Exiled Princess

Chapter thirty-two

The further I become of my ships, the more the mist gathers over the raging waters, and the more I lose hearing of my soldiers' chanting. Silence, heavy and threatening, pushes my shoulder blades down with my confidence. I'm not breathing, my heart isn't pounding, for I have neither a heart nor lungs. I don't have a body all the same–I've been wretched from it in fear of destroying it. The amount of power my soul has awaken won't be endured by a mortal body. If I'd stayed in that form, my human body might have been destroyed, and I would've died with it.

This. This is my immortal form.

My ships are currently awaiting my next command since my recent order is to stay put, and not sail further. I don't want to let my soldiers face another unpleasant surprise.

''Nathaniel.'' I murmur, knowing that the air lord probably hears me. ''Don't be a coward. Show us your pretty face, hmm?''

Laughter suddenly booms over the waves, echoing through the mist. The cackling is cold and humorless. It's something I would never forget or miss.

My father's laughter.

I freeze, feeling myself shrinking smaller and smaller. Goddesses, I would do just anything to avoid encountering him. Him; my assassin, my weakness, my hater. My father.

If possible, I could feel myself losing hold over my powers–like a loose rope, it circles my fingers, and then falls to my elbow. Fear blossoms within me, making me feel cold and warm all in one.

''F-Father?'' I stutter, looking all around me. My eyes roam over the misty waters, always met with endless long waves. My ships are completely out of sight, and the continuous faint chatting of soldiers has long since fallen silent.

I'm all alone.

White dots fill my vision, and slowly, I feel myself drowning back to my dark, hollow ancient shell.

Coward. I never thought of how fearful I'll become if I come close range to my father. I can feel him everywhere; his heavy enchantment, his cold scent, his depressing crisis.

''Roseanne.'' a masculine, dense voice speaks from behind me, ''Princess.''

Princess.

I've heard this word before. Although, how should I remember? Now, nothing matters more than fleeing. I can't meet him. I can't meet my father, for it might be my doom. Goddesses, for the first time, do I realize just how weak I am. How fragile, and foolish to think I'll avoid my weaknesses. My one, and only.

Wait. But I do have another weakness, don't I?

A weakness I've never seen coming. One with dark powers, one possessing damnation like a mask on their face.

But it's too late now. I've already drunk in too much of my father's jinx. He's got me trapped tight in his palms, right in his crafted trap.

''Roseanne!'' Comes the voice again—not alone this time, it comes with a touch. A faint touch on my shoulder blade. ''Princess, can you hear me?''

The voice is urgent, terrorized. Maybe even concerning.

I turn around, finding myself gazing upon a monster. A beautiful one, not to mention.

He has long, midnight strands, and eyes the color of the Hells' skies.

Suddenly, my memories dash into my mind with hard determination, making me suck in a sudden intake of breath.

I gasp, feeling myself lighten in fear when I realize what'll come next.

''Jungkook.'' I mutter, watching him floating before me with a massive, dark set of wings. I had no idea the Devil could grow wings. ''W-What're you doing here?''

''I knew danger lurked somewhere to where you were headed.'' he whispers, his flashing eyes not leaving mine. ''So I followed.''

''You shouldn't have.'' I snap, my voice echoing over the calm waves. Too calm, too awaiting. ''Leave. Stay with both our armies; they need you.''

''Not as much as they need you.'' His eyes soften. ''You see, they've come to have faith in you.''

''How unfortunate.'' I swallow heavily. ''This might have been the last time they see me.''

''Roseanne.'' He inches closer, his arms landing on my shoulder blades. ''I don't understand.''

A pained voice leaves my extremely tight throat. ''Jungkook. He has me.''

''Who?'' he shouts, looking at me in frustration. ''Tell me who, my princess, just tell me and I'll have them instead.''

I bitterly laugh, closing my eyes. ''If only it were this easy.''

Opening my eyes, I cup his face. Feeling the curse's claws inch closer to my already imprisoned soul, I kiss him lightly on the lips.

''Goodbye, my Devil.'' Jungkook rears back in surprise, confusion invading his ruby eyes. ''I hope you find me before I'm fully gone.''

''No!'' he roars, clutching my waist with his long, muscular arms. ''I don't understand, princess! Tell me what I should do!''

But I'm already fading into darkness. Soon, the Devil will be holding nothing but a memory of my touch. From afar, I can see my father's gleaming eyes in the mist. His eyes alight from using his powers to pull me into the Blackness.

A place where the emperor imprisons the traitors. The damned.

The last thing I remember seeing is a set of red eyes. How pretty.