? ゚ブ?

Alina

"What were you going to show me?" She asked confused. The water from the tub, glistening off the candle light making, spider webs of white and yellow on the surface. The room felt muggy and warm, steam billowing from the tub, as Aleksander lazy eyes linger on her skin, making her feel like she couldn't hide from the man across from her.

His ebony hair, slicked back from his beautiful face, only a few wet strands inking his forehead, blending into thick heavy brows. Stubble dark and castrating against his angelic pale skin, below sharp cheekbones. He frowned at her words, tugging his lips into a thin line, drawing his brows together, making his forehead wrinkle. He gave a slow, shake his head. She almost say pity swirling in the abyss of his starless eyes, as he tore his gaze away. Absently, reaching down toward a rouge curl of her brown hair, as it floated toward him, her chin barely floating above the soapy water.

"Doesn't matter now.. It's my turn anyways." He all but grunted, his shoulders slumming even so slightly, trying to change the subject. Obviously, but Alina wasn't having it. If she was forced to play this game of his, she wanted answers not dismissive statements that only left her with more questions.

"No, I want to know what you meant. What were you planning? Was that what you meant about finding a different way to break me, while you were biding your time with me in the dark?" She huffed out the words, starting to feel a anger rising in her chest. She already felt broken, what in the world was he possibly planning?

Haven't I been through enough?

"Alina.." Aleksander growled out a low warning, eyes so sharp that she was scared they would cut right though her. "That's not the rules, It's my turn."

Alina frowned and crossing her arms, defiantly under the water. "But that wasn't an answer. You refused to answer…" Even though she wanted her voice to come across as strong, it came in a meek tone, her eye's fixed on the elagent finger's that played with her hair.

"Fine," He grumbled as the knot between is brows faded leaning his head back, against the edge of the porcelain tub. He stretched his legs out on either side of her, as she tried to make herself small, yet his long legs still grazed her sides like a cage. Now looking bored, he studying the crown molding that swirled over the ceiling.

"I was planning to hurt you. That's not a lie and it is my finial answer." He was back to his non-emotional and flat tone. Jaded and cold as he dragged his eye's slowly to meet hers, as she wiggled her toes awkwardly. "Satisfied, Solntse?"

"How did you try and hurt me?" She clarified, knowing that she pressing her luck. But she was just to curious.

How cruel was this beautiful man, really? How bad could he get? What if all that has happened to her, only the tip of the iceberg? She couldn't see herself surviving much more.

His black eyes, flickered with rage as she noticed the tiniest amount of gray in those empty eyes as he pressed the anger back down.

So, they aren't completely black, and I wrong about them being brown in the light, They were like smoked glass, that only showed a hint of blue when light flashed just the right way. Hardly there to even began with. Like quarts..

"It's my turn Alina…" He spoke low and gritty as she snapped her lips shut once more. Not wanting to evoke more of his fury.

"Sorry.." She whispered quietly, not having much more fight in her. She'd just have to be patient. She glancing back at his shoulders. His neck and shoulders feeling safer than looking back into his stormy eyes. She curled her lips inward, licking them nervously, noticing the water that gathered at his collarbones. Like ornate soap dishes, that she wanted to run her fingers along. But, smacked the thoughts away.

Soup dishes? I've been alone to long, now I'm finding even his collarbones attractive…

"Now..." Aleksander's chest deflated with a long, exasperated sigh. The water from his collars, spilling down over the center of his pecks like a waterfall. "Did we do more than just talk, when you imagined me in the dark with you?" A small smirk tugging at his lips as he spoke. She knew what he was implying, but didn't let it show on her face. Still focusing on how his skin, that practically glistened from the layer of moister that covered him.

"Yes. Many things." She snapped flatly, as he cocked an eyebrow at her short answer, about to open his mouth to most likely protest for more details, but she cut him off. "Now, how were you going to hurt-

"Details, Alina." He spoke smoothly like cut glass not letting her finish. She frowned peeking up at his expression, curious if he looked annoyed or playful. She was fixed on the small twitch at the corner of his mouth, like he was trying to hold back a smile, before looking down his nose at her, cocking a brow.

"If I give you details, will you give me details on my other question?" She whispered carefully at hoping that twitch meant he was more playful or at the very least amused.

He outright smirked, almost a lope-sided grin. Baring one of his sharp canines, but it seemed more cunning than playful to her, making her shift uncomfortably. She hauled her knees to her chest, cradling them hard against herself. "Hmm." He rumbled for a moment in thought, regarding her warily.

"Sure, why not.." He shrugged leaning forward, placing his squared chin on the caps of her knees, his beard prickling at her skin. She craned her head back, as he studied her closer with, once again, starless eyes. Devoid of the grey, she had noticed earlier. "But, you have to go first."

She blushed darting glances left, then right. Not knowing where to look, when he was so close to her face. His breathing sending cold air skimming over her legs and right her bare cleavage. She was suddenly very thankful for the murky water that covered most of chest, as goosebumps started to kiss her skin.

"Go on, I'm waiting…" He purred out, like a lion.

Alina settled doe eyes on his lips, feeling like they were coaxing the words from her own lips. "There was a few times, that I felt you touch me, then mock me for glowing… Or just watch me.." Her face felt like it was on fire, mostly bright red, not even knowing how to explain herself, now knowing it was just her imagination.

"I said details, Alina. Excruciating details." His words rumbled across her skin, as she watched his smile grow on his perfect lips, leaning closer like she was hypnotized by their movements as he spoke.

"You would draw lines on my back, or down my arms, or up my legs. Making fun of how easily you could make me glow. You'd ask me to touch places… Then, you'd just watch. I don't-" She whispered a breath away from his lips, feeling light headed.

"Where did I ask you to touch?" He asked growing less patient if she had to guess, by the husk that edged his lowered words.

She looked away not really knowing how she could put this, to make it less humiliating. But, before she could she felt his steady hands, slowly drifting down the outside of her thighs, before sliding between her thighs and calves.

Her breath hitched as a single hand wiggled between her ankle and ass, grazing against the pedals that rest between her legs, making her jump back slight.

Ignoring her reaction, as he rested his finger there. Tracing the line of her lower lips, that were pressed together tightly, between her thighs. She tried to close her legs tighter, trying to cross her ankles. His hand remained still, keeping her from doing so, sending shock waves through her, as he moved his finger along her sensitive skin.

"It was here, wasn't it? Did I ask you to play with yourself for me, Alina?" He drew out her name, like it was something sensual or dirty, making her heart thump. As she nodded slowly feeling ashamed. He traced the line up and down, one more time before pulling away, tapping his middle finger to his bottom lip.

"Did you glow as bright as when I tasted you?" He whispered licking the water from his lip, scooting her closer to himself. "Were you able to reach that peak, that I took you to?" His words spoken against her lips, as his chest locked against her knees.

She shook her head, feeling a deep scarlet marking her cheeks. She was never able to fully reached the place that Aleksander had taken her.

"Use your words, my sweet girl." He ordered softly, clearly enjoying her flush, that had to be covering her entire body by now.

"No.. I never was able…" She cut herself off stammering, not even really knowing what to call the feeling that he brought her.

"I couldn't by myself… And you never helped me. You just whispered things to me. Like, I was a 'good girl,' or that I was 'almost there.' But, I couldn't…" She felt like crying, feeling so embarrassed and ashamed, covering her face with her hands.

He quickly pulled them away. Her lips trembling against his, as he placed a chase peck on the corner of her mouth, finally letting her breath as he leaned back, releasing her.

"Don't fret, my good girl." He taunted her with a soft chuckle. "What you were doing was completely normal. And learning how to reach climax is hard on your own, if you've never done that before. I'm just sad, I wasn't there to help."

She could feel the his hardness under the water, settling between her calf's as he bucked only slightly against them, a grunt escaping his lips. Then, repositioning himself so that it was no longer touching her. She couldn't help noticing how much thicker it was thanshe before. "Very sad, indeed."

"So, that means you do that kind of thing too?" She whispered feeling less uneasy about her actions.

"Yes, and recently I can't help but think of you, as well." He smirked, as she thought about how he would bring himself pleasure, unsure how all of that worked for men, before shaking her head. Remembering that she had information that she still need from him that had nothing to do with that kind of thing.

She cleared her throat after a moment. "Now, tell me. How where you going to hurt me, Aleksander?"

"Why are you so curious?" He asked honestly, a tilt to his head.

"I want to know how far you were willing go. I need to know how bad, being with you can get.." She whispered as he rested his hand on the edge of the tub by her knee, and brushed his thumb against her skin.

Aleksander clenched his jaw tight, watching as he drew methodical circles over the side of her thigh. Almost shamefully lowering his eyes, a frown deepening on his brow. "I was going to take you to see, you're little friend.." He whispered after a long agonizing silence.

Her pulse started to sprint so hard, her chest felt like it was caving in, as tears instantly filled her eyes again. Her lungs crashing into her ribs, as they filled. She could hardly breath, practically at look through Aleksander, her hand locking into her chest. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Malyen… Why would that have been cruel?

Alina's tempter dropped as a thousand thoughts rushed her about the Darkling's intentions. A thousand fear's coming with it.

"What did you do.." She whispered at first, before asking again louder this time. "What did you do to him?!"

She screamed reaching over instantly slapping Aleksander's face once with a loud crack, leaving a blotch red spot on his check. Then again in his chest, as fury spit from her lungs. She was ready to scratch his eyes out of his perfect skull, but he quickly caught her wrist and pinned them against his hard collar.

"Nothing!" He snapped, her face an inch from his own. "I just found him, that's all…" He added softer, quieter. Sorrow filling his words, but he didn't seem angry or even worried at her outburst. He just looked worried, with sad eyes that couldn't meet hers.

"Is he alive?!" She said standing, tugging away from his hands, not even caring if she was naked, before jumping out of the tub and grabbing a towel, roughly tugging it around her shoulders.

"Don't get out! What are you doing?.. You still need conditioner.." He sighed rubbing his face, remain in the tub.

"Is he dead or not!"

"He's alive, now will you calm the hell down!" He finally growled before sighing again, dropping his head. He stood, getting out as well and wrapping a towel around his waist, walking completely past her.

"How did you find him? You don't even know what he looks like!" Alina asked feverishly. "How do you know it was even the right Malyen?"

Aleksander stomped past her to his dresser pulling out clothing, a black shirt, and gray slacks. She was hot on his heels the whole time.

"What did he look like?" She asked hurried barely able to steady her breathing enough to speak. A shaky fist, clenching the white towel wrapped around her. "What was he doing? Was he happy?" She had so many question, so many deep longing questions. She couldn't speak them out fast enough. "Details, Darkling! Excruciating detail!" She all but screamed his own words, back at him.

"Alina! I already told you. You don't want to know. I gave you my answer." He growled shoving her aside with a strong arm, causing her to stumble back. Her shoulder blades, grinding into the wooded tall draws behind her as she crashed against it, steading her feet.

She ignored the small bite of pain, shoving from the drawers at her back and chased after him. He walked into the bathroom to get dressed, as she was halted by the slammed the door, a click letting her know that he had locked it behind him. She didn't care, she just slammed her fist against the thick wood door.

"You can't just leave me with that!" She shouted rage growing in her belly. But here was no answer, just the sound of ruffling fabric. She tried her best to call upon the power she knew she had, but she felt no pleasure, only pain. She screamed at the top of her lungs, not caring that she was acting like a child.

This was about Mal… She wouldn't let it go. Not again..

"Aleksander! Tell me right now, Or god so help me, I'll choke myself with this damn chain, and you really will be alone forever!" She screamed, before the door came flying open with his pants just hanging open on his hips, still unbuttoned with his boxers showing through. He launched at her grabbing her wet hair at the roots and puller her towards him, almost lifting her into the air, so that their faces were level.

