Chapter 3

Cornelia had a nightmare. Ever since He was there she couldn't sleep properly. She went to her bathroom and washed her face. She didn't even bother to look at herself in the mirror. She knew she was a mess. Those eye bags of hers were now constantly glued to her face and no amount of makeup could hide them. She went back to bed but she couldn't sleep. She was constantly tossing and turning. In a moment of despair she remembered that her mother used to take sleeping pills at some point when her sleeping schedule was a mess. Maybe there are some left over. She thought. She went downstairs to her parents' bedroom and got them from the night shelf. The package said they expired a month ago. Seriously?! The blonde groaned. Cornelia remembered that once Irma, who studied medicine, told her that pills that are expired can be used up to 3 months after expiration but their effect is weaker. Well, it's worth a try. She made her way to the kitchen, turned on the light, grabbed a glass and filled it with water. Everywhere was silent. The only noise was the water pouring over to fill the glass. Hmm, one dose is two pills. They are expired so one pill acts like… what was it? A third? Okay, I guess I'll take 6.

"Can't sleep?" She turned around quickly, frightened and nearly choked on the pills. From the darkness two eyes were staring at her. There was a figure, a silhouette of a man. He made a few steps towards her and emerged into the light.

"Oh, it's you" She sighed. Phobos made a few steps towards her and noticed the open package on the counter.

"Having trouble sleeping?"

"It's none of your business", she hissed as her gaze sharpened.

"Oh, why so aggressive? It's not like I deserved such an attitude"

"Really? I think trying to kill me and my friends multiple times is enough of a reason. Not to mention wanting to destroy Elyon"

"Aaah I understand", the prince hovered around her like a vulture, "You were her best friend right?" His eyes were locked upon her and were paralysing her. "Must have hurt when my little sister betrayed you to come stand by my side"

Cornelia felt a wave of sadness coming over her, remembering those dark days when her best friend was being manipulated into thinking the guardians were the enemy.

"And now that she's missing, how can you be sure she didn't leave by her own will?" He smiled evilly. "To join the evil witch and rule not just Meridian, but the universe"

Cornelia was hesitant. Before she would instantly reject the idea but after all that happened it felt like she didn't know Elyon anymore. No, that's exactly what he wants. He's manipulating you. She suddenly became dizzy and the world started blurring. Damn those pills, I thought they'd be weaker, the blond cursed in her mind. She shook her head to concentrate.

" You're not gonna get in my head Phobos, her eyes locked with his, your tricks won't work on me" Sensing her weakness, he smiled and tilted his head slightly. She shivered

"Are you afraid of me, guardian?" He made a step towards her and she instinctively stepped back. "What are you afraid of?" His smile became cruel. "I am a prisoner here on Earth, am I not? All my powers are drained away. What can possibly happen?"

He continued to make his way towards her step by step.

"It's just you and me here in this place '' he gestured towards the darkness "…all alone. Your friends aren't here to protect you"

" I don't need protection, I can take care of myself" Even she didn't believe her words.

"Bold words from a small girl" He was coming closer and closer.

She had nowhere left to go, the prince cornered her on the sink. She felt her heart beating furiously and she was sure he could sense her fear. Don't show him you're afraid! She tried to keep a straight face as he was approaching.

Already in front of her, he lowered his face to her level as he whispered in a sadistic tone.

"What could I possibly do to you? His eyes, cold as ice, were piercing through her soul. She didn't say anything, afraid that her voice would tremble and give her away. It made her feel small and vulnerable. She grabbed the counter tight to not let her hands tremble. Cornelia, get yourself together! With all confidence and dignity she had left she lifted her chin and locked all emotions from visibility. He reached his arm towards her and she tensed. Her breathing became heavier and shorter. She tried her best not to lose control in front of him. Just as he was inches away, his hand went past her and grabbed one of the glasses on the shelf. She felt her heart skip a beat.
Phobos let out a bitter chuckle and straightened himself. He made his way to the sink, a wide smirk on his face.

"I must say, I'm surprised, guardian" The prince said as he filled his glass. "I suspected you were the most cold blooded of the group but not to such an extent. You do have ice in your veins" He looked at her from the corner of his eye as he sipped his water. "Just like me"

She shuddered at the thought.

"I'm nothing like you tyrant!" She snapped and crossed her arms.

"Is that so?" He was grinning amused. He made his way towards her again. This time she was prepared and didn't move an inch. She held his gaze as he approached. He smiled at the lack of reaction when he leaned towards her, his face inches away from hers. Sweet dreams, he whispered in her ear before turning around and disappearing into the darkness.

For a couple of minutes Cornelia was just standing there listening to the silence. She then sighed in relief. Her head was feeling heavy. The pills were starting to take effect.