Chapter four:
Alina awoke covered in sweat, the same old dream haunting her as always, with the addition of the darkling playing a larger part, just as before. She rubbed her face, scrubbing hard at her skin, before rolling her eyes to the side of the bed, seeing it empty.
Surveyed the room, breathing a sigh of relief, realizing Aleksander was nowhere to be found. The window across from her was shining a , mid-day sun though the trees, fully lighting the area for the first time, since her arrival. She glanced to her left, noticing a beautifully sown dress hanging from the wood cabinet dresser's door, not too far from the bed.
Oh great, he's choosing my clothing now.. She thought, yawning and towing herself from the mattress. A shiver running up spine, as her bare feet made contact with the cold floor. She stubbled her way to examine the clothing, properly. It was a black dress, with a deep v neckline with gold ruffles lining it, and glossy black floral patterns on the skirt. It had sparkly ribbons lacing the bodice, with a trailing black lace trim. In short, It was incredible.
But, it wasn't right for her. Black is for funerals, for mourning, for the Darkling, not her. She peaked into the dresser and placed the dress back, skimming through the other selection of dresses. There was so many to choose from. She thought, running her fingers from dress to dress, finding each one, either too elegant or too revealing.
She frowned, till landing on a simple pale yellow gown, with white trim and white ribbons lacing up the back, long sleeves, and ruffled white petty coat. Most importantly, only an insignificant, drooping neck line. Still, more than she preferred, but not bad. She pulled it out and started to put it on, only struggling a little as she laced the back of it up.
She inspected herself in the full length mirror beside her, a smile tugging at her round lips. It was indeed, a classy dress, like all the rest. Falling just over the shoulders, with slight puffed sleeved that tapered tight from the elbow to her wrist, white lace spouting around her hands at the end. The corset that was built in pressing, the little cleavage she had up, making them appear fuller. A white thick ribbon tied around her cinched waist, captured her curves perfectly, making a large bow in the back, and overly puffy skirt that fell to the floor.
She felt like one of the dolls, the children at the orphanage played with. Doing a little curtsey in the mirror, giggling at herself. She felt silly in such a dress. She was so dull and boring, in contrast to the wonderous fabrics that held her. She grimaced at her messy hair and tugged light at it. Maybe, if my hair was neater? Then, I'd look the part?
She took the braid from her hair and letting the strains flow down her shoulders, now wavy from the braid, she played with it. She decisively, braided two front locks that wrapped around her head. Just pulling in the hair from her face, and tied it in the back. She beamed at herself, feeling better, before walking around the grand room, testing how far the chain would allow her to go. It wasn't far, just to the bathroom, dresser and drawers, the sizable table near the fireplace, front of the desk and half of the bookshelf beside it. She couldn't reach the door, or the enormous window behind the desk, or the smaller table against the wall by the door. Now, cleared from the breakfast from yesterday.
She slumped against the desk, bored of pacing around, the cuff chaffing her ankle. She rubbed at it, with one hand anchored on the desk behind her. She paused, her hand touching a piece of paper on the desk. She titled her head, placing her foot down and peered over her shoulder, noticing her name at the top. More like the name, he had given to her. She picked it up and read the elegant handwriting.
Dear Solntse,
I have picked out a dress for you, hanging on the dresser. I hope, it is to your liking. I didn't want to wake you, but I have gone hunting, and will return as soon as I can. I'm not sure how long I'll be away. So, please make yourself at home.
Ps. If you behave yourself while I'm gone, I'll give you a surprise. So, be a good girl.
Aleksander
She rolled her eyes at his comment about being a 'good girl,' but her curiosity was peeked at the mention of a surprise.
She wondered what it could be. If it was really a pleasant surprise or something she'd rather not receive... She let the letter drift back down to the desk, and scanned the extensive stone top. It had sepia papers scattered all over it, with an inkpots and quills, littered about. She noticed the trash next to it, over flowing with crumbled scrap.
She picked up one of the clumps of papers from the floor, unfolding it. It started with 'Dear Alina, you looked so lovely as you slept, I decided not to wake you. I hope you were able to relax after last night. I...' He cut himself off with scribbled lines over the words, still allowing her to see though the messy ink. She flushed lightly, remembering the events of last night. He was so hot and cold, that it had given her whiplash. His handsome annoying face remaining emotionless as well sculped abs were full display, testing her nerves. He had bathed her in that candle lit room.. She neatly folded the paper this time, just tapping it to her chin in thought.
