Prince of Darkness

Chapter 7

Robert growled under his breath as he stormed towards the lodge. Throwing open the door he entered, fuming. The charm of the rustic, large and lavish front room did nothing to ease his fury. "ALEXANDRIA!"

The witch reclined on a chair, putting her legs on the footrest in front of her and crossing her feet. "Yes?" she asked all too sweetly.

Robert hissed, his hands physically shaking as he resisted the urge to punch the smile right from her face. "You did not do as I asked. On my way to the castle I was met with the rest of this bumbling group, so I had to turn back! Didn't I tell you to keep them here?"

Faking ignorance, she stood and crossed her arms. "Yes, I do seem to recall you telling me such a thing." Meeting his gaze, she smirked teasingly, "Perhaps you should have asked nicely. Then, I may have been inclined to listen to you."

Robert swung a punch at her head, "You disrespectful, disobedient little...!"

Dodging his attack with ease, Alexandria clicked her tongue. "Do attempt to control your temper. It's most unflattering."

Robert struck the side of her face with his hand. "How dare you speak to me in such a way!"

The witch shot her hand forward, sending a blast of magic crashing into his chest. The male werewolf hunter flew through the air, slamming against the back wall. Alexandria, keeping her hand in the same position, snarled, "It's very rude to hit a lady, you know."

Robert, realizing he seemed to be held in place by an invisible force, ordered. "Release me, witch."

The werewolf hunter shook her head, "Not just yet."

Her superior hissed, "Very well." If the stubborn witch would refuse to listen...then at least he could still tell her of his plans. "I don't believe you fully understand how determined I am to catch this werewolf."

"I know exactly how determined to are," the witch replied dryly. For centuries Robert had longed to get inside the mysterious castle in the middle of the wood, but the castle's secrets had always remained hidden.

Robert continued, seemingly ignoring her statement. "My interest has become...personal now. Rose has disappeared, and I have a suspicion that she has journeyed to that castle. I wish to retrieve her."

Alexandria internally cringed at the mental picture. She could just imagine Robert dragging a kicking, sobbing Rose away to marry her. The girl probably ran to protect herself. Lucky. If she had gotten the chance to defend herself from Robert, then she certainly would have run...or beat him to a pulp.

As if he could read her mind, Robert teased. "Are you jealous of her? Jealous that she gets freedom and you don't? Jealous that she gets to marry me while you have to serve me?" He continued, eyes darkening, "If you tried to use any stronger form of magic on me it would kill you, you know that. The oath that you swore will protect me from any magical harm you decide to put on me. Oh, and there is the fact that you are punished for any bad behaviour." He smirked darkly upon seeing the fear in her eyes. That was the one thing she was afraid of.

Alexandria reluctantly ceased her magic, letting Robert come away from the wall. She shuddered at the sheer thought of punishment...and at the fact that the man before her would not hesitate to be as merciless as he wanted.

Robert gripped her arm tightly, dragging her into another room. He had a familiar sadistic glint in his eyes. "Come, witch. Let's see if I can teach you some manners this time."

Alexandria slammed her eyes shut, preparing herself for the pain that would follow. The faster I accept...the sooner it will be over.

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