Chapter 4
They ventured on, Jereth bringing her through with unimaginable speed. In close to an hour, they were at the Knockers. Yet, there was something different about them. Their forever-open eyes were closed and half of their faces were devoured by the shadow.
"Preposterous." She whispered, but Jereth shook his head.
"No, not in my world. Anything is possible. Don't underestimate this dimension or take it for granted." He replied, but there was something in his voice that made her frightened. Was this a new side of him? They went through the proper door and walked into the all-familiar forest. The silence settled upon them like banshees in the night. Sara shuddered slightly, but she felt Jereth's hand take hers carefully, as if he were handling a newborn child. A blush filled her alive cheeks, but she quickly took control of her emotions. Deep inside, she knew she loved him. Ever since he took Toby, a plaguing pain stabbed at her heart, yearning to see him again. Now he stands next to her and they are to battle an unknown enemy, together.
"We are almost there." She heard him speak and he turned to gaze into her eyes. Right in front of them was the gate to the Goblin City.
"Jereth, in case I don't live this, I need you to know something." Sara said, her voice shaking.
"What?" Jereth asked gently. 'Damn, I love his voice.' She thought, but continued.
"Ever since I defeated you, you've been invading my dreams. I can't stop thinking of you." He didn't interrupt her, but just listened with patient silence. "I.love you." Jereth crept closer to her and touched her cheek.
"There is nothing wrong with loving someone. I have loved you for years. You were right about me when you told the story to Toby that night. I love you, with all my heart. I would give up my kingdom, my LIFE just to have you in my arms." He said and kissed her with his hellish passion. Sara felt his heat enter her body and go straight into her cheeks. They pulled away for a few moments and kept on their journey.
After passing the dead city, they stood in front of the doorway. Turning and giving their love one last kiss, they entered, worrying about what was to unfold in their midst.
Silent. Everything was silent, but they pointed out the shadows that clung to most of the walls like leeches, digesting the stone for their own advantage. Jereth looked at his old throne that was partially eaten. A sigh escaped him as a rage burned in his chest. 'Vengeance will be mine for the taking.' He thought and began to lead Sara up the stairs.
"Going somewhere, Jereth?" Asked a baritone voice behind them. They turned to see a man dressed in all black, but his hair was as white as alabaster stone. His eyes were the most hideous of gray and they pierced the very air.
"Y-You.you did this. Damon, I will never forgive you." Jereth said to the man. Damon was pale skinned and well built, but shorter than Jereth. As he approached the lovers, his cloak brushed against the floor, and shadows fell upon the stone and began eating.
"It's his cloak." Sara whispered.
"Give me back my kingdom, Damon."
"Why should I?" The man asked, smirking.
"It isn't yours."
"That doesn't matter. It is mine for the taking. Like this was." He said and under his cloak, a little boy stood, frightened.
"TOBY!" Sara shrieked. Toby tried to run toward his sister, but Damon grabbed his shirt.
"Oh, and I'm terribly sorry about what happened to your little goblin." He said, his smile widening.
"Damn you!" Jereth shouted. Sara began to weep. Were all her friends leaving her? Was Jereth going to also?