Caught in a curse
Chapter 2
Author : butterfly-grey
Thank you so much for the reviews people! Well, I'll have an answer to some questions in the middle of the story, during flashbacks. Never fear, the answer shall present itself. Any comments are welcome.
* * *
The days passed slowly for Sakura. She was bored by now, her hands itching for some work to do. This idle life was not for her, back with Aunt May she had chores and work to do to earn their living. She missed those days desperately, those warm carefree days with the one person she could call family. Her heart felt heavy and a wave of sadness came over her.
She was so lost in her own thoughts that she did not notice someone creeping up from behind her. A pair of hands covered her eyes and she jumped with a start.
"Guess who?"
Sakura pondered for a while, "Well, could it be the lost little sheep from the mountains?"
The hands removed itself and Tomoyo stepped into her view. "What sheep?" Tomoyo demanded.
Sakura giggled, "A very adorable cuddly one. When's the wedding?" Sakura hugged Tomoyo warmly.
Tomoyo return her hug and sighed happily, "A week from today. I can't wait."
"I'm happy for you Tomoyo," Sakura said with a smile.
"You'll move in with me today," Tomoyo insisted.
Sakura shook her head, "Iie. I don't think I'll fit in. Tomoyo-chan you don't need to feel responsible for me," Sakura explained.
Tomoyo began to eye her suspiciously, "Do you have something against the Li's? You were looking forward to company when I first told you about bringing you to meet Eriol-san."
"Of course not, I don't even know the Li's," Sakura said bitterly.
"Your voice just betrayed your feelings Sakura. You do know them, don't you?" Tomoyo asked seriously. She had a feeling that Sakura wasn't telling everything to her. Even though she had known Sakura for over 8 years, she knew very little about her background because everytime she asked about her family, Sakura would clam up and repeatedly mention Aunt May's name.
Sakura stared at her hands, refusing to look at Tomoyo. The fragments of memories she had about the Li's were painful. It was as if a whip was brought to her skin everytime she remembered about the 'Li' name. "Before I went to Riviera, I lived here. On a little house at the mountain where the Li mansion was. And Aunt May was happy," Sakura started after taking in a deep breath.
"Did the Li's do something horrible to you and Aunt May?" Tomoyo asked suddenly, she bent down on her knees and tried to catch Sakura's eyes.
When their eyes met, Tomoyo was surprised at how dim Sakura's green eyes were. They were telling Tomoyo how much they had hurt her.
"Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo probed her.
"I can't remember exactly. My memories of my life before I came to Riviera is all a blur. When you mention the name Li, all I felt was an uneasy feeling and lots of pain, physical pain," Sakura said in a low tone while shaking her head.
"Kami, you should have told me Sakura-chan. I would not have forced you to go there then. I will help you because you're my best friend and friends don't abandon each other when they need help."
"Arigato. I've had the many days here alone to think. What I'd really like is to live in the outskirts of town, maybe a small village," Sakura said.
"Somewhere nearby I hope, then we could see each other. I'll come to visit you every day!" Tomoyo agreed.
"And I will look forward to your visit every day. I'll come to your wedding of course, I-"
"If you feel in any way uncomfortable about it I won't force you. I still do not understand about your hostility towards the Li's but I will respect your every decision," Tomoyo said softly.
Sakura shook her head, "No way am I missing your wedding. It's important to you and it will be for me."
"Oh, arigato Sakura-chan,' Tomoyo said happily. She almost squealed.
* * *
He raked an impatient hand through his hair. The sun burning hotly down his bare back. Eriol was late for the third time this week, ever since his fiancée had come Eriol was acting like a fool in love. How idiotic of him, he thought. Women meant nothing to him except a tumble in the hay.
"Xiao Lang, sorry," Eriol said apologetically.
Xiao Lang frowned, "I'm tired of waiting for you everytime. Next time be here on time or I'll go on without you."
"You always manage to give me the shivers, Xiao Lang. Shall we begin?" Eriol said with usual coolness.
Xiao Lang threw him a hard look and took out his sword. "Ready."
Eriol smoothly drew out his sword and nodded. They eyed each other warily, each taking note of any movements. For quite some time they merely circled each other, it was a battle of will to see who would make the first attack. Then Xiao Lang lunged forward and his sword clashed loudly with Eriol's.
Each moved with the finesse of a warrior. Eriol swung his sword backwards and Xiao Lang stealthily avoided the blow and manage to nick him, drawing blood.
"ERIOL!" a female scream brought their training to a stop.
