Shadow Cursed

BONUS CHAPTER: THANKSGIVING

This Chapter doesn't go with the storyline exactly so it's bonus content. This chapter will be continued in the Christmas bonus chapters. This will have some spoilers how it all ends if I choose to end the series that way. Also I'll have deleted chapters uploaded at the end of the story.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND THANKS FOR READING MY STORY <3

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Isabella smiled as she greeted with a big smile at the guests just arriving at the mansion. They took off their coats and boots then went into the kitchen welcomed by the smell of the wonderful food cooking. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged as everyone helped out a little to finish the preparations for dinner.

After closing the door Isabella headed to the study and unlocked the door. Closing it behind her she slipped in without anyone noticing she disappeared. Running her finger over the books in the book shelf she took out one book she kept in here, her photo album. She flipped through the pictures page by page, reliving the memories that lived within them. Photos of Katherine, Ethelyn, Anna, Wulfric, Alric, and many others made her miss her them even more. Some were here, and others would never come back into this house. Anna had died a year ago, out of love and sacrifice. Closing the book she heard more guests arriving and Alric went to greet them instead. She stood up and fixed her dress before leaving the study.

"Hi guys! So glad you could make it today!" She gave them a quick hug.

Isabella ran off to the kitchen to see if she could sneak some food today. Upon arriving in the massive room she found the amazing aroma of fresh baked bread, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, and the turkey baking in the oven. "Hmmmmm, smells so good."

Behind her Katherine giggled, "Now now Isabella." Katherine was making pie.

Isabella leaned over and gave her step mother a kiss. "Anna would of loved being here. She loved food." Anna, the first Thanksgiving without her at all.

"She's here in spirit with us, don't forget that. She's not forgotten." Katherine left the kitchen to find something in the pantry leaving Isabella alone with the pies.

Isabella snuck a little of the apple filling with her finger and left the kitchen before she noticed.

Hopping down the hallway she stopped to talk with the guests a little in the living room. They were chattering about recent news and events. Isabella continued on to her bedroom afterward.

She was met by a burst of cold air when she opened her door. The window was open, and she didn't leave it open when she went downstairs. She closed the window quickly. "That's weird," she said to herself.

A sound came from her closet, and she opened the door with a swipe of her hand. In her closet stood a blond boy in a hoodie and ripped jeans. "You found me."

"You could of used the door idiot." Isabella pretended to hit him and he playfully dodged. "What are you doing here tonight uninvited."

"I wanted to surprise you." He pulled a small box out of his pocket. "This is for you."

Taking the box, Isabella opened it and gasped. Inside was a pretty necklace made with a moonstone charm and enchanted silver chain. "It's amazing... Thank you."

"Nothing the less for you. I've missed you, you know?" He stepped out of the closet and came closer to her.

She took the necklace out and held it in her hand. "How much did it cost to get this. You shouldn't have."

He helped her put the necklace on after taking it from her hands. "Think of it as part of your Christmas present."

She started crying a little, "It's the most beautiful thing I own."

"It's not as beautiful as you are on this fine night," silence passed between them.

"Damien... I..." She couldn't speak correctly now that they were close enough to touch.

"Shhhhh, don't speak. It will ruin the moment." Damien had his way with the girls, and the girl he wanted to be with was right here. "I've waited all of time for this."

"Please Damien, I can't... Just believe me." Isabella was crying still. "I want to but I can't."

"What is it that makes you unable to. Lack of trust or something else?" She was still drawn to him.

The connection between them broke when the door opened. "Dinner's ready," Alric announced. "Oh hi Damien."

Recovering, Damien gave a quick bow, "Hello Mr. Varner."

Alric asked Damien politely, "Would you mind joining us for dinner? There is plenty of food."

"I would love to join your family for dinner, it would be my pleasure." Damien whispered something in Isabella's ear, "Later," and she nodded. They both went down for dinner afterward.

At the table everyone was seated and there were two empty chairs, one for each of them around the grand display of food on the table. The young ones were hungry as they stared at the food they couldn't eat yet. After prayers were spoken, everyone had to say something they were thankful for. Isabella said that Damien was here to celebrate with her. Damien said, that he was able to be here for such an amazing feast. Afterward, everyone dug into the meal.

Half an hour into the meal, Isabella had barely touched the food on her plate. Next to her, Damien's plate was empty. Underneath the table Damien's hand met with Isabella's hand and they held hands. She turned to see his eyes and she wanted to say something but didn't. She let go of his hand as she turned away from him. She stood up and excused herself from the table. Damien excused himself afterward following her.

"Is everything okay?" Damien was worried about her.

She looked like she wanted to cry but didn't want to mess up her make up. "No, it's not."

"You can tell me anything, we're best friends for a reason." He wanted to be more than friends but he wasn't gonna push his luck too far.

"I'll tell you when I'm ready." She whispered in his ear, "You'll be the first person I tell."

"Can I have a kiss good night before I have to go?" He stood on the balcony.

Giggling, she gave him a peck on the neck and whispered, "Goodnight my fair prince," into his ear as he disappeared into the night with a wink. Isabella went back inside closing the balcony doors and going back to the dining room the rejoin the others. The night ended with goodbyes and see you next years. Isabella went back to her room after everyone left.

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If you want more Isabella and Damien action, you can go check out Shadow-Kissed a side story for my series that focuses specifically on Damien and Isabella and the developing relationship they have. It's now available on my profile if you are interested.