Presage

Chapter 12.5 ♚ Prince Charmed Me

A/N: Inside the castle of Ludivics.

***

"Grab!" Darcy shouted.

Before Zoe could register what he meant, a golden summoning circle appeared on his hand and a black javelin shot past her outstretched arm. She quickly held on its obsidian body, disregarding its blade glinting on her side.

Then two sets of white wings spread above Zoe as Darcy controlled their fall. He frowned as he hauled the javelin with all his force, almost closing the distance between them. The weapon disappeared with a spark and his hands instantly wrapped around her.

Although it was embarrassing, Zoe's hands found their way on his back, clinging as much as she could for her dear life. The mixed scent of sweat, lavender, and leather welcomed her the moment she crashed on his chest, feeling his hard muscles.

She shut her eyes and listened to his labored breathing that matched the sound of his strong wings, stirring the wind around them.

This was the first time that she had ever embraced a guy. Although she received hugs from his older brothers, those weren't as close as this. She could actually feel the heat of his body and his sweat on her palms that turned cold as the wind slowly dried them. After lingering there for a moment, she caught a faint scent, like the fragrance of an expensive perfume.

She moved closer to him, trying to figure if he was the source of the scent.

"Zoe," Darcy repeated for the third time.

She inhaled deeper, but with no avail.

"Zoe." The young Prince tapped her arm.

Her eyes shot open, meeting the fields of lavender that covered the ground around them. She looked up and met his golden eyes, his hand supporting her back. They seemed dull compared to earlier, made worse by shadows beneath them.

"You can let go now," he said, his hand still on her waist. "You're squeezing my wound."

"Oh." Was all she managed to say as the realization hit her.

She quickly stepped away on his feet and mentally slapped herself, feeling her face heat up like never before. She heard him chuckle and groan as he pressed his wound. Even though she wanted to glare at him, she didn't want him to see her face.

What just happened to her?

"I get that reaction a lot," he exclaimed between ragged breaths as if hearing her thoughts. "You were just... Darcyfied."

Her eyes widened after processing his words, having enough of their family's pride in one day. She balled her fists and scowled at him, being greeted by his usual smug smile.

"In your dreams!" she shouted and kicked his leg.

"Dammit!" He bent while holding his wound, rubbing the part where she kicked. "You--"

The glass window shattered again and they turned to see the King's desk plummeting to its death. It hit the grass with a bang, exploding into pieces just a block away from them, making Zoe cringe.

That could have been me, she thought.

"We should go," Darcy said, getting to his feet with a frown plastered on his face. "Spero won't be able to hold him any longer."

Before she could react, the young Prince grabbed her by the waist and slumped her on his shoulder.

"He--oof!" His wing slapped on her face and she tried to slap it back, but the soft material began to flap.