"DON'T YOU DARE..." He roared with fire deep in his eyes, his breathing heavy and harsh.

She froze solid. She couldn't believe that her saying that could cause such a profound effect on him like this. "Alek.. Please.." She begged using his nickname carefully, laying a trembling hand to his chest, pressing it to his heart feeling it thump harshly under his smooth flesh. "If you care at all about me, even a little. Tell me about him, anything."

The dark man's eyes melted to one of compassion and sympathy, loosening his grip on her hair just enough to bring her back down to her feet. No longer tugging on her scalp. He pressed his forehead against hers, and placing a chase kiss on her hairline.

"I'm sorry my Solntse, You wouldn't believe me if I did... It's not your turn anyways."

"Then, ask anything…" She hurried him, just wanting to ask her next question.

"Why do you care about him so much?"

"Because, I love him." She whispered, seeing more pain past through his eyes than she had ever seen before, and something else. Something that looked like fear washing through him. It seemed almost foreign on his features. Not quiet fitting his elegant quarts eyes that seemed greyer to her now, as his lips trembled. He was fighting against his own emotions. "Now tell me what you saw." She finally whispered.

Alina looked up at his aching expression, but pressed on. Not caring if it hurt or not, she need to know. But, he just stood there as silence filled the air, his pain turning to stubbornness in an instant, setting his jaw in place. Dropping her hair completely, as he turned his back, pulling his shirt over his shoulder, and starting to button it.

"I'm begging you.. Just tell me. That's the rules.. You have, too."

Aleksander's face hardened again, his eyes flickering to hers, with so much rage and hatred that she took a step back without even thinking, clinching to the towel around her.

"Then, I'm done playing."

"Then, you lose. And you have to do whatever I want.." She stammered fear filling her every cell, but she urged on. "Or was that a lie, too?"

He slipped his eyes closed, as he growled low. It was as if he had completely forgotten about that rule in the heat of the moment. "Everything, but let you go free.." He gritted out between gritted teeth. "Only for one day, yes."

"Then, take me to see him. It's almost day light, I want to see him. I don't even have to talk to him… I just want to see if he's okay." She pleaded her hands turning to fist against his chest, moving closer so he could see the desperation in her eyes.

"NO." He hissed.

"Are you not a man of your word? I thought you valued honesty!" She whimpered out, throwing his own words back at him.

They both stood there for a moment, neither one wavering. They were in a stalemate, and to Alina's surprise He was the first one to break the silence, as his face softened to one of agony. His brows knitted together and lips tugged down harshly.

"I'm telling you, Alina.. You really don't want to see him.." He whispered his voice smooth as cut glass, practically begging her not to pry any further.

"Are you going to take me or not." She asked firmly.

"As you wish… I am a man of my word." He whispered defeatedly, eyes full of remorse and deep sorrow. She need to know if Mal was still alive. She wanted Aleksander to prove it..

He probably had him locked away somewhere, tortured or beaten.. I have to know he's unharmed, and there is no telling if Aleksander was telling me the truth or not. I need to see him.

"Get dressed and well go, just remember that you're doing this to yourself." He spat out the words, like poison. "It will be morning by the time we get there.." He mumbled starting to button up his slacks and walking past her once more.

Alina got dress in a flash, putting on the best dress in the closet, which was the black floral dress that Aleksander had bought her when she first had gotten to this place, with her front hair braided back and the rest of it hanging down around her shoulders in bouncy waves.

Aleksander was already dressed in his usual dark clothing and thick jacket. Tapping his foot as leaned on the frame of the front door, just watching her fidget and worry about how she looked with scowl on his beautiful features. His long eyelashes heavy over his glaring eyes, and strong arms folded tightly over his chest. He shook his head, as she turned around to face him.

"Does this look okay? Think he'd like it?" Alina asked tugging on the skirt of the dress. "Too fancy?"

Aleksander grimaced and clinched his jaw so tight, that she could see the muscles twitch under his skin, lifting his chin as he took a deep inhale through his nose with pursed lips.

"That bad, huh?" She asked dejected.

"No, you're beautiful..." He hissed. "And all for him.." He added with a disgusted look on his face, leaning down and grabbing her chain, before placing it to his pinky ring. Smoke wrapped around her neck forming a collar in the shape of a black dainty teardrop jewel and silver chain, with a thin silver leash leading to his ring. "You could be a goddesses, yet you worry about a worthless orphan boy.. All that power.. Waisted. On a silly girl." He grumbled letting his hand rest on her collarbone, touching it like a valuable stone.

She touched the beautiful neckless and frowned. "So I'm your collared animal, now?" she asked pretty sure of the answer, ignoring his words.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked boredom still in eyes, but a flicker of worry traced the lines that tugged at his brow.

"Yes, I'm 100% sure, Aleksander." She said without a hint of uncertainty, pushing away his fingers, as he stepped away drawing in the sight of her, studying the dress that he had waited so long for her to adorn on her frame, now much looser than before. She wondered if he noticed, but doubt it.

"Very well.." He grunted and held out his hand for her, as she placed her hands in his.

I'm on my way Malyen. I'm so sorry it took me so long..

? ゚ブ?

The rest of the castle was even more extravagant, making the room seem small and insignificant in comparison. She had to hold her breath, as he lead her through a long corridor, with dark red walls. It reminded her of dried blood. She traced her eyes over glass covered swords and worn letters that hung on the walls, letting her fingers trace over a thin long table that held the bust of a woman, that almost resembled Aleksander, if he had been a woman. She looked at the side of his face wondering if that was his mother that he spoke about in his journals. As they reatched the end of the long hall, light started to filter through as they steped on to a large indoor balcony, that over looked the main hall. She hitched a breath as she drew in the sight before her, not knowing where to place her eyes first.

This isn't a home..More like a little palace. She thought, stepping the first black marble step, her hand still in Aleksander's cool fingers. Trailing her other hand down the smooth stone guild rails, feeling the pattern of vines that curled around it, with subtle flakes of gold inlayed leaves.

Tapestries hung on ever scared wall with figures of armor statues and tall domed ceils with murals painted on them, just like the room only larger and more elaborate with the addition of half of the area's covered with depictions of demons and hell fire.. The darkness all bleeding into the other half that was covered with depictions of heavenly maidens and clouds. The main hall facing the entrance, had the angels and demons waring overhead. A demon and a beautiful angle barely touching fingers, with a huge golden chandelier hanging right in the center of the battle, at the feet of the star-crossed lovers.

Alina gawked all around her, at all the beautiful wood and paintings that surround her, as they made their way downward. At the bottom, she noticed was walking accross a large sun with two cresent moons on either side of it, in white marble. Once they reached the towering iron doors that had a thousand carved brass hands reatching out all around, like they were trying to break free. Thick chains woven in and out of the steel finger that led to a large levers on either side of the massive door. Aleksander dropped her hand, before leaning down and opened a small chest, she didn't see before, beside one of the levers. He made hast, pulling out a pair of beautiful black patten flats.

"Put these on. I don't want to have to hear you complain about your feet hurting, if we have to walk..." He mumbled dropping to the floor. She hiked her dress up, just enough to show her angle and bare foot. Her breath hitched in her throat, as she felt his cold delicate fingers resting against her ankle, slipping the shoe on one foot, then the other. The size fitting perfectly, considering she had never worn these before.

"Did you get my measurements from my shoes that you took?" Alina asked giving him an inquisitive brow. He stood up dusting off his kneels, as he turn away from her.

"Just be thankful.." He sighed and pulled on the golden latch by the door, causing a series of loud clicking to clank around them, echoing loudly through the large room as the door slowly creaked open, revealing nothing but dark forest for miles, light bathing it from the moon and stars. The air ghost across her skin, warm and silky, for the first time in what felt like years. It was spring now. She must have sailed mindlessly right through winter. She slipped her eyes closed for just a moment, breathing in the scent of grass, and dirt, listening to the rustle of trees and birds.

Aleksander didn't let her ravel in the taste of the slight freedom for too long, quickly tugging her chain forward as she stubble out of the door almost causing her to trip over her own feet.

"Hey! Be careful with me." She snapped following behind holding the links that connected them.

"Or what, princess? You'll use your powers on me?" He scoffed. "You move like molasses on a cold day. I want to get this over with."

"I won, so you have to listen to me." She grumbled. "Or are you not as honorable as you pretend to be?"

"Honorable?" His low chuckle rang out, still tugging her onward. "I've never claimed to be honorable. Honest maybe, but those are very different things." Aleksander scoffed once more at some thought that pinged across his mind adding more humor to her words. He craned his neck backward to give her a mocking smirk, as they headed towards the stables. "Honorable." He shook his head like the word was silly. She ingnored him with a huff, eyes falling to the large white horse that looked almost bigger than the wooden stall that it stood in.

The horse had a beautiful white main that looked soft and silky, with grey speckles, hardly noticeable in the early morning moonlight. Alina watched as the Darkling grabbled the black saddle, that laid neatly on the wooden banister beside the beautiful beast. He hoisted up the heavy leather saddle with ease, tossing it over the horses back.

Alina couldn't help but reach out and run her hand down the horses face, from between its eyes all the way down to the tip of his nose and back again. The gentle giant, tipped his nose against her hand again, the second he lost contact. She smiled softly continuing her pets, as Aleksander prepared the straps and buckles, before lovingly patting the horses neck, and stroking its main a few times. He leaned down whispering a few words that she couldn't hear in it's ear, glancing at her as he did.

The Darkling has a white horse.. How Ironic. She thought about the stories of knights on white horses.

"What's his name?" She asked as the Darkling held out his hand to help her onto the horse. The beast was so large that she almost didn't make it, if it wasn't for a strong hand pressing her butt upward. She wanted to snap at him for touching, but knew she would have fallen if he didn't. So, she just settled with slight pout as he just responded with his signature cocky smile. He practically leaped onto the horse with grace, settling himself behind her, then wrapped the chain around her small waist, like a safety belt.

"He doesn't have a name, yet." He said before kicking his heels back with a clicking from his lips, causing the horse to prance forward. He held the reins in front of her, with arms around her waist, the movement of the animal causing the handsome man's hips to buck into her. She wanted to ignore it, but she couldn't help finding a mild pleasure in it. She looked down realizing that he had to rest his hands right between her legs.

Alina felt tingly as his body and hand grinded against very sensitive areas, made all the more aware seeing how far the skirt of her dress had to be moved up in order for her to saddle the horse. "W-we should give him one.." She choked out, trying not to focus on the aching that was starting to form in her lower belly.

"You can name him anything you like. Today you do as you please, I'm merely a chaperone." He said without a hint of malice, as they began to galloped at fast walking pace through the twilight lit thicket.

"How about.." She tapped a thin finger to her chin in thought. "Moonlight? Because he is the white horse that rides with darkness."

She felt the vibrations of a low rumbling laugh through her back. "Clever."

She smiled somewhat satisfied with the small compliment that she was given.

"How far away is Mal?" She wondered aloud.

"About 7 miles east of the forest, and we're about 2 miles into the forest. So, I say about 9 miles away. It's about 4 hours away, if we keep this pace. Hope you can hold your Blatter well." He snickered again, making her frown at the very thought of have to pee, while chained to a very handsome man.. She was much too shy for that. The thought alone made her want to crawl into her own skin and die.

"I will hold it, even if I have to die trying." Alina grumbled, earning her yet another laugh from her escort.

? ゚ブ?

In the following hour or so, Alina took her time enjoying being out of the stuffy room. The sun was starting to rise slowly, and she felt her excitement rising with it.

Alina looked around her and couldn't help, but feel like this was a perfect time to try and run. She could maybe even find a way to remove her necklace. She only had to get him to take her to Mal first. Then, she'd at least know where to run back too, once she was free.

Malyen...

