IMPRESS. [Book 1]

Chapter Forty-Four: Masquerade Ball Part 2.

IMPRESS.

Chapter Forty-Four: Masquerade Ball Part 2.

--

Natalya's POV~

"I've missed- I mean, we've missed you a lot, Natalya," Xavier corrected whilst hugging me ever so tightly to his chest, "four to five days is a fucking long time."

I laughed out and smiled as he finally let go of me, "it feels even longer when you are dead, trust me."

The other five boys had already wrapped me in their arms, as soon as I entered the castle lounging room they came crashing into me.

"I wish we could have been there to stop him," Chris moved back towards me, his hand tenderly stroking my cheek, "there is no doubt we would have done something."

Something about Chris' hand to my cheek didn't feel right anymore, even standing inches from him felt wrong. A weird guilt building inside of me made me think of removing his hand from my cheek.

I felt like I was committing adultery or something. I know, I know. I haven't tied any knots with anyone but the fact I knew that, if the witches won I would be married off to Preston. It made me think maybe I should start acting more friendly than flirty around other men I am friends with.

I don't want people to get the wrong idea and I fear it may be too late, especially with Xavier who I've kissed not once but TWICE!

Wrapping my hand around Chris', I brought it away from my face and back down to his side, "I know that you guys would have stopped it, you don't nee-"

"-We are sorry we couldn't be there," Terrence circled from behind Chris and Xavier and sent me an apologetic smile, "and before you say we don't need to apologise, we do. It was stupid of us to automatically assume you'd pass the stage."

I shook my head, "well, I don't accept your apology because you guys don't need to apologise."

"Even after death, you are still a stubborn cat," Douglas joked and I playfully narrowed my eyes at him.

"A cat?" Xavier questioningly amused.

Douglas laughed, "yeah, because she's feisty... Like a cat."

The corners of my lips lifted as my brows drew in. "Thanks?" I said unsurely.

Aaron smacked Douglas' head on the back, "mate, shut up."

We all erupted in fits of laughter and the fact we did so, made us become the centre of attention in the lounging room. We were loudest in here, amongst fifty other men and women.

"But, I have to be honest. For a girl who died four or five days ago, you look phenomenal," Dario pointed out, his glass at his smirking lips.

Chris momentarily glared, burning holes into the side of his head before clearing his throat and averting his attention back to me, with a smile replacing his jealousy?

"I agree. Natalya, you blow our minds every day. We hope to see you tonight?" Chris' eyes flashed to a brighter hazel, almost begging for me to show face tonight.

Xavier's eyes had brightened too. "Yes, in fact, you'll be seeing a lot of me tonight actually... The king and our "admirable" son want my help to reason with King Preston of the Shadow realm."

"King Preston?" Terrence exclaimed on behalf of the six, his eyes mirroring everybody else's by widening.

I slowly nod my head, "yeah, I'm surprised you haven't heard-"