Had he really thought of her as lovely? Who would have guessed, after his words last night. In fact, she was often referred to as simple by others.. But he did see much more of her than anyone else, yet he thought she was lovely? The word was vague, but their it was, loopy and clear. She covered her lips with the parchment, hiding the blush that spread deeper across her cheeks.
She squinted her eyes closed, pushing away the lingering touches of him last night, and the way he massaged her scalp, the burning traces of fingertips on her arms, her back, her face. He really did bath her, it was no dream, as much as she wished it was.
She thought he would kill her last night, and despite dragging her to the bath forcefully, and the calloused words he threw her way. He was so gentle as he washed her hair.. Then after, he was right back to stony, indifference once more. His mood swings were so, utterly confusing. It made her head spin but, she would be lying, if she didn't admit it was alluring. He was mysterious and dark, but he was also tender and wise. He was a total enigma, that itched to be figured out. It drew her in like a black hole.
She ambled over to the bed, and tucked the letter into the nightstand's drawer, not sure why she wanted to keep it. Perhaps to have the only proof that existed, that he indeed, thought of her as 'lovely.' She smiled softly sitting on the bed with a huff, before seeing a new tea cup on the table with the same teapot on the fireplace.
She strolled over to it, noticing the addition of a tiny pitcher of cream and tin of sugar. He must have made her tea before he left, as well. She grabbed the teapot before hissing at the hot handle, then wrapped her skirt around her hand and picking it up once more, pouring it into the delicate blue china cup. She added milk and sugar in, stirring it with the thin metal spoon beside her.
She smiled, pulling it close, smelling that same floral scent, sweet and relaxing. She took a sip of the steaming liquid, still a little too hot to drink. She didn't mind though, as she let it burn down her throat, with a sigh of delight.
Who would have thought, that she would have to be kidnapped, by the prince of darkness himself, to earn all these simple pleasures. She looked at the book case by Aleksander's desk, knowing she could only reach half it, but scanned over the names on the worn spines, regardless. He did say make myself at home. Might as well see, if there was anything good to read. The voice in her head reminded her. Just to pass the boredom, till his return.
She noticed many titles she knew like, 'Far From The Madding Crowd,' by Tomas Hardy, poems by Edgar Allen Poe, and Emily Dickinson. Unsurprising to her, that he had those in his library, dark and depressing as they were. Yet, there was much more she didn't recognize or that didn't have names on their leather pleated spines. She took a speculative sip of her tea, nearing closer to the side of the shelf that she could reach. She ran her fingers across them. Books of medical practices and the study of history, till she landed on a row of bound notebooks, all just labeled I, II, III, and so on, all the way to 'LVI.' She didn't understand the symbols, considering the orphanage only taught her the most basic of things. A little math, reading, writing and minor history, was all she could say she was allotted. The only reason she knew of the few books she did, was because they had a small collections of books in the head masters study.
But she could tell there was about 50, give or take, notebooks with the same labels, ranging in all different shades and thicknesses, most on the other side of the case. She pulled (what she assumed) was the first one out, the most worn of them all, and cracked it open to the first page, setting her tea cup down on the desk, behind her. She was welcomed by vaguely familiar hand writing, messier and more loopy, than the letter the Darkling had left for her this morning. But his writing, none the less.
It was his journals... She closed it quickly, unsure if she should delve into his most personal thoughts. She skimmed the perimeter and waited to see if the mysterious man had returned yet, but all she heard was the resilient fire crackling, and a soft ticking noise, like a beat under fabric. No doubt, coming from some kind of watch, inside the desk. She returned back to the book in her hands, deciding a peek couldn't hurt. She hoisted herself on to the corner of the desk, with the window lighting the brown stained leather, as she opened it once again.
She picked up her tea, absent mindedly sipping it, as she read the first line, straining to understand the faded script.
"Mother told me I should keep a journal. She said father use to write in one as well. Though, I have never found them." She read gathering that this must be the first one, as she had hoped it was. "It's my 13th birthday present, so I feel I must try and at least, write a few things down. Today, I will be going to the lake to play with a friend I made last week. It's nice to have a friend my own age. He's my very first one. We travel too much, to properly make acquaintances, let alone real companions." She thought back to how Aleksander told her that he discovered his powers after almost being drowned at thirteen. She scowled at the page, knowing what was about to come. She felt sorrow for the little boy in these writings. The rejection he must of felt, from his only friend, can be devastating at that age.
