirting with her!"

"I wasn't."

"Yes you were."

"I was not flirting with her." He said calmly. "If complimenting someone is a form of flirting then I flirted with many people." He has a point.

"Calling other people beautiful is okay but you were clearly flirting with her." She said. "I mean like the way you said it indicates flirtatious vibes." Was he saying it in a flirty way?

"I don't follow."

She sighs in frustration as she shook her head. "You kneeled to kiss her hand and stroked her hair while calling her name beautiful and in thus, you said that she's also beautiful. You also stared at her while stroking her hair."

We blinked as I we stared at him. What? He really flirted with another woman? I thought in disbelief.

"Tell me, is that considered flirting to you?"

He blinked with a blank expression on his face. "I kissed her hand out of politeness and I stared at her because she was staring at me. It wasn't my intention to flirt with her." Really? He kissed her hand out of politeness?

She rolled her eyes. "Right." She said sarcastically. "Then why were you stroking her hair? Also, you tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear."

My eyes widen. Does he not know that's a romantic gesture?

"I saw a strand loose so I conveniently tucked it behind her ear." Really? I thought in disbelief.

She laughs. "Do you think that I would believe that?"

"If you're going to come up with a lie then come up with a better one. Do you think that I'm three years old or something?" She said, smiling at him as he kept an emotionless expression. Astral… you…

He stood up and sighs. "Believe what you want."

He turns to us. "Please, excuse me."

We stared at him. "Yes," I said. "You are excused."

He starts walking out the door, glancing at Lily for a bit. "It's almost time for the party. You better get ready." My son said quietly as he walked out the doors.

Astral… you really… just what has gotten into you today? I thought as I looked at my husband in concern.

We all stared at her as tears started to form in her eyes. The rest of them came out of their hiding spot as she stood up. Of course they were spying.

"Lily," Estella said gently. "Are you-"

"I'm fine." She said with an emotionless expression while wiping her tears away. There is no way that she is fine.

"Mother," Serenity said as she came up to her. "You are crying."

She smiled as she looks down at her. "I'm fine." You are not fine.

"How could your son do that?!" Luca said enraged as we quickly held him back. "Let go of me!"

"Don't do anything reckless." Carissa said gently as he stared at her.

"He flirted with another person. Carissa, tell me, is that enough for me to beat him to a pulp?"

My eyes widen. "I know that you are mad but-"

"I am more than just mad, Enna!" He yelled. "Astral, you will pay!"

My husband sighs. "Calm down, Luca."

"Calm down?! How do you-"

"There is something wrong with my son today." He said calmly as they looked at us in confusion.

"What do you mean?" She asks us as we slowly let go of him.

"Astral isn't acting like himself today." I explained. "Do you two really think that he would flirt with other women?"

He shrugs. "Who knows?"

We sighed. "I can guarantee that he would not flirt with other women if he was normal." I said confidently.

"If he's acting abnormally, then what is the cause of it?" She asks as we shook our heads.

"That's what I'm trying to find out." I said.

"He's never acted this way before." My husband said while in deep thought. Why are you behaving this way, son?

"Lily," I said, looking at her. "Are you-"

"I'm fine, your majesties." She said in a neutral voice. "Please, excuse me."

We all looked at each other in concern. "Lily-" Carissa started.

"I'm fine, mother."

"But-"

"Honestly, I'm fine."

My husband sighs. "You are excused."

"Wait, honey where are you going?" Her mother asks in concern.

"Like Astral said, it's almost time for the party." She said while walking out the door.

"Mother, father, just what is wrong with him today?" Lilith asks us.

I sigh. I don't know. "I don't know but it's almost time for the party. You all better get ready." I said as they left.

We sigh deeply once again. What on earth has gotten into you?

Zach's POV:

We all returned to our respective rooms to prepare for the party. I sigh as I sat on the bed. Just what is going on with Astral?

(Knock)(Knock)

I used my powers to change into my formal wear and opened the door.

"Estella?" I ask in confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"It's time to go." She said as I walked out the door. Already?