What did he look like now? Will he remember me? Will he still want me if I let another man touch me, kiss me? Will he still want me after he learns that I have powers?... Will I ever even tell him that I have powers?

All of these thoughts and more started to cloud her brain to the point that she couldn't even enjoy the idea of seeing Mal in first place.

"What's wrong?" A deep voice echoed behind her. Aleksander's hot breath on her ear, served as a reminder, that his looming presences was never too far away.

"Nothing, why do you ask?" She muttered absently, trying not to focus on the edge of his voice.

"You've been glowing dimly this whole time, but in last couple hour or so, it's faded."

Damn these stupid powers..

"I'm fine."

He hmphed, before resting his defined chin on her boney shoulder. "Tell me what you're worried about."

His words were more of a comand, than queastion. She wanted to tell him to go die in a hole somewhere, but figured that would be frowned on. She also needed to sort through some of her thoughts before seeing Mal, and needed an outsiders opinion.

"As a man, would you be disgusted if the girl that you liked let another man touch her?" She whispered, focusing her eyes on the sunbeams that feel through the canope of leaves above her. Suddenly very glad that she couldn't see Aleksander's expression. He took a moment or two to think about it, before smirking. She couldn't see it, but she could hear it.

"Well, depends if we were committed yet. I wouldn't be disgusted either way, but I would be furious. If we weren't committed, I could forgive her, but the man would have to be killed by my own hands… So, I'd be mildly annoyed." He said matter of fact-ly.

"Not only that, but she'd have to give me a lot of affection to make up for it." He added nuzzling his nose into Alina's neck. "Worried that lover boy won't want his toy after I've played with it?"

Alina shivered at the contact, feeling like he was only trying to mock her, but considered his words for a moment.

"I hate the way you worded that, but in short yes.." She spoke honestly, As he paused.

"Don't be. If he truly cares for you, it won't matter." He stated plainly, in a way that made all of her fear evaporate. "Strange the things that you worry about. I would worry about him being with someone else. Would you forgive him, if he did?"

"Of course."

"Really?" He scoffed as if he didn't believe her response. She glanced over her shoulder to see that he had one brow hitched, but an other wise bored disposition.

"Don't believe me?"

"No.." He said flatly.

"Well, your wrong." She snapped, before looking forward again, pushing away the thought, not even choosing to dwell on something that outlandish.

He hummed again in response. She couldn't help, but feel like that response was a little too sarcastic to put her at ease. A little too knowing. Yet she refused to ask, knowing that whatever he knew, he wouldn't share.

It was about mid-morning as Alina started to notice smoke and buildings in the distance, clearly nearing a town up head, maybe 20 minuets away.

"How did you even find him anyways?" Alina asked with a yawn, leaning her head against Aleksander's capable shoulders, looking up at him.

"I asked the orphanage where the boys are sent. Then, got his full name from the documents. Figuring he was still living in the same town, so I asked around. Turns out he works as a blacksmith. Apparently, he makes a rather good living, when he's not fighting for extra silver at the tavern. He was easy to find. If I didn't find you first, you could have found him in days." Aleksander shrugged like it was no great feat.

Alina suddenly felt embarrassment crawl up her chest that he had seen Keramzin. He had seen the dirty rooms and creaking boards, but swallowed her pride, happy to hear anything about Mal.

"I see.. Who would have expected that he fights now.. I use to always have to protect him from the bullies when we were younger. He must be strong now.." She pondered a loud.

"Well, that's when you were children. Men don't hit their growth spurts, till much later than girls."

"You're right, He must have grown into a man by now.. Was he handsome?" She asked without a thought.

"I don't know.." He sighed, sounding much more annoyed. "He looked like any other boy around 18 or 19. Not much of a man.." He grumbled under his breath.

"Wait, you found him. But, can't even tell me what he looked like?"

"I know where his shop is, which is good enough. Figured, I'd see what he sold. But, he wasn't there and I didn't care enough to see him." His words sounded like a lie, but she didn't push it. "He's just another human boy. Nothing special."

"You also saw Keramzin.." She whispered, unable to keep the same out of her voice.

"And, I think nothing less of you." He said quickly, putting her thoughts instantly at rest.

Could this man, truly read my mind? He always knew exactly what I was thinking.

She didn't have to ponder for too long as they reached the town. There was huge gate and stone walls that enclosed around the small village, but Aleksander stopped one more time before entering.

"Alina, we don't have to do this.. We can just turn around." He finally said, his inflection curving with concern, that made her skin crawl.

Why in would he sound so concered... he must be worried that I'll try to excape. But, I can't, not until I know where Mal is at least.

She turned around enough to look him in the eyes, seeing that same pitiful expression painted across his beautiful face. "You won't like what you find." He whispered, so close that his lips grazed the shell of her ear.

"Are you only saying this, because you're scared I'll run off?"

"No… There's just things you don't kno-

"Good, because I won't. Now, can we please go." She interrupted him, and looked straight ahead, as he sighed and snapped the reins forward.

"As you wish..." He bit out sarcasticly, after they started moving again.

She watched as they trotted up to large wooden gates. That was sunken into a huge stone wall, that seemed to span for miles. About twelve or so gaurds stood at attention, keeping a close eye out. One of the men, jogged up to them, his armor clanking as he did.

Alina stiffened worried they would send them away, but Aleksander seemed composed.

"Hello Sir Kirigan, good to have you back." The amored man's deep voice called. As The Darkling pulled a small bag of coins from his jacket pocket and tossed it to the man.

Kirigan? Is that his last man?

"Good to be back." The Darklings voice sounded so cold that it made Alina shiver. She had never heard his voice seem that... dead, before. "Keep the rest."

"Thank you so much, sir!" The soldier looked through the back of coins, before yelling out to the other guards.

She had to resist an eyeroll at how welcoming they were to the devil himself, without a clue. "Kirigan?" She whispered as soon as the armored man started jogging back to the gate.

"One of many names. They believe me a duke. I also helped pay for them to build the dock here and bought them a free boats, many years back. Technically, they believe my great-grandfather did. Either way, I still received a commission on most of the trade." He shrugged as if it was no big deal that he pratically was a village hero.

More like secret villain..

"So, that's how you have so much wealth?" She asked, unable to keep the offence from her voice. "Taxes? You're awful."

"Is it awful to turn a unknown village town by the sea, and turn it into a landmark. I gave them trade. Trust me, they are better off." He scoffed, as Alina huffed watching the been pulling open the gates. "It goes without saying, but keep that to yourself."

The gates finally opened, reveling the towns heart, that was crowded and filled, as Alina gasped softly. She had never seen so many people in one place before. She suddenly felt nervous and even a little overly dressed.

Aleksander chuckled as her moved down the cobblestone road, but she paid him no mind. Too enthralled by the domestic beauty of it all.

The streets were filled with people carrying small woven baskets, filled with grain and veggies, or rolling large barrels of what she had to assume was Ale. The town was over flowing with lively people, that flooded the stone paths with waves of smiling faces and colorful stalls. The salty smell of the sea, and a symphony of voices all laughing and chatter. It filled the air like thunder.

Children playing hopscotch could be spotted and women picking out ribbons for their hair, and older men puttering on behind long wood pipes looking at freshly cut tobacco from one of many hundreds of venders. Stalls with brightly colored awnings, lined the main walkway, ending with docks filled with at least six or seven, massive boats.

It was like nothing Alina had ever see before. Being the country bumpkin that she was, living in the forest her whole life, this was a sight to behold.

She watched children playing tag up and down the bustling market streets, whipping between carts and market stands, that were filled with all kinds of things. Ranging from cakes and farming goods to jewelry and dress, even one that was selling decorative masks that looked like foxes.

"They are now one of the biggest trading hubs, south of Ravka. Meaning that people from all over come her to trade, buy, and sell 's what keeps the towns economy running, since they don't farm or and the fishing isn't the best." Aleksander tells her, a soft smile pulling at his eyes, making his subtle crows feet crinkle.

Looking proudly over the town he practically funded, as he held his head high. A few villagers even tipping their hats towards him, and women curtsing as they strolled by.

She nodded in amazement. Yet she couldn't help, but notice how much kinder he looked in the sun of day. Surround by the joyful scenery, an easy smile tugging on his pale lips. Almost like he was just another person, looking like a human for the first time since she had met the mysterious man.

She looked around again, noticing a few young ladies that were looking at the ribbons, gawking at Aleksander.

One of the girls, whispered to her friend. A blushing smile on her pretty features, before the other one popped her head up, also admiring the dark haired man. Alina bit her lip, knowing that if she had seen Aleksander on the street like this. She would also be captivated by him, too.

She wasn't surprised that others found him alluring, just looking around it was clear that he was different. More handsome that any other man here.

She glanced behind her shoulder, as she admired him. His inky black hair was slicked back, head held high as he looked around with grey-ish black eyes, that hid behind long dark lashes. A 5 o'clock shadow on his cheeks and chin, making his already defined jaw, look even sharper, before squaring at his chin. Straight aristocratic nose, and full lips. She even studied the Adam's apple, that bobbed up from his collar, as he swallowed harshly.

Of course, the other girls were staring.. I bet they can't believe a girl like me, is riding with a man like Aleksander. I bet, I stick out like a sore thumb…

"What?" He grunted at her, raising his brow at her intense observations. She blushed madly, worried he could read her mind again. She turned away, as she mental slapped herself.

Why was I just ogling my kidnapper? What's wrong with me. He assaulted me, broke me. Why in the world am I checking him out, when I should be keeping an eye out for Mal.

They both stood out in their fancy black clothes and white elegant horse. Not only that, but Aleksander had an air about him, that made you feel like he had to have been someone important or of high standing. The way that he carried himself alone, screamed royalty. He always held his head high, and his back straight. To Alina this made perfect sense. Knowing that he was in fact the darkling it's not surprising, but to an outsider he must have just looked like some rich duke.

"Those girls over there are sizing you up." Alina cleared her throat. "They must be thinking you'd make a good husband."

"Hardly." He scoffed not even giving them the time of day. "If they knew who I was they would run away screaming, not fawning over me."

"You should have kidnaped one of them, I bet they wouldn't mind being locked away with you."

"I didn't kidnap you, I saved you. Then, I locked you away. There's a distinction.." He grumbled. "Anyways, those women don't interest me in the least."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night.." She muttered letting her eyes drift over the many markets. "What kind of woman does interest you, anyway?"

"Powerful women." He said after a moment.

"I mean.. What do you find attractive, when it comes to looks." She managed, curiously as she looked back at the pretty redhead woman with curls. The woman was still eyeing up Aleksander, as she played with a green ribbon. Alina figured that he would find someone like her perfect. She was beautiful.

"Skinny, mousse brats, with big doe eyes and bad attitudes that are much too innocent for their own good, apparently." Aleksander shrugged, before a smirk twisted his sharp features, when she felt her cheeks heating up.

"Stop making fun of me.." She whispered looking straight again.

"Stop blushing so easily and I wouldn't want to tease you so much." He chuckled low and welcomingly. "Jealousy looks good on you, you know."

"You're nothing to be jealous over." Alina huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, feeling annoyed. She looked around trying to see if she could see Malyen or anyone that resembled him. Pausing when something else came into view.

A little stall with stuffed animals, instantly catching her eye. A small raggedy woman stood behind it, sewing little hearts on a stuffed pink rabbit. She kept her eyes fixed on the rainbow of cute little animals. All different sizes and colors, unable to tear her eyes away, thinking about how plushy they were. They all looked so soft, she couldn't stop thinking about how adorable they were.

She use to always want a stuffed animal like that when she was younger. Some of the people looking to adopt would bring baby dolls and gifts for the children. She use to wish that they would bring something for her someday, but it never happened.

I wonder is Malyen ever wanted something like that too when we were young...

"Do you want one?" Aleksander asked.

