Blighted Affection

Chapter 3 : Confrontation

Deep in the peaceful forest, where the cedar trees crowd the narrow forest path, where the shining sun gleams over the crystal clear waters of the gigantic lake, where the gentle breeze swayed the multi-coloured flowers, a log cabin sat on the clearing right beside a cliff overseeing the breathtaking view of the lake. A pair of young loving couple sat together on the large rocking chair, the boy reading a book while the girl napped peacefully against his broad shoulders. The boy smiled at the content expression she had on her sleeping face and lightly brushed away her forelocks, caressing her cheek with the back of his hand.

The gentle touch eventually woke her up, rubbing her eyes while giving him a dazed adorable smile. It was slowly getting dark, so they decided to head inside. The boy playfully picked up the girl in his arms with one hand supporting her shoulders while the other under her legs. The girl giggled happily, enjoying every moment of being treated like a queen. When they stepped into their bedroom, the boy then helped her lay down onto the bed and climbed over her. Their gazes were filled with desire for each other.

Swooping down for a deep kiss, the girl hung her arms over his neck, pulling him down and his lip met her pink ones. Just as she felt herself melting into the kiss, he pulled apart from her. His body hovered over hers and her whole body froze when she saw two fierce golden eyes stared deeply into her hazel ones. "No...s-stop..." She whimpered at him but he dove down at her and bit hard on her neck, causing her to scream out of fear.

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"NOOO-!!!" Asuna shrieked as she sat up abruptly from her bed. Beads of cold sweat formed on her forehead, rolling down her face. She panted heavily with both hands pressed against her chest, trying to calm her trembling hands and thumping heartbeat. Before she knew it, drops of liquid fell onto the blanket pooled around her hips. One of her hand raised up to her face and wiped her cheeks, thinking that they were her sweat. The flowing trails of liquid would not stop and she finally realized her sweat had already mixed with her overflowing tears. Her mind reminded her of the frightening event that occurred just a few hours ago. Feeling helplessly lost and hurt, Asuna curled up into a ball and cried her heart out, wishing everything would return to the way it was before.

90th Floor, Grand Bath, Central Cathedral

It was still early in the morning and the luxurious bath was left unoccupied. The place was extremely quiet with only the sounds of flowing waters echoing throughout the space. Asuna had taken this opportunity to come here alone to find peace as she could not return to slumber without having those dreadful nightmares. Asuna had her long chestnut hair tied up in a loose bun, keeping it from getting wet. Her bare body soaked in the steamy hot water, leaning her back against the side of the pool as she stared at her own reflection disrupted by the rippling waters.

Her mind then unintentionally drifted back to the night before and her hands reached upwards and held onto her arms, crossing over her chest. Her body shuddered at the memory while she closed her eyes trying her hardest to think about something else to no avail. Closing her eyes would only amplify the memory she fought hard to forget. Tears flowed once more as she sobbed, shaking her head in frustration. Her hands scooping up the hot water, splashing onto her neck, her arms, feeling the burning water stinging her skin. Her fingertips painfully rubbing over her skin under the water until they were almost raw and red. Despite the pain she felt, she didn't mind. Asuna felt disgusted, wanting to burn away his fingerprints, to wash away his unwanted touches. But she knew it herself, that none of it would change the fact of what he did to her.

"Asuna?" A soft voice came from the entrance of the bath. Asuna quickly turned her back against the entrance and slowly peeked from the corner of her eyes. Her overflowing blonde hair was tied up in a similar loose bun like hers with a few stray locks falling on the sides of her face. Asuna noticed it was Alice and quickly washed away her tears with water. Noticing her odd behavior, Alice was about to voice out when a cheerful voice cut her off.