"Everyone ready?" The King asks as I looked around. We seem to be missing a person…

"We seem to be missing-"

All of a sudden, Lily wobbled out of her room as our eyes widen. She is wearing a polyester red strapless mini dress that stops at her upper thigh. Her upper back is completely exposed while the dress hugs her cleavage a bit making it pop. There is a small zipper on the back of the dress. It accentuates her curves and flatters her figure. To top off the look, she wore black high heels and silver dangly earrings. Why on earth is she wearing that dress? That dress is way too short… and… I facepalmed to cover up a blush as I looked over at Derek and Brandon, who was looking away with a faint of redness.

She smiled. "Ready to go?" She said as she looks directly at my friend as she walks towards him, wobbling a bit. Guess she's still not used to walk in heels.

I looked over at Astral who choked on the water that he has been drinking as he stared at her and stood up with his eyes wide.

Dead silence filled the room as we all stared at her. Is she really comfortable going to a party like this?

"Ahem," Her father cleared his throat. "Lily, umm…" He started.

"Don't you think that dress is too revealing?" Her mother asks after a moment of silence. Revealing is an understatement. That dress is… dare I say it seductive and skimpy.

A confused expression flashed on her face. "Do you have a problem with this dress?"

"Are you planning on going to the party in that dress?" Her lover asks as we all directed our attention into him. Seems like he got over his shock.

She nods. "Do you have a problem with the dress that I have on?" She asks in a confused tone.

"Don't you think that it's too…" He trailed off. Seductive? Sexy? Skimpy? I bet he's thinking all of the above.

"Too what?"

He stays silent as he stares at her. "You're not wearing that dress." He said firmly.

"Why?"

"Mother!" Serenity said running up to her. "You look pretty!"

She ruffled her hair. "Thank you, Serenity."

I do agree. She does look pretty but that dress… "I will repeat." He said. "You are not wearing that dress."

She tilts her head. "But why? Why am I not allowed to wear this dress?"

"Have you seen the dress you have on right now?" He asks in disbelief. "Are you really comfortable in going out like that?"

"Going out like what? It's just a mini dress."

"I don't have a problem with it." She said as she walked towards my friend. "Unless you do." She whispered. Is she doing this to get back at him for flirting?

(Thump)

"Ow…" She groaned as she looks down at him blushing.

They stared at each other as he broke her fall while she laid on top of him. Wow…

A couple of minutes passed as we all stayed silent wondering what will happen next.

Her face is red, flushing with color as she looked at him nervously while my friend stared at her with a blank expression. How is he so calm when she's on top of him? Especially when she's wearing that?

He blinks. "Are you done staring at me?"

"I… umm…" She stammered out, clearly nervous and flustered.

"Before you say anything," He said in an emotionless voice. "Can you get off?"

She nods as she slowly got off him and they stood up.

He stays silent as he sighs. "You're doing this because I flirted with Olivia right?" Ah, I thought so.

"How many times do I have to say it? I did not mean to flirt with her." My friend says calmly.

She smiled. "Why do you assume that?"

"I'm just wearing this dress because I like it."

His eyes widen. "You…"

"I what?"

"Absolutely not." He said sternly. "You are not going outside in that dress!"

We all nodded in agreement. She looks too… it's too revealing. If she goes out in public, who knows what will happen.

"So you have a problem with the dress I have on?"

"Isn't it obvious?" He replied.

"Why do you have a problem with it?"

"Like I said, it's too revealing and seductive. All you have to do is look at it to see my point." He said in a neutral tone of voice. Exactly.

"So?" She said raising an eyebrow. "Besides, I happen to like this dress. What are you going to do about it?" She likes that dress? Really?

He stares at her with an unreadable expression. I wonder what he is thinking right now?

"You actually like wearing that dress?" He asks as a shocked expression appears on his face.

"Yeah and besides, who are you to tell me what I can and cannot wear? It's not like you're my lover or anything." She said as our eyes widen in disbelief. What? Did she seriously just say that?

He narrows his eyes at her. "You…" He places a hand on his forehead while shaking his head and looking at her in disbelief.

