Printed

Five - Code Jane

It only takes a day to reach the Printed Palace. I'm here, I can see her window. I can see it and the need to go in and hold her.... Its nearly impossible to resist. But of course the window is closed, shaking my head I think back to Three days ago.

How embarrassing. She laughed at me! Granted it was a sinister laugh but thats just makes it worse. She must think i'm pathetic.... i've learned my lesson though. Nothing opens for the Born. Smart really, if we didn't have some of the Printed on the compound id definetly look into getting something like this.

My shoulders slump and i drop my gaze... I guess I should have known she would start closing her window.... Why wouldn't she? A psycho comes barreling into her room and threatens to kill her before jumping out the window and the logical thing to do would be to close said window.

So why does it hurt? Why does the thought of her putting this barrier between us make my heart sink to my stomach?

I mean sure i ran away but what did she expect? I've been studying her for years, waiting for the perfect moment to kill her, and suddenly i just want to hold her in my arms and kiss her fears away? It was a lot to take in!!! i mean i don't even want to do that shit for Valley but i want to do it for Black?

Black.... She looked so happy to see me... almost..... almost like the Born. She didn't have the blank look of the Printed... I've never seen her like that, not in any of the photos or videos. And when I didn't return her .... affection(?).... the completeness fled her features. She looked empty. Truly empty. And the thought of doing that to her, taking her happiness... i'm not gonna lie it's pretty painful.

Pissed off i don't even notice Blacks window shatter until glass is raining down on me. Shocked i just stand there until the glass stops falling. I can feel glass bite into my legs but when i look down i can see that i'm fine...... Why does it hurt?

Panicking i quickly climb the ivy and pull myself cautiously into Blacks room. My eyes are instantly drawn to her, her legs are covered in blood and it makes my lungs clench in my chest painfully. I play it off though, as i lightly complain about the closed window.

I don't know why i'm so comfortable with this Printed girl. I mean she's not only a Printed, but the first, she's on the council. The HEAD of the Printed High Council at that. But now looking in her eyes it feels like the start of something new. It feels so right, to be here with her.

Its like she just wants to be loved... and it feels like she wants that love to come from me. Since i met her my mind has been going crazy, from my duty to the Born, to this undeniable need i have to protect this girl... such different tasks. I came here for answers but maybe she is the answer. Maybe she's wh- The fuck?

Looking over her shoulder was a mistake. There he is. That bastard that left my mom. The King. Dimitri Jane. Hate fills my body and all i can think of is getting Black away from this sick monster. But then.... He seems, protective... of her. Of Black. Of what's MINE. He rests his hands on her shoulders and disgust takes the place of hate. How dare he put his dirty hands on her?!

I'm about to draw my blade when i notice Black fainting, i forget everything in my haste to catch her, sweeping her up into my arms. There's so much blood. She's so much smaller than last time. I do the calculations - four days, tops. She shouldn't be this skinny, no no this doesn't make sense, she can't die! She's a Printed! The Printed don't die.

"Son."

Shit! The panic is pumping through my body as i turn towards my forgotten father. All i can think of is saving her. I can't lose her. I'm not ready. I just can't..... Looking at the King I feel myself shaking. The fear is overwhelming. "Please save her," is all i can seem to get out.

My runaway father looks at me in shock before understanding and determination seem to take over. He reaches to take Black from me but i tighten my grip and glare at him. I can tell he's exasperated but he nods and motions for me to follow him.

My legs seem to move on their own as we leave Blacks room hot on the heels of the King. Through the panic, through the fear and desperation.... four words echo through my mind like a fog horn..... Don't Leave Me Black.