The Baron and his Lady

Twenty: The beyond

  As soon as I walked through the passage I could no longer hear anything. Its as if the forest just dropped dead. Not even the slightest scruffle can be heard.

I looked around and saw a series of endless bridges everywhere. Some entwined with the others connecting like a web. And when I peeked below there was another series of bridges leading somewhere.

Suprisingly it looked like I wasn't inside a tree. I was expecting I would be hurled to a narrow space and remained trapped forever. But this! This was totally nuts! It looked like a fantasy setting. The bridges were made of very thick vines where tiny leaves grew on some with small flowers blooming. Above was a cloudless sky and the sun shone brightly while a soft beeeze blew around.

Its not so bad, perhaps I can learn to live this place. All I had to lose was my life.

Remembering my parents a soft moan escaped my lips, tears threathened to fall. Despite my Mom's hysterics I had always loved her, she wasn't perfect but she had been there for me, now she won't be able to see me again, it hurt more that I could not even say goodbye. And there was Dad, he'll live I know. Emma won't hurt him. But he won't remember ever having a daughter who looked up to him. All those memories we shared are now gone.

I took a step back. Perhaps if I launch myself back to the passage it'll toss me back outside. Maybe I could beg Emma to let me stay with my Dad and we can put all this behind us. I'd be willing to do whatever she wanted me to do, even if it would cost me my sanity.

I turned to retrace my steps before I could change my mind and crashed into a solid body. Because my hands were still bound, I couldn't hold onto something to keep my balance. Plus another weight pushed me back until I lost my footing and I landed on my back with a thud.

"Ow! That hurt!"

I felt my head spin and bile started to rise on my throat, I'm totally going to be sick. I stopped moving and waited until the pain subsided before opening my eyes.

Deep blue orbs stared back at me, dark hair framed his face. His mouth was only inches away from mine, one more move and I'd be kissing him. But Lucian wasn't not feeling really turned on, his brows furrowed with worry.

"I'm sorry Krista. I didn't know you were standing right infront of the passage."

I blinked. What the fur ball is going on? I tilted my head and realized that he fell on top of me and we were on the ground. Our legs practically tangled with each other while his arms braced on his side lifting his weight off me.

Great. Now I can't pass thru the passage without Lucian knowing my plans. I have decided to abandon him the moment I realized what an ass he really was, but now he's here with me—on top of me.

"Get off!"

I barked at him and tried to kick his groin but he got me pinned down.

"Stop struggling!" He untangled his legs first before easing off my body not bothering with the dirt on his clothes he reached down to help me stand.

I scoffed and managed to sit up. My legs weren't wobbly anymore so I was able to stand on my own. I'd rather rot before I touch him again.

"Here, let me.."

He went behind me and started fumbling with the rope. I wanted to refuse but I also wanted my hands back, so I let him undo my binds.

Emma's magic had probably worn off, I couldn't feel the rope tightening anymore. I tried to ignore his fingers that brushed my skin, it sent a wonderful tingling sensation all over my body. My face felt hot instantly, thankfully he was behind me so I was able to hide my burning cheeks. Once Lucian had freed my hands I felt the blood rush back on my fingers. It stung but it was better after a few moments.