IMPRESS. [Book 1]

Chapter Thirty-Five: The Deadly Stage 3

IMPRESS.

Chapter Thirty-Five: The Deadly Stage 3

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Her eyes were shards of glass that penetrated my soul. Sharp shards of betrayal that could easily cut deep into my heart.

"Natalya, someone has to die each stage of this game and honestly, I think this time it's your turn to go... I am just doing you a favour," she spoke with spite.

Oh, this was a nice twist.

I should have listened to Anastasia that one time at the cabin, she was right, I should have kept a close eye. Because now I was facing a dagger to my stomach by the one I promised to protect.

Is this how mother felt when she was betrayed by someone she thought cared about her?

Because what I feel right now, is a mixture of hatred towards the eyes burning back into mine and a strong loathing that is almost pushing my deadly abilities to work.

The feeling of losing myself crept in as I whimpered, squeezing my eyes shut at the realistic stabbing pain of dying as she slowly inserted the knife into my stomach.

"Don't do it," I tried to act as the cold-hearted girl I once thought I knew's conscience, but it was proven difficult.

Jealousy was a dangerous trigger to one's emotions because what I could see now, was a monster with golden locks, an envious bitch of the night.

"Mother was right, witches deserve a place in hell," the tightened smile on her face unsettled me and sent a terrifying chill rushing down my spine, causing my body to jolt just as she pierced the knife deeper into my flesh.

I couldn't fight back and I knew I was going to lose the stage. I knew I was going to disappoint a lot of people: my brother, Lord Hilbert, the witches, the King, Cathryn, my mentors, the few friends I have and...

Worst of all, I was going to be proving Zac's point right. He did say I wouldn't have it in me to complete the stage, he knew I wouldn't be able to protect myself from all harm.

Especially the most unexpected act of violence directed towards me by my own blood.

I hate to admit it but, Zac knew, he knew I would not be able to survive the round and stay alive...

Because as my vision blurred and as blood spewed from my wound created by the short sword, I felt my eyelids become heavier and heavier until it was impossible to keep my eyes open...

And the only thing possible for me to feel or see was an eternal darkness.

A darkness which hauled me into isolation.

[Back to the night before...]

I knew I had to play hard so being conscious of what Zac was trying to do, I tore my lips from his and grimaced. Making sure it looked like I hated the kiss.

"Yuck, ew, that was disgusting," I emphasised as I faked a gag and shook my way out of Zac's possessive grip on my waist.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Aaron, Dario, Terrence and Douglas sniggering at my unexpected response to Zac's lips on mine.

"That was far from disgusting and you know it," Zac traced his thumb over his bottom lip, "but in case you need me to kiss you aga-"

Zac aggressively yanked my wrist and I gasped.

"-Okay okay, Zac I think she gets it," Chris thankfully pulled me away to safety and stood between us.

Zac's eyes were slowly turning red as he glowered at me from behind Chris. "I think the girl needs another punishment."