She continued on. "He said the lake is beautiful this time of year, covered in ice and snow. I'll also, get to meet his other friends. Perhaps, learn how to ice skate for the first time. Mother says not trust anyone, not like us, considering that we're different. She says we have powers, but we don't even know if I'm like her yet.. I think she worries excessively about these things. I could be completely normal. But, I have noticed stares from outsiders, like they know I'm not. Calling my Mother and I witches, when I was younger. But I don't care, I want a friend. It's so lonely, I can barely stand it anymore." She flipped the page to the next entry.
"Day two: Mother was right. I should have known, she's always right.." Alina sighed, sipping on her tea once more, wishing that wasn't the case for the young Darkling.
"We are riding in a carriage right now, fleeing. We have to leave again, and it's all my fault... I was foolish to think anyone would want to be friends with a witch's son. They tossed me into the icy lake, and tried to hold me under. I panicked and clapped my hands, before the struggling just stopped.. It all happened so fast. I pulled myself out of the water and they laid on the frozen grass, bodies mangled and split in two. There was so much red against the white snow, that it made my eyes blurry. Mother said it was the 'Cut,' a powerful ability that should only be done in situations, such as that one. I'm just like her..
I swear to god, if I ever find anyone like me, I will protect them. That is the only people I will ever trust. People like me.. Maybe then, I won't have to alone anymore." She shook her head, before hearing footsteps coming up the hall, behind the bedroom door. She quickly slammed the book shut, placing it back where she had found it, and snatching a random book from the shelf. She pretended to flip through the pages, frowning at the gory drawings, as the door squeaked, open.
Aleksander walked into the room, carrying a decretive pink, cardboard box, tied closed by a bright red bow on top. She tried her best to not, to look guilty for diving into his privacy, knowing he probably wouldn't apricate it much. He looked her over, giving a curious smirk, as he put the box down on the table beside the door. He looked stunning in a flowy back shirt, tucked into black leather trousers, his hair combed neatly back, despite coming back from hunting as he had stated. He must of cleaned up, before returning. She thought, taking in his attractive appearance.
"Was the dress not to your standards?" He said stocking over to her, as she closed the book placing it in her lap, not wanting to meet his gaze. Suddenly, shameful for casing it aside so quickly, without even trying it on first. He touched the lacey fabric that framed her sleeve. He rubbed the fabric between his fingers, in thought. "This does suit you well, of course. He added, looking her up and down.
"It was rather low cut.. I didn't think the color would have suited me, either." She said timidly, stilled fixed on the book in her hands.
He regarded the book as well, releasing his hold on her sleeve.
"Wouldn't expect you to like medical texts." He cooed, looming over her.
She blushed at his closeness, feeling his stubble on her shoulder, knowing that she wasn't much interested in it either. Clearing her throat and straightening her back, she finally gathered the will to look him in the eyes as she spoke. "Well you expected correctly, but the pictures are rather.. compelling." She mumbled, putting the book back in its place. Picking up her tea, hiding behind the cup as she took a long drink, eyes darting back to the box on the table.
He followed her gaze and raised an eye brow, repressing a snicker. "Oh, yes. Your surprise. Not so sure you've earned it, since you didn't wear the dress, I painstakingly chose for you." He said playfully, a wicked lopsided smirk on his face.
This cheeky man.. She thought rolling her eyes, annoyed at the talk of his misplaced efforts.
"It wasn't to upset you.. It just didn't a line with tastes.." She could feel her lips falling, having trouble not showing her disappointment. She really did want to see, what was inside the pretty box.
He chuckled low and warm at her dismay, tucking a strain behind her ear, fingers grazing her check, making her face light up like a tomato. He looked so effortlessly, striking when he smiled, his laughter hitting her straight in the gut, making it feel fuzzy.
"Very well, but do be careful with that dress, you are currently wearing, it is somewhat dear to me." He stated pulling away, saddened by the sudden loss of his warmth, though she ignored it.
She was reminded of the nightgown and how he said it wasn't his mothers. Perhaps, it belong to a past lover? Was she currently wearing a dress of a dead wife, or conquest? The thought was enough to make her want to take it off, but pushed the thoughts aside.
He took a few strides over to the box in question as she slid from the desk, holding her tea in her hands. He placed the present on the table, by the fireplace. She followed behind, sitting on the plush chair, eyeing it, suspiciously. He started to pull the ribbons, untying them, then opened the lid.
She couldn't believe her eyes, there was small slices of colorful cakes, large soft cookies and macaroons, with taffies sprinkled into the mix, looking pastel and delightful. She admired the treats, excitement at how they would all taste, filling her chest. The smell of sweet flour and frosting filling her nostrils as she breathed it in hungerly.
