The Prince of Darkness (Undying #2)

Chapter IV

The circus has taken the day off after the incident to formulate plams and strategies to attract patrons. One of it ws regarding an act revolving the famed Catharine that made a lot of hearts tremble in fear. It was an unspoken rule not to speak of it while Rondo believes there are things that the people should always remember.

Leila grabbed the opportunity to go to the market and buy groceries and souvenirs. She wanted to see more of the country and what it has to offer. She discovered how crowded it could get on the wet market and how smelly it could be but she is thrilled with the new sensation.

She was on the fruit stall when she saw a familiar face and on his last night's clothing it appears. "Daimon!" She watched him look for her in glee but he doesn't look as pleased as she does when he found her. Her smile faded when he simply passed by her, "Good morning."

He carried on choosing his mangoes, "Morning to you too." She approached him, devising a plan in her head as she inhaled his natural scent. She was surprised to discover that he actually smelled nice, as compared to the surrounding area, like doughnuts, "What are you doing?"

He eyed her suspiciously. "Nothing! Nothing at all. Carry on and I will be minding my business as well." She's starting to learn he likes his privacy. But a rose with thorns is still a rose that's waiting to be appreciated.

Daimon had to endure the rest of his time followed by Leila, a name he will soon forget anyway until at last they separated ways at the waiting area for public utility vehicles but Leila caught up to him again, "Where are you from? I'm sure you're no native," she asked in an effort to converse. Daimon tensed upon the arrival of a bus that simply passed them.

"Somewhere far. But I'm planning to stay here."

"Oh? That's nice. It is beautiful here. Did you bring your family?"

Daimon glared at her. She peeked what's left of his soul in those dead eyes and almost shivered. "They're all dead." Daimon finally proceeded to ascend a bus that stopped before them. Leila convince herself to leave the poor man alone but somethig about his darkness draws her to him. He reminds her of herself during the time she spent at her home. She rode the vehicle as well, taking the seat beside him on the two-seater side. He didn't make an effort to conceal his frown. The conductor gave them a suspicious look, especially bearded man.

They reached the house Daimon is staying at without a word. The girl insisted on it for she has nothing better to do, she claimes. It is a small and simple house on a quiet neighborhood, just the way he prefers it.

"I best get going now," Leila informed him. He breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright. Thank you for accompanying me and goodbye." She reached inside her shopping bag which Daimon did not offer to carry, not because he lost his chivalry but he wants her to leave him in peace. She took out a complete shaving set with a grin that she bought during her absence after Daimon's shopping.

"You have beautiful eyes. Try putting an effort to your appearance. It wouldn't hurt." She shoved it to his arms, sapphire orbs widened in surprise. "Also, buy new clothes please."

"That's not for you to decide, Leila Rossly." His temples creased defiantly. "But I appreciate it." He opened the gate to his home, implying he's just about to exceed his discomfort zone.

"You're welcome. Look, if you're lonely, not that I'm saying you are, the circus' doors are always open. I know. Been there."

He closed the gate, creating a gap between them. "I'll be sure to think about it."

That night, he pondered about Leila's offer. Ever since he was ostricized for being the monster that he is from his own kingdom, it became difficult to open up again to anyone but perhaps he punishes himself for no apparent reason. Maybe loneliness over thousands of years is enough payment for selling his soul to the devil.

For thousands of years, he dreamt only of the fateful night he prayed to the devil because his Lord would not answer but that night, there was only bonfire, and Catharine: The feast for her joyous return from the forbidden island of witches, the day of their first meeting and how he mustered enough courage to ask her on a dance around the bonfire. He will never forget her smile when she said yes. He had kept a lot of treasures over the years but that is one immeasurable.

He was shaken from his bliss by Leila. He found that it is already morning from the blinds she had taken the liberty to open. He rubbed sleepiness from his eyes. First thing he ponders is how she is still alive. Fortunately, it was his chest she decided to lean on as she wakes him. Moreover, he doesn't recall letting her in.

"You won't answer. I have my tricks here and there. Don't worry, there's nothing worthy of stealing here. I don't think you even own a phone," she unabashingly admitted. "I see you took my advice." She grinned in triumph.

Before he went to bed, the former prince made use of her gift and salvaged his unruly appearance. He still looked like he did during the war with the ogres, youthful and dashing. His sandy hair was back to a shorter length and no beard this time, showcasing his chiseled and incomparable good looks.

Leila found herself blushing at the thought but did her best to suppress the giddiness overwhelming her. "I brought you breakfast!" she announced as she waits for him finish his business in the bahroom. She was reminded of Sean and how she used to take care of him like this even if he is older. "Well you don't look like the type to work out." He got out of the bathroom, now without a shirt, and her eyes trailed his lean stomach.

She attempted to touch his desirable and elaborate abs when he jerked away. "What is wrong with you?" he snapped at her.

"S-sorry. Relax. What, are you afraid of women or something?" she jested uneasily.

"No. Just surprised, is all." She nodded in understanding.

"Okay. Now let's eat before take out gets cold."