Marissa
"What are you?" He muttered as he leaned closer.
"Who are you?"
I felt fresh air emit from his mouth into mine, I felt relieved and better. But, I still couldn't believe that a man whom I loathed was right in front of me.
Not only was he so close, but his lips were right on mine, his mouth almost consuming the whole part of my lips.
Isn't this a kiss?
If it was, then the demon stole it!
He stole my first kiss!
I slowly took my arms up and landed them on his chest, which stood as a signal for him to stop. Seemingly, he understood and let go of my lips instantly. I nervously swallowed hard and sat upright, and he stood immediately.
How did he do that?
How did he speak without opening his mouth? Is this one of his abilities as a demon?
What did he mean by his questions?
"Thank you," I whispered as I watched him walk back to the sofa.
"Leave," He spoke rather coldly.
I was surprised by his flat and harsh response but waved it aside. When I got up from the floor, I wiped myself, despite being tidy. I gave him a brief bow before leaving the chamber.
Surprisingly, I didn't see Madam Yolanda outside the chamber. I thought she would be waiting for me. Releasing a loud sigh, I walked down the corridor until I got outside.
My eyes came in contact with Madam Yolanda, who was resting her back against the pillar with her arms folded against her chest. I was shocked but happy that she was there. However, her face looked less welcoming.
The smile that I had on my face slowly faded off as she walked towards me, quite fiercely.
"What did he talk about?" She questioned and I gulped audibly.
I was left with no choice but to explain everything to her, leaving not even the slightest detail out. Madam Yolanda, on the other hand, didn't make a sound nor ask questions. She simply listened attentively and when I was done, she sighed.
"Let's go," She could only say.
I sheepishly nodded and afterwards, we both walked out of the scene.
As soon as I arrived in the room, I saw Maria with some girls. They were lying down but their eyes were wide open, indicating that they were awake.
"Marissa!" Maria called aloud whilst giggling as she beckoned to me to come closer. I smiled and went towards her bed where she lay.
Maria quickly scooted over, permitting me to lay with her. My eyes looked around, and I saw all pairs of eyes watching me. I realized they were curious and wanted to hear the aftermath of the abrupt meeting I had with King Ilyas.
"So, what happened? Hope nothing bad happened?" She asked, her face looking quite worried.
I remembered the scene where he had released the smoke to my face and how I fell, almost losing consciousness, before he gave me mouth-to-mouth respiration; if what he did could be tagged as that.
When I remembered this last part, I felt something tingly in my mouth. I wondered if I was excited, exaggerating or irritated.
"Nothing happened," I answered.
Maria frowned lightly. "What do you mean nothing happened? Do you mean, he called you to stare at you?"
I was about to reply, but when I saw the scary eyes of the girls, I swallowed my words and shook my head.
"He said nothing," I muttered slowly.
She started whining, but I ignored her, taking my face away. When I realized that she was being a disturbance, I had to give in. As I was about to explain to her, the door opened, revealing Madam Yolanda on the other side.
"I can see you all are not asleep yet," She said with glaring eyes, her voice sounding serious and angry.
The girls moaned lowly and went to their various beds quietly. I stood up from Maria's bed and proceeded to my bed but Yolanda, who had walked into the room already, hurriedly grabbed me by my collar.
"You…" She whispered, and I painstakingly took my face to her.
"Yes ma'am," I said with a low tone.
"Come with me," Yolanda said, and I nervously nodded. She was about to leave when she suddenly came to a halt and turned her head over.
"Maria?" She called, and Maria's eyes slowly went open.
"Yes ma'am," She replied as she sat upright.
"Come with me too," Yolanda said and Maria blinked her eyes, confused by the whole situation.
"What is happening?" She mouthed to me as she slowly stood up from the bed.
"I have no idea," I mouthed back, shrugging my shoulders.
As Maria and I went outside, I could hear the other girls murmuring in the room.
"What is going on?" One said.
"This is so suspicious" Bella uttered, busily biting her lower lips which were looking quite red already.
****
Yolanda took us to her office and gestured to us to have our seats. We sat down and watched her walk up to her desk before sitting down.
"Maria, you must have heard," She started and Maria's eyes widened. She looked very perplexed at that point.
"Uh… I don't quite understand what you mean, Ma'am," She said, after taking a glance at me.
"Haven't you heard the news? Aren't you two friends?" She asked.
"Yes. Yes, we are," Maria replied with a nod, her eyes staring down at me.
"So, hasn't she told you the news?" Yolanda asked with her eyes narrowed.
Maria exchanged a glance with me, she returned her gaze to Yolanda before shaking her head. "No. She didn't tell me anything…" She answered, emphasizing the last word.
"I'm going to cut to the chase. King Ilyas is holding an auction in two days, and he wants Marissa as his guest," she replied.
"What!" Maria exclaimed, her face white as a ghost.
She turned to me, her eyes looking quizzically at me.
"You heard me," Yolanda repeated.
Maria swallowed hard and looked at me. She looked like someone who was about to barf the whole place.
"Wait, Marissa… Is this true?" She asked, and I took my head down before nodding.
I know that this is against my mother's last words. Maria did all she could to save me from the King but I landed right near his lair.
Yolanda rolled her eyes and shooed us out of her said. "You may leave,"
I stood up and looked at Maria, who was still sitting, her eyes now staring at the floor intently. She looked like she was lost in thought.
I called her twice, but she didn't respond. I wonder what she's thinking.
I tapped her, but she glared at me.
She shook her head vehemently and turned to Madam Yolanda who watched with interest.
I took Maria's hand and led the way out but I was stunned as I heard her say,
"I'm sorry, Madam, but Marissa won't be going to the auction."