Both turn and looked at the female who was running up to them. It was Tomoyo looking a tad bit disheveled after the run. She practically pounced on Eriol and grabbed the arm that was cut.
"Does it hurt?" she asked tearfully.
"If you press it any harder I'll faint," Eriol said through gritted teeth.
"Gomen ne, Eriol-san," Tomoyo said quickly and dropped his arm as if it was burning.
"It's just a small cut, Tomoyo love. During training, accidents do happen," Eriol explained.
"We're finish for the day then, Eriol," Xiao Lang said to him, "Good day, Tomoyo," he added before leaving with his sword swung upon his shoulder.
Xiao Lang left the threshold of the mansion and made his way towards the forests. With a silent order, his sword returns to an amulet shape. He slipped it in his pockets and followed the path to a forgotten river. When he reached the small river, he sat by the bank and sighed blissfully. It was strange that he could feel solitude here when the Li mansion had gardens that could take away your breath.
The wind ruffled his hair and dried off the sweat that glistened his body. Solitude was not the only reason he came here, his instincts told him if he waited long enough one day he would remember something important that he had forgotten.
* * *
Sakura found the most perfect little house at the small village called Mulberry. The people of the village seemed kind enough. They were a very close knitted community and they plant their own vegetables and fruits. Some have a small farm so meat wasn't very hard to get either.
"This is a nice little quiet village. What's a nice young girl like you doing here?" the woman who was leasing the house said. Her name was Tina and she was moving to the town to take care of her newly born grandchildren.
"Oh, I like quiet very much. You have a herb garden I see," Sakura said.
"Oh, yes. Do you know anything about herbs? They make good medicines and I exchange them for some food and other necessities."
"Not much, just a little. When can I move in?"
"Heck, anytime you like. The house has two rooms, if you don't mind you can live with me first. I'll be leaving only next month though," Tina said brightly.
"I wouldn't mind. I'll bring my belongings and come tomorrow. Thank you so much!" Sakura said enthusiastically.
"I wouldn't mind some company. It gets lonely here. A young pretty thing like you should get married and have your own darling children," Tina talked on.
Sakura blushed, truth was she was so caught up with herself and Aunt May that she never thought about getting married. All those years living in seclusion with Aunt May, she had actually been cut off with the world. That is why she chose to live in a small village, big crowds frighten her.
"I'm not well..very sociable," Sakura admitted shyly.
"You'll open up when you meet the right guy. Tea, dear?" Tina asked.
"Arigato."
Tomoyo came for a visit on the first day she settled in. She even brought along tons of food, cutlery sets and clothes for her. Sakura smiled uneasily at the fuss Tomoyo was making. Tina made sure she was out of the little 'bomb's' (Tomoyo) way. Tomoyo held out a gown she had recently made, especially for Sakura.
"What do you think?" she asked Sakura excitedly.
"It's very beautiful. Um..Tomoyo what about your wedding gown?"
Tomoyo's cheeks were flushed, "It's all ready. I've got it done ages ago."
"You sure? Would you be needing any of my help?" Sakura asked. She desperately wanted to do something for Tomoyo.
"I'm all done. You just need to be there, that'll make my day complete. It's just a few days away, Sakura. I'm so excited I can't sleep at night," Tomoyo sighed.
Sakura giggled, "You had better get enough sleep or you'll look like a panda on your wedding day and Eriol might have second thoughts," she teased.
Tomoyo threw a pillow at her.
* * *
"Don't move, Tomoyo," Xiao Lin said impatiently. The girl was so fidgety that she couldn't do her hair.
"I can't. Is Eriol ready?" she asked nervously.
Xiao Yue laughed, "He's pretty much like you. Xiao Lang is trying to calm him down with his brutal language of course."
"Has my friend arrived yet?" Tomoyo asked. What she need know was Sakura.
"You mean the one called Ying Fa? Yes, she's downstairs hiding behind some huge sculpture," Yue answered.
"Could you please call her up to me?" Tomoyo pleaded.
"Sure, just a minute," Yue said as she went out of the chamber.
"Tomoyo-chan," Sakura called her friend's name.
"Sa- Ying Fa!" Tomoyo shrieked.
"Would you please tell her to calm down? I can't do her hair if she keeps moving," Lin said exasperatedly.
Sakura took Tomoyo's hand and told her to sit down. "Let, miss..er-"
"Call me Lin," Lin smiled enchantingly.
"Calm down Tomoyo-chan. Take in deep breaths, relax," Sakura said soothingly.
"All right all right," Tomoyo said as she did as she was told.
