The Enchanting Rapture (#1)

Chapter 18

Thank you so much for your patience!

*gets hit by thrown flip-flop*

Okay, I deserved that...

Once again, the wait for chapters won't normally be this long, but you know why it was this time around.

Enjoy, you wonderful people!

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Annika

Annika sat in a vintage wooden chair that was just next to the bedroom window, attempting to not scare herself to death with too many hypothetical thoughts. The hefty navy blue curtains were cracked an inch or two, revealing the dimming overcast.

Soren was by the bed, packing his things. The blanket covering the matress was blue, stitched with a gorgeous black design that reminded Annika of the forest. The pillows had lovely homemade cases, the background dark purple with yellow curved moons scattered around as a pattern.

They had gone to Prince Rouhem a little while after their talk and delivered their final decision. He was impressed and thanked them formally (he was most definitely a prideful man, asking for help was not something he enjoyed).

It was official. Annika and Soren had made the choice, and she deeply knew it was the right one.

She had a long overdue thought. "Protection, you said Zyhed had protection. What protection are we taking of?"

The great muscles of his sculpted and wide back flexed as he continued his task. A simple black shirt stretched across his shoulder blades, melding so wonderfully close, the shade matching the rest of his frequent outfit. "My siblings."

"Your siblings... are they... ?"

"Evil? The four of us share the same terrible father, Annika, and are bound to inherit some wickedness. But as bad as Zyhed? Only one, her name is Malani." His voice had a hint of disgust when he said her name. Annika therefore didn't like her either.

"What of the other two?"

"Matteo, he is Malani's twin. He is extremely intelligent, but very dangerous, sometimes to an extent where Zyhed used to make him stay in one of our getaway homes. I am positive he still does it now. And Tynan, he is second oldest... Tynan is arrogant but is highly lethal also. All of them form a great shield around the monster himself."

"How could anyone not bad willingly protect Zyhed?" Annika asked as she went to lay on the bed, right next to where Soren was packing.

The expression on his face was more severe than his voiced communicated. His pale blonde hair was pulled back in a messy knot, bringing attention to his gorgeous jawline and cheekbones. Annika could still remember seeing him for the first time, wondering if he was a god. At one point, she thought only gods could possess such beauty and power, but after meeting Soren, she was immensely corrected.

He was clearly bothered. "I never said Tynan and Matteo had a choice. I was the only one who was able to find a window of escape."

"If we kill your father-"

"When," Soren intercepted sternly.

"When," Annika repeated tentively, "we kill your father... we would be freeing the Might Empire from your father's mad ruling, including your siblings."

"I suppose that is one way to look at it," Soren muttered, walking over to the dresser where a large bowl and glass pitcher of water sat on. He picked up the pitcher, which was a pale creme with scattered pink roses.