Her Purpose || Kai Parker

Chapter 111

In the chaos of Kai's mind, Estrella was suddenly bombarded with images-flashes of herself intertwined with memories of the twins, moments of laughter and warmth.

But as she ventured deeper, those comforting visions twisted, fading into something colder, darker.

The warmth drained away, replaced by a creeping dread that wrapped around her like fog.

She could feel herself sinking into the depths of Kai's subconscious, opening her own mind to the darkness that seemed to pull her further in.

Then, a voice echoed through the void, smooth and taunting. "Welcome to Abode, Miss Astraea. I've been waiting to meet you."

Estrella spun around to face the source of the voice. Standing behind her was a man, dark-skinned, with a smile that chilled her to the bone. His presence was both magnetic and unnerving.

"You must be Cade-the devil," Estrella said, her voice surprisingly steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides. "How do you know me?"

His smile broadened, a look of amused curiosity dancing in his eyes. "Who doesn't? Your reputation precedes you, Miss Astraea. You're as well-known in the underworld as you are among the living. And as for how I know so much about you..." He paused, his gaze piercing, "Your brothers were quite... revealing."

Estrella's eyes widened in surprise, though she fought to keep her composure. "Through my brothers?" she asked, her voice betraying a sliver of unease.

"When I've touched their minds, I've seen the depth of their emotions," Cade explained, his tone casual, but there was a dark edge to it. "Guilt, in particular, is something they carry heavily. It's consuming them."

Despite her best efforts to remain cold and detached, Estrella felt a pang of sorrow at his words.

She had sensed their guilt, but hearing it spoken aloud seemed to hit harder than she expected. She clenched her fists, trying to shake off the unwanted emotions.

"And how are you able to see me here?" Estrella asked, her voice calm, though her mind raced. "I'm not truly here. This is part of my magic."

"Ah, one of my little tricks," Cade said smoothly, stepping closer, his smile never wavering. "I know why you're here, and I know your brothers think they can defeat me. I assure you, they will fail."

Estrella stared at him, feeling the weight of his confidence pressing down on her. "I have no interest in their plans or helping them," she stated firmly, her tone icy.

Cade's expression shifted slightly, but his amusement remained.

He stepped closer, his gaze never wavering from hers. "No, but you are here to save Kai Parker," he said, his voice growing darker. "And I'm afraid I can't allow that."

Before Estrella could respond, she felt a sudden pull from within Kai's mind.

His presence was growing stronger-he was finding himself.

"Estrella? Pumpkin?" Kai's voice suddenly echoed, breaking through the darkness.

She sighed in relief, feeling a spark of connection. It was his presence anchoring her to reality.

"It's done. I'm all puzzled together and ready to go," Kai joked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Despite the situation, Estrella felt a small smile tug at her lips. Leave it to Kai to make light of a life-or-death situation.

But before she could gain control, something more powerful started to push her out of Kai's mind. She felt the force growing, shoving her back toward the waking world.