"Your words work miracles Miss Ying Fa," Yue said.
"Please, just Ying Fa," Sakura said warmly.
"Done!" Lin said as she admired her masterwork. "Now, we can go down."
"Where is she?" Eriol asked anxiously.
Xiao Lang smile carried a smirk, "Are you seriously that anxious?"
"She's the only woman for me," Eriol sighed.
"Here she comes," Xiao Lang drawled.
Everyone stood up from the benches as Tomoyo came in. Eriol had to catch his breath as her sheer beauty. Her ice blue gown complimented her porcelain fair skin. Her hair was pulled up in extricate twists and amethyst clips were used to hold them up. The smile on her face was most captivating in his opinion.
Tomoyo felt she was the luckiest woman alive when she set eyes on her future husband. He looked handsome in the dark blue formal, inside was he wore Chinese style clothes. (Strange, but what the heck)The dark blue robe well on his shoulders. The colors actually set off his blue-black hair.
"We have been brought together to join these two in a binding of love and marriage for all eternity. Do you both agree with this marriage?" the priest asked.
"I do," they said in unison.
"With the magic bestowed upon me, with the blessings of the Li clan you are thus forth bound together," the priest said loudly and tied a red ribbon around the two joined hands.
"You may exchange gifts,' he continued.
Tomoyo had a ring made for him, a plain gold ring with their names intricate on it. Eriol gave her a magic locket, inside was a picture of them both and it was sang sweetly.
"Hence, the marriage ceremony is completed. A kiss perhaps and onto the celebration," the priest said.
He kissed her passionately and she returned his kiss with equal ardor. The crowd howled with laughter and gave Eriol some bawdy suggestions about the night. Sakura wiped a tear from her eye, Tomoyo had gotten her wish.
Night descended with a promise of a full moon. The celebrations had continued, Li Eriol was the first cousin to their heir Li Xiao Lang and so his wedding was equally that important. Sakura stayed away from the crowds and kept to herself the whole time. Tomoyo had made sure that her wedding festival was a mask in hopes that Sakura would mingle. Sakura fingered her white mask uncertainly. She could not dispel the fear in her heart that she would be found. Now, why did she think that? Her head ached whenever she tried to remember something about her past.
"My lady, would you honour me with a dance?" a deep baritone voice asked her politely.
"I don't know how to dance, gomen ne," she answered. She glanced at the man. He was masked in black and his tall frame emmited sexuality and power. A hunter in all.
He stood there with his hand still outstretched, "I'm not such a good dancer myself. Surely you will humor me," he said again. He was surely not the type who took no for an answer.
"Very well then, sir," she said as she accepted his hand. After this she would leave, pronto.
He danced slowly so that Sakura could keep up and not stumble. He said nothing much but continue to stare into her eyes. She found herself staring back into his amber-gold eyes. A flash of a young boy with the same colour eyes came to the back of her mind.
"Why do I feel as if I know you?" he asked slowly. He could tell that she was quite pretty, that her moss-green eyes were intriguing, her auburn- brown hair was silky and her peachy skin was soft.
"I don't know. I feel as if I know you from my childhood," she answered truthfully. Little by little she was being drawn into the abyss created by his eyes.
Falling.
"Your name?"
"Ying Fa. Who are you?"
Without her knowledge, he had maneuvered her to a secluded balcony. "Li Xiao Lang."
She dropped her arms and stepped away from him. Then she looked around, they were alone together in the darkness of the night. "I'd better leave," she told him briskly.
He reached out and grabbed her arm. "No, you're not leaving yet. You're the one who found my nephew, Yi Long," he stated.
"Yi Long? You were the one who lost him," she said tartly.
"My mistake of course. And I haven't thank you properly," he said silkily.
"How strange," he said softly while pulling her into his arms. She trembled but she didn't struggle. "That I would feel this way about a girl I have only met once. Have you bewitched me?" he continued, now striking the soft skin of her arm.
"Iie!" she cried out and heaved out of his arms. She stared at him with angry eyes, turning her eyes velvety-dark. "I want nothing to do with you. How dare you touch me like that?" she yelled. Her face was red with exertion.
He said nothing but continued to observe her. She was even more enchanting when mad, he thought quietly to himself. "I will not deny that I want you unlike any other women. What would you like as a reward as a thanks?" he went one coldly.
"Nothing! And stay away from me," she spat at him and stalked off.
He let her go. For the first time since he could remember he felt truly alive. Meeting Ying Fa had made him feel that way. He had to see her again and he had to find out why.
