𝗔 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗺 ⟡ Espresso CRK [Book 2]

Chapter 44

Pomegranate's Pov

"Enough," I scowled, my voice cutting through the silence as I planted my feet firmly onto the marble ground.

With each corner we rounded, each plant we passed, and each minute I wasted, the more my feelings grew. The anxiety of not knowing, knowing if I was wasting my time, and worse. The guilt and disgust of having a part of me still wondering, even hoping, that Dark Enchantress is still alive.

I despised these personal emotions, something the old me would dismiss as bothersome and a nuisance, but I don't regret it. The world feels much lighter as I fall further into the luxury of a peaceful life. Where I can let down my guard and not be pressured constantly.

But that is the price for happiness, isn't it? Feeling all kinds of emotions- good and bad. 

Ah, dear, Espresso, you're rubbing off me, I thought bitterly.

"Hm? What's the matter?" Damien asked, glancing back, one hand casually tucked into his pocket.

"We've already walked for a while now." I narrowed my eyes, "It is just us here. Surely, we don't need to walk further."

"Don't you enjoy walking with me?" he chuckled.

I crossed my arms and scoffed, "Did I leave for a walk or an explanation?"

He took a step towards me, a cocky smirk on his face, "C'mon...why are you being so tight? Worried about Espresso? Or maybe your boyfriend?"

Damien's voice dropped to a low rumble as my back brushed against the cool column, "Don't worry, I know exactly how to loosen you up."

"Mm, well, I know exactly how to make sure your parents disown you," I spat, the disgust rolling over me, "Or would you prefer to have your mind destroyed instead?"

I shoved him to the side and started walking off, but he hurriedly blocked my way.

"Wait, wait! Okay, don't leave yet," he said, the attempted seductiveness draining from his tone. 

My lips pressed into a thin line and I stopped, staring at him, "Well? Start talking before I start walking."

"Hmm..." Damien hummed, tapping his finger slowly against his thigh and clearly stalling, "Where should I begin?"

"How about explaining why you're going around saying Dark Enchantress is alive," I interrupted sharply. A shiver ran down my spine as I spoke her name, which hadn't happened before.

"I meant what I said. Dark Enchantress is alive," he shrugged, his nonchalance playing on my nerves.

"How could that be true? Pure Vanilla and Espresso already purged her from White Lily," I impatiently snapped, "I'd like an explanation."

They did kill her, right? I thought, my heart thudding against my rib cage.

The thought of Dark Enchantress, still alive, terrified me to the core. If she is still alive, she will be thirsty for revenge, and she'd surely come after us. After me.

She didn't hesitate to hurt Red Velvet, her own adopted son before. Who knows what she's capable of?

How can I protect him?

Even if I didn't want to admit it, I didn't want anyone else, even that blabbering blonde idiot, to be hurt.

If she does return, I won't return to her.

Right?

But what if she threatens Red Velvet?

But if I go back to her, she'll make me hurt others.