Exquisite Pain (Garmau)

Chapter 35 Her Darkness

It's so strange,
That autumn is so beautiful;
Yet everything is dying.
~Unknown
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"Kill him? How do you suppose we do that?"

"We're a group of rebels who have magical abilities, it wouldn't be hard." Katelyn said as if it were obvious.

"But how would you all get into the castle unnoticed? Katelyn, you yourself were a prisoner."

Everyone grew silent as we all sat still. I ran a hand through my hair and let out a sigh.

"Well we can think of something, poison his food or something." Nicole shrugged, not sure of what to do or say. Then there was a loud clanging of armour as Laurance stumbled into the camp. He looked at me, shocked obviously about my presence.

"She's alright," he tossed his helmet to the ground and let out a breath as he sat down and then let out a breath, "so what are you doing here?"

"I managed to sneak away, you.....uh....you went to see Aphmau?"

"Yeah, she's alright, physically at least. Emotionally....I'm not sure..."

I inhaled sharply at the statement. I wanted so badly to see her.

(Aphmau's POV)

"Close your eyes and think of your darkest moment."

Millions of moments flooded my head. Bullies as a child. Losing both my parents. Losing Garroth. Losing everything.

"The shadows will be attracted towards your inner darkness, and it will try and comfort you. It will bond with that inner darkness. It will become part of you."

I felt something cold wrap around me. It started at my legs and it made it's way around me. When I opened my eyes, the shadows fled away.

"You got scared."

My father frowned at me and I sighed.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be, you did good. Go to your room for some rest."

I nodded and walked away. Once I was in my room I plopped onto my bed and let out a sigh. The silence was deafening as I stared up at my ceiling, not really tired. I lit a black flame and watched it dance on my open palm. Once that became boring, I sat up and looked around.

Sitting on my dresser, was an elegant black gown. I rose my brow and plucked the little note card that sat on top of it.

Guests for dinner, wear this.

I sighed and walked over to my window. I moved the heavy curtain and looked out upon the sea of lava and netherrack. The new world that I was told I would inherit. I felt tears crawling up in a lump in my throat, and I managed to push it back down.

After taking a deep and shaky breath, I walked over to the dress and changed into it. I sat at my vanity and brushed my hair, using my fire and heating it into place in curls. I lightly ran my hand down my wings and made sure all of the feathers were in place.

A knock on my door made me look towards it. I waved a hand and it flew open. On the other side was Gene, clad in his Shadow Knight uniform. I glared a little and looked back in the mirror.

"What do you want?"

"You look....beautiful..." He walked behind me and placed his hands on my shoulders.

"Thanks, what do you want?"

"I just came to tell you dinner is ready."

Slowly, he slid his hands down my arms and I tensed up.

"Well you've delivered your message and now you can leave," I stood abruptly and turned around sharply to see him a little shocked. "Now. Leave."

"I want to help you," he sighed, walking over and closing the door.

"How on earth could you help me?"

"I can try and get you out of the Nether."

"You're half the reason I'm here," I growled.

"With you here, I have more work than ever, and you're kicking me out of my position as a general, so I want you gone."

"Gee, thanks," I rolled my eyes.

"Look-"

"What happened to your hands?" I interrupted. He froze and looked at his burned palms.

"Oh, you did this, no big deal."

"W-what?!" I leaned back and placed my hands on the vanity.

"It happens, when you start to learn shadow magic your skin becomes like fire, it's exhilarating isn't it?"

I pushed past him and stormed out of the room. I went down to the dining room and slowed to a steady walk until I was at my chair.

"Gentlemen, you know my daughter."

I nodded at the two men before putting names to their faces. Gene and Zane. Neither of them were surprised to see me. I sat down and folded my hands tightly on my lap.

"It's nice to see you again, your highness," Garte nodded.

"Likewise," I lied.

"So why have you brought us here, oh dark one?" Garte turned politely to my father.

"Well to celebrate my daughter's return, I want to throw a party. Would you please come with your family?"

"Of course, sir."

I tried to hide the smile that made it's way to my face. Garroth was a part of his family. This meant that I was probably going to see him again.

Throughout the rest of the dinner, the men talked about frivolous matters, and I knew my father was lying through his teeth. In the back of his head, a plan was still brewing about attacking, and taking down, the kingdom Garte held so close for oh so long.

I couldn't care less what happened to him in the end.

I dropped my fork in sudden realisation. Three heads turned and I smiled while picking back up the cutlery.

"Sorry, it slipped," I nervously laughed while looking down at my hands in horror.

My scarred palms from the shadows.

My lack of sympathy for a man's death.

I was becoming dark.

A/N Want a new band to listen to? Well Set It Off is amazing and I have high suggestions for them. I love you all devils, byeeeeeeee.