TBATE-ONESHOTS

Light and Darkness 3

Tessia flinched with surprise and fear as shadows and darkness erupted and swirled around them. She felt Arthur's arm tighten around her waist, holding her close to him.

"Don't worry," Arthur said, his voice tight.

Tessia looked at him, seeing his expression full of anger and fury burning behind his gorgeous azure eyes. "W-What's happening?" Tessia asked, her voice shaky.

Arthur's eyes flicked to hers and softened a little, seeing her beautiful teal gems. Arthur gave a reassuring smile, "The humans have come to ruin our fun. Worry not, though. I will handle them."

Tessia's eyes flicked to the darkness around them, and her brows furrowed in confusion. "But this power..." She looked back at Arthur. "Darkness and shadow manipulation isn't of the fae. It's vampiric."

Arthur's eyes traced her facial features, trying to gauge her thoughts, "And? Does that frighten you?"

Staring at him, looking into Arthur's eyes, Tessia slowly shook her head, and she meant it. She couldn't shake the feeling, but she felt undoubtedly safe with him as if there was nothing in the world that could hurt her at that moment.

Arthur's sensuous lips curved into a smile, "Good." He looked back forward, and his eyes narrowed.

Tessia followed his gaze, watching as the darkness circling around them slowly stopped and disappeared. Once the darkness was gone, Tessia's eyes widened in surprise and horror. The once lush grassy area before them was now an ocean of crimson read, with butcher bodies of humans scattered everywhere. Tessia looked at the tree line, seeing there were still a few human mages remaining, and their eyes were as wide as moons as they gazed upon their slain comrades.

The human mages looked up, their eyes locking on Arthur, and their faces contorted into pure, unadulterated fear.

"D-Did you know someone of his caliber was going to be here," One of the humans asked.

Another human shook their head, "N-No..." He turned and began to run, "Move! Retreat!"

The other humans followed his lead as they turned and began to run into the forest.

Tessia's head snapped to Arthur, hearing him growl, and noticed his murderous gaze as he watched the humans. Arthur let go of Tessia's waist and stepped back, and his gaze softened as he looked at her.

"Tessia darling," Arthur began as he raised his hand.

Tessia's eyes followed Arthur's hand as he gently touched her cheek. His fingers brushing against her skin felt warm and electrifying, and her cheeks burned as he tucked a strand of her silver hair behind her ear.

Arthur smiled, "I'm going to deal with those humans really quick." Arthur removed his hand from her face and took her hand. He raised her hand to his lips, and Tessia's blush deepened, her lips going slightly agape as he kissed the back of her hand. "I promise I will return shortly. So, don't go wandering off. Okay?"

Tessia slowly nodded, mesmerized by the man before her, "O-Okay." She couldn't help the next words that escaped her lips as she said, "Be careful."

Arthur's brows raised before his smile widened, "I will." Arthur let go of her hand and stepped back. "Stay with her."

Tessia's brows furrowed in confusion, and in the corner of her eye, she swore she saw something move from Arthur's shadow to hers.

"I'll be back, darling," Arthur said before he disappeared in a veil of darkness.

Tessia stood there, motionless, staring at the area where Arthur once stood. She clasped her hands together, not knowing what to do, and felt a little nervous about being alone after what had just occurred. She looked around, seeing the people who were once dancing were gone, and individuals were frantically running around, with others dispersing out of the area.