Silver Lined Storm Clouds

My mind counted down the seconds until I could see Reid. My wings twitched with excitement at the thought of him. My Auburn hair fell in smooth curls around my face, I stared at the ground lost in thought. My father, Othello, stood next to me, deep in conversation with Fredrick. Fredrick nodded happily as my Father agreed to his terms. Mrs. Pearl stood next to her husband, her arms folded gracefully in front of her. That women had not aged in years. I tapped my fingers repeatedly on my thigh, impatience getting the better of me.

“That settles it then” My father cleared his throat, snapping me out of my thoughts. “The wedding shall be in a year's time” Darius half smiled in my direction, His quiet stature made him almost invisible. You could tell he wanted this just as much as I did. I drifted off in thought while the parents arranged our marriage. Arranged marriage wasn’t common for Twin Meadows, only in royal bloodlines do arranged marriages occur. So here I was my turn in line for the throne.

“The engagement will take place over the next few months, my wife and Lillian will take care of all the arrangements” and that was my queue to leave, I slowly backed out of the room, “Lillian, darling?” my father's words stopped my escape, I leaned against the wooden archway looking out over the outside world. The fresh breeze tickling my skin, the sun kissed my skin and the warmth causing my heart to ache even more for escape. I bit my lip.

“just wanting to get a head start on the plan I suppose” Fredrick’s excitement about the whole even was evident by the ear to ear grin plastered across his face.

“great, your mother will be happy to help” before the words left his lips, I was out the door and down the gravel path, my feet slapping the ground beneath me. My heart ached for what was ahead.

I slipped through the wall of sparkling dust, eager to get to what awaited me on the other side. Reid sat on the white rock his back to me, pulling his hands through his brown hair as it bounced back and fell over his ears. His back was smooth evident of no wings, meaning human. My father would have a fit if he knew about Reid. I covered Reid’s eyes with my hands from behind.

“Guess who?” I felt his lips curve under my palms. I tried to hide my giggle.

“I was worried you wouldn’t show up” he pulled me onto his lap, my wings shrunk to provide me comfort. His brown eyes met my gaze. There I was, home.

“urgh” I grumbled leaning into his body “father and Fredrick wouldn’t stop with the wedding talk” he pushed me away by the shoulders looking me square in the face. I could feel his concern. My cheeks burned pink, I'd been dreading this topic.

“don’t tell me you're a married woman” he asked, there was slight sarcasm behind his words.

“engaged” I corrected “you know I’m royal blood” I twirled his hair between my fingers. Studying his features like I had hundreds of times before. The way his eyes sparkled in the light, I swear you could start a fire with that spark. The way his jaw set when he was irritated. Like right now at the talk of me being engaged. I smiled to myself wondering how I ever have to leave this man.

“There is a lot more royal about you then just your blood” he beamed with pride and I rolled my eyes. Shoving at his shoulders flirteously. He laughed and pulled me into his arms hugging me tightly.

“ I love you” he said as he kissed my forehead.

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I watched in disgust as the two lovebirds grasped at each other. I pressed my lips together tightly holding back the anger that crept inside me. I slowly waded through the trees careful not to make a sound. The light was fading as I made my way back through the falls into Twin Meadows territory. I swallowed the anger and jealously, pulling at my hair. We were to be married and she was off gallivanting with other men, humans of all. I found myself sulking through the forest around the town, trying to hide from the truth of my to be marriage. Who was I kidding, it was arranged. There was no room for love in a marriage that as forced off the bat.

Dried leaves cracked beneath my feet causing echoes through the dark and seemingly empty forest. Twigs snapped behind me, my body twisted in that direction my body nearly colliding with another. My insides twisted fearing what could happen on a night like tonight.

Her eyes glowed a bright violet, starring into my soul. Shadows from the night covered her face in mystery. My heart leapt as her eyes faded to black, my body tingled but a wash of calmness covered me. She stood so close I felt her warm breath mist my face. I could smell her scent, in the darkness it called to me. Wanting me to explore and draw nearer.

“who are you?” I forced myself to step back, but my legs stepped forward instead. Her eyes were so compelling, something inside me longed for the closeness.

“Keliessa” her voice sent vibrations through my bones. I repeated her name under my breath as she twisted my shaggy hair around her slender fingers. Her cold fingers grazed my cheek. She looked at me with wanting, her eyes watching my breath rising and falling in my chest.

“Where are you from.” She hesitated, her fingers lingered as they crept slowly across my jaw.

“Darius, Twin Meadows” i answered quickly like I was on trial. Her lips curved upwards at my words.

“ah,” her voice raised and echoed through the night. She laughed with excitement. “why the sad face handsome” the words flowed out of me like water breaking through a dam. She listened carefully as I spoke, looking me over as she drugs her hand across my chest, almost floating around me, I could feel her eyes pierce through my skull. She stood inches from my face. I craved to be close to her, I pulled her in roughly, my hands around her waist, her lips turned at one corner.

The longer we stood together the brighter her eyes shone. My memory of the past night's events disappeared when her lips crashed into mine. In an instant I felt her power flow through my veins and down into my stomach. My body trembled for more when she let go. I leaned in begging for more. My brain buzzed with excitement from her power flowing through me. I tried to breath, the nights air seemed to be choking me, but again her lips met mine before I could take one.

I was almost overwhelmed with the trembling; my entire body shook. I had no control. Falling to the ground I gasped for air. It was too much, but I felt my body push me for more. I shook my head trying to rid it of the high it was on. Fresh air filled my lungs, but my hands still shook.

“what did you do to me?” I looked up at her my eyes pleading with her. I touched my lips gently, trying to wipe away the buzz. I stood and backed away not trusting my body near her.

“I just gave you what you wanted.” her violet eyes flashed in the dark “love”.