sunlight and shadow

chapter 2(the Darkling)

I released my powers hold on the Lantsov pup so by the time I got to the dungeons he'd be in his right mind. I still did not like this idea. allowing anyone close to Alina especially someone she seemed to be developing feelings for was not high on my priority list. I remembered her on that bed looking like a ghost her dark brown eyes empty of all emotion and knew I had to do this take this risk if I ever wanted my Alina back. even her eternal hatred would be better than her being an empty shell for the rest of her eternal life. the dungeons were dark and I found Nikolai leaning against a wall looking every bit the charming prince even in his tattered clothes. It was a shame really he would have made a fine king better than his father certainly but I would be better than any of them when I walked in and stared without a word with my usual emotionless look he said in a cheery tone

 -it's my death day then? 

I smiled at him a brutal smile filled with bitterness and disdain. What he didn't know yet that my punishment for him made him immortal my power now ran through his body he couldn't use it of course but it did expand his life. Unfortunately, I knew if I told him this it might break the boy king and he would be of no use to Alina so I said;

-Alina needs you 

his eyes widened and anger poured off of him in waves the charming exterior falling away in an instant 

-why would Alina need me. then his tone softened with deadly calm -and if she asked for me what did she give you in return. I eyed him a little impressed even though he had just spent the last days as a monster he still asked the right questions. I chose my next words carefully.

-as you could probably guess she isn't taking the loss of all her friends well and to answer your question as what I get I get Alina back.

he eyed me warily. -what do you mean you get Alina?

I couldn't help but smile a little he really was smart for his age he reminded me of myself -but unfortunately for him, our ambitions contradicted each other and only one could have their way.

-well certainly not what your thinking

he seemed to slump with relief- so I added in a droll

-not yet anyway but what I meant was its no use spending eternity with the shell of a person she is now and I think you can fix her 

it pained me to talk of Alina like this but he couldn't know of my weak spot.

-and how would I do that?

-well I would let you see her in her room without shackles for two hours every day as long as me or her guards are with you and as long as you don't try anything I will let you keep seeing her deal?

when most would take the deal right away Nikolai stopped to think.

-fine.

-great I will send maids and clean clothes you will see her in an hour accompanied by me 

with that I turned around and left