Shocking Alina so much she about fell off of their mount, before he righted her again. He laughed brightly a full grin on his face. She looked at him like he was foreign and unfamiliar.

"Anything you want, remember? Just say the word and I'll get it for you."

"Really?" She asked, thinking about the little girl in her memories that always wanted one. Instead, she used a leaf stuffed shirts in the shape of a bear, as a child.

She was about to reject his offer, but at the same time she almost couldn't refuse, either. She had been locked away, yelled at and punished by this man. In a weird way, she felt like she deserved some kind of reward for surviving his wrath. "Are you sure?"

"Pick one out." He smiled at her with a twinkle in his eyes, as he rode up closer to the stall. The older woman looked up with a wide toothless smile and kind eyes. Eyes that peered up at them through thick circler glasses that made her eyes look two times bigger than normal.

"Well aren't you a lovely couple." She sang out adjusting her glasses further up on her small nose, placing her project to the side.

The woman's silver hair was tucked back into a red scarf, matching her rust colored tunic, making her olive skin glow and her green eyes pop. She seemed truly kind, as she patted the head of a yellow tiger, as if it was her friend. "I've sown all of these myself by hand. I bet your children would love these! They are stuffed with cotton but lavender as well, to aid with sleep."

Alina blushed at the thought that her and Aleksander had children, but figured that it only seemed natural to assume that they were a couple and thought it was more troublesome to correct her.

"Yes ma'am. My wife here would like one of your animals." Aleksander stated with a very stale, but polite smile. Yet, it practically dazzled the older woman, as she beamed back at him.

Wife… Why do I like the sound of that on his lips? I have never thought of marriage, even with Mal. It's just never really crossed my mind. Would Mal want to marry me someday?

"Of course, Sonny." She hummed out, as a slight giggle escaped Alina's lips at the fact that the woman called him 'sonny.'

"They all look so adorable." Alina smiled at the kind woman, shaking off her thoughts, before leaning into Aleksander her lips close to his ear. "Your granddaughter just called you, sonny." She whispered in his ear cheekily, as she scanned the different stuffed animals.

Aleksander just snorted tipping his chin up in his defiant kind of way. "Just pick one, Child.. Before, I change my mind." He grumbled under his breath, sounding annoyed.

She smiled ignoring his subtle jab back, referring to the fact that the woman though that they were picking one out for their children.

Alina noticed a navy blue bear, with hand stitched gold thread, making moon and stars on it's black belly. His eyes where black but had depth, reminding her of Aleksander's eyes. She may not have liked the man all the time, but she loved his eyes. Deep pools of endlessness. She also noticed a red and yellow dragon with flames and striking blue eyes, like Malyen's dark blue eyes.

"Can I get two?" She asked Aleksander even if she felt selfish doing so.

"Of course, Dear." Aleksander said with the most mockingly sweet voice, he could managed. "You can have anything your little heart desires." The smirk on lips growing, as Alina all but rolled her eyes at his antics.

She ignored him and pointed out the two that she wanted, with a thankful smile.

"Very good eye. They are the day and night pair! Those are great choices, my lady." The elderly woman picked up the bear and tiger with care, as Aleksander tossed her a gold coin.

"I'm sorry, sir. I'm afraid that I don't have change for such a large coin." The woman frowned.

"Don't fret, its yours." He nodded to her, leaning down and taking the bear and tiger from her table. "These look well made. It's well worth the coin to make my wife happy."

"Thank you so much sir for your generosity! I hope you're children enjoy their gifts!" The older woman waved gleefully as he started to trot away.

"Even she thinks you're a Brat." He mumbled under his breath to her as she scowled, snatching the stuffed animals from his hands, and holding them to her chest.

"You've already made that joke…" Alina grumbled, sticking out her tongue at the man, as he chuckled softly behind her. "Old man."

Before, giving her a wicked smirk. "Careful, I may take that as an invitation."

Alina glared twice as hard, quickly pulling her tongue back. "Pervert."

They made their way onward, keeping their eyes out for the blacksmith stall. Stopping one more time to get themselves a small bite of street food, since they both had been riding for a while.

Aleksander had practically forced her to eat something, since she had refused the food he had left her for a while. Before, getting back on their horse, after she had eaten her fill of beef on a stick. She choked it down as fast as possible, hoping to see Malyen as soon as possible. Completely ignoring Aleksanders barks to slow down, mumbling something about a choking hazard.

Yet, she couldn't deny how tasty it was. Alina had never known how much fun it could be to just walk through a town like this. She noted that someday she would like to live in a town like this.

If Mal really is here, maybe one day I will live here, too.. How nice that would be..

Aleksander and her continued through the town, till they reached a humble wooden stall with a blacksmith iron sign hanging from the roof with short chains. It was on the edge of town, when the Darkling paused. It was further away from the water, closer to the west wall.

A cute cabin sat behind it, with an anvil and furnace outside of it. It was modest, but rather nice compared to some of the other houses she had seen along the way. It a white stone one story home with a red clay shingled house and wooden door. But the stall was oak, with a dozen sword and axes handing from the banisters and armor laying on tables.

"Is this it?" Alina asked excitedly, her hands beginning to shake with anticipation. She clung the stuffed animals closer. Suddenly, noticing a man with short buzzed hair with his back to her.

She held her breath. Aleksander spoke behind her, but she didn't even understand him. Like he was underwater, drowned out my what she saw. The man's shoulders were broad and strong, as he hammered away against long red glowing sword, before turning to the side to dip it into a barrel of water.

At that moment she was able to glance at his face. Strong jaw and short hair, but his eyes and lips gave him away.

Malyen.

She began to struggle, kicking her legs to jump down, trying to get off of the horse as fast she could. Almost dropping her night bear in the process, and fully dropping the dragon as it landing on the cobblestone. Bouncing away without her even noticing, as Aleksander held her in place.

"Let me go!" She whined tugging at his arms around her waist, his arms like iron. "That's him! He's right there!"

"Just wait a moment, please. He's not going anywhere just wait to see if it's really him first." He hissed a harsh whisper as he gripped her even firmer. It was starting to hurt her ribs. The chain collar unseen by anyone's eyes, but felt by her alone was tugged tightly around her neck.

"No, I need to talk to him!" She raised her voice, digging her nails into his arms, drawing a few beads of blood. "You're hurting me!"

Aleksander hissed but didn't relent. "Shhhhh." He tried to shush her as people in the market place started to glanced at them, casting a few dirty looks in Aleksander direction.

"Please don't make a scene or well have to leave, Alina." He growled right against her, his lips pressed to the shell of her ear. "Just breath."

Suddenly she froze in place, not because of Aleksander, but because the man across from them starting to turn his head to look at the commotion, looking around at the crowd.

"It really is him…" She was sure of it now, he was tall and built like a boxer, with large hands. He wiped them down with a dirty cloth, as murky blue eyes scanned right past them. His face still held his boyish charm as she figured, but seem manly in every other way, with a few additional scars on his handsome square jaw that was much more defined with age.

He was so handsome, and rugged.

She felt her heart thump so hard that she feel her pulse bursting through her neck, and blood rushing it in her ears. She opened her mouth to scream his name, but Aleksander slapped his hand over her mouth, as she bit at the skin of his hand trying to scream through it. But, Aleksander only dug is fingers harsher into her cheeks.

Then, she saw it. The reason for Aleksander's worries, so obvious and clear now.

No…

Every fiber of her being disintegrated. Her future, her past, everything faded way, like ash in the wind. Her world shattering into a million little pieces, before her eyes, grounding her to reality. She felt like someone had punched her in the gut. All of the air in her lungs being knocked right out, as she exhaled hard and fast against Aleksander's palm. Familiar pin prickles forming behind her eyes. She couldn't believe what she was seeing…

A beautiful blonde woman with a child on her curvy hip, swayed from the cabin behind the stall. She strolled over with her big green eyes and flawless face, then planted a soft kiss on his lips.

Kissed her Mal, her best friend, the man she thought she'd be with for the rest of her life. Then, he kissed her back, like he had kissed her a thousand time before, like the taste was common on his lips.

Alina felt every cells in her body catch fire one by one, then burning all at once. As the sweetest smile grew across his handsome features, leaning down and kissing the top of the child's head, before tasseling the little girl's hair. The child, who had curly hair just like Mal's when he was young, squealed the word that broke whatever hope she had left.

The word 'Daddy,' hung in the air like a death sentence.

"Going to forgive him now?" Aleksander hissed a whisper into her ear, as she shook her head. Unable to look away, like watching a train wreck. It was horrible, but she just couldn't stop herself from drinking in the carnage.

He's a father, a husband. He was married, and had a child. While I was rotting away in the orphanage, he carried on with life. Not at thought has been spared for me.. I was just a memory of something that he most likely preferred to forget.

I think, I would have preferred to learn that he had died, rather than this… I really am an awful girl..

Guilt and sorrow filled her lungs as a single aching sob escaped her lips, muffled by Aleksander's large hand. Yet Mal noticed, with his ever keen hearing. Turning his head again starting to make his way over to them, kissing his wife's cheek once more, before departing.

Alina quickly turned away, so she wouldn't be recognized. Choosing to bury her face in the dark bear as trying to quiet her cried. Keeping her back toward Malyen, not even wanting to see him up close.

"Is everything okay here, Ma'am." Malyen's voice broke through the air, only much deeper, like the knife that tore through her heart. He spoke confident and clear.

He sound so kind.. It only made her sob harder.

"Y-yes, sorry… I'm so sorry.." She croaked out still not facing him.

Aleksander shifted to stone behind her, she could feel him tense behind her. "Forgive my wife, She had a little brother that looked just like you that died in the war many years ago.. She's mistaken and I was trying to calm her."

The word were kind, but Aleksander's tone was icy. So cold, that she could hear Mal taking a step back, the chill reaching him as well.

"Well, I was an orphan. Maybe we're related.. What was his name?" Mal continued, as Alina quickly gripped Aleksander's sleeve, trying to get his attention. Trying to tell him that she had to get away.

"Alek, I want to go n-now.." She choked out, pulling away from the bear in her arms just enough for Mal to catch a glimpse of her profile, tears streaming down her reddened cheeks. "I-I can't, do t-this again.."

"Alina?" Malyen whispered moving closer, but Aleksander ignored him and quickly flipped her around and sitting her in his lap, pulling her face into the crook of his neck.

"No this is Solntse, my wife. Her brother never had children. So, no relation. I need to get my wife home now. I bid you, good day." Aleksander all but growled out his words, thrashing his reins and riding as quick as he could out of town. Mal chased after for a very short ways. She watched as he began running after them, over Aleksander's capped shoulder.

She wailed watching as Malyen sprint faster, even calling her name a few times. She felt like he was fading between reality and her dreams. She could see his dirty face in the carriage, before it flickered back to his reddening face as he ran through the town. Finally stopping at the end of the street, Mal's eyes still glued to them as he rested his hands on his knees, panting. The woman from before, ran up behind him, and placed a hand on his tense shoulder. The little girl, with dragon in her palms, was crying as she fumbled behind her parents.

He has a little girl.. I can't break up a family. That little girl deserves her parents. I can't take that away from her. She can keep the dragon. It belongs to her, not me.

"We're going home, now." He whispered into her hair as the horse galloped at full speed, people gasping and moving out of the way as they rode, only slowing once they were back in the woods. "It's going to okay."

She shook her head, and clenched the back of the Darkling's silk shirt in her hands, the bear, caught between their bodies. The view looked a lot like her dreams, except this time she was glad that he was fading away from her.

"I have no home…" She whimpered into Aleksander's neck.

Malyen was my home. Now, he's somebody else's home.

? ゚ブ?

Aleksander

She was silent, not that he partially minded it. Yet, he figured he should say something, anything… But, not a single words that came to mind. Nothing that seemed like it would help, at least. Sure, he was planning on showing this to her to break her… But, that was before..