He smirks. "You're right, I don't know what I was so worried about."

"If you like wearing that dress, then wear it." He said as she blinks in shock. Are you seriously going to let her out looking like that?

"You… you're not going to stop me from wearing this?" She asks in a shocked tone.

He smiles. "Why should I? You enjoy wearing that dress so who am I to stop you?"

I sigh in frustration. Those two…

Her eyes widen at she pointed angrily at him. "You!"

"I what?"

"You honestly don't have any objections or feel uncomfortable that I'm about to go to a party, probably filled with other men, in a short and revealing dress?" She asks as she looks at him.

"No, why should I have any objections or feel uncomfortable that you are wearing that dress?" He questioned as we stared at him. He's kidding right?

"You should feel uncomfortable!"

"Why is that?" Because you are her lover!

"You!" She glared at him as he raised a brow.

"Anyway," My friend said as he looks at his parents. "Should we go?"

Her mother bit her lip. "Lily, you should go change into something less revealing."

We all nodded except for Astral. "I agree," Derek said.

"It won't be good if something happens." I said.

She directs her attention back towards Astral. "Do you honestly not feel a bit uncomfortable that I'm about to go outside in this dress?"

He slightly smiles. "Nope." I can't tell if he's lying or telling the truth.

She looks at him in utter shock as she sighs. "You know what? I'm going to wear this dress."

"I really don't think you-" The General started by she cuts him off.

"Come on," She said as she walked out the door.

We blinked. "Son," The King said as he looks at him. "Are you going to let her go to a party in that dress?"

"Why not?"

"Don't you think it's a bit too revealing?" The Queen asks as he shrugged.

"If she wants to wear it then who am I to stop her?"

"You're kidding me right?" Crystal said. "You're her boyfriend!"

"Yea," Lilith said. "Are you honestly going to let her walk outside like that?"

"I mean like if she wants to wear it then I can't stop her."

"I get that but are you okay with her wearing such a revealing dress in front of other men?" Maria asks.

"It's her choice to wear it."

"But-" Estella started.

He sighs and shook his head. "Honestly, that dress is just as bad as the seductive lingerie that you tried to seduce me with, Estella."

My eyes widen at his words. Really?

"Come on, let's go." He starts walking out the door.

We all sigh. "Honestly," The General said with his hand on his forehead. "These two… are really something." He mutters as we all nod our heads in agreement.

We turned our heads towards Estella to find her looking away with a blush forming. "How revealing did you dress just to seduce him?" Derek asks in disbelief as she blushes even more. Judging by her reaction, it must've been pretty revealing and skimpy.

At the party:

"Now," The King said looking at us. "Before we go in, I expect all of you to be on your best behaviors." He said glancing at Derek. I guess they don't want a repeat of what happened last time.

We nod in understanding. "Now," The Queen said as she looked at my friend. "Astral,"

"Why are you looking at me for?" He asks as he rolled his eyes. "It's not like I'm going to cause any trouble." He said with an eerie chuckle as we all looked at each other nervously. Something tells me that we should keep an eye on him at this party.

"With the way you have been acting…" Lily mutters, trailing off as he looked at her.

He shot her a smirk. "You know what? Maybe I will cause some mischief."

Our eyes widen. "What do you mean?" Maria asked confused.

"What do you think, Lily? Should I stir up some drama?"

"Go do whatever you want." She said, rolling her eyes at him.

"We are being serious, Astral," His father said. "Don't cause any trouble."

He smiled. "Ok!" He said too excitedly as he walked into the room.

"I never thought that I would actually say that to him." The King mutters. Me neither.

Time skip to the actual party:

"Hey guys?" I said while standing at a corner of the room, looking at Astral flirt with a lady on the other side of the room.

"What is it?" Derek asks.

"Should we be worried right now?" I ask in concern as I saw Lily glaring at him with anger and a hint of jealousy.

"Relax and enjoy the party." Brandon said with a sigh.

"He's right," Lilith said in agreement. "It's a party. Why should we be worried?"