"This is incredible, where did you get all this?!" Her eyes still glued in astonishment and glee, to the massive array of desserts, and candies.
"After hunting, I snuck into town and found a quint bakery, near the old church, called Aroma's Bakery. I wasn't sure what you liked. So, I got a little of everything." He said standing tall, looking rather proud of himself, in the wake of her surprise. "Have some, but save room for lunch, it's on the way."
She glanced at him, then back at the selection, licking her lips, scanning over all the options deliberately, not knowing which to try first. "How can you afford such things?" She muttered deciding on a bright blue macaroon and smelling it, closing her eyes as sweet rich blueberry, overwhelmed her senses.
"I have gathered quite a lot of wealth over the years, doing various tasks for kings and peasants alike. When, they can find me, of course. But, I haven't done so, for many years." He said as he watched her take a small bite of the blue cookie before groaning in pleasure. The sticky, yet crunchy texture, making her sigh in pleasure.
Opening her eyes, to see a startled Aleksander, his face beginning to twist harshly in shock. Stepping back rapidly, almost tripping over the chair behind, causing her to gasp.
"What is it?!" She asked worry lacing her words, dropping the cookie down on the table, covering her mouth with her hands. She watched, as sweat dampened his forehead, chest heaving with quick breaths. He didn't answer, just moving to her swiftly and grabbing her face, forcing her face only inches from his own. His black eyes frantically examined her face, searching. Is there something on my face? She flushed at the closeness, his lips merely inches from her own.
"What were you feeling just now, exactly." He asked in a rush, excitement pulling at his words, as he loomed over her, his heart beat was audible and fast.
She stared at him in alarmed confusion as she tried to think. "I don't know, I was just enjoying my cookie..." She pouting, feeling like she was under a microscope, as she diverted her eyes to anything but the black holes in front of her.
"Why? Do I have crumbs on my face." She mumbled, feeling embarrassment creep up her neck. He moved back slightly, hands still on her face, shock fading away to the strangest glee, that pulled his lips into a wide grin, displaying perfectly, pearly teeth.
"Yes," He laughed wiping away crumbs from her lips with his thumb, "But, you glowed, my Solntse. Very dimly, but you glowed!" He proclaimed loudly, looking at her like she was the most priceless thing in the whole world. "I knew it, I knew you were Grisha." He said stepping back, breathing out a huge sigh of relief, just staring at her in amazement, eyes alight with childlike wonder.
While, she just stared right back at him, like a lunatic. "Grisha? What do you mean glowing?" She gawked at him. God, he really is mad, certifiably insane. Me, like him? He's down right, bonkers! The voice in her head screamed.
"Your face and hair lit up, It must be joy, that must be your beckoning emotion! That's why you light up like a star! Well, you only lit up a little, but soon you could light up like the sun." He said smile wide, running hands through his hair, began to pace with enthusiasm. "We'll have to find more things that bring you joy, we need to make sure, the powers fully emerge." He thought out loud, moving in small quick steps from one spot to another. "Maybe, take you somewhere beautiful or something..." He froze, eyes wild, as he fixed them firmly on her. "What do you like? Anything at all." He spouted, pulling the chair from beside him and sitting on it, leaning close to her over the table, foot tapping eagerly.
She curled her lip at his odd behavior, popping the rest of the cookie into her mouth, annoyingly chewing it, as she raised her eyebrows in judgment. "Your crazy, you do know that right?" She continued chewing, hoping the wonderfully, creamy, blueberry taste would detach her from the situation. He full on belly laughed, practically doubling over in giggles, not helping her thoughts of him, in the least.
"Alina, It does sound crazy. But, hear me out. The night I found you in the woods, I followed a ringing noise, that I only heard when my mother was near. I left hoping to find her, but it was you! And, you were glowing! Just as you were only moments ago. At first, I thought I was only imagining what I saw, after years of looking for someone like me. But, it happened again, just now! I wasn't imaging anything, you are my sun!" He spoke with such speed it was hard for her to keep up, as she took in his words, becoming more and convicted that he was truly out of his right mind. Me, a poor measly orphan, was like him? Nonsense. She sipped her tea almost annoyed that he would try and fill her with false hope, and wait a second.. It finally dawned on her.
"That's why you kidnapped me.. Why you called me Solntse, little sun from the start? You think, I'm your long lost equal?" She place the cup back down forcefully. "Of course, you lied, why would you, with all your power, be scared of men with pitchforks and torches?!" She rolled her eyes and shook her head at her foolishness.