Before he realized how incredibly wrong he was about her intentions.

He figured that she had read his journals to find his weakness, or worse. She had found out about the curse, which would have made things so much more complicated. More than it already was. Thankfully, that wasn't the truth. She was just curious and maybe a little scared of him. Scared enough not ask him certain things. He couldn't even blame her for it, either. She had every right to hate him. Hell he wished that he felt the same. He wish that he didn't like her all. But that wasn't the case.

I didn't want to feel anything towards her… Yet, here I am.

In my own twisted kind of way. It may not even be love that I feel for her, it could be something more a kin to obsession. Either way, I cared for her, more than I'd like. Against my will. Against my better judgment, and it infuriates me. Wanting something can make you weak and I don't have the luxury of being weak.

I shouldn't care. I can't.. If I want to be free of this curse, I can't care.. It will break me too, if I allow myself self to care.

Aleksander held her to his chest as they moved farther into the forest, cradling her head in his free hand. He scowled, resting his chin beside her temple, still feeling silent tears hitting his neck. Hot liquid trickling under his collar and down his chest. He could feel them sinking into his heart. It tickled his skin, as he fought the urge to scratch at it, the tears practically stinging his flesh. Her lips trembling against his collarbone, a remember of how much he hated himself for hurting her again. Paying no mind to the fact that her teeth occasionally grinded into his bone as they rode. He deserved whatever scrapes they caused.

What do I say? Nothing is going to erase what I've done, what she's seen. No amount of words would be able to quell the aching that she probably feels behind her ribs. No ice I could give her, for her brushed ego. I know that dull pain from rejection as well as anyone. I know from first hand that, that hollowness, can eat you alive from the inside out.

That it clings to you for years. Even after that person is long gone, the hurt remains. Lingering right below the surface, rearing its ugly head anytime someone gets close enough…

For me, that looked like anger, and resentment. What will it be for her?

Aleksander ran nimble fingers through her silky curls, playing with them absent mindedly as he contemplated the young woman that clung to him, like her life depended on it.

Her thin arms wrapped around his waist, like he was the only thing keeping her a float. Any other time, he'd feel a spark of pride at how tightly she clasped him, but right now he felt no pride at all. Merely, self-hatred and shame.

The only reason she clung to me now, was because she truly had no one else. I've only won by default.

He grimaced at his bitter thought. The words in his head cutting through him like a red hot knife. The word 'default' repeating itself over and over again in his mind.

Even if it is by default, she will still be mine…

This was his thought when he first found the boy. He had a half-mind to kill him and blame it on a pack of wolves or robbers, but he didn't. He couldn't.

Not out of some pesky morality or some kind of grace for the boy, but simply because it felt pathetic and childish. He was the darkling, ancient and powerful. It felt unfair and weak to cut down a young, human boy out of petty jealously.

So, he just watched him for day, then a week, then a month, before coming to a rather slow conclusion. That the boy had truly forgotten about his sweet, Solntse. His little sun's worse nightmare, was indeed a reality

But then, it got worse. The human boy was in fact married, and even had a child. A young girl, no older than maybe three. He had even named the child, 'Alina' after the little girl, he had left so long ago.

'That stupid boy had made the concession choice to forget her.' He had thought smirking. It wasn't out of necessity, but of want. He took the choice away from Alina, and from the Darkling in return. In the moment, when he first heard the child's name being called, he wanted to rejoice. At the time, he figured this would destroy Alina.

'This is better than any revenge, I could give her. I didn't need to kill this boy. I just have to show her that he had forgotten her. It will make her hate him, then she'll have no reason not to give herself over to me.' The Darkling had practically laughed out loud, as he watched the boy playing with his child.

But now, he would have no issue striking Mal down where he stood. In front of his wife and child, traumatizing all of them, just as Alina had been. That pathetic weak thing, had what Aleksander wanted most in this pitiful world and threw it away... He had Alina's heart and soul, and if the boy wanted… Her body as well. Yet, this Mal, had tossed it aside, like it was rubbish.

I was so foolish, then.. I should have known that this girl was truly as prue as she seemed. His Solntse, that I'm holding. Has more of my heart than anyone, already.. Who would have known that breaking her heart, would send a dagger right through my shriveled black one..

He remembered seething from the woods, his fingers sinking deep in to the bark of a tree that he loomed behind, as he watched the orphan boy press his grubby hands all over that blonde woman, as he kissed her. He wanted to send the entire town into darkness. The Darkling spent night after night without sleep, the emotions plaguing him. He was both over joyed that the boy didn't want HIS Alina, but also was enraged that he would chose anyone, other than her...

The Darkling had finally found his other half. The ying to his yang. Yet, her dreams were filled with a peasant boy that had so easily forgotten her long ago. He looked plain and dull with brown short hair and subtle blue eyes, neither shiny nor deep.

By every account, Aleksander should have out ranked him. Aleksander knew he was more handsome, more wise.. Maybe not as kind, he was sure of that, but certainly more powerful. Yet, he couldn't even compete with the boy. It infuriated him, confused him…

So, while Alina was locked away in his darkness, he came to the conclusion that he didn't have to win against Malyen. He only had to show Alina that he had forgotten her.

No, abandoned her.

He wouldn't have to win, he only had to show her. Show her, that Mal didn't even care about her. while, The Darkling was indeed cruel, he at least thought about her. Cared for her.

Was obsessed with her.. He corrected himself pinching his nose as he felt a headache starting to build behind his eyes. He watched the tree's swaying in the breeze, Alina still sobbing hard into his chest.

Aleksander couldn't stop the flood of memories, as they taunted him.

He had his plan. Carefully thought out, and cultivated. He played it over and over again in his mind as he watched the boy and his little family. The chess pieces were all there, Mal serving as his pawn, and Alina his queen. He'd play his little game with her, like a cat playing with a mouse.

Once, she had admitted to manipulating him, lying to him. He'd reconfirm her love for the peasant boy. He'd ask her something that she couldn't answer, like who her mother was or how old she was. Something he knew she couldn't answer, then she'd loose the bet on a technicality.

Then, he'd drag her to the very spot that he stood in the woods all those weeks, watching Mal. As he would whisper in her ear, all the ways that Mal had abandoned her, failed her. How the boy had completely rejected her. The Darkling wanted to hurt her, to crush her, then be the only one left, to pick up the pieces of her heart. She would have no choice, but to love him.

It had worked. Even though I wish that it didn't, now. The game was in motion, even if I no longer wanted to play… I had lost the battle of questions. But regardlessly, I've won the war.

Now, I only have my shame for a gold metal and her broken heart as my trophy... What pathetic rewards.

Aleksander gritted his teeth, as Alina nuzzled her nose deeper into his skin, whimpering as he blinked wildly up at the sky, rolling his jaw in frustration.

He hated this.. He hated that it went according to plan, because he had been wrong. As rare as it was. He was so terribly wrong. He wanted to take it all back. He searched his memories. Scrunching his brows together, wondering how he could have changed this outcome. But he came up empty, no matter how many memories he went through. He couldn't figure out how he had started to care for the blubbering girl in his arms.

Was it when she said his name for the first time? Or maybe when she curling in his arms, drunk and loving? Or when she had stabbed him the first night they spent together, brave and unafraid? Maybe, watching her in the woods? Had I fallen for when I saw her dancing and glowing? Had I cared for her this whole time? His questions, over whelmed him. Was it just the powers that I sought or was it really just her? How am I supposed to complete the ritual now, that I undoubtedly like this little hellion.

How am I supposed to break her little heart all over again?

He was always coming back to that one question, and it tortured him. Yet, right now he knew he didn't feel this way just because he was worried about not seeing more of her power. Right now, felt an sharp pain in his chest, because he had done this to her.

He broke something beautiful, and tore down something that was strong. She wasn't beautiful or strong, because of her power. No, it was because of her resilience. He was hurting, because he was afraid that he had broken his wild horse.

She was finally tamed, and for some reason. He didn't like it.

Not. One. Bit.

He was reminded of the second, he had walked into that dark room. Her frail form, pale like a ghost, seeing her speaking to herself in the darkness. His hatred, his anger started to wane, then. He had walked in, excited that he had finally found his trump card. Only to find himself torn...

He had paused when he noticed her meek voice, thinking she may have heard him. Then, a sinking feeling in his belly drained some of his pride, as listened to her for a long couple of minutes. She was pretending to speak to a mother, that she had never known. Alina couldn't see him, but he could see her, clear as day. Her body bruised from walking into things in the dark, pale from not seeing the light of day for a little over a month and dangerously thin with matted curly hair.

She talked to the imaginary woman about adventures or dreams, but either way he had chosen to push his feelings aside. Assuming the worst, again. He figured she knew he was there and was pretending to be crazy. Looking back, he had convinced himself of that just to justify his torture of the innocent girl.

Mal didn't do that to her… He only had himself to blame. He hadn't even realized it had been so long that he kept her in the dark. And, now that Alina cried in his arms, wrecked by grief. The anger rose again, this time at himself.

He had tried so hard to remind himself that she had done this to herself, for betraying him, for lying to him. He told himself back then, that she was just like Zoya, clever and cunning. But, she was nothing like the princess, aside from their stubbornness.

As they played his twisted little game, that fact became clearer and clearer. That, she didn't read his journals to find a way to kill him or to even manipulate him. Hell, she hardly even made it into the part he was most worried about. She was reading it, because she was a curious young girl… He had forgotten just how innocent and naïve she must have been. Letting that deep scar of rejection, cloud his judgment. Zoya was already in her late twenties and jaded as he was.

As he looked at her weeping and naked form on his bed, he told himself that he would keep Mal a secret. Not wanting to ever see this young girl be broken like this ever, again. She was already broken, enough.. He had thought.

Yet, here she is.. He frowned as he swayed with steps of the horse. Alina's sniffles bringing him, back to the present.

Even if I did answer the question that I refused, would she have even believed me with words alone… Why did this have to happen again?

Why am I always hurting her? The only woman that could truly be by my side forever. The only person that could ever understand what it felt like to be me. And all I do, is cause her the torment that I tried so hard to avoid myself…

"Alina?" He finally cleared his throat, trying to find the will to speak, tired of being alone in his thoughts. Her sobs were haunting him at this point, and he needed them to stop.

She didn't respond, not that he really expected her to anyways.

"I tried to warn you. I knew, you wouldn't want to know..." He grunted, but cringed at his own voice, instantly wanting to hit himself instead.

That's what you chose to say, idiot? A voice in his head chastised him. Aleksander had no idea how to comfort someone. He never had a reason to before.

Alina didn't respond again, just gripping his silk shirt, tighter as he spoke.

The awkward man that he was, sighed deeply. He just wanted to fix everything, to take it all back. He looked at the bear, that was crushed between them, reaching down and pulling it out. As she readjust to fill the gap, between them. He studied and felt a frown tugging at his lips.

She is still young, and innocent enough to enjoy a simple toy like this. And I took advantage of her.. He slipped his eyes closed, remembering tearing her dress from her body, the rage in that moment when he considered taking that innocence from her…

When, he had first kissed her, he liked it. Hell, maybe even lusted for it. But, after things began to shift. He started to feel something inside himself building from deep within. He began to care for her, even enjoy her. In those moments, he had let it slip his mind that she was so young. So pure. He was so angry at himself for wanting ever wanting her like that. For having to hold himself back at all. He hated that he had almost forced himself on her.

How could I almost steal her innocence from her? How am I supposed to complete the ritual, if I couldn't go through with it even when she didn't love me?

"He was running after us. He clearly wanted to talk. Why ask me to leave?" He asked truly curious.

"He had a little girl. If he did happen to chose me, I'd feel horrible." She whimpered into his chest. "He has a child, and a wife, Alek.. I'm not worth losing that."

