THE BLACK KNIGHT

Prologue

"Give it to me or I will take more than just that"

The low husky voice hissed while steadily keeping his narrowed eyes on my trembling hands.

The envelope crinkled as I slightly increased my grip on its edges. The thick crimson paper weighed heavier as the clock ticked and could pass off as an invitation to an elite ball.

But I knew it wasn't.

My throat felt scorched as I swallowed the gag reflex from all the nausea and headaches carving away my sanity.

"Not before I read it myself" I didn't realize I had spoken until I heard myself.

The words kept me strong and sensible. It was my own way of harboring crumbs of defiance. I didn't know if I spoke slowly to buy more time or to reemphasize to this bastard that I won't let him take away my last hope.  My hands loosened as I started to rip the edges without thinking any further. The tearing of the exquisite paper had never felt more thrilling. I pressed the edges and peaked inside. A slender little card could barely be seen but I didn't waste any time and plucked it out.

I heard the slightest movement and immediately turned to see the tall dark figure has stepped closer. His cold eyes and hardened jaw tells me how close he is to loosing patience.

Well he will have to wait.

The rest of his body seemed calm and ready as if the slip of paper will jump out and miraculously form into a knife for me to gear up with. I scoffed slightly and lifted a corner of my mouth thinking back to when I snuck into his training hours once. If it ever came to combat I know who will win. I released the breath I've been holding and then skim over the piece of paper slowly.

I didn't read the words yet, my eyes landed on a tiny symbol placed in the corner etched with intricacy and meticulousness. When I first saw it I found it beautiful but entirely too elegant for someone like me to wear. But now it wasn't so beautiful; it was an ink that poisoned and feigned mortal touch. I could just imagine the designs crawling out of the paper and jumping into my veins, diving deep into my mind and creating vivid dreams of fables. That is all it has ever done. The rich and their filthy ways.

I shook away the thoughts and returned back to the writing. My eyes are frantic to skim over the entire note but I have to stop and read each word carefully.

Zainab Urabeith will assist in the Sikeo operation. Her duty shall reside within the assigned officer's command; Dr. Rafael Eukiran.

My hands fumbled for a steadier hold and thankfully found a wall to the left as my mind buzzed with voices and noises from the past few days. The card slipped from my fingers onto the ground. I expected him to take it as soon as possible but instead a low chuckle evaporated into the air and collapsed just as quickly.

"It's not over till it is over Zainab."

For the first time he spoke my name I felt needles all over my skin, tiny punctures that sparked surprise yet completed with a calming resonance. Like when you decide to leave the beach and enjoy that last minute of calmness as the sun takes its own dip in the cool grey waters. I wish his voice would speak another language where even if I don't understand, the sound was soothing and I can ignore all the demands it carried.

My knees felt weak, I decided to let them cower beneath my weight and fold away as my back dragged its way down the wall. My head rolled back with my eyes still closed, my response disappeared to a faraway corner of my mind. The only words I managed to say came out in a blurry haste

"Rafael.. I want to call you by your name" I liked speaking his name as well. I don't know if it was to return the favor but I know I wanted to taste it on my mischievous tongue.

He remained silent for a moment before bending down near me, resting his arm on one knee. He stared down at the fallen card with a serious expression, clearly having an idea of what it said. His eyes didn't lift up as he spoke again.

"Get up. You're only going to be free from me when you no longer want to be"

The words were rigid and final.

I knew I didn't want to be here. I didn't think that would ever change. But a small part of me doubted if that was entirely true. I have already showed signs of it coming to that conclusion, and perhaps that really is the only way out. What choice did I have at this point? I have to keep moving forward or else my family will suffer the consequences.

Rafael Eukiran's authoritative voice held mostly a tone of control and power but lingering underneath the surface was a drop of desire and possessiveness.