The Hidden Kingdom

Chapter 1

This is my first story I've written, and I hope you enjoy it. Please leave any comments ( :

There it was again. Ever since entering the movie theatre, I've felt these... pulses. Not like a heartbeat, more like energy flowing sporadically. It created a sort of thrumming that was unignorable. For a moment, it seemed as though it had disappeared, but it began again much louder and clearer then it had begun.

In the darkened theatre, I turned to my best friend, Elana. "Do you hear that?" I whispered.

"Hear what?" she asked as her carefully straightened dyed red hair swished at the turn of her head.

"That ...thrumming." I responded.

"No. Do you?"

"I thought so. I guess not." At this, she turned her attention back towards the boring romantic movie. Don't get me wrong, I love romance movies- as long as they're paranormal, crazy, magical, or even in the slightest way interesting. I mean, I could get hooked on a cartoon romance, but this movie was the epitome of boring. If not for the mysterious pulses and thrumming, my eyes would have completely glazed over. The thrumming was becoming louder and louder. I doubt I'm imagining it, but it could be all of those times I listened to music much too loud catching up to me. Yet, if that were the case, how is it possible I can feel it pulsing through me?

When it became too unbearable, I stood up and left the darkened theatre telling Elana that I was just going to the bathroom. At first it was true, but as soon as I stepped into the hallway, it seemed as if a miniature wind storm was vibrating through me. Somehow, I could sense where the energy was coming from. Should I follow it and find out what it is, or should I try and forget about it and avoid any trouble that might arise with it? Like what if security saw me acting suspicious and kicked me out? Uhh!

This noise, or whatever it is, isn't letting me think properly! Forgetting about any possible consequences, I strode down the hall and turned left. With each footstep I took, the enigma became more and more pronounced. In response, my feet began to move faster on their own accord. Now it was unmistakably coming from the next hallway to the right.

With each thud of my converse on the dingy carpet, my heart would accelerate in anticipation. Just...one more... corner. I swiftly pivoted towards the right, and BAM!!

A hard body collided with me, sending us both flying backwards with the impact.

Like a reflex, I stumbled to my feet as quickly as I could and extended my hand towards him. "I'm so sorry!"

The dark look he directed at me could have frozen me solid, yet it just added to my guilt. "I wasn't looking. I'm really really sorry! I wasn't looking." I pleaded for his forgiveness, but all I received was an even colder look. Suddenly, as my outstretched hand dangled in the air, it became apparent that he wasn't going to accept my help, so I drew back my hand-my cheeks already burning from embarrassment. The urge to run away and hide was overwhelming, but the sound was still bouncing-thrumming- whatever.

I took a step back and walked around him then stopped dead in my tracks. It was a dead end. There were no doors or windows. Nothing. All that stood there was a foolish, almost 16 year old black haired girl staring incomprehensively at a redundant hallway.

Now, I really needed to run- to get away. Spinning on my heal, I noticed that he was still there- sending me a strange look of curiosity, rage, and annoyance. As a force of habit, I glanced away. Only this time, I could still feel his chilling gaze.

Despite no longer staring at him, his image was seared into my memory. He dressed in clothes that hinted at designer. However, that wasn't what made him unforgettable. His face was like an angel's. A hot angel. His tall and lean structure was only accentuated by the golden disarray of hair that was purposefully styled to appear disheveled. If it weren't for that constant expression of arrogance and contempt, his smile could light up a town.

Uh. What has gotten into me?! First of all, he's way out of my league. Second, he's a stranger. Third, I just knocked him down in the back of a theatre.

Sensing he hadn't left, I casually leaned my shoulder against the nearest wall and took out my phone. I could now feel the energy, whatever it was, reverberating through the walls. Maybe if this guy left, I could find a way around and see where it's truly coming from. Sneaking a peak, I could see there was no such luck. Even worse, he was now glaring impatiently. Annoyed, I molded my expression to match his. In the coldest, most- uncaring tone I could muster, I said, "Is something bothering you?" I lifted an eyebrow for affect.

"Actually, yes, you are." He took a few steps forward. I couldn't help myself, I took a few steps back. I wasn't quite used to being in close proximity to others, and I was especially not used to confrontation. Maybe I shouldn't have been so aggressive.

"I'm sorry for being a nuisance, but I don't see why you don't leave." Oops. By the look on his face, I could tell I was going to regret that comment ever leaving my mouth. I hadn't looked up while saying this, so it took me by surprise when he appeared no more than a foot infront of me. I was just about to step back until I looked up and was mesmerized by a pair of sparkling sapphire eyes. The thrumming sound seemed to be replaced by my own beating heart.

I was so captured by him, I had missed what he said. Cheeks reddening, I looked away biting my lip, and muttered, "What?"

With a long finger, he lifted my chin so our eyes were level. "I said, if you think you can intimidate me, at least have the guts to look me in the eyes."

Surprised, I stumbled a few steps back. "I wasn't trying to intimidate you." I blurted out.

Before he was able to respond, a certain red head peeked around the corner and shouted, "There you are! I've been looking all over for you." Her green eyes shifted from me to blondie boy with the attitude, and an audible gasp escaped her lips. My lips quirked to the side knowing that the flirting was going to start in the next 30 seconds. I knew I was right in my assumption when she immediately converted her normally light and laughy voice to her 'sexy' (her word not mine) voice. "So, are you two together?" She knew I've never had a boyfriend, but it was all part of her system.