"I could go back and kill her, If that will make you stop crying." He muttered under his breath. He was willing to do anything to make up for what he had done. Her meek, sorrowful voice just about broke him.

"No, that would be awful." She breathed out, quiet but final. "He's not my toy."

Her words shouldn't have stung, but they did. He had forgotten that he had referred to her as his toy, only hours ago.

"Just because he found someone else doesn't mean that he doesn't love-

"Why where you going to do, after you showed me this?" She interrupted him before he could finish, a few fresh drops, rolling down her cheeks. Huge brown eyes, begging for an answer he didn't want to give.

He sighed again, knowing exactly what he planned, but remained silent.

Why do I speak at all?

"You have to answer, you have to do as I say.." She added.

Why do I make stupid deals?...

"You don't want to know."

"I don't want to hear that, again. I don't care anymore."

"…" Damnit.. Damnit, fuck!

"Answer!" She finally croaked, leaning back enough to fully face him. Her beautiful pale features, twisting under the weight of her crushing pain. Amber eyes laced with angry redlines and puffy skin, scarlet lips trembling in front of clenched teeth.

Aleksander steadied his horse, stopping in the middle of a small opening in the trees. He took his time, tracing over every line of her face with his eyes, not sure how he could answer her, opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water.

How was he supposed to pour salt in her open wounds. When she had done nothing but try to survive this unlivable world. He didn't know how he could bring himself to do it.

"I can't.." His voice broke. Even to his own ears he sounded pleading. "D-don't make me, Alina..."

"I just can't." He said firmer, reaching up, whipping a few fat tears away from her cheek. Holding it as he shook his head. Trying to communicate through his eyes, unable to find the right words.

"Try." Alina begged.

Aleksander couldn't look at her as he spoke, but so he focused above her head. Studing the treeline. He understood why, she needed to know. She need him to confirm her own thoughts, and he couldn't deny her that. But, he also didn't have to look at her as he did. He focused on a few birds that flew overhead, cutting off any emotion that threatened to show on his face.

"Fine.. If you want to add insult to injury, then be my guest.." He growled out as he finally relented. "I was going to lead you there. We would stand in the woods and I'd whispered in your ear as we watched."

"What would you say?"

"Alina"- He was about to plead for it to be over, but she interrupted him.

"Say it."

He kept his eyes on the birds, feeling his words catching in his throat, but he cleared it. Starting, again the shame dripping from his words, but wiping any evidence away from his face with a few blinks.

"Once you saw his family, I would say that he named his child after you." He said flatly, and unemotional, but flinched when a hiccup broke from her lips, but he continued.

"That he didn't forget you as you worried. But, that he chose to abandon you. He let you rot in that orphanage, not because he had forgotten you, but because he didn't want you." Aleksander gritted his teeth as he heard another faint whimper spill out, feeling her shake in his lap.

"I would tell you, that I had watched him for weeks now, and he never once left the town. That he never once cried over you, as you did for him. Never once looked longingly out the window, like I've seen you do so many times. That he most likely never waisted a second, on the pathetic girl that was wasting away at Keramzin. That you haven't meant anything more to him, than a girl he once knew as a child."

He didn't dare look down at her face, as she remained silent for a long moment. Then, her gut wrenching voice filled his ears.

"You should have just killed me that night." She whispered a guttural sob bending the end of her words.

He instantly snapped his eye back at her, his worry out weighing his guilt. Brown hair clinging to her wet rosy cheeks and lips curled back in emotional turmerol, causing little dimples to form on her chin. She shook like a leaf in a storm, hands clawing at her chest, like a lost child.

The birds around them chippered on, care-free and absent minded, the wind still blew clueless of the words that travel through it, and the sun still danced between the swaying trees. Leaving specked light dripping down Alina weeping face, reflecting off her tears. The midnight colored bear, soft in his hands as the wind tugged on it, grounding him to her.

Everything carried on around them, except Aleksander. He remained frozen, turned to stone by her that moment, he saw himself in Alina's eyes.

The thirteen year old boy, realizing for the first time that fairytales are fake, and reality is painfully ugly. He was frozen back then, too. Looking over the red that stained the white snow around him.

He saw that there were no heroes and there were no villains. Just people. People that didn't care about him. He learned that just because he was hurting, didn't mean that anyone one cared or was coming to save him. In that moment, he wondered why he was even alive at all as well. Reality was cruel and unforgiving, it punished the kind, just as much as the evil.

Aleksander felt unfamiliar tears began to well in his eyes, refusing to let them fall. But they still formed in a thin sheet over his view.

For himself, for Alina, for the boy that he used to be, and for every person forced to live in the hell that was this world. But, most of all for the young woman that Alina deserved to be. One with two loving parents, and a loving young man that would wisp her off her feet, be her knight in shining armor, that neither him nor Mal could ever be. Someone that could comfort her as she cried, someone that could take care of her, and nurtured her every whim. Someone that Aleksander knew he would never be.

"Maybe, that's what real mercy looked like. But, I am not a merciful man." He whispered a few tears threatening to fall, as he fought them back letting all emotion fade from his face once more. "I am selfish and cruel, possibly even evil. Because, I will never let you die. If I have to fight you for the rest of my life, tooth and nail. That would still be better than living without you. It is a blessing to have you hate me, so please.." He felt his vocal cords scratch under his rare emotion. "Don't say that.. Please, don't wish yourself gone... The pain means you're still alive."

Aleksander leaned his forehead against hers, before kissing her there with shaky lips placing his hands on either side of her head. Alina shook her head slowly, as she pulled back again.

"I'm so tired of it all.." She looked broken as she sobbed harder the words cutting through her, as more and more realization swirling around in her golden, doe eyes.

Innocence fading and being replaced with deep aching, somber. Her chest heaving wildly, as she just searched his eyes, after drinking in every word that he spoke. Her thin legs twitching around his waist, as he steadied her, worried she was losing strength and was about to fall.

"It hurts so bad." She coughed out, fisting the collar of his shirt. Tugging it hard over and over again, as he shifted with her thrashing. "I don't understand! Why didn't he want me? Why couldn't it have been me!" She screamed out, screwing her eyelids shut.

"Why not me!" Anger mixing with her sorrow, as the agonizing heartbreak rang through her words. "Why not me.." She repeatedly whispered, through the agony.

He felt all of his resolve falter. Everything in him was lit a blaze, like a roaring fire. Wrath filling him with nowhere to go, but at himself and this man that rejected something that he wanted more than anything. Even more than himself, which was saying something. He knew he was a very selfish man. Like, he could feel her heartbreaking, as well as his own.

I don't want this… Anything but this..

He snatched her hands, as he twitched from rage. Knowing that he was probably hurting her by how tight his grip was on her tiny fingers, but he was starting to lose control. This was all he could do from losing all of it. She kept her eyes closed, to insecure to even look at the man in front of her.

"Why do you still want him?! Even now you cry, over a stupid, pathetic fool! ALINA LOOK AT ME!" Aleksander growled as he raised his voice, causing birds to flutter away, and Alina to flinch, but met his eyes anyways. His heart clinching in his chest as she did, knowing he should only blame himself, but continued. He needed to make her see his point.

"He's the one that fucked up, not you! And I want to bash his head in for it. HE HAD NO FUCKING IDEA, HOW LUCKY HE WAS! All I want is to go back and rip his heart from his chest!" He barked as she cringed back. Her head curling into her shoulders and eyes squinting, under her worried brows. He breathed trying to calm himself down. He softening his voice and grip, not wanting to scare her, more than he already did. "I would do anything to have you, Alina. To really have you."

"He doesn't deserve you. He doesn't deserve a brave, brilliant and beautiful woman like you to ever even look in his direction. Let alone save herself for him, to cry him. Neither of us do… Least of all, me." His voice lowered to a whisper, as he felt his throat tighten, and mouth starting to dry. "To have that wonderful woman, fret over what to wear, and what I'd like, only thinking of me.. Dreaming only about me.." Tears building in his eyes again, as he quickly blinked them away again, looking down at her hands in his, pressing his lips to the soft skin of her knuckles. Ghosting his words over them, as she turned her head not meeting his eyes again, as her sobs were replaced with a few stray tear falling from her long lashes.

"To have her speak about me with love in her doe eyes, like I hung the moon and the stars… I would do anything." He repeated trailing off setting a shaky hand to her chin, lifting it gently forcing her to look in his eyes, lingering his thumb against her plump bottom lip.

Black bleeding into gold.

"Alina…" His voice crackled harshly. "I would burn the world for you, but men like him… He would burn you to save the world. Neither of us deserve you, but one of us would never leave you. I will never leave you."

Aleksander watched as Alina's doe eyes leaked with a dumbfounded expression. Pouty lips falling open with surprise. He cracked a sad smile, his tears almost threatening to spill over. Only encouraging her own tears, as she sniffled.

"What I hate the most, is the fact that you look so shocked at hearing that I want you. Please believe me.. I-" He croaked out lowing his head his hair falling in his eyes. His words trailing off, as her hands lifted to his cheeks before pushing his hair away with her slender fingers. Swiping them to the side, as she lifted his chin.

Then, she leaned forward and kissed his quivering lips. Soft and tender, more like a promise of a kiss, rather than a full one. Like no other kiss he had ever felt in his life. It felt innocent, absent of lust or carnal desire, just pure and sweet.

He slipped his eyes closed and leaned into her tender kiss, knowing that this kiss had less to do with how she felt about him and more about her heartbreaking. Just wanting comfort after the only man she had ever loved had rejected her. But, he didn't care. It was the most love he had felt in his long time, so he savored it. Focusing on her smooth warm lips.

Allowing her to take the lead. Tilting her head, deepening the kiss as he felt more searing hot tears, streaming down his cheeks from her eyes. He let her cry the tears that he wished he could, taking them as his own. He exhaled into her mouth, as he felt her fingers playing with the short hair on his jaw. Resting his hands on her hips, as she nibbled shyly on his bottom lip letting her hands dance down his neck, making a his body heat and chest ache.

He was thankful when Alina pulled away for just a moment, knowing that if she continued he'd turn her pure kiss, into a sinful one. She panted as hazy amber pools drank him in, her face calmer, more relaxed.

"This doesn't mean, I forgive you." She whispered fingering his collar, a flush coating her cheeks thick and bright, eyes half-lidded and beautiful. He wondered what those eyes saw, when she looked at him.

He couldn't help, but chuckle at their situation, some of his good sense returning. She was young and insecure, of course she would kiss him after his confession. Eventually, she'd forgive him, not that he wanted her too. He shouldn't be forgiven.

"I know…" He admitted. "Don't forgive me. Hate me forever, if you like. But, stay. Stay here with me."

"Okay.." She agreed, and it was the sweetest word he had ever heard. She accepted him, if only a little, and he was grateful for it.

It wasn't a love confession, but it was all he needed. He kissed her back unable to help it, plunging his hands into her hair. Trying to consume her whole. He wanted nothing more than to make her his and his alone. He sucked at her bottom lip before frantically flickering his tongue to taste her, leaving no area unexplored. Devouring her lips, like it was his last meal. She mewed softly allowing him in, tilting her head, as he leaned down kissing her neck, sucking hard on her delicate skin. She pulled at the hair that rested on the nape of his neck, willing himself to stop just long enough pull away. He smirked examining the lovely rose colored bruise on her neck.

He placed his lips against the bruise once more, giving it a little peck for good measure. He wanted to mark her, and felt satisfied with his work, happy that it was bright against her pale skin.

She shivered in his hands, till he pulled back completely, brushing away her tears, and tucking her hair behind her ears. "I have some place that might cheer you up, would you like to see it?" Aleksander whispered keeping his hands rested on either side of her face. He sighed, seeing fog creeping in to the treeline, over her shoulder. He wish that his past, didn't have to haunt him where ever he went. They would have to be on their way soon.

