On my way to hell

chapter 16

Alexandra Bario

Walking beside someone who loves and protects me filled me with a rare sense of safety and warmth, a feeling I'd never truly known until now.

Kaida's eyes narrowed playfully as she leaned in closer. "So... where exactly were you when the dance was happening?" she asked, an amused smirk on her lips. My cheeks flushed, and I instinctively glanced down, the memory of Christopher's magical display flooding back, vivid and warm. He had lit up the night, quite literally, for me, and the recollection made my heart skip a beat.

Before I could even respond, Christopher smoothly intercepted. "I wanted her all to myself for a bit," he said, his voice soft but confident. "I wanted to show her something special." There was a flicker of warmth in his eyes as he met my gaze, and I couldn't help but smile. Elira, however, was quick to add a spark of mischief to the moment.

"Ohh, special?" She raised an eyebrow, then whistled, leaning back with an exaggerated sigh. "So, you two just had to go to a corner for that?"

Christopher's mouth tilted into a smirk, his arm pulling me just a little closer. "None of your business," he retorted playfully. "What I do with my soulmate and my girl isn't for you to know." His voice was laced with both affection and a subtle protectiveness that made my heart flutter.

Caden let out a laugh, his eyes twinkling. "Right, right—so you two were'showing each other something special'?" He winked, and I could see everyone holding back laughter. I blushed, trying to shake off their teasing, because in reality, Christopher and I had just shared a beautiful, quiet moment. But, of course, they weren't going to let me off so easily.

Then Rain, always curious and genuinely invested, looked at me more seriously. "Alexandra," he began, "you know that only royals possess powers, right?"

I nodded. "Yes, I know that," I replied, surprised he'd bring it up in the middle of all this.

He leaned closer, his expression earnest. "Well then... would you show us a glimpse of your powers?"

For a moment, I hesitated, unsure. But seeing the supportive, eager faces of my friends, I relented. "I can't show you all of them right now, but I'll share a bit." I took a breath. "I have supervision, but there's more. Almost all powers, in fact." I watched their faces light up with wonder, but before anyone could comment, Christopher interjected, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Almost all," he corrected, grinning. "But not mine. We're like two halves of the same power. She has what I don't, and I have what she doesn't." He glanced at me, his gaze lingering, and my heart felt inexplicably full, as if he had completed something within me just by saying those words.

Calen chuckled, shaking his head. "You two really are the ultimate soulmate cliché." But then he grew serious, his eyes twinkling with an excited glint. "Alright then—do you want to see what I can do?"

I grinned, eager to see his powers. "Yes, show me!"

With a small smile, he opened his palm, and a cascade of flowers began to bloom in his hands, bright and fragrant, petals spilling gently from his fingers like drops of color. He extended his arm, and the flowers took flight, weaving in an intricate pattern around us, the scent intoxicating and calming. Then he lowered his hand, his eyes meeting mine seriously.

"I can also see glimpses into the past... and the future," he said softly, his gaze almost knowing. "Alexandra, I know about your family... about what you've been through." His voice was gentle, laced with an unexpected tenderness. "I'm truly sorry. You've lost more than anyone should have to endure." He stepped closer, his tone steady and warm. "But know this—I'll be your big brother. I'll protect you and stand by you through anything. And if this guy"—he gave Christopher a pointed look—"ever slips up, you come to me. I'll set him straight."