A dangerous and filthy lie is prevalent throughout the land of Ralium. Nobles and Kings would have their subject believe that the kingdom resting in a time of peace. They say there is no war. No attacks. That there is no death, yet within this suppo...
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When she opened her eyes, expecting to see the green foliage of the forest, she was met with darkness. Looking around, all that was green was the patch of grass below her body while the rest was a blanket of smoke and mist that had circled around her. Aria looked around, her eyes darting at every angle of gray. The way it moved was like waves of an ocean, collapsing upon each layer and swirling down and into itself.
"I was wondering when you would wake up." A husk voice emitted around her. Her body ran cold. She had become a statue, fearing to turn her head for if she did she would break at the very sight of him. "Did you rest well?"
Painfully, she turned her head over her shoulder, fearing she would see the prey that stalked her. Aldrich, the Savage king stood before her. Sweat built in her palms, watching as a foot emerged from the smoke behind her. Nausea built within her, threatening to escape from the very sight of him that produced the memories. He stood up tall, giving her a crook smile as he cocked his head to the side. Standing with a hunch, he placed his hand against the sword strapped on his belt. Her eyes flashed, seeing the blood that stained his hands. He had just tortured or killed.
His thin lips moved, speaking to her. A ringing filled her ears, as white-hot anger filled her. The red liquid filled her cup and threatened to overflow and spill over. She watched as he pushed the few brown strands of hair behind his ear, as the blood from his fingers left a mark near the side of his eye. They were a deep brown that swallowed her soul. Just by the narrowing of his eyes, she felt chains wrapping around her. It was a need to obey out of fear even when she no longer wished. He knew he tamed her well, but even tamed animals could snap.
"How are you here?" she asked, turning her body to face him. His large cloak swallowed him, swaying and waving a hello as he made his way to a nearby rock to sit upon. A deep laugh left him, while he looked up to her.
"I just wanted to see how you were doing. Is it wrong to check up on what's mine?" he said with a tone that tasted of sweet honey. The aftertaste was bitter and sour as if rotting underneath.
She clenched her fist, bearing white knuckles. Bolting, she raised her hand towards him. She aimed for his jaw. Her entire force and rage in one blow. The red hot liquid spilled over and boiled her blood. Gripping her wrist, he pulled her forward. Everything flashed. A sharp pain filled her cheek. She felt pressure, as his hands became the rope that tied around her neck. When she pushed back, he slammed her head against the rock.
"When did you learn to start biting back," he whispered.
Aria jerked her head to look him in the eye. She bit at her lower lip, tasting the iron that spilled from them. Yanking her hair, he pulled her up. His fingers wrapped around her neck. His eyes did not leave hers and she did not leave his. While he was calm, she was vicious. When he flashed her his decaying smile, she jerked her head back. Pain waved through his jaw. Hooking her leg against his calf, she kicked him to the ground. He let her go. Aria rammed the heel of her boot at his face while pulling the sword from his belt.