"Uh…" I pointed at the scene where Astral is somehow making all of the ladies swoon while Lily is dancing with a guy whose holding her a bit too close. What are they doing?

We all stared at them and sigh in frustration. "Because of that." I finished.

"What are those two doing?" Crystal asks in shock.

"What do you mean, Aunt Crystal?" Serenity asks. "Father is talking to those ladies while mother is dancing." She pointed out as our sweat dropped. Oh if only he was just talking to them.

"Are they trying to make each other jealous?" Estella asks.

"It definitely sure seems like it." Maria said, looking at them.

We looked back at him as smiled sweetly at Lily and her dance partner. There is something off about his smile… why is it like the smile you give when you want to rip somebody to shreds?

"His smile…" Lilith trailed off.

"It's like he wants to pulverize that guy but can't." Brandon said gulping with nervousness.

That guy must have sensed the murderous vibe directed at him because all of a sudden, he went from being a great dancer to a waddling duck. This actually pretty funny to look at.

We all laughed at the sight of him, stumbling on his two feet. "This is hilarious!" Crystal said laughing.

"You bet it is." Lilith said with a chuckle.

We noticed a couple of guys staring at her lustfully as they licked their lips ogling at her. Why those guys!

"Let me teach those guys at lesson." Crystal said as we gripped her arm.

"Don't be impulsive." Derek said as the girls looked at him in shock.

"How can you-" Maria started as I cut her off.

"We promised to be on our best behaviors today remember?"

"I know that but-" Estella said as Brandon cuts her off.

"Just let Astral handle this."

We looked back to find her dance partner gone and in place was that guy who is looking at her provocatively and standing a bit too close to her.

She is clearly uncomfortable with his hand on her waist as she tried to increase the distance between them while maintaining a smile as his hands slowly starts slipping past her waist towards her… this guy!

"I can't watch this go on." Estella said as we gripped her arms.

"Just wait," I said looking at Astral who was walking up to them with a calm expression as he pulled her closer towards him by the waist with a sweet smile.

He glares at him, still maintaining that smile making him look like a serial killer. That guy left with his body trembling in fear as we looked at each other. How is a smile so… murderous?

"How can a smile be so…" Maria said as she shivered.

"I know," Crystal said, looking at them as he removed his arm from her waist and walked away towards the other ladies. Astral, seriously?!

"My question is how can he be so calm in that situation?" Derek asks as we looked at him.

"You do have a point," Estella said.

"I mean like anyone would have stormed over there and probably beat him up for touching her like that but he kept his composure." Lilith said as we nod.

"He is truly impressive." I said as we all looked at him glare at her dance partners yet again. Only this time, he chuckled as they all trembled and ended up dancing like waddling ducks once again. That chuckle really is effective. Utter frightening but effective.

Lily's POV:

At the palace:

I sigh in defeat as we all sat down at the table while my love is standing near a window, staring at the full moon. Well, so long for making him jealous.

My parents went home as we all enjoyed the peace and quiet of the palace. Seriously, does he really not have a problem with me wearing this outside?

I looked at him and furrowed my brows. Why is he smiling so creepily?

"Umm… what is with his smile?" The Queen asks as she looks at him in concern.

I shrugged. "I don't know."

"Did he achieve something satisfying?" The King asks us.

"I don't know." I responded once again, looking back at him still smiling creepily.

"Maybe you should ask him." Crystal said as I shook my head.

"No."

"Why not?" Maria asks. He's acting odd.

"You ask him." I whispered.

"Why would I do that?" She asks. "Do you see his expression right now?" Lilith whispered as we all glanced at him.

"Yea," I said looking back at her. "That's why I'm asking you to ask him."

"Lily, you are his lover. You should be the one to ask him."

"But that expression makes me nervous."

"Just ask him!"

I sigh as I walked over towards him cautiously. Why do I have to be the one to ask him? Why can't one of you do it? I thought as I glared at them while they gave me a thumbs up and whispered good luck. Some friends you are…

"Astral?" I ask quietly as I stood next to him.

"What is it?"

