Kazimiera
When the preparations for the Ball were done, I made my way to my corridors to receive Nija. I had only been gone for a few moments, yet I needed to see her. This need to have her only grew stronger as I got closer to my door. I need to be closer. As I got to the door, it took all my willpower not to burst through. When I walked in, she was sitting on the bed, staring at the paintings on the ceiling. I couldn't help but stare at her. Her gown was dark blue silk with a slit down the side, and she looked amazing. As she stood, I took in her version even more, from feet to legs up to her thighs, around her curved hips and slim stomach. As I continued up to her chest, I almost choked. Her breast sat perfectly, but I could tell the top part wasn't the right fit; they sat like cups of jello.
She cleared her throat. " Are You going to stare at me all day or go to this party for the rich?"
I adjusted myself and held out my arm. "Yeah, of course. On this way."
We walked to the end of the hall and down the long sets of stairs leading to the calling room. As we entered, wolves that had gathered began to stare and fall silent. I could feel Nija's hand tighten around my arm. I placed my hand on hers, giving her a reassuring smile. I continued to lead her through the crowd to the other side, where the door to the Ballroom was. With a thrust of the doors, music began to play, servants began to lay out the food, and the room became more whole.
"Would you like something to eat or drink?" I asked as we made our way further into the room.
"Yeah, sure." She sounded unsure of her answer, but I led her to the buffet table.
I watched as she poured herself a drink and downed it all in one gulp. Then, she reached for a piece of rabbit meat and stuffed one whole piece in her mouth; she quickly turned to look at me when she felt me staring. "You've never seen a starving girl eat before."
With an uneasy laugh, I answered. "Not really."
Before she could say something else, the doors again opened, and walked in came my father. Everyone in the room clapped and cheered for him as he entered and walked toward me.
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Jevgenija
I nearly choked when I saw king Maximillian walk through those doors. I turned to face the table feeling every muscle in my body tighten. I didn't know if I did it out of fear or if I was feeling sick. The pits of my stomach could feel him getting closer and closer. Please don't let me die.
"Kaz. Oh, oh, I mean your majesty." His voice struck pain in my heart.
"Hello, father. "
"I got to hand it to you. Everything is looking pretty good for your first grand Ball." Maximillian chuckled.
"Yes, everything is just so lovely." I assumed his mother added in.
"Thank you, mother. I hope you guys will enjoy yourselves." I could feel Kaz put his hand on my waist and nudge me in a direction.
"Wait, where are you going? And who's your lovely friend." Maximillian questioned.
I quickly swallowed all my pain and fear and turned to face my killer. "I'm Nija." I forced a smile.
"That's a lovely name." Queen-mother smiled back.
"Well, Nija, where do you come from? What brings you here to the castle of Maximillian?" His playful demeanor had vanished.
I was stuck in fear, not knowing what to say. I've only known Therian City and never took the time to learn the names of any other place. I could feel sweat start to build, and the pain in my stomach worsened. What was happening right now?
"I met her on one of my trips to the Capital. And I invited her considering she told me she's never seen a castle before." Kaz came in for the save.
Maximillian stood there in silence. He stared hard into me as he tried to play with his beard. Could he already tell I wasn't one of them? The pain in my stomach was killing me. I needed to get out of here. I turned to make my way towards the door. The room around me began to move, and my version became blurry. Esme, what's going on? 'I-I don't know.' Then as if transported to a new world, I was in a vision.
- "Can you hear me." "You are not going to die today," a voice whispered. "You are destined for greatness. Will you fulfill it?"
"Fulfill what? Who are you?" I yelled but was pinned to the ground shortly after, and a light started to shine.
As the light got closer, so did an image of a person.
"Hey, help. help me, please." I cried out.
"Sinners. They're all sinners," they whispered to themself.
"Hello" I struggled to push myself up off the ground.
She was suddenly in my face leaning over me. "Amber, daughter of the crimson red witch. The sun brings light, but the heat brings death. Will you start the fire or prevent its flames?"
"What are you talking about?" But she had vanished before she could answer me.
Everything suddenly soon became black again with the sound of footsteps approaching. My heart raced rapidly, not knowing who or what was coming, but when it did come. It struck me hard in the chest. The impact made me gasp for air, but all I could feel was my throat feeling up with blood. When the surrounding area became just bright enough, I could see it was a knife that had struck me. I tried to scream or cry, but nothing got through the blood. A body hovered over me, and when my eyes finally focused, I realized it was Kaz. He kneeled. "I could be your beginning." He reached to touch my face, stroking it gently, moving a strand of hair off my face. "Or I could be your end." he snatched up the knife, raising it high before he could bring it down with force. Then, everything began to get darker and go black.
I jumped up, my eyes burst open, and I breathed heavily, gasping for every ounce of oxygen. I was still in the castle, but I wasn't in human form. What happened? Your mind and body were going into shock. I had to force my way out as you went unconscious, Esme answered. Shit. I looked around at my current situation. Kaz was standing before me as we were surrounded by conflicted pack guards.
"What are you all standing there for? Kill her! Kill the metawolf." Maximillian yelled with rage. "How dare you bring this skin crawler into this castle?"
"No one is going to lay a finger on her. She's my mate." Kaz growled.
"Nooo. That can not be. You witch! What have you done to my son." Maximillian's eyes began to darken.
"She didn't do anything. I felt the bond the moment I saw her."
"Honey, calm down. If he says she's his mate, then let it be. I'm sure she must be the only one of her kind after four years." Queen-mother spoke.
"I can't believe this-" Maximillian was then cut off by the sound of broken glass.
On the left far side of the room, the high window had been busted open, and a figure dressed all in black stood. "Assassin!" Kaz yelled, causing everyone to run for cover.
But their target wasn't quick enough; the assassin stuck once a gust of air blew by everyone, but only Maximillian took damage. Again, women screamed, causing the panic to get worse. I chose now to use the chaos to attempt an escape, but the assassin stuck again, and I was down in seconds.
"You beast! This is all your fault. Throw her in the dungeons and get her out of my sight." Maximillian struggled to rant as we both began to lose consciousness.