* * *
Thank you so much for the reviews people! Well, I'll have an answer to some questions in the middle of the story, during flashbacks. Never fear, the answer shall present itself. Any comments are welcome.
* * *
The days passed slowly for Sakura. She was bored by now, her hands itching for some work to do. This idle life was not for her, back with Aunt May she had chores and work to do to earn their living. She missed those days desperately, those warm carefree days with the one person she could call family. Her heart felt heavy and a wave of sadness came over her.
She was so lost in her own thoughts that she did not notice someone creeping up from behind her. A pair of hands covered her eyes and she jumped with a start.
"Guess who?"
Sakura pondered for a while, "Well, could it be the lost little sheep from the mountains?"
The hands removed itself and Tomoyo stepped into her view. "What sheep?" Tomoyo demanded.
Sakura giggled, "A very adorable cuddly one. When's the wedding?" Sakura hugged Tomoyo warmly.
Tomoyo return her hug and sighed happily, "A week from today. I can't wait."
"I'm happy for you Tomoyo," Sakura said with a smile.
"You'll move in with me today," Tomoyo insisted.
Sakura shook her head, "Iie. I don't think I'll fit in. Tomoyo-chan you don't need to feel responsible for me," Sakura explained.
Tomoyo began to eye her suspiciously, "Do you have something against the Li's? You were looking forward to company when I first told you about bringing you to meet Eriol-san."
"Of course not, I don't even know the Li's," Sakura said bitterly.
"Your voice just betrayed your feelings Sakura. You do know them, don't you?" Tomoyo asked seriously. She had a feeling that Sakura wasn't telling everything to her. Even though she had known Sakura for over 8 years, she knew very little about her background because everytime she asked about her family, Sakura would clam up and repeatedly mention Aunt May's name.
Sakura stared at her hands, refusing to look at Tomoyo. The fragments of memories she had about the Li's were painful. It was as if a whip was brought to her skin everytime she remembered about the 'Li' name. "Before I went to Riviera, I lived here. On a little house at the mountain where the Li mansion was. And Aunt May was happy," Sakura started after taking in a deep breath.
"Did the Li's do something horrible to you and Aunt May?" Tomoyo asked suddenly, she bent down on her knees and tried to catch Sakura's eyes.
When their eyes met, Tomoyo was surprised at how dim Sakura's green eyes were. They were telling Tomoyo how much they had hurt her.
"Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo probed her.
"I can't remember exactly. My memories of my life before I came to Riviera is all a blur. When you mention the name Li, all I felt was an uneasy feeling and lots of pain, physical pain," Sakura said in a low tone while shaking her head.
"Kami, you should have told me Sakura-chan. I would not have forced you to go there then. I will help you because you're my best friend and friends don't abandon each other when they need help."
"Arigato. I've had the many days here alone to think. What I'd really like is to live in the outskirts of town, maybe a small village," Sakura said.
"Somewhere nearby I hope, then we could see each other. I'll come to visit you every day!" Tomoyo agreed.
"And I will look forward to your visit every day. I'll come to your wedding of course, I-"
"If you feel in any way uncomfortable about it I won't force you. I still do not understand about your hostility towards the Li's but I will respect your every decision," Tomoyo said softly.
Sakura shook her head, "No way am I missing your wedding. It's important to you and it will be for me."
"Oh, arigato Sakura-chan,' Tomoyo said happily. She almost squealed.
* * *
He raked an impatient hand through his hair. The sun burning hotly down his bare back. Eriol was late for the third time this week, ever since his fiancée had come Eriol was acting like a fool in love. How idiotic of him, he thought. Women meant nothing to him except a tumble in the hay.
"Xiao Lang, sorry," Eriol said apologetically.
Xiao Lang frowned, "I'm tired of waiting for you everytime. Next time be here on time or I'll go on without you."
"You always manage to give me the shivers, Xiao Lang. Shall we begin?" Eriol said with usual coolness.
Xiao Lang threw him a hard look and took out his sword. "Ready."
Eriol smoothly drew out his sword and nodded. They eyed each other warily, each taking note of any movements. For quite some time they merely circled each other, it was a battle of will to see who would make the first attack. Then Xiao Lang lunged forward and his sword clashed loudly with Eriol's.
Each moved with the finesse of a warrior. Eriol swung his sword backwards and Xiao Lang stealthily avoided the blow and manage to nick him, drawing blood.
"ERIOL!" a female scream brought their training to a stop.
