On the Other Side

Initiation Part 1

The satin robe fits securely around my body sucking on every curves and crevice leaving not much to the imagination of others.

"Elisa is Cosmo ok, I haven't seen her at all and you haven't spoken a word to me. What's going on" I sigh

"Yes My lady she's fine she just needs a bit of rest. I think she's come down with the flu"

I narrowed my eyes at her suspiciously when her voice wavers.

I seriously can't remember a thing from last night. I remember Linwood talking to me and well that's it. I haven't seen him or Cosmo since   then

"You didn't answer my question" I press

"The Initiation is today" she blurts

The Initiation, I'm becoming a shadow today. I try to mask my worry and let out a sharp hiss. I'm not ready to become one yet.

"So soon. Linwood said it would be next month. I thoug-"

"My lady, it usually happens the day after Delectus. Our king was just assessing the health of the chosen, the injuries this year were severe" her voice stern

My eyes widen in surprise. Elisa has never interrupted me before, let alone used that tone, she usually waits for me to finish talking

"Let us go" she sighs

I catch her wrist before she leaves

"Elisa you know you can tell me anything right. I can see you are stressed. Talk to me. Please"

Her green eyes shine with unshed tears but her mouth opens and closes before she shakes her head.

"I'm deeply sorry for interrupting you earlier My lady. Nothing is wrong. Accept my apology"

I shake my head and brush past her.

"If you can't tell me, I'll find out myself"

I rush for the door but jump back when I see a suit-clad Linwood at the door holding his hand out to me.

"Good evening my dear, it's great to see you"

He turns his gaze to a somewhat shaken Elisa and nods.

"I'll take it from here"

He grabs my hand and drags me down the hallway. I follow him silently, but I spin him around when we reach the double doors that lead to the hall

"What's going on. I'm suddenly becoming a shadow and now I know for sure something's wrong with Cosmo, so don't try lying about her"

"Jeana what are you on about" he blinks

"What am I on about. We promised we'd talk to one another"

He runs his hands through his brown hair and I relish the silkiness of it. If I wasn't so confused maybe I would have kissed him senseless and apologised straight after but right now I need answers.

Linwood surprises me when he slips his hand under the robe and pulls me towards. He looks me straight in the eye with the most intense look I've ever seen on him. I gulp nervously when I sense the change of aura as it's darkening slowly but not with his usual vibe. Something is different about him today

"Jeana, would you ever leave me? Even if I lied to you" He whispers pulling down the fabric at my shoulder as he begins sucking lightly on my collarbone

I somehow muster enough control to shake my head slowly

He grazes his fangs against my jaw and I try to pull myself together

"Use your words, Jeana"

"N-no"

"Then reassure yourself. That I would never do anything to hurt you" he says before kissing my lips gently

"Because you mean a lot to me and I made a vow to myself that I would keep you safe. You want to know why"

I stand there wordlessly awed by the passion emitting from his icy blue eyes

"Because I am so stupidly in love with you, My Queen"