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

Strong Enough

Time was running out...

The wolves were swiftly closing in, their fangs exposed, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Kyle's thoughts were a whirlwind as he contemplated his next move. As beasts of the forest, perhaps they would heed his command to retreat, recognizing his authority as the Elven King.

"Stand down!"

One wolf growled back, a sound far from cooperative. Apple yelped, urging him to stop. Kyle glanced back, realizing they were on top of a steep hill. He could levitate them down, but the briar patch below posed too great a risk.

Kyle cupped Apple's face, drawing her into a kiss. The warmth of her lips brought back memories of the day he swore to protect her. Pulling back, he saw the dawning fear in her eyes.

"I love you Apple."

Kyle let go of her hand, the lingering warmth of her touch fading. She was shouting his name, pleading for his return, but his decision was made.

Kyle clenched his hands into fists and charged at the pack. Before he could harness the wind, a wolf clamped onto his arm, dragging him to the ground. Another latched onto his leg, sending waves of pain through his body. Despite his best efforts, if this keeps up...the wolves were going to get a fatal attack in.

'This is bad...I have to keep fighting!' thought Kyle.

Struggling to breathe, he fought back as another pounced, sinking teeth into Kyle's neck. He seizes the wolf by its tail, pulling it off his arm, while Kyle swiftly kicks away the one attached to his foot. The wolf sprang from Kyle's chest, delivering another blow before bounding away. Collapsing to his knees, Kyle fought to rise, clutching at his neck.

The darkness spoke, 'You need me.'

Kyle's gaze dropped, his hands shaking as the scent of copper filled his nostrils. He swiftly turned, noticing the wolves beginning to close in on Apple. She was singing desperately, but nothing came to her rescue. Kyle was her only hope...

'You're not strong enough.'

That day...when she sacrificed herself for him, Kyle felt useless.

It was a dream to gain these powers...

All Kyle wanted to do was to prove that he was worthy enough to become Apple's prince charming. Yet, since he wasn't strong enough, she nearly died in his arms. Now here they are again. With him still too weak to protect her...

'No... I refuse to be weak. I have to stay strong!' Kyle tried to fight through the pain.

'You won't be weak if you let me take full control. Isn't that what you want? To save your princess,' the darkness offered.

Kyle didn't know what to do, he was losing time.

'The monster inside can destroy everything you love,' those words haunting Kyle's mind.

'I promise to take good care of her. I am you after all.'

Kyle lowers his head in defeat. "I surrender..."

***

'I was useless...'

With no critters in sight, Apple's cries for help would go unheard. Kyle was fighting for their lives as she could only watch in horror. Blood poured from his injuries. His royal tunic was marred by deep cuts across his chest, and he choked on flecks of blood while clutching his throat.

'I can't let him die...I need to do something! Anything!'

Apple kicked off her heels, aiming at the wolves to stay back, but that failed miserably. Scanning her surroundings, she spotted a stray branch on the ground. Without hesitation, she grabbed it, wielding it as a makeshift weapon against the encroaching pack. A wolf snarled and lunged at her. With a swift swing, Apple managed to repel the wolf's attack. However, the branch shattered upon impact, and she was left defenseless. Covering her eyes, she prepared for the worst, but then a sudden yelp diverted her attention.

Apple's eyes flutter open to see Kyle hurling them away from her.

"Get to safety NOW!"

"But Kyle, you're losing a lot of blood!"

He uses his air manipulation to shove Apple away from the cliff.

"Listen to me, dammit!" Kyle growled.

Apple kept her lips shut and does what she was told, seeking shelter behind a huge tree trunk. It really looked like Kyle had the advantage now. However, it was a scene that she did not wish to watch...

Kyle had the upper hand, and it seemed like he was defeating the wolves with ease. He seized their limbs, snapping them. Once again, a wolf lunged for Kyle's neck, but he swiftly harnessed the air around him to suspend the creature, then gutted it with his claws.

The cries and whimpers from the wolves made Apple feel like she was about to vomit. She knew they attacked them first but seeing them being slaughtered like this made her sick. Apple gripped on the bark of tree, trying to keep her balance. A malicious smile formed on his lips, an expression that her Kyle would never use.

Something wasn't right.

Only villains would smile like that, and Kyle was far from one.

***

Despite how weak his body was, Kyle had never felt more alive. The thrill of dismantling these fragile creatures brought nothing but a smile to his face. It was the rush, the surge of adrenaline he craved. Kyle was savoring every moment, and no one could stop him.

The wolves were retreating one by one, yet Kyle was just getting started. They wanted a fight and now they've got one. A wolf, limping, made its way toward Apple, seeking her sanctuary. Kyle swiftly pounced, seizing the wolf by its injured limb. The sound of the wolf's body hitting the ground elicited a faint whimper from Apple.

The king of the Drow Elves bent tenderly over his cherished princess, gently caressing her hair as she averted her gaze. Apple lifted her arms defensively, guarding herself from his presence.

"There's no need to fear, my princess. I'm always going to protect you."

Apple shut her eyes, turning away.

"Don't call me that! You're not Kyle," she hissed.

A gentle breeze weaved through, causing her golden hair to dance in the wind. Kyle softly grasped her wrists, guiding her arms down. Her eyes slowly opened, unveiling the stunning ocean blue within them. Kyle, drawn in by their beauty, gently kissed the tip of her nose. The blush that spread across her cheeks told him she was unsure of how to respond.

"I am Kyle, my Starlight," he says, taking her hand and bestowing another kiss. "I've just embraced the darkness within me."