The Apple of My Eye: Book Two (An Ever After High Crossover)

Affliction

"Thank you for your help, Cerise. It really means a lot and I'm truly grateful," thanked Apple, placing a hand on the red hooded girl.

"You know, if you teamed up with Raven, I'm sure you and Kyle could really make a difference in our world."

Cerise winked at the princess as they parted ways, leaving her words echoing in Apple's mind. Despite her desire to step forward, Apple feared the potential chaos it could bring. The thought of her mother discovering her rebellion, her refusal to follow her destined tale word for word, was daunting. Apple had strived to be the perfect future queen, but how could she, when she was shrouded in nothing but filthy lies?

A sudden warmth enveloped Apple's hand. Lifting her gaze, she saw Kyle, his lips curved in a tender smile. His emerald eyes sparkled in the dim light filtering through the dungeon's crevices. With Kyle, Apple's emotions were true. She would do anything for him, just as he would for her.

***

Kyle flings his hat across the room and throws himself onto the bed.

'I'm so exhausted, I don't know where to turn... We still have the rest of the year to figure things out, but how can I rest when that time can be over in an instant?'

"You alright there, roomie?"

Daring peeked over, interrupting Kyle's thoughts. Sitting up, Kyle resettled on his bed.

"Yeah, I'm fine, Dare..." Kyle's voice carried a sharp edge, a clear sign of his irritation.

Right now, Daring was the least of Kyle's worries. Since their feud a few days back, Kyle had barely spoken to or even acknowledged Daring. Part of him suspected it was because he was still angry with him. Trusting Daring, especially with a secret so delicate, was a gamble. Daring promised to treat Kyle like a younger brother, not realizing it meant morphing into an overbearing helicopter parent, reprimanding Kyle for his late-night escapades and causing trouble for Apple.

But perhaps Kyle did see Daring's point. It had been ages since anyone cared enough to reprimand him. Maybe Kyle was just being extra salty due to his own frustrations.

"Ky, if you're still angry with me, then I understand. I just need you to realize what you are doing. Apple's whole life has been about achieving her destiny, proving to everyone that she's not just a pretty face. Not a lot of people know she's very smart and not a lot of people know that she's actually terrified of the world. She made a vow that she wanted her destiny because she would feel safe in her familiar tale. She's studied her destiny like no tomorrow so when her time came, she wouldn't be afraid."

'That may be how she was before I met her, but now...'

"Apple is the bravest girl I've ever met. She's proven that she takes things thrown at her head on without hesitation. I know she will make an amazing queen one day. I just need you to understand Daring, that I would never want to take her away from her dreams, her destiny. All I want to do is be a part of it."

Daring remained silent, releasing only a loud sigh.

"I've tried to reason with you, Ky, I truly have..." Daring eventually said.

He rose from his bed and walked over to the balcony of their room. He started tapping on the windowsill, each tap synchronized with the passing seconds.

"I fear that Apple is becoming a Rebel, and you are the reason for it. To you, I'm sure you must feel like you're on cloud nine when you're full of love..."

The tapping came to a stop.

"But love is blind, a danger to those who are toxic for each other."

Toxic?!

There's no way Kyle and Apple were toxic towards one another. They lift each other up, they always understand one another. Of course they may have slight disagreements but what couple doesn't? That just means their relationship is healthy.

"I want you to stay away from Apple. She has a lot more to lose then you'll ever know."

Each word was laced with venom. Daring was threatening Kyle, but he was determined not to let Daring provoke him.

"You can't keep true love apart, Dare. Don't do this," Kyle tried to remain calm.

"True love? What do you know about true love? What does anyone in this world know about true love? We all have a destiny, a partner destined for us at some point in our lives. And guess what, Kyle? You're not it!" he declared vehemently.

Kyle grasps Daring by the neck, his back slamming against the wall. Daring was fighting to break free, desperately gasping for air though Kyle's grip. His porcelain face was becoming blue, a sight that would alarm anyone. For Kyle however, it brought nothing but excitement, seeing him squeal at the mercy of his hands. Kyle felt a huge grin creep across his face. This rush, this adrenaline. He needed more of it.

***

'What am I doing?!'

Kyle swiftly let go of Daring, who collapsed to his knees and then hit the wooden floor, unconscious. Kyle stood there, his eyes wide open, unblinking, as he felt reality crumbling around him. The gravity of his actions was sinking in. He had been in scuffles before, but nothing this extreme. Shaking off the shock, Kyle hurried over to Daring, anxiously checking for signs of breath.

'Thank god, he should be fine.'

Panic was setting in for Kyle once more. He was convinced that Daring would spill the beans about the incident. Kyle knew he had to come up with a plan quickly.

'I got it!' Kyle snapped his fingers.

Kyle hoisted Daring's body, gently placing him on the bed and tucking him in as one would a child stricken with the flu. Grabbing an empty glass, Kyle dashed to the bathroom sink, filled it with water from the tap, and set it on the nightstand. He then placed a thermometer beside Daring's pillow, creating the illusion that he had been ill and had merely dreamt the entire ordeal.

For our hero's sake, let's just hope this works...