Both turn and looked at the female who was running up to them. It was Tomoyo looking a tad bit disheveled after the run. She practically pounced on Eriol and grabbed the arm that was cut.
"Does it hurt?" she asked tearfully.
"If you press it any harder I'll faint," Eriol said through gritted teeth.
"Gomen ne, Eriol-san," Tomoyo said quickly and dropped his arm as if it was burning.
"It's just a small cut, Tomoyo love. During training, accidents do happen," Eriol explained.
"We're finish for the day then, Eriol," Xiao Lang said to him, "Good day, Tomoyo," he added before leaving with his sword swung upon his shoulder.
Xiao Lang left the threshold of the mansion and made his way towards the forests. With a silent order, his sword returns to an amulet shape. He slipped it in his pockets and followed the path to a forgotten river. When he reached the small river, he sat by the bank and sighed blissfully. It was strange that he could feel solitude here when the Li mansion had gardens that could take away your breath.
The wind ruffled his hair and dried off the sweat that glistened his body. Solitude was not the only reason he came here, his instincts told him if he waited long enough one day he would remember something important that he had forgotten.
* * *
Sakura found the most perfect little house at the small village called Mulberry. The people of the village seemed kind enough. They were a very close knitted community and they plant their own vegetables and fruits. Some have a small farm so meat wasn't very hard to get either.
"This is a nice little quiet village. What's a nice young girl like you doing here?" the woman who was leasing the house said. Her name was Tina and she was moving to the town to take care of her newly born grandchildren.
"Oh, I like quiet very much. You have a herb garden I see," Sakura said.
"Oh, yes. Do you know anything about herbs? They make good medicines and I exchange them for some food and other necessities."
"Not much, just a little. When can I move in?"
"Heck, anytime you like. The house has two rooms, if you don't mind you can live with me first. I'll be leaving only next month though," Tina said brightly.
"I wouldn't mind. I'll bring my belongings and come tomorrow. Thank you so much!" Sakura said enthusiastically.
"I wouldn't mind some company. It gets lonely here. A young pretty thing like you should get married and have your own darling children," Tina talked on.
Sakura blushed, truth was she was so caught up with herself and Aunt May that she never thought about getting married. All those years living in seclusion with Aunt May, she had actually been cut off with the world. That is why she chose to live in a small village, big crowds frighten her.
"I'm not well..very sociable," Sakura admitted shyly.
"You'll open up when you meet the right guy. Tea, dear?" Tina asked.
"Arigato."
Tomoyo came for a visit on the first day she settled in. She even brought along tons of food, cutlery sets and clothes for her. Sakura smiled uneasily at the fuss Tomoyo was making. Tina made sure she was out of the little 'bomb's' (Tomoyo) way. Tomoyo held out a gown she had recently made, especially for Sakura.
"What do you think?" she asked Sakura excitedly.
"It's very beautiful. Um..Tomoyo what about your wedding gown?"
Tomoyo's cheeks were flushed, "It's all ready. I've got it done ages ago."
"You sure? Would you be needing any of my help?" Sakura asked. She desperately wanted to do something for Tomoyo.
"I'm all done. You just need to be there, that'll make my day complete. It's just a few days away, Sakura. I'm so excited I can't sleep at night," Tomoyo sighed.
Sakura giggled, "You had better get enough sleep or you'll look like a panda on your wedding day and Eriol might have second thoughts," she teased.
Tomoyo threw a pillow at her.
* * *
"Don't move, Tomoyo," Xiao Lin said impatiently. The girl was so fidgety that she couldn't do her hair.
"I can't. Is Eriol ready?" she asked nervously.
Xiao Yue laughed, "He's pretty much like you. Xiao Lang is trying to calm him down with his brutal language of course."
"Has my friend arrived yet?" Tomoyo asked. What she need know was Sakura.
"You mean the one called Ying Fa? Yes, she's downstairs hiding behind some huge sculpture," Yue answered.
"Could you please call her up to me?" Tomoyo pleaded.
"Sure, just a minute," Yue said as she went out of the chamber.
"Tomoyo-chan," Sakura called her friend's name.
"Sa- Ying Fa!" Tomoyo shrieked.
"Would you please tell her to calm down? I can't do her hair if she keeps moving," Lin said exasperatedly.
Sakura took Tomoyo's hand and told her to sit down. "Let, miss..er-"
"Call me Lin," Lin smiled enchantingly.
"Calm down Tomoyo-chan. Take in deep breaths, relax," Sakura said soothingly.
"All right all right," Tomoyo said as she did as she was told.