No wonder.. I felt like he was giving me only half-truths. "Well, sorry to disappoint Mr. Aleksander, but you are sorely mistaken." She scoffed grabbing a toffy from the box and chopping down on it, too angry to fully enjoy the delightful candy. It really was good though. A voice in her chimed as she crossed her arms.
His smile eased, as he put the lid back on the box, in order to have her full attention. "Fine, I'll make you a deal." He said as he placed his hand over hers, pulling it to the tables center, tenderly. "Stay with me a month, if we don't know by then, without a shadow of a doubt, that you are indeed like me, then you may have your freedom. But, if my theory is correct," He tightened his hold on her hand in longing. "You will stay with me and hone your abilities, indefinitely."
Alina retreated her hand from his, and looked down at it in her lap. "Give me a moment to think on it.." She said solemnly. Apart of her wished it was true, for nothing more than the lonely boy in the Darkling's heart, that simply longed for a friend, an equal.
He leaned back, a bit of disappointment lacing the weakened smile that played on his gorgeous features. "Of course, In the meantime, I should get back to cooking lunch, I hope it hasn't already burnt." He stood walking back to the door, pausing before opening it, hand hovering above the knob. "But I do hope you agree, Alina." Then, he left, leaving the confused girl with her thoughts.
She sighed, tapping the top of the dessert box, drumming on it lightly. Then, pulling it back open, dipping her finger into white frosting, on the top of the white cake slice. She popped her digit into her mouth, sucking the buttercream from it, with a frown. It tasted so amazing, why did it have to be ruined by the bitterness of this dilemma.
She whined angrily shutting the box once more, drifting back to the bed and flopping down on the mattress. feeling more stressed than she ever had before, covering her face with her arms.
"Stupid darkling!" She growled out, declaring her frustration in the privacy of the room. Why'd he have to go off and make her feel special and worth something? It was only going to hurt him that much more, when he realizes just how plain she really was. The only reason she was here, was because he thought she had powers.. How blind could she have been? No man, would pay her any mind, if it wasn't for something they wanted. She was simple and useless, with no discernible skills in sight.
She rolled over, looking at her hands out stretched in front of her. But.. if she did have power.. Just maybe, that would mean she did have a skill, a rare and unheard of skill. It could mean that she could possibly be ageless like Aleksander, that she would be able to see all of the world, before she even starts to gray. It meant that she could someday find Mel. Melyan.. she thought bitterly, If I don't age, someday I will have to watch him wither away with old age, as I remain like a statue, forever unchanging. That would be horrific…To watch the only boy, I've had ever loved, die hundreds of years before me…
But, that was impossible, in no way could she be what he says. She has lived her whole life, not seeing an ounce of a reason to believe his misguided claims. She was just an orphan, and nothing more.. She stat up, walking to the mirror, it reflecting a girl with so many flaws. Dark circles surrounding boring brown eyes, frame that was so bony and pale, she could be mistaken for a ghost. Hair dully black, hiding hollow cheeks.
She touched the glass, tracing her features of her round chin and chapped lips. What's the shame in trying, though? She was stuck here, regardless. Then again, he might even try to kill her in a desperate attempt to prove she was un-killable like him, only proving he's wrong, and her dying anyways. She rested her forehead, against the cool glass, feeling tears of worry and rage, welling in her eyes, as she closed them taut. Not wanting to add, weakness to the list of things she couldn't stand about herself.
She withdrew from the mirror and poured herself another cup of tea with milk and sugar, before resting on the chair, calming her shaking hands. Pulling her legs to the side, pushing herself further into the corner of the wingback seat, propping her feet on the edge. She waited patiently for his return, as she resisted the urge to scoff down more of the delicious treats, in vain attempts to comfort herself.
Right before, she was about to rip open the lid, Aleksander opened the door with two plates, one balancing on his forearm, and the other in the same hand. He gave a weak sideways grin, as he entered, kicking the door closed behind him. A bottle of something tucked under his arm and two steamed glass in the other hand. He briskly walked to the table and placed the glasses down, before the plates and bottle that she could now tell was bubbly white wine.
She looked down at her golden trimmed white plate, with a generous, juicy cut of steak, mash potatoes with gravy and long strands of grilled asparagus. It looked fit for a queen, not something she'd ever think of having before her. She could smell the smokiness of the meat and veggies, causing her mouth to salivate, suddenly very glad she didn't pig out on sweets.
"Is this you're cooking? It looks.. delicious." She stated, somehow he was still surprising her. That, he could cook something so remarkable, she wondered if it tasted as good as it looked.
