Viridian

Chapter 29

Day 2. Joy.

"Are you ready?" Cato asks me as I settle into the stark white room.

"Do I have a choice?" I shrug, criss crossing my legs as I sit down on the couch.

"Yes, Princess," he says in earnest. "You always have a choice."

"But if I don't do this, you won't let me help you with the Creon, right?" I rebuttal.

"If you don't do this and you go up against the Creon," he starts. "You could die." I think about that for a second.

"Get on with it then," I shrug, taking a deep breath before resting my head on the back of the couch. I feel Cato's frustration, but he doesn't push it.

"Settle your mind," he states as I close my eyes. "Remember the kitchen, the little details. What did you smell, what was the temperature..." Cato's voice drifts off.

Cato? I ask, opening my eyes as the heat of the kitchen washes over me.

I'm here, Princess, he responds.

Great, I roll my eyes.

You don't like me in your head? Cato chuckles.

No.

Then throw me out.

You know I don't know how to, Cato, I grumble.

You've done it before.

I didn't know what I was doing.

Adhi, Cato sighs. It's only day two—

I don't care.

Cato sighs again. Ok, Princess. Focus.

I am, I state, aggravated.

Watch it, he matches my aggravation. Don't make me spank you, he pauses, letting the words sink in. Now, he continues. Focus on what you feel. This is your head, your home, your kitchen, Cato continues. But something feels off, doesn't it?

I take a deep breath, focusing on his question before responding, Yes.... I feel at home, but something feels off too. There's something wrong, I conclude.

Good girl, what is it?

I don't know—

Yes you do.

There's someone here, I state.

Exactly. Our minds know how to identify an intruder. It's that same feeling you get when you sense not to follow a stranger... your instincts.

So how do I get rid of you, then?

Try not to sound too excited, Cato chuckles before continuing. Focus in on that feeling. The uneasiness you get. Let it grow, all the while condensing it into one singular space. Similar to a balloon. Allow it to expand in a singular space. And then, he pauses. Pop it. Use your power, to push out the unknown... Cato's voice drifts off as I follow his instructions, focusing on the unknown and then my own power. Letting the presence grow and then—

Cato? I ask, looking around the kitchen. Suddenly I'm snapped back to the present, to the white couch with a very surprised-looking Cato watching me.

"What is it?" I ask, sitting up from the couch. Cato doesn't answer me, he simply moves closer, his eyes glowing green with bewilderment as he presses his lips to mine. I don't have time to think as he molds his body to mine, pushing me deeper into the white cushions as he kisses me passionately. I moan, mustering up the strength to push Cato's mouth from mine.

"What?" I breathe, barely able to form the words with our mouths just inches apart.

"You are absolutely breathtaking," he mumbles, leaning in to kiss me deeply before pulling away again. "You have know idea the power you hold, Princess."

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Hello everyone! As I'm sure many of you noticed, I had to take a few weeks off from writing. This was due to mental health reasons. I want everything I write to be the best I can do and therefore the most enjoyable for you all to read and I simply was not in the right mindset to produce these things these past few weeks. I am so happy to have as many supportive readers as you all! Thank you for being patient with me!

 - Nicole Winters