"Your words work miracles Miss Ying Fa," Yue said.
"Please, just Ying Fa," Sakura said warmly.
"Done!" Lin said as she admired her masterwork. "Now, we can go down."
"Where is she?" Eriol asked anxiously.
Xiao Lang smile carried a smirk, "Are you seriously that anxious?"
"She's the only woman for me," Eriol sighed.
"Here she comes," Xiao Lang drawled.
Everyone stood up from the benches as Tomoyo came in. Eriol had to catch his breath as her sheer beauty. Her ice blue gown complimented her porcelain fair skin. Her hair was pulled up in extricate twists and amethyst clips were used to hold them up. The smile on her face was most captivating in his opinion.
Tomoyo felt she was the luckiest woman alive when she set eyes on her future husband. He looked handsome in the dark blue formal, inside was he wore Chinese style clothes. (Strange, but what the heck)The dark blue robe well on his shoulders. The colors actually set off his blue-black hair.
"We have been brought together to join these two in a binding of love and marriage for all eternity. Do you both agree with this marriage?" the priest asked.
"I do," they said in unison.
"With the magic bestowed upon me, with the blessings of the Li clan you are thus forth bound together," the priest said loudly and tied a red ribbon around the two joined hands.
"You may exchange gifts,' he continued.
Tomoyo had a ring made for him, a plain gold ring with their names intricate on it. Eriol gave her a magic locket, inside was a picture of them both and it was sang sweetly.
"Hence, the marriage ceremony is completed. A kiss perhaps and onto the celebration," the priest said.
He kissed her passionately and she returned his kiss with equal ardor. The crowd howled with laughter and gave Eriol some bawdy suggestions about the night. Sakura wiped a tear from her eye, Tomoyo had gotten her wish.
Night descended with a promise of a full moon. The celebrations had continued, Li Eriol was the first cousin to their heir Li Xiao Lang and so his wedding was equally that important. Sakura stayed away from the crowds and kept to herself the whole time. Tomoyo had made sure that her wedding festival was a mask in hopes that Sakura would mingle. Sakura fingered her white mask uncertainly. She could not dispel the fear in her heart that she would be found. Now, why did she think that? Her head ached whenever she tried to remember something about her past.
"My lady, would you honour me with a dance?" a deep baritone voice asked her politely.
"I don't know how to dance, gomen ne," she answered. She glanced at the man. He was masked in black and his tall frame emmited sexuality and power. A hunter in all.
He stood there with his hand still outstretched, "I'm not such a good dancer myself. Surely you will humor me," he said again. He was surely not the type who took no for an answer.
"Very well then, sir," she said as she accepted his hand. After this she would leave, pronto.
He danced slowly so that Sakura could keep up and not stumble. He said nothing much but continue to stare into her eyes. She found herself staring back into his amber-gold eyes. A flash of a young boy with the same colour eyes came to the back of her mind.
"Why do I feel as if I know you?" he asked slowly. He could tell that she was quite pretty, that her moss-green eyes were intriguing, her auburn- brown hair was silky and her peachy skin was soft.
"I don't know. I feel as if I know you from my childhood," she answered truthfully. Little by little she was being drawn into the abyss created by his eyes.
Falling.
"Your name?"
"Ying Fa. Who are you?"
Without her knowledge, he had maneuvered her to a secluded balcony. "Li Xiao Lang."
She dropped her arms and stepped away from him. Then she looked around, they were alone together in the darkness of the night. "I'd better leave," she told him briskly.
He reached out and grabbed her arm. "No, you're not leaving yet. You're the one who found my nephew, Yi Long," he stated.
"Yi Long? You were the one who lost him," she said tartly.
"My mistake of course. And I haven't thank you properly," he said silkily.
"How strange," he said softly while pulling her into his arms. She trembled but she didn't struggle. "That I would feel this way about a girl I have only met once. Have you bewitched me?" he continued, now striking the soft skin of her arm.
"Iie!" she cried out and heaved out of his arms. She stared at him with angry eyes, turning her eyes velvety-dark. "I want nothing to do with you. How dare you touch me like that?" she yelled. Her face was red with exertion.
He said nothing but continued to observe her. She was even more enchanting when mad, he thought quietly to himself. "I will not deny that I want you unlike any other women. What would you like as a reward as a thanks?" he went one coldly.
"Nothing! And stay away from me," she spat at him and stalked off.
He let her go. For the first time since he could remember he felt truly alive. Meeting Ying Fa had made him feel that way. He had to see her again and he had to find out why.
* * *