Alina gave him a slow nod, with a tiny smile that didn't reach her eyes.

How could it…

"Is the man that I love going to be kissing another girl, where we're going?"

"No…?" He asked a confused smirk touching his lips as he wondered what she was getting at.

"Then, okay." She nodded curtly. "I'll go."

? ゚ブ?

ALINA

Alina was still shell shocked by everything, as they made their way back toward the Darkling's castle. She felt almost numb, when Aleksander finally turned her around, and placed her back against his broad chest again.

She held the midnight bear in her hands, picking grass off of his fur, since Aleksander dropped it, when she had kissed him. She was still surprised she had dropped the tiger back at the village, too. It had reminded her of Mal, so maybe it was better this way. Like some kind of final goodbye, to the boy she had once loved, so deeply.

I had kissed him. Completely willing. I've kissed the Darkling. I've kissed the Black Heretic. I've kissed the darkness..

That was even more surprising to her, than Malyen forgetting her. Something had taken over her. Maybe it was the fact that her heart was broken my Mal, her first love. Or maybe it was the tears that never shed in Aleksander eye's that he worked so hard to push away.

His words repeated in her ears over and over again.

"I would do anything.. Anything. Anything."

She blushed looking into the round eyes of the stuffed bear in her lap, playing with its ear. She believed him. She knew, she shouldn't. But, she did. She wanted to believe them more than anything, too. She wanted to believe that the tears in his dark eyes were real.

Her tears had finally stopped about an hour ago, as she leaned her head back with a sigh. The tip of her head resting on the dark man's shoulder, as he leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the crook of her neck, making her quake as his beard tickled her skin, making her shrug.

"Hey.." She grumbled felling too tried to really protest, so it came out as more of a whine.

He whispered against her neck, keeping his eyes straight ahead. "Shouldn't have tempted me."

"I didn't tempt anyone.." she hatted to admit it, but she liked the feel of his lips on her shoulder, as he spoke against her skin. "I'm just tired."

"We're almost there."

"Where are we going?" She managed, slipping her eyes shut pushing away the memory of Mal running after them, trying to replace it with the feeling of Aleksander's lips on her throat.

"To a small waterfall. It's close to my home." He said finally, as he pulled away. She had to bite her lip, to keep from frowning at the loss of contact. She peeked an eye open, as he took a right turn at a tree, that had a small moon, carved into its bark. The sun was bright above them, still midday. Yet, she still noticed a thin layer of fog, covering the ground behind them.

If she had to guess, it was at least 2 or 3 pm, but it felt later from the lack of sleep and crying fits. Her body felt limp against Aleksander's form, letting herself rock side to side as the horse trotted on and on.

She smiled softly, feeling his hips rubbing against her back, his hands pressing her hips into him. She figured that he didn't even notice just how similar his movement are now, to how he moved against her when they first kissed. It made her feel flushed at the thought, but didn't try and hide. Side eyeing his lips, barely able to see them from her angle.

"What are you flushed about now?" He asked cool as cut glass, back to his stoic self. She frowned at his uncanny observations. He hadn't even looked at her as he moved them down a winding path. He was still just staring blankly ahead.

"Nothing." She muttered, but kept watching his unwavering eyes, and dark lashes. She never noticed that they were so long as well as thick. They touched his high cheekbones when he blinked.

Which, he was now doing at a faster pace, the longer she stared at them. Alina shifted tucking the bear, between her and the chain around her waist, before stretching her arms up into the air. Then, rest them backwards around his neck, locking her forefinger into her hand. Holding them around his neck.

She just wanted to touch him, feel someone close. Something in her tired mind, just needed the physical contact. Anything that quelled the small pulsing ache in her chest. She spent so long alone, that her body craved the human touch. Her body and heart begged for the comfort.

Aleksander twitched his brows together, as she locked him between her arms. She slowly touched his earlobe, rubbing it between her forefinger and thumb. She was surprised that the skin was soft. She smiled lightly as she wondered would he do if she nibbled on it, like what he had done to her so many days ago.

"What are you doing?" He asked with the smallest bit of curiosity in his flat words.

"I wanted to touch you." She responded plainly. "Thinking about what you would do if I bit your ear."

His eyebrows raised high on his head, in a sarcastic confusion. "I can see that, and I wouldn't try it, if I were you. What are you doing, Alina?"

"I don't know. I just wondered what you'd do..." She shrugged, before playing with the hair that curled behind his ear, twisting it around her finger, curling it more. "I had time to think about the fact that I really have powers.." She trailed off, watching as they moved past another tree with a mood carving turning right again as soon as he reached it. "If I'm like you, I can't die. So, what's there to fear? I wanted to do something, so I did it." She whispered the last part, reaching up to tug at the flesh with her teeth. His entire frame stiffened with the contact.

"I can still hurt you, there are things worse than death." He said, a letting a low groan vibrating from his chest, his eyes slipping closed for a brief moment before opening them again. "Careful not bite my ear off.." He grumbled as she released it with a 'pop'. She knew he was trying to joke with her, but she just frowned.

"Yes. Like watching the man you love, fall in love with someone else. That hurt.."

She felt him swallow hard at her words. She wasn't sure if it was the fact that she said the word 'love' again, or the fact that she reminded him that he always said the wrong thing.

"Yes, like that." He agreed. "Well if it makes you feel better, you can touch me all you like. You just can't bite anything of mine off. Are we clear?"

She glance back at his face and searched it for any hint of sarcasm, but there was none. Just emotionless and blank, with his chin lifting ever so slightly as he felt her eyes on him, once more.

"You mean that, don't you?" She stated, as he cleared his throat.

"Which part? Because, yes. I really perfer you don't bite anything of mine, off." Aleksander's cool tone, turned playful as the corner of his lips twitched.

"About, letting me touch you.. So, If I were to do this.." She rolled her hips against him, in rhythm of his hips that moved with their mount. "You wouldn't mind?"Aleksander gritted his teeth, his jaw twitching, a growl crawling at his throat.

"I know what you're doing, Alina." He spoke calm and smooth. "I don't mind you touching me, but I won't be your distraction." He spoke low, an edge to his voice, looking down at her coldly, unfeeling.

He saw right through me, again.. I hate that about him. And what was so wrong with wanting a little affection after having my heart ripped out?

"What does it matter?" She whispered, flashes of Mal's mature face, his deep voice saying her name, his blue eyes still the same blue that she had grown so familiar with. Mal's lips on the blonde woman, that held his child. She moved her fingers across the scars on Aleksander's knuckles, then the veins that trailed under his smooth skin. He let her, relaxing them slightly as his finger twitched under her feather light touches.

"I want you to only be focused on me. Not the boy, you're trying to forget. I will still let you touch, even kiss me, if you like. But..." He paused as she noticed the sound of water in the distance, trying to focus on that, instead of his words. She swallowed hard pushing down the small bit of bitterness that curled in her lungs. "I'm will not go any further, till you want only me, and only me. No one else, my pride won't allow it."

She could feel his eyes burning the side of her face, before he glance back at the path, the woods growing thicker and the fog growing more dense. She could faintly hear the sound of rushing water drawing even nearer as they walked. She bit her lip hard, feeling embarrassed and a little hurt, even if she knew he was right to want that.

But, she was finally returning his pursues, yet he batted them away like it was nothing. Had everything that Aleksander spoke only hours ago, just lies. He said he'd do anything, now he rejected her as soon as she relented. In this moment, all that the young insecure girl wanted, was to feel wanted in return. Yet, she was met with more dismissive words.

Was I not attractive enough? Not wise, enough? Did the man behind her, only want her powers, suffering through linger touches and sappy words just to satisfy her frail ego, long enough for him to get what he wanted?

She looked down at her bony fingers and felt more disgust and rage burning up her throat, like acid. She had dull brown hair, and boring brown eyes, had a boxy frame mostly constructed of sharp bone, and dry skin. Her chest was flat and hips squared without a hint of femininity. She'd look like a little boy, if it wasn't for her long hair and oversized eyes, that bulged out of her head.

She never thought of herself as 'beautiful.' But, she at least thought that she was morally good, even fair once upon a time. Her few virtues gone, now she just felt petty and childish. Because, she just wanted to fight and scream, hurt Aleksander, hurt Mel, hurt herself.

So, much for personality winning over all. I don't even have that going for me, anymore.

"You didn't seem to care about who I thought about, the night you cast me into the shadows." She hissed, but kept tracing the blue lines on his hands, the same hands that ripped a dress from her body that night.

"At least, you would have been focusing on only me." He whispered coolly, but his clenched fists betrayed him. "Even if it was hatred."

"Wow.. Very romantic." She scoffed. "Why didn't you go through with it then, was it because I fought you so hard?"

"I don't know." He said harshly, a little bit of anger seeping through his words, but still flat as always. "I know, it wasn't the fact that you fought me, though… I think when you said that if I continued, you'd never forgive me. That snapped me out of it. Something in me knew, that If I kept going... I really would be the monster that you acused me of being." He clarified flatly.

I guess he's back to his unemotional self… She thought rolling her eyes. Just get angry already, do something... She was looking for a reaction, for anything. Just to take her mind away from her own throbbing heart.

"Did you want to?" She asked before she was able to stop herself.

"Did I want to what?" He sighed clearly done with the conversation.

"Did you want to continue?" Alina whispered despite the fear of the answer.

He was silent for a long moment, so long she figured that he wouldn't answer at all.

"Be honest." She urged. "You still have to do what I say, right?"

"I took everything in me to stop…" He whispered. "I thought back to when you said it was sad, that I could sleep with someone and feel nothing. So, I knew that it meant something much more important to you. I wanted to own that part of you, own all of you. But, No. I didn't want it like that. So, In some ways, yes and in some ways, no…"

"Suprised you remembered me saying that. Didn't know you listen to me at all.." She grumbled, somewhat surprised by the shame that echoed between his words, maybe he wasn't beyond redemption.

"I always listen." He said his hands relaxing again, under her fingers. "I listen enough to know, that if you are touching me so causally right now, there is something wrong, my Solntse."

"You don't know me that well, Darkling." Alina wanted to anger him, she wanted a fight. She hated that he was being so calm, while her heart was broken and bleeding. She wanted him to hurt her, like she was addicted to the pain. "What if deep down, I don't care at all? What if I don't care enough about you, for it even affect me?" She growled out the words, every syllable tasting wrong in her mouth.

Misery really does like company.

"So, it's anger." Aleksander nodded his head, like he was coming to some kind of answer of his own.

"What's anger?" She scoffed a deep boiling in her belly.

"I wondered how you'd react to your new wounds. It's anger." He remarked cool as cut glass, a knowing glint in his eyes. "And I know you very well. I know you well enough, that if I was to go through with your touches, it would only make that wound deeper."

She sighed running a hand through her hair, looking up at the blue sky. "You're insufferable.."

"You're inconsolable." He snapped a bite to his words, that she didn't expect.

"Does that upset you?" Alina growled turning back to him. "Look who's trying to be my knight in shining armor, now? Did you hope to fix my breaking heart, with a few kind words, a few false complements?" Sarcasm dripping from her words.

"You just want a fight, and I'm not great at controling my temper." He growled. "So, knock it off, Alina." She flinched at his use of her name, no longer using his usual pet names for her.

"What if I don't?" She growled back, glaring hard at him now, that her woe's had dissipated enough to be filled with pure unbridled rage.

Aleksander pulled the reins hard, making the horse neigh loudly in protest, earning a screech from her own lungs as well.9

He slid off the mount, with so much grace that he seemed to float down to the leaf covered ground with a crunch. She looked down at him in shock, but his face was blank. Then, wrapped his hand around the chain that connected them, a foot away from her necklace.

Aggressively, tugging on the chain, in one fluid motion. He tore her off of the towering beast. Not even giving her enough time to react, before she came crashing to the dirt below.

