My black sheep {Kai Parker }

17: Merliah

I wake up groggily, nursing a very brutal headache. it's my own fault, turns out going to sleep after a long day of barely consuming any food or even water. I guess I had been too lost in the search for the ascendant. but I really wouldn't like to spend any more time in this horrid place than I have to. I probably should've remembered to tend to my basic needs though.

after almost tumbling to the ground, I manage to pull myself off of the couch and make my way to the bathroom. standing under the scalding water from the shower-head, last night's nightmare came rushing back in vivid images. seeing as how my shower was interrupted by a horror film, I decide it's time to get out.

With a sigh, I traded my vulnerable and messy state for a pair of light blue jeans and the same black tube top I wore on the day I first entered this desolate prison world. Fatigue weighed heavily on me, leaving me devoid of the energy to dry my hair properly. In a hasty motion, I gathered my damp locks and secured them in a casual ponytail.

It was at that moment, as the chain of my necklace tangled in my hair, that I recollected its presence. I hadn't even realized I was still wearing the necklace Stefan had given me as a Christmas gift almost a year ago. My thoughts swirled in awe of the passage of time. The pendant, shaped like a delicate butterfly and adorned with exquisite rubies, held a captivating beauty that mesmerized me. Though its contents were likely dried up by now, the knowledge that Stefan had filled it with vervain had always provided me solace. Or maybe I just found humor in a vampire handling the one herb that can hurt them.

Despite the entanglement causing a brief interruption, I carefully freed the chain from my hair, preserving both the necklace and my thoughts of Stefan. The necklace had become a cherished part of my identity, serving as a constant reminder of our bond and the friendly love he showered upon me. He had always been the one to respect my choices, even more so than my own sister. Sometimes it bothered my that what I want didn't matter to them but Elena always had everyone tangled up in what she wanted.

Leaving the bathroom, the memories of Stefan and the necklace accompanied me through the prison world's dreary corridors. Each step echoed with a sense of longing and determination. Trapped within these walls, the necklace served as a tangible connection to a life beyond this desolation, rekindling hope within me. Maybe just maybe I can get the hell out of here. Without a psychopath attached to my hip.

"Ah, splendid. You've decided to grace me with your presence," Kai's mocking voice echoes from the kitchen as I enter. He stands confidently in front of the stove, tending to a sizzling pan that emits the mouthwatering aroma of grilled cheese. His attempt at a morning greeting is laced with playful sarcasm. "Well, I suppose I should amend that to 'good afternoon,'" he chuckles, acknowledging the late hour.

My eyes briefly shift to the wall clock, confirming that it is indeed two in the afternoon. However, considering the silent treatment he subjected me to last night, I choose not to respond. I wordlessly approach the refrigerator, scanning its contents in search of something to satiate my hunger. Silence serves as my companion, for I am in no mood to engage in conversation with the sociopath before me, especially not after his recent threat to my life, again.

"Nice look, Princess," Kai instinctively comments, his gaze traveling from my wet hair to the tube top I'm wearing, which suddenly feels too revealing. His eyes then shift down to the jeans I had borrowed from Jo's closet. Choosing to ignore his remark, I focus on scanning the fridge's contents, determined to find something to eat.

As I reach out to grab a soda and a yogurt, Kai interrupts my silence. "You don't have to do that, you know," he smirks, drawing my attention. I pivot on my heel to face him, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. "You don't have to ravage the fridge searching for food, Princess," he clarifies, gesturing toward the sizzling pan on the stove. "I heard the shower running after you successfully managed to avoid me this morning. So, naturally, I assumed you'd be hungry upon your return, especially since you didn't eat anything yesterday."