"Is something the matter?"

"Why would you think that?" He said with his eyes not leaving the window. You were smiling murderously that's why!

"Astral," I grabbed his arm making him turn towards me. "What is wrong?"

"Nothing is." He replied. Something is definitely wrong.

"I can tell that something is wrong." I stated.

"Why would you assume that?" He reiterated.

"Because you were smiling all creepily."

"I was thinking of things." Thinking of what?

A moment of silence passed between us as he stares at me. "It's getting late. Go to bed."

"Not until you tell me what's wrong."

"The full moon today is sure beautiful." He said, looking at the moon. He's ignoring me?

"Don't try and change the topic."

"I'm going to bed." He said as he walked off but I pinned him to the wall. Just answer my question.

"You're not going anywhere until you answer until you answer my question." I said angrily. He avoided this question all day now. I want an answer!

"Are you trying to seduce me?"

My eyes widen. Seduce? "What?"

"You're pinning me against a wall while wearing that short yet revealing dress." He said calmly. "Tell me, is this not seduction?"

My heart rate sky rocketed as I stared at him. He… I can't get distracted.

"What's wrong?" I demanded.

As his eyes narrowed locking on to mine. "You want to know what's wrong?" He got free of my grip as he held my wrist tightly.

"Tell me, where did he touch you?" He said in a low voice as he gripped my wrists even tighter. Why is he acting like this?

"Ow… Astral that hurts!" I exclaimed as I tried to get my wrist free.

"I will pulverize him." He said calmly, even further tightening his grip. What is the matter with him?

"Astral… that hurts… let go!" I wiggled my wrist but he just held onto it with an iron grip while glaring at me. I need to find another way. For some reason, my words aren't registering.

Got to find another way…! I launched myself, claiming his lips as he slowly lets go of my wrist and cups my face. I knew this would work.

We broke the kiss as I stared at him in concern. "Astral, what's wrong?" I ask softly as he blinks and shook his head.

"Lily… I-I can't control myself…" He stutters while shaking his head and blinking rapidly. Huh?

"What do you mean you can't control yourself?" I questioned as he puts a hand to his forehead.

"T-The moon… it-" The moon? What about the moon?

All of a sudden, he lifts me up, swinging me over his back as he walks upstairs to his room. What the?

"What are you doing? Let go of me!"

"Put me down!" I demanded but he kept walking. What is the matter with him today?

He used his powers to lock the bedroom door. "Do you hear me? I said to put me down!"

"Gladly." He threw me onto the bed forcefully as he stood there. Ow!

"What is wrong with you?" I shouted as he came closer.

"Did you notice all the men ogling you at that party?" He said in an emotionless tone. They were?

"They were?"

"You didn't notice?" He ask raising an eyebrow. "They were undressing you with their eyes."

He came closer as he pinned me to the bed with our faces inches a part. "W-What are you-"

"You want to dress revealing and seductively in front of other men?"

He chuckles making me squirm under him. Uh-oh. "You deserve a punishment don't you think? He said with a sweet smile as he rips my dress off, revealing my bare skin.

My love glares at me. "I won't be merciful this time."

He smashes his lips aggressively onto mine while he rips off my bra and panties. "Astral…"

"Did I give you permission to speak?" He said in a low, husky voice as he strips down and pressed his body against mine.

Our hands roamed all over our bodies as I moaned with pleasure, gripping his shoulders as he aggressively kissed my lips, thrusting his tongue in and exploring every inch of my mouth. Why is he being so forceful?

His hands moved from my chest to my forbidden area, rubbing my clit as a wave of excitement flow through me.

"Astral… mmmm…" I moaned as he suddenly thrusts his member in my entrance, making me grip his shoulders even more as another wave of pleasure flowed through me.

We suddenly flipped over as he grabbed my bottom making my eyes widen in shock as my heart beat quickened. He…

The sound of slapping rang throughout the room as I moaned with each movement he makes.

We flipped over again as he claimed my lips aggressively again while nibbling on them so hard that I could taste iron. Iron? Wait… am I bleeding?