"Damnit!" She yelled, landing on her palms, as Aleksander was instantly on top of her, pitting her to the soft, wet earth. "What the hell!" The maple leaves crunching under them, as he flipped her around, and struggled her wrist above her head.

"So you want a fight, do you?" Aleksander asked coldly, his eyes hollow. Slamming his knees on either side of her waist. "Do you get a rush, out of pissing me off, Alina?"

She didn't even flinch, her eyes dead as she looked right back into his eyes. She was surprised at her own reaction, but she felt nothing. No fear, no worry. Just apathy.

Was this how Aleksander feels? Empty, devoid of any emotion at all, just numb?

"What will you do, Aleksander?" She let his name roll off her tongue slow and rising her head to ghost her breath over his curled lips. "Rape me? Throw me into the darkness? You can't show me the man that I love betraying me again. You already did that." She cooed as he all but shook with fury. "Going to beat me? You're to late on that. I was beat, since I was four, from alot less interesting people than you. So, what else do you got?"

The dark haired man flinched back slightly, eyes widening for a spilt moment, before narrowing to a hard glare. Eyes so dead and black, that he resembled a shark, that smelled blood in the water. He was a void. Nothing, but cold dark rage, like the blue of a flame. You know it's burning the hottest, but looked as cool as ice. "Don't tempt me. I'm a very creative man, Solntse."

A month ago that look from him would have sent her spiraling into bone shaking fear. Hell, only a last night she'd be shrinking under his smirks. But at this moment, it only made her smile, a small laugh escaping her lips. "Go ahead." She urged, almost challenging him to do his worse.

"You don't mean that." The Darkling gritted out, his iron fist clenching her wrist. It hurt, but she didn't even flinch savoring the pain.

"I'm not scared of you." Alina all but smirked.

"You're a bad liar, Alina." He growled, his weight pressing her deeper into the cool dirt, below.

The grass and leaves under her was still warm from the sun, but it drew colder the more they sunk into the earth. She focused on it, as he put her wrist into one large hand. His other hand, fiddling with her thin collar, tightening it around her throat.

"Oh really? You seemed to believe me, when I told you that I only read your journal's because I was curious. But the truth is, that I was trying to prove to myself that were a monster. Evil and jaded. Turns out, you're just a sad little boy, just as pathetic as me." She spit at him, the saliva hitinging him on his jaw, as he flinched back slightly, shutting his eyes.

Growling he slowly reopened his eyes with flared nostrils, wiping the dribble from his chin.

Good, that was defiantly going to piss him off now. Maybe, he would actually kill her, put her out of her misery.- Wait, what?

"God you really are a bad liar. You wiggle your nose when you don't believe something." Laughter rolled from his lips. Aleksander's head was lowered, cackling almost unhinged. Before rolling off of her frame, all sinister vibes melting away. Sitting beside her, his head hanging between his knees as his laughter grew, his shoulders shaking with hands on the crown of his head.

She looked at him confused, her head leaning to her side to look at him. Her cheek falling to the dirt. The dead leaves, catching in her hair. She didn't even feel anger or even annoyance, as she watched him devolve into a hysterical fit of laughter.

"What are you laughing about?" She sighed almost annoyed, no longer shocked by his mood swings.

"God, I've never had someone try and provoke me before, you really aren't scared anymore…" He finally said, gasping for air. As he ran a hand through his thick hair, pulling it away from his face. But, he fell back into laughter, as he struggled with the words, grinding the heels of his palms into his eye sockets.

"You really wanted me to hit you, I almost did, too. I almost killed you." He admitted with another bewilder scoff. "I really almost murdered you, but you wanted me to hurt you... You called me a sad little boy." He laughed louder, his head falling back, as he inhaled deeply. His chest inflating, before breathing out as he searched the sky. Trying to catch his breath, as he pushed his hair back, eyes following the clouds that moved by. A grin still staining his face, as he reveled in the realization, that Alina really wasn't scared of him.

"Then don't." She sighed as she sat up, throwing her leg over his waist settling into his lap, as he dropped his kneels, his smile instantly fading as he looked back down at her, a curious smirk marking his face. "Do something else." She said pulling the skirt of her dress up to her thighs. "Fuck me."

His face instantly fell, his smirk pulling to a straight line. "No." He said coldly, but not making an effort to move her, either.

"Why not? You want too, don't you?" Alina whispered wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing his jaw, then trailing her tongue up to his ear, tugging on the flesh softly. She rolled her hips into him. "Or did you lie when you said you'd do anything?"

She could hear a groan crawl up his throat as he gripped her hips, stilling them. "Alina…" He growled, his fingers digging into her bones. "I'm warning you, this is something you don't want to start."

"You have to do as I say. I'm telling you to fuck me. Or are you not a man of your word?"

"Well, I guess I'm not." His face looked so serious, but he didn't shove her off. Flickering his eyes to her lips, despite his words. Leaning against a tree that sat behind them.

She ignored him, kissing right under his ear, her hands starting to unbutton his shirt, slipping her finger's under the silk, feeling his hard chest under her palms, before reaching down and starting to tug at the laces of his leather pants. His hand slapping over her's, the second that she undid the knot.

"Stop, and just think about this for a moment." Aleksander groaned deeply, but buried beneath the lust, was worry and a hint of aggravation. "Alina, you're not glowing at all. You don't want this. You can't lie to me, about this..."

He's right, but I don't care. I don't want to think, I can't think. I just want my mind to be empty…

She quickly pulled her hands away, starting to tug at the strings on her back, deciding to undo her dress instead, but he clapped his hands over hers again, yanking them from her back.

"I said stop, Alina!" Aleksander boomed shaking her. "This isn't going to make you feel better! I don't want you this way!"

Feeling started to flood back into her bones, as his words settled into between her breasts, grinding deep into her heart. Carving out a hole, drilling deep into her very soul. It hurt. Everything about today hurt.

"So, you don't want me either?!" She screaming feeling exhausted, feeling tears threatening to fall again. "Am I that undesirable?" She whispered.

He exhaled long and stressed, leaning his head against her breast, wrapping his arms around her waist. His nails digging into her skin, as she immediately tried to push him off. She felt humiliated and lied to. But he only clung tighter, as if she was his last thred of sainty. Sainty, that he was desperately trying not to let it slip through his fingers.

"I want you so bad, that resisting you right now, is torture." His voice cracked, falling deep. "All I want to do is throw you into the grass and fuck you so hard, that I dent the earth under you. Till, you are only able to scream my name, over and over and over again. Till, your a mess and your voice goes horse. Till, your begging me to stop, and even then I won't. I want you so bad, that it makes me nervous, when I'm around you." He growled, his hair falling around his face once more. He crashed his lips into hers.

Licking and nibbling at them for what felt like a life time. She moaned as his hands held her head harshly into the kiss. His mouth devouring her very soul, as his tongue swirled around hers. Bitting into her bottom lip hard, as she yelped, before pulling back. She covered her mouth, before glaring at him. Hunger radiating off of him, like beast craving his pound of flesh. Before moving her hand licking away the blood on the edge of her lip, making her eyes fall heavy.

"I'd make sure that even inch of you has been claimed by my lips, till you don't have a single bit of skin that I haven't marked as my own. That I haven't corrupted. Alina, I want nothing more, but.." He trailed off, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand, his exspression softening. His eyes showing something, that she couldn't explain. It felt so different, from anything she'd ever seen from him or anyone else.

Even Mal..

"Why don't you, then?" She croaked out, sounding weaker and smaller than she meant too, the tears starting to roll down her cheeks, again.

"Am I not enough?" Her arms drawling away to wrap around herself. Suddenly, feeling self-concessions and hideous. The pain of rejection, burrowing deep under her ribs, vibrating and slithering into the wound in her heart.

The dark haired man, finally pulled back and looked up at her with his starless eye's empty, yet filled with sorrow. "Because, I don't I'm not a necrophilac."

His words felt like a dagger, that twisted, making her feel dirty and pathetic, she almost felt sick as bile tried to crawl up her throat, but a sob was all that billowed out.

"I'm not d-dead." She said low and hurt, a weeping groan catching in her throat, her eyes bleeding freely now from her throbbing heart. Aleksander quickly brushed them away as soon as they fell.

"No, but you're a walking corpse. You are dead on the inside right now. I know those eyes well, you're empty. Alina, If I was to take your virginity right now, It would be no different than rape. The dead can't consent." He whispered like he was speaking to himself, rather than a woman that was trying to seduce him only moments earlier. He looked her over, as he pulled himself tall, looming over her.

"I just want this pain to go away…" Alina blubbered refusing to look up at the beautiful man above her. She felt ugly next to his cold beauty.

"I know, my sweet Solntse." He whispered kissing her hairline."When we reach the waterfall, I will help easy a small fraction of that pain, but Alina,"- Aleksander paused lifting her chin with the tip of his finger, lingering black into her gold. "I can't promise that I will never hurt you again, because I'm not a good man. But I give you my word, that I will always try to soothe your pain. Even if, I'm the one that caused it."

She saw him then. His eyes so sincere, so warm. She could tell there wasn't a hint of dishonestly in those dark grey eyes.

"With that said, when the time is right.. I will be the one that claims you. All of you. And, you will hate me, for making you love it." He smirked, pulling a few dried leaves from her hair. "Because, you will love it, Solntse."

A blushed touched her cheek, just enough of her emotions had returned to feel embarrassed, as she stood up looking down at the shoes. Brushing off her skirt, and clearing her throat.

"Don't flatter yourself…" She mumbled, as she heard his soft low chuckle break through the tension like a knife, dissolving it.

"Come on," He extends his hand towards her, as she just stairs at it. "I was only trying to snap you out of whatever mood you were in, but we have about an hour left before we get there. I want you to see it during the day."

She placed her hand lightly in his, before he yanked her to his chest. He picked her up in one swift motion and placed her back on the saddle, dusting the rest of the soil off of her dress, before he re-tied his pants, then buttoned his shirt back up.

She watched him and felt a weird since of sadness, wash over her. Like she didn't want him to be nice to her, like it hurt more when he was sweet. He hoisted himself back on to the horse, his cold fingers tracing her spine as he laced up her dress. Once finished he moved her hair aside, to kiss the notch where her spine met her neck. His hands curled over hers, that clung to her skirt. Giving her back the bear, that he had placed previously in the saddle bag.

She held it tightly to her chest, cuddling it close, as she sniffled. "Thank you." She whimpered, talking about the bear and the fact that he didn't go through with her demands.

What had I almost done.. I was willing to give myself to him, just to stop this ache that threatened to split me in two… I'm horrible.

"You're beautiful, Alina." He whispered against her neck.

She only shook her head in response as she felt his long arms, coil around her, hugging her. "You are.." He whispered into her hair. "You are my little sun."

She gave a small yawn as his warmth on her back, calming her. The sound of his heart, steady and reassuring, like a lullaby.

"I also think my little sun, needs some rest." He chuckled kissing her head.

"I'm really tired.." She nodded curled into his welcoming form, as he lifted her, and turned her to face him, sitting in his lap again. Daggling her legs back over his muscular thighs, and tucking her arms under his and around his waist. He took the chain and secured her in place, so that she wouldn't shift as they rode.

"I'll make sure you stay put. So, sleep." He ordered, as she drifted her eyes closed, nuzzling her face into his chest, feeling safer than she ever had before. He placed his hand on the back of her head, as she heard the snap of a rein. Feeling the soft sway of the horse moving. Alina blushed feeling the jump of the strong man's hips, as she bounded in his lap, but She pushed it down, truly feeling exhausted.

Then, she drifted to sleep as she was rocked by the movement of the horse, and the sound of Aleksander's heartbeat, and the smell of whiskey and cloves.

The smell of him.

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