"Thank you, and yes, it's become one of my favorite past times. And I've had a lot of time to pass." His smile grew smug, making her wish she kept the complement to herself, as he popped the cork of the bottle sending it flying and mist flowing into the air, from the opening. "In celebration." He raised the bottle, before filling the stemmed glasses carefully.
"Celebration, of what, exactly?" She asked, taking the glass that was handed to her, as he sat across from her, putting the bottle down and picking up his own glass.
"To finally meeting someone, like no other." He said, leaning over taping his glass to hers, and taking a sip, motioning her to do the same. She examined the bubbly yellow liquid. She had never tried alcohol before, not sure of how it would taste. She drank a mouthful, before coughing. It was bitter, with barely a hint of sweet after taste. Why do adults drink this fowl stuff. She mentally, scoffed.
Aleksander snickered, but not cruelly, just simply in reaction. "Never drank alcohol before?" He asked as the girl before him, as she turned violently red. "Is it that bad?"
She cleared her throat and shook her head. "No, it just wasn't want I expected, i-is all." She stammered out. The last thing she wanted, was to have him think of her as a child, so she took another, much smaller sip, trying her best not to cringe, doing a pretty good job of it. The second taste, making it start to grow on her, belly feeling a little fuzzy.
"Now eat up, you need some protein. We need to fatten up a little, get your strength back." He said picking up his knife and fork cutting into his steak.
"Fatten me up, what am I, a pig?" She mumbled under her breath, before doing the same, cutting a small bite from the meat, and popping it into her mouth. Explosions, of flavor dancing on her tongue, as she groaned. It was so juicy and it melted in her mouth. She didn't even know meat, could taste this good.
"No, you just clearly have been starved." He said taking a bite as well, looking rather cocky as he could tell she enjoyed the food. "You're glowing again.." He said pointing his fork at her. She instantly, looked in the mirror, and saw nothing, but a girl with her mouthful.
"Liar.." She frowned, chewing her bite faster. "I'm not glowing at all."
He chuckled again, only shaking his head at her attempt to catch the glimmer.
"Must have missed it." He smiled, taking a long sip of his wine, and giving a refreshed smack of his lips. "So, have you decided yet?" He placing a bite of mashed potato past his teeth.
"I've thought about it.." She agreed, signing softly, knowing that this choice could completely allure the course of her life. "I would like to see if I'm like you, on one condition." She added quickly, taking another sip of the strange drinking, making her feel more relaxed, with each gulp.
"And what might that be?" He asked, gazing intensely in her eyes.
"That you won't try and kill me, if I turn out to not process any powers." She said face falling firm, holding on to the resolve in her bones.
He placed his drink down and reached his hand across the table holding her hand, once more. "I'm a man of my word. I promise to let you go free, Alina, but you have to at least try, that's all I'm asking." He said sincerely, pulling his hand away, going back to eating his food.
"Deal." She agreed, and tried the mashed potatoes, so smooth and buttery, that she moaned, slipping her eyes closed, leaning her head against the headrest.
"Glowing.." He teased.
"Shut up and let me enjoy this, Darkling." She snapped, keeping her eyes shut, ignoring him and just savoring her meal.
8888888888888
Once, they've both finished their meals, Alina took her last sip of wine, now coming to enjoy the flavor and the tingling it made her feel. "So, what's the first order of business, when it comes to all this magic stuff.." She said more confident than before, feeling fully relaxed, the alcohol starting to set in.
Aleksander refilled her glass and sat it back down. "It's not magic, and I was thinking about that while, I cooked.." He leaned back in his chair sighing, "We should start by reading the little bit of text I've found over the years about our kind. Between studding, try and fully emerge your power through your 'beckoning emotion.' Finding things that make you joyful, or things you enjoy doing." He drew out thoughtfully, pressing his glass to his lips as well. "Can you think of anything you enjoy doing?"
She thought about it, taking another gulp of her wine, humming in thought, sitting crisscross in her seat. "I don't really know. Haven't really thought about it before…"
"There has to be something you can think of." He pressed, furrowing his bow, and leaning forward, the light from the window playing on his features in such a way that made Alina feel like she was looking an angel, instead of a demon.
"This." She blurted out before she could stop herself. "Eating and talking, I mean." She added quickly, her face flushed by tipsiness and embarrassment. Why'd I say that? I'm so dense sometimes. God, my head feels so foggy..
He smirked, a prideful glint returning to his eye. "Oh really? Does my charm have nothing to do with it?" He half-joked as she went three shades darker in color.
"N-no! Of course not! I'd hardly, call you charming." She stuttered, trying her best not show her blush, hiding into her hair, tilting her head down.
