Kael's POV
When I emerged from the shadows, Aria's eyes widened in shock and she recoiled from me, her face pale and frightened. "Where did you come from?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
I stood there, frozen, as I saw the fear creeping into her eyes. I had expected her to be surprised, maybe even a little wary, but not terrified. I didn't know what I was feeling on how she was looking at me, as if I was a monster lurking in the darkness. I hated that the terror in her eyes appealed to the darkest part of me.
I said nothing, my silence only seeming to make her more uneasy. I could see the fear and uncertainty in her eyes, and it made my chest feel heavy with an emotion I couldn't name. I didn't know how to react. So I just stood there, frozen, as the tension between us grew thicker and more oppressive.
I watched her, noticing the exact moment her eyes changed. They went from wide and frightened to guarded and wary, like a door had slammed shut behind them. It was a subtle shift, but one that spoke volumes about her.
I also noticed the way she instinctively reached up to touch her hair nervously . It was a small gesture, but one that revealed vulnerability. She was trying to protect herself from me.
And then, like a mask slipping into place, her face changed. Her features hardened, and a look of false bravery took over. It was a brave front, one that she was trying to convince herself was true. But I saw through it, saw the fear and uncertainty still lurking beneath the surface.
I felt a pang of… something. Not quite regret, but perhaps a sense of disappointment. I had wanted to see the real her, the unguarded and vulnerable person she was trying to hide. But instead, she was putting on a show, pretending to be what she wasn't.
Aria's voice was steady, but I could detect a hint of wariness behind her words. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to process my sudden appearance. "How did you get here?" She took a step back, her hand instinctively reaching out to grasp the edge of a nearby shelf, as if seeking support or a sense of stability.
I ignored her question, my gaze never leaving hers. Instead, I asked one of my own, my voice low and even. "What are you doing here?" I countered, my eyes scanning her face, searching for any sign of deception or hidden motives. "Why are you not accompanied by Ryker or Elara?" I took a step closer, my movements deliberate and slow, as I waited for her response.
I watched as her eyes flickered, a hint of surprise and annoyance flashing across her face. She hadn't expected me to turn the tables on her, to ask her questions instead of answering hers. For a moment, she seemed taken aback, unsure of how to respond. Her lips parted, as if she was about to speak, but then she seemed to think better of it, and her mouth closed again. She stood there, frozen, her eyes locked on mine, as she tried to decide how to react.
The silence between us grew thicker, more oppressive, as we stood there, waiting for the other to make a move. I could feel the tension building, the air vibrating with unspoken words.
"Where is Obsidian?" she asked, her voice sharp and insistent. "Is that where we are? Why isn't there any information about it?" I was taken aback by Aria's sudden barrage of questions. She had been standing there, frozen in uncertainty, and then suddenly she was firing off questions. The questions tumbled out of her mouth in rapid succession, each one landing like a blow.
And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the barrage stopped. Aria's eyes widened, and she looked at me as if she had not meant for the questions to slip out of her mouth. She seemed shocked, even embarrassed, by her own outburst. Her face flushed, and she took a step back, as if trying to retreat from the words she had spoken.
I was left standing there, I little bit shocked And yet, at the same time, I wasn't. What had I expected from the girl who tried to escape her fate by running.
I took a deep breath, trying to process the sudden turn of events. It was not what I expected but as I looked into her eyes, I saw something there that gave me pause. I saw a spark of determination, a flame of curiosity that burned brightly. And I knew, in that moment, that I had underestimated her.
I stood there, trying to process the sudden turn of events, Aria's eyes flashed with a mixture of defiance and curiosity. "Where did you learn that from?" I finally asked, my voice plain.
But I was not to be deterred. I had asked her a question, and I expected an answer. "I asked you a question," I said, my voice firm but controlled. "Who told you?"
But Aria ignored my question, pointedly. Instead, she repeated her own question, her eyes glinting with a challenge. "I asked you to reply to my question," she said, her voice steady. "Where is Obsidian?"
I felt a surge of frustration at her refusal to answer my question, I could feel my restraint snapping. I hated how weak I was unable to contain my curse because that's what this darkness in me is, this power, it's a curse I can control the power not the source.
I'm sure my eyes must have been flashing red when Aria moved back with a gasp looking frightened.
Her reaction seemed to feed the beast. The scent of her fear was as intoxicating as the sweetest of wine.
Feeling my self control waning. I turned away from her, heading towards the door that leads to the lower level of the library. It was a small discreet door hidden behind a bookshelf in the darkest corner of the library.
I looked backed at Aria who was still frozen with fear. "Are you coming?"
My words seemed to pull her out of whatever trance she was in.
She still looked frightened and hesitant and for a moment I thought she was going to decline.
She nodded her head and squared her shoulders following me.
My foolishly brave princess. If only she knew, she would've left when I gave her the chance.