I rolled around on the bed trying to break this kiss while he kept claiming my lips. What is the matter with him? He's usually not this forceful… well, he did say that he wasn't going to be merciful but…

"Astral," I managed to say while another moan escaped my lips.

"Stop." I whispered quietly. This… I… this doesn't feel right.

He glared at me darkly with anger. I swallowed nervously. W-Why is he looking at me like that?

He pinned my wrists up above my head as he suddenly bit down hard on the side of my neck, making me thrash around, kicking my legs in his grip as tears leaked from my eyes. Who is this person? Why is he doing this? This hurts.

His tongue trailed down towards my chest as he licked it slowly as played with them. He… why do I feel this way?

"Astral, stop." I whispered once more, trying to keep my voice steady. He claimed my lips once again. I kept my mouth shut as I stared at him on top of me. Why does this feel so wrong?

He pressed his tongue against my lips demanding entry to my mouth as I did my best to keep my mouth shut. He forcefully pressed his tongue against my lips once again. He growled as I could feel his hand rubbing against my clit, making me gasp as he thrusts his tongue into my mouth. He… how dare he?

This… I have to break this! I turned my head violently side to side trying to break this kiss that I'm slowly losing myself in. I shouldn't be enjoying this… this feels wrong!

He broke the kiss himself, biting on my lower lip as his lips trailed down my neck and chest. His hand trailed down rubbing my inner thigh. My heartbeat accelerated as I stared at the man above me in fear. I… why am I feeling so scared?

"A-Astral… stop." I said timidly while looking at him in desperation. "I beg you… please stop." I said as tears clouded my vision. Why am I trembling? Am I… afraid of him?

Tears streamed down my face as he suddenly blinks and shook his head in shock as he got off me, breathing heavily as he went to the restroom.

I sat up and covered myself with the blanket with tears dripping. Why am I crying? I… I… why was I so scared of him? I shouldn't be scared but why was I?

The restroom door unlocks as he comes in fully clothed. I could feel him staring at me, trembling on the bed with tears dripping down my face as I avoided his gaze. "I…" He trailed off as he used his powers to clothe me. Why didn't he stop when I told him to?

"I'm sorry." He whispered in guilt. I looked at him and sniffled.

"I will go rest in the other room." He said quietly as he opens the door.

"Goodnight, Lily." He said glancing back at me while closing it.

More tears dripped down my face as I breathed heavily. Why? Why was I afraid of him? What just happened?

Astral's POV:

Once I got out of the room, I slumped against the wall closing my eyes. Why did I do that? Why didn't I stop when she got uncomfortable?

"Astral?" My mother asks as she walks up to me in concern.

"Are you okay?" My father asks looking at me.

"I'm fine." I replied as they stared at me with a deadpan expression.

My father sighs. "Is it that time again?"

I nodded. "Yes,"

"I should have figured." My mother said with a sigh.

"Can you fight it?" She asks in concern.

"I have been trying to fight it all day today." I admitted.

"Don't worry," I said looking at them. "This only happens sometimes when there is a full moon." I said in hopes of reassurance.

My mother hesitated. "Is Lily okay?"

"Yeah," My father said. "We heard crying."

I looked down, clenching my fist. Lily… I thought as I looked my my bedroom door sadly and in guilt. "I…"

I sigh as I looked at my parents. "I… I don't know…" I said slowly as my parents looked at the door.

I should've controlled myself! "Anyway," I turned towards my parents. "It's getting late. You two should head to bed."

"As should you." My father said while reaching for the handle as I stopped him. "Don't."

Confusion flashed on their faces as I said that. "What do you mean?"

"I will be resting in that room." I pointed towards the room across from mine.

My parents looked at each other. "I don't want to lose control and do anything else to her." I said quietly. "Goodnight." I walked over to the room and locked the door.

I plopped myself on the bed covering my face with a groan. "Why did I do that?" I'm sorry, Lily. I… do I even have the right to be sorry? I mean like I forced her to… it was rape! I rolled over on the pillow as I laid awake, staring at the moon once more.