"But, you're turning red, my dear. Are you sure?" He all but, purred out his words, his smirk growing into a full smile.
"Quit teasing me, it's not nice." She snapped, now so heated at the face, she felt dizzy.
"Okay, okay!" He cackled, holding his hands up in surrender. "Anything else? Other than this."
Her blush retreated slightly as she thought, looking up at the ceiling. "Hmmm.. Mel." She decided. "Being near Melyen." She finished.
Aleksander's face fell faintly, playfulness fading, as he knew exactly who she meant. "The boy, your friend."
"Yes." She answered, even though it wasn't a question. "My best friend." She added, as the man before her, glanced out the window, frown forming on his soft lips.
"Well, seeing him is out of the question. If you do glow, everyone would be aware of your powers and that would be a very bad idea." He stated coldly, but she swore that she heard a vague, twinge of jealousy, tenting his words. "No one, other than me, can know of your powers."
"If ..I have powers." She remined him, sadly. She didn't think seeing Mel was an option, but she truly couldn't think of anything else that made her feel joy like Mel did.. She also, didn't understand the jealousy in Aleksander's words, what does he care, if she enjoyed Mel's company or not. The man was most likely, only interested in her abilities or lack thereof. She must have been imaging things.. There was no way as man like him, with all the power in world, would be jealous of her. She sipped her drink, pulling herself from thought.
He stood clearing off the table, but keeping the glasses and bottle untouched, before carrying the empty plates, disappearing into the hall, then returning moments later, pulling a book from the shelf. He placed it down on the table, flipping through the large, very worn, and falling apart, pages. He paused on a page, pointing at a line in the book, taking another sip on his wine.
"Okay, so right here, it says: Grisha, humans with extraordinary powers, are born only a couple of hundred years. The power seemingly coming from emotions and how they perceive them. The less in touch with their 'beckoning emotion,' the longer it will take them to be whole. They have to fully embody that emotion to loosen the powers from their blood, causing them to fully emerge, as gods among men. For years, it was believed to be magic, but instead I've come to learn is something in them that can feed off their own life energy and create from it. Which explains, their unusually long life span."
He reads a loud as Alina just nodded, remembering some of the things he had said before, making a tad more sense now. "Furthermore, once the 'beckoning emotion' is revealed the best place to start on awaking the full strength of it, is to overwhelm the Grisha till, he or she is over taken by the emotion. Mushroom tea has proven to help with this process, in small amounts." He finished looking up at her with anticipation. "Did you get all that?"
"I think.. So, you're a Grisha, and powers are only awaking by being very emotional, and mushy tea might help, so on and so forth." She repeated waving her hands, sipping her drink as well trying her best not to say this was all hogwash and she done listening. But, it truly sounded like something from a damn fairy tale.
He eyed her carefully, narrowing his gaze with a small smile. "Alina.. Are you drunk?" He asked straightening his back and strolling to the other side of the table, where she sat, swaying slightly.
"What? No.." She hiccupped, covering her mouth, her face already flushed with heat, feeling like she was floating on clouds at this point.
"Well, that's to be expected, your first time drinking and all." He chuckled, pulling the glass from her hands, and drinking the rest of it.
"Hey, that was mine!" She pouted, hiccupping again, and crossed her arms. She didn't feel drunk, but now that she thought about it, it was harder to keep concentration and she did feel very warm. Was this what being drunk felt like?
"I think you've had enough, my Solntse." He smirked, running a manly hand through her hair, almost petting her like a cat, gently scrapping his nails along her head. She couldn't help, but to lean into his movements. Her judgement, clearly being over taken by the wine. "See, you are drunk. You'd swat my hand away if you weren't." He said amused, testing the young woman.
She glared up at him, but didn't tell him to stop. It just felt too good, what was she suppose to say?
"Shut up.." She murmured lazily, as she peered up at him through thick lashes, his beautiful face, and stunning frame, wrapped in a black flowy shirt, loosely laced at the top, the leather string dandling free, showing his strong collarbones off nicely and form fitting black leather pants, that showed every muscle in his long legs.
"You say that, but by your glow, you're enjoying this, quiet a bit." His face was smug, hands never stopping their crusade.
"Whatever, Shadow man." She mocked, rolling her eyes. "You may be handsome but, you sure sound like you have a few screws loose, with all this glow talk." She raised her hands, and twinkled her fingers, outright making fun of the idea of it, only slightly slurring her words. Now fully relaxed by a full stomach, booze and his petting.
