The dragon’s blade had done its work, placing her in a deathlike coma. So real that everyone had believed her to be dead. The only thing that he had regretted was making it hurt her. Making her feel as if she was dying. He hadn’t wanted to cause her that pain but it had been necessary. He had waited until everyone was gone, pretending to be the heartbroken, and grieving ex-fiancé. But he’d gone inside the tomb and taken her body, casting a spell so that those that visited thought they saw her. It would only be an illusion. A very crafty illusion, one that felt real. He smiled, taking her hand. He would work out the details later, but for now he would enjoy her company. She had been his one rational thought though for the past three years he had been under Raiden’s control, biding his time until Avelyn had freed him. He had fought because of his love for her. There was no way he was going to lose her to some spoiled, arrogant prince. She would remain his and only his.
A soft moan escaped her lips and he frowned. She was stirring. Chase lay her on the bed as her eyes moved underneath the lids. He pressed a kiss to her forehead before getting up and walking out of the room.
Demina gasped as her eyes flew open. She sat up, wincing and rubbing her chest. Looking around, she coughed and sucked in a breath. Sunlight streamed in through the windows. Where was she? Was she dead? She frowned and tried to figure out the last thing she remembered. Groaning, she lay back against the pillow, her head pounding. The last thing she remembered was talking to Avelyn, entering the cave. Everything was hazy. A cocky grin, a pair of grey eyes, and curly hair flashed through her mind, making her feel warm and happy. There had to be a name to go with that image. Why couldn’t she remember it? Cade...Cal...Cas...Cas...Castiel! Tears streamed down her face and she smiled as she remembered the way he had kissed her. So sweet and tender, gentle and strong. So where was she? Was she at the palace, recuperating? She must have been injured or else she wouldn’t hurt so badly. She took a deep breath and flinched once again rubbing her chest.
“Demina, you’re awake!”
Demi startled the voice, her eyes flying open.
“C-chase?!”
He nodded and smiled, his features softening. The memories came back to her full force, making her head spin. Fear made her heart pound and her stomach flipped. She breathed heavily, feeling nauseous.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, concerned. He moved closer to the bed. She tried to move away but her legs were tied up in the sheets.
“Stay away from me!”
Chase stopped, startled.
“Demina...”
“Don’t come any closer! You’re a monster! You...you killed me! And you almost killed Avelyn and Jaxon! And...Castiel!”
Chase stared at her confused and stilled moved closer to her. She shook as he brushed back her hair from her face.
“Demi...you’re confused. I would never hurt you and you obviously aren’t dead. Avelyn and Jaxon are my best friends. I would give my life for them. But...who is Castiel, Demi?”
She stared into his green eyes, so soft and sincere, so hurt.
“But you were dead...” she whispered, “you were killed by Drax.”
He sighed, pulling his hand away.
“No, Mina. I wasn’t. We’ve been married for a year. You almost died, though. What possessed you and Avelyn to try and go kill Drax?”
Demi frowned. Why were her memories so hazy now? They had been perfectly clear a moment ago.
“We...Jaxon...had been kidnapped...”
“’Mina, Jax is fine. Well, that’s not exactly true,” Chase said, looking downcast. Demina was immediately afraid.
“What? Is he alright? Is he hurt?” Avelyn would be devastated.
“No, Demina,” Chase said, looking at her. His eyes were sad and he held her hand. Her fear grew, “Demina...Avelyn...Ava was killed.”
“W-what? No. She...she...”
Demina’s voice cracked, forcing her to stop. She felt like she’d been stabbed through the heart all over again. Tears gathered in her eyes. Ava was dead. Her best friend...was...gone.
“Oh, Demina. You really don’t remember do you? Doctor Henderson said that this might happen. Amnesia can be fixed though. I should’ve waited until you were stronger.”
“How...how did it happen?” she asked. Her voice was only a whisper as the tears fell. He sighed again, pulling her into his arms. She laid her head on his shoulder.
“We got there too late, Mina. We don’t know how it happened. She was already gone. You were barely hanging on and I was so afraid that we’d lose you to. You’ve been unconscious for a week. You missed the funeral.”
The dam broke and Demina started sobbing.
“Demina. Why don’t you get some rest?” Chase suggested when her sobs had died down. He laid her back onto and her eyes immediately closed. She'd been exhausted. He listened to her deep, steady breathing for a little bit, sighing. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he stood up and left the room, closing the door softly behind him.
