The Legend of the Blood Forest

Chapter 11

          After returning to the castle, Leo sat thinking of a plan. He spent countless hours trying to find out what this, Victoria, looked like with no luck however. Even though Kat described her perfectly, there was still no sign of her in the city. Perhaps she was laying low and waiting for them? It didn't matter, now that he knew who took them it was only a matter of time until she resurfaced.

Looking out to the garden, he watched as Kat plucked away the dead leaves. His number one priority was keeping her safe, as well as get the others back. And if they were under a spell, he would need to be on the defensive. Letting out a sigh, he wandered to where she was.

The roses looked like death. Their petals all brown with crusted tips that turned to dust the moment you'd touch it. He was silent as he approached her, hoping what he was sensing was wrong. She seemed more worried than usual. However, as he approached her, she smiled the moment she saw him.

"You startled me." She lied.

"Liar. You knew I was coming." He said.

"I did." She chuckled slightly.

"You're worried aren't you?" He asked.

"Aren't you?"

Her question caught him a little of guard. Was he worried? He'd be lying if he said he wasn't. But he'd also be lying if he said he wasn't. Truth be told, he wasn't sure just how he truly felt about this whole ordeal. Placing a hand on the back of her neck, he pulled her close. The least he could do was make her feel more at ease.

His lips softly touched hers as he pulled her closer. Catching her breath as deepened their kiss, he wrapped his arms around her. Holding her tightly, he had finally figured out his plan. Gently pushing her away from him, he gazed deeply into her beautiful eyes.

She could tell he had something on his mind. The moment she felt his presence outside, she knew it wasn't good. However, it had been so long since they had been home. Her garden needed work. But no amount of work would bring her dead flowers back. When she had confronted him, she knew his answer, but still, she waited. As his lips touched hers, she was taken aback. It had been a while since he was that close to her.

Feeling his frim hands warp around her, she couldn't help but feel a little worried. Why was he like this all of a sudden? Was he about to do something? No sooner had she thought of that, he had pushed her away. Looking into his steel eyes, she swallowed.

"I know what I need to do." He said.

"Don't you dare." She said, knowing all too well what his plan was.

"It has to happen." He said, "If I don't, we'll never find her."

Closing her eyes, she fought against herself. What he was saying was insane right? If she overcame five of them, Leo was obviously no match for her. But then again, Leo was the strongest among them. Maybe he'd be alright.

"Kat," He said softly, "It's the only way."

"Being bait is a stupid idea." She said as she folded her arms across her chest.

"I'll be fine." He said, hoping it would reassure her.

"The hell you will." She replied, "What if you face the others? Can you really fight them?"

"If it comes down to it I will." He said.

His words echoed through her ears. She shouldn't have been so surprised with his answer, she also should have known not to ask that. If it was the only way to save them then it had to be done. Lowering her gaze, she had no choice but to agree with him. Holding her close, he told her to start packing her things.