Page 54 of Rising Out of the Darkness
As I approached the doors, I could distinctly make out Declan’s voice, but it was the voice of a female that halted me in my tracks.
Stepping onto the balcony, I gazed upon two bodies entangled in each other as they overlooked the ocean from the railing. Anger and jealousy coursed through my body as Declan rubbed the shoulder of the tall, slender brunette next to him.
She was stunningly beautiful. Her skin was smooth and sun-kissed, almost the same shade as Declan’s. Her long, dark chestnut hair swirled in the wind as they spoke softly. They appeared to be laughing about something as she turned to give him a sweet smile and he bent down to kiss the top of her hair. My heart sank and my shoulders sagged.
Something inside me deflated at the sight. It was a ludicrous feeling to have, especially since I knew the man before me was forbidden in every way. However, I wasn’t blind to the fact that something inside of me yearned for the affections of the darkand mysterious man who had been my travel companion these past few days.
Perhaps this was divine intervention, the gods telling me this wasn’t the path for me. I should have known that a man as handsome as the prince would be in a relationship. It was silly that I’d even entertained the thought that he might have feelings for me.
Suddenly, my gaze heated on the back of his head. How dare he try to kiss me when he had someone else waiting for him at home!
An audible snarl rumbled through me, and my breath hitched from my mistake. Pivoting out of the doorway, I made it about halfway towards the bed before a strong hand grabbed my wrist, whirling me around to face him. Once our eyes met, Declan dropped his grip, slipping his hand back inside his pocket.
“Elena, it’s good to see you awake.” He spoke softly as his eyes dropped down towards his shoes.
A polite cough arose from behind Declan, breaking the tension between us. Gracefully, like she floated on air, the slender brunette strolled around the side of Declan. She paused next to him and folded her delicate hands in front of her, giving me a warm smile. It took everything in me to return a smile as I bent into a small bow.
“My apologies, Your Highness, my lady.” I spoke sullenly. “I didn’t mean to intrude on your conversation. I’ll just return to the bed. Sorry again for disturbing you both.”
Nope. Not sorry at all.
Declan was shielding the smile on his face with one hand. Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I wished my glare could kill or at least induce some sort of bodily harm.
“Elena, it is such a pleasure to meet you.” The sweet voice approached me from the right, dislodging the lock I had onDeclan’s face. “I’m so glad you’re up and awake. When Dec brought you to me you were in such a terrible state. It took practically all the dynamis in me to heal you. I had to sleep for a whole day! I haven’t had to do that since I first received my dynamis years ago.” She giggled, reached out for my hands and held them between her own. My mouth gaped wide. “Oh, I’m not complaining at all though, it was my pleasure, truly! Declan was just telling me all about you.”
“Oh, really?” I mused, wondering if he had indeed told hereverything.
Clearing his throat, Declan spoke with amusement in his voice. “Lady Elena, this is Lady Clara Estridge, my cousin.”
He smiled down at me as I pinched my lips together and redness bloomed across my cheeks. Shoving aside my embarrassment, I returned my gaze to the sweet woman in front of me. The hints of resemblance now became blazingly apparent. Dark chestnut hair, golden tan skin, similar slope of their noses. The only difference was her hazel-colored eyes.
Gods, how did I miss that the first time?
Slipping my hands out of Clara’s, I desperately tried to cover the shame written all over my face.
“Goodness, Elena! Are you okay? Your cheeks are so red. Come over to the bed, let me feel your forehead.” Clara herded me like cattle towards the bed. “Let’s make sure you aren’t coming down with a fever.”
She forced me under the covers with a tsk, and I had to bite my lip to stifle a giggle at her sudden bossy demeanor. Clara ran the back of her hand over my forehead, then picked up my wrist, closing her eyes while counting. Once I was deemed in good health, she poured me a glass of water and placed it on the table next to the bed. Glancing over at Declan then back at me, she politely excused herself from my beside.
“Declan, make sure she drinks all that water. If she doesn’t, you’re helping me apply wart salves to Lord Alastor’s feet for a week!” She winked, throwing a mischievous smile toward her cousin. It was a pleasure to meet you, Elena.” Clara headed out the door, closing it behind her.
“Gross.” Declan winced, shoving the glass of water in front of my face. “Drink.”
Taking a sip, I tried to stifle my laugh. “I like her,” I said, as the cool water calmed my parched mouth.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure you two will get along a little too well for my liking.” His lip tugged up.
As I continued to sip my water, Declan shifted back and forth on his heels. It was as if he was trying to decide whether to leave or stay. Moving my body over in the extremely large bed, I patted the spot I’d made vacant as I spoke softly. “You can sit with me, if you’d like.”
He glanced at the empty space, then back towards me. Slipping his hands back into his pockets, he shook his head. I focused on the rim of the water glass. Silence passed between us for a few moments before the prince spoke.
“How are you feeling?”
“Surprisingly well, considering I was almost cut in half only a short while ago. Clara is truly a gifted Healer. I’ve never seen such a clean wound.” I rubbed my hand over my stomach.
A deep scowl covered his face as his eyes traced my movements. Palming through his hair, he paced to the nearest wall and leaned against it. “Elena…you were badly injured. By the time I got you to Clara, your lips were blue.” His fists clenched by his side as he continued to speak, “Your skin, it was so pale.”
The events of the forest replayed in my mind, and my heart swelled with guilt. It had been incredibly stupid to go after thebeast like that. I could have died. I set the empty cup on the side table, then twirled my fingers idly within the sheets.
