Midnight Cove

Chapter Eighteen: Toxic Love

Slowly, Phoenix stepped behind me and snaked his strong arms around my waist. Brushing his lips against my ear, he nestled his cheek against my hair, softly he whispered, "What are you thinking, Coral?"

In a hushed whisper, barely audible, I answered him, "I never imagined it like this." It was beyond anything my mind could have ever created.

"So, you like it then?" He seemed to be asking me work genuine sincerity.

"Yes, of course I do. I love it." How could anyone not love this place? It was impossible to tear my eyes away from that view.

"Good." Phoenix's voice was thick with satisfaction. "Now maybe you won't think of this realm as such a terrible place anymore." He straightened his posture and released his grip on my hips, taking a step back.

I took a deep cleansing gulp of air. "Come with me, Coral, I have more to show you."

But still, I couldn't move. I didn't want to leave such a dazzling sight. Phoenix gave me another moment to stand there, gazing, taking in the sights and sounds of this midnight wonderland, but when I stood rooted in place, refusing to move, he had to lace his arm around my waist again and turn me away.

I had forgotten about the black castle behind me. Seeing it in all it's grandeur once more forced an audible gasp from my lips. A sensuous and sinful chuckle escaped from Phoenix. He was enjoying my responses from the abundance of majesty surrounding me.

I scuffed my shoes for the first couple steps as I began to walk under the castle's noble archways. Down carved stone corridors, Phoenix lead me, hardly giving me time to look at all the intricate designs etched into the walls. Everywhere tiny flowers and miniature faeries were sculpted into the obsidian rock walls. The torch lit sconces illuminated the large glassy black stones.

The rich lavishness of the palace was overwhelming. Though it was night, it did not take away from the stateliness of the structure. Up a winding staircase, Phoenix continued to lead me, never loosening his grip on my waist or my hand. His touch was constant and for that I was extremely grateful. I could have lost my focus and easily wandered off, probably never to be seen again. The palace was so enormous, it seemed to go on forever in all directions. Neverending corridors that led to an expanse of impressive rooms elegantly decorated with furnishings I had only seen in my wildest dreams.

At last, he stopped in front of an impressive pair of golden doors embellished with two crowned snarling lions. Phoenix let go of my hand and I looked at him. He only smiled before turning the knobs that would lead me into a suite of spectacular opulence.

The plushness of the rooms drew me in like a moth to a flame. They were warmly lit and although it was undeniably elegant, it didn't hinder the cozy inviting feeling it gave me. Immediately, I noticed it was the only room that I had seen that wasn't black with the raw obsidian stones with which the palace was built. I walked into the foyer and ran my finger across the marble table sitting in the center of the room. A bouquet of lilies sat in an ornate vase. I leaned closer to get a whiff of their intoxicating perfume.

Straightening myself, my attention was caught by the large glass french doors that lead outside to the balcony. I headed in their direction, wanting to again take in the mountain top view of the Portical, and the lush forest land that surrounded it. Vaguely aware of him, Phoenix was in the corner watching me. He stood with his back leaned against the ivory papered wall, allowing me room to explore my new surroundings.

I stepped through the doors and onto the vast balcony of obsidian. The wide terrace swept out in a semicircle decorated with potted shrubs and the pink fragrant blossoms of garden heliotrope. I walked to the black balustrade and leaned over the parapet gazing down into the darkness trying to gauge our height.