"Oh, so you think I'm handsome, do you?" He soaked in the small compliment, arrogance painting his appearance, running his tongue across the inside of his lower lip, grinning, mischievously.
She groaned annoyed. "Like you didn't already know, self-serving prick." Yet, still leaning into his touches, contradicting her words. He claimed she had powers yet, here she was, lacking the only power she needed the most. Will-power.
"Miss. Starkov, such fowl language." He teasingly gasped, pulling his hand from her, making her pout at the loss of touch. Before, picking her up bridal style, and carrying her to the bed, lying them both onto it. He laid on his side, his thighs tucked under her knees, as she laid on her back, his out-stretched arm under her neck, head tilted to face him.
"I only speak the truth, Mr. Aleksander." She huffed, her face turning even redder, so close to his face and his body heat, warming so much of her skin. She studied the view of him beside her in the sunlight room, the air feeling thin. She cupped his face, running nibble fingers across his hair line, down the shape of his face, to his sharp jaw, resting his chin against two fingers, that played with the short beard, hesitantly.
She couldn't help herself, she wanted to know how it felt.. To touch him, just once. He had already touched so much of her, but she had yet, to willingly touch him. He really was so beautiful and unreal, like a dream..
He stayed completely still, not wanting to break the trace she was in, letting out a soft 'mmm,' as she ran the small limbs through his hair. Savoring the silky texture of it against her skin. Then, dragging them to the nape of his neck, returning to his chin again, and trailing her relaxed middle finger across the bottom of his supple lips, pulling it down subtlety. Dropping her hand down to his collarbone, resting it there, drawing small lines along the smooth skin covered bone.
"You're eyelashes are so long.." She mumbled, hovering her hand over his eyelids, letting them brush against her digits, as he blinked slow. Then, dropping her hand back to his collar, playing with the strings on his shirt.
All while, his crawling hand moved up her stomach, between her breasts, then resting on her arched neck, rubbing the back of his fingers across the delicate skin, causing goosebumps to run down her spine, at the incredibly light touch.
"So, are yours." He stated never breaking contact with her eyes. "Your breath taking, Alina." He shakily breathed out, ghosting air over her face, causing her baby hairs to breeze back, faintly.
"I've already told you…" The drunken girl pleaded, desperately hoping he wasn't lying to her, in fragile state she was in. "It's not nice to tease." Her voice trembled, diffused by lingering doubts and uncertainty.
Please. Please. Please. Don't be toying with my heart… a voice whimpered in the back of her mind. She really didn't know how to describe the aching in her heart, or the thoughts in her head. But, in this moment, all her sensible thoughts faded away, leaving only longing for his words, telling her anything, but lies.
"I wouldn't tease about such things, my Solntse." He whispered like prayer, taking her other hand, and bringing his velvety lips to brush against the back of her thin fingers. His voids piercing through teary, gold.
She closed her eyes baring her face into his neck, lacing her fingers with his, wanting nothing more but to breath this moment in. Where he wasn't her kidnapper, and she wasn't his caged bird. But, in this single moment, they were equals. Just a man and a woman entwined in the sunrays.
She was scared that she was falling for his charms, that she was just being manipulated, drawn into his touches and glances. Drawn in so deeply, that she'd be lost forever. She breathed in his musky pine scent, making her feel sleepy and weak. She grazed her lips over his adams apple, feeling stubble from his chin against her forehead.
"That name is growing on me," She admitted, felt him swallow hard, shifting her so he could wrap his arm further around her, placing it on her shoulder hugging her to him.
"Take a nap, before I start to think you're flirting with me." His voice sounding gravelly and strained.
"What would you do, if I was flirting with you?" She craned her neck up, truly confused what he meant by those words, unsure of most of what he intends for her.
He shook his head, "Just sleep off the booze, Alina." He signed tugging on the blanket and pulling it over them. "Tonight's, not going to fun with a hangover. So, enjoyed the bliss while, you still can."
She didn't argue as she slipped her eyes closed, snuggling her face back into his broad shoulder and neck, wiggling the bridge of her nose into the crook, as far as she could. "Sweet dreams." She whispered into his skin.
"Sweet dreams to you too, Solntse." He stated, twirling the tips of her hair around his finger as she drifted off to sleep in his arms, looking more and more stunning each passing moment he spent by her side.
8888888888888888888
Hello beautiful people,
Thank you so much for reading, really hope you're enjoying it. Sorry that this was another short one, but let me know what you think in the comments/reviews. I'd love to know what I could improve on, or stuff that you'd liked.
-Katt=^.^=