The movie finally ended, I feel Sebastian gaze on me as I look up to meet his eye's.
"Delilah, I really don't feel safe leaving you here tonight on your own," He says, his gaze locked on mine, concern etched across his handsome features.
"Honestly, Seb, I'm fine," I start to protest, but he interrupts me, his deep voice cutting through my resolve.
"No, you're not," he insists, his tone firm yet laced with tenderness. "I think you should come home with me tonight."
He stands and helps me up, effortlessly grabbing my empty duffle bag from the kitchen bench. "Just for tonight, darling. I'll help you pack. I just want to keep an eye on you," he adds, the urgency in his voice making my heart skip.
Part of me wants to argue, to push back against the worry I see in his eyes, but exhaustion weighs heavily on me. If I'm being honest, the thought of being alone tonight terrifies me.
What was that place? I wonder, a shiver running down my spine. Was any of it real?
I give in with a slight nod, the warmth of his presence providing a strange comfort. "I'm just going to freshen up first, and then we can go," I say, my voice barely above a whisper as I turn to head toward the bathroom.
"Take your time," Sebastian replies, a hint of relief washing over his features. "I'll go get the car ready."
As I step into the bathroom, I grab some clothes on the way, but I can't shake the feeling of dread clinging to me like a shadow. Once the door is shut, I take a hard look at myself in the mirror. I look like I've just emerged from a nightmare—my hair is matted with sweat, my blue eyes wide and panicked, and my skin is so pale I could easily pass for a ghost.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself, but my gaze is drawn back to my thigh, where Kai's ring sits snugly against my skin. I peel off my jeans and gasp, shocked to see the ring has left an angry red burn, a mark of something I can't fully understand.
"What the hell?" I whisper to myself, my fingers trembling as I lightly touch the seared skin, pain shooting through me at the contact.
What if that wasn't just a dream? What if I really was there? The memories flood back—Kai's laughter, his warmth, but also the heaviness of the darkness that enveloped me.
Suddenly, I hear Sebastian's voice outside the door, his tone light and teasing despite the situation. "You know, you could just move in with me," he calls, attempting to lighten the mood. "Think of it as a permanent sleepover."
I can't help but chuckle softly, even as my heart races. "And what? Awaken to the sight of your charming face every morning? Sounds like a dream," I reply, my voice playful yet tinged with uncertainty.
"Exactly. Just imagine—me, you, and the vast, mysterious King Mansion," he quips back, the flirtation in his tone unmistakable. "I promise to keep the ghosts at bay."
I roll my eyes, but a smile breaks through. "And what if I want to keep the ghosts? They're far more interesting than you, Mr. King."
"Touché," he laughs, the sound warming me in a way that makes the chill of my earlier thoughts fade just a bit. "But just remember, I'm the one with the keys to the mansion. You might end up locked in with me against your will."
"Now that sounds like a horror movie waiting to happen," I say, but my heart flutters at the thought.
"Just let me be your hero for tonight, Delilah. I promise I won't let anything happen to you," he says, the sincerity in his voice wrapping around me like a blanket.
I take a deep breath, my heart still racing, but a part of me begins to feel safe under his protection. "Okay, just for tonight," I say, my voice steadying. "But you owe me breakfast in the morning."
"Deal," he replies, and I can almost feel the grin on his face. "Now hurry up, or I might just come in there and drag you out myself."
As I prepare to leave the bathroom, I find myself torn between the lingering shadows of my past and the flickering light of something new with Sebastian. I can't help but wonder what tomorrow will bring.
I glanced out the window as the winding road twisted and turned, leading us deeper into the heart of Willow Peak. "It's about an hour's drive to the King Mansion," I mused, my brow furrowing slightly. "Why on earth would your ancestors build a house so far out here? I mean, creepy forests and ominous bushes? Sounds like the perfect setting for a horror movie."
As we descended the hill, the imposing gates of the mansion loomed ahead, the wrought iron twisted into intricate designs that looked like they belonged in a gothic novel. I felt a shiver run down my spine, but not entirely from fear. "This place is massive! I mean, it's so big it, how is it just you living here " I quipped, glancing at Sebastian.
"Maybe I'm not alone, I have the shadows, or perhaps a looming curse to keep me company?" he replied with a playful smirk, finally parking in the driveway.
Home sweet home," Sebastian mumurs, his voice barely breaking the serene silence surrounding us.
I pry my eyes away from the enormous mansion looming before us and steal a glance at Sebastian. He flashes a knowing smirk, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he steps out of the car to open my door. I've heard stories about King Manor all my life, but nothing could have prepared me for the grandeur before me. It's a stunning relic of the Victorian era, complete with a high-pitched roof, intricately carved wood paneling, and vibrant stained glass windows. Surrounding us is a garden bursting with roses, sculpted hedges, and an array of colorful blooms.
"Wow, Seb, this is amazing," I breathe, the awe evident in my voice. My heart races as we approach the front door.
"It's definitely something," he chuckles, a hint of pride in his tone. "This house has been in my family for over a hundred years. I think it could use a little renovation, but my folks would never go for it," he adds, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Yeah, they don't seem like the modern type," I reply, laughing lightly as he takes my hand gently, opening the grand oak door with a flourish.
Stepping over the threshold feels like crossing into another time. The marble-finished walls exude elegance, and a stunning glass chandelier hangs over the grand staircase. I can hear the comforting crackle of a fire from a nearby fireplace, but then memories of a concrete cell and Kai chained to a chair flash through my mind. I shake my head, pushing the thoughts away, desperate to focus on Sebastian.
"Would you like a tour? I think we could definitely use a distraction after tonight, don't you think?" His voice is soft, his gaze warm as he looks down at me.
"I'd love one. Although it might take all night to see everything in this place," I say, a playful smile creeping onto my lips. I follow Sebastian into the vast living room, my footsteps echoing off the polished hardwood floors.
"Good thing we have all night, then. What would you like to see first? We have this marvelous living room, the art gallery, the library, or, if you're feeling adventurous, the eight bathrooms," he teases, a cheeky smirk tugging at his lips, eyebrows raised in playful challenge.
"Oh yes, the bathroom, please! I've always wanted to use a fancy toilet," I snort, unable to suppress my laughter. His eyes twinkle with mischief as he steps closer, leaning down so our breaths mingle in the air.
"You can use whatever fancy toilet you want, as long as I get to watch," he murmurs, his lips barely grazing mine, igniting a spark of something electric between us.
I slap him playfully on the shoulder, and he jumps back in mock surprise. "You walked right into that one, darling," he quips, circling me with an infectious laugh. My eyes follow his movements as he saunters toward the staircase.
"Well, I think we've seen enough of this dusty old room," he declares, grabbing my hand and pulling me up the staircase with a playful urgency.
"Slow down! I'm going to trip!" I whisper-yell, laughing as he practically flies us up the stairs, pulling me along in his wake.
He glances back at me, feigning innocence. "Oh, I'm sorry, darling. Where are my manners?"
"What do you mea—" Before I can finish, he hauls me over his shoulder. I'm left staring at his backside, my protests turning into laughter as I swat at him.
"Hey, put me down!" I giggle, but he just laughs, taking us to the next floor.
"I should throw you over my shoulder more often, darling; it's a great view," he smirks as he sets me down.
"Don't make a habit of it, you jerk," I say, playfully punching his arm.
"Ow, ow, oh, stop it," he falls back dramatically, feigning pain. "You know I'd never drop you, angel."
"Angel? That's a new one," I tease, steadying myself on my feet.
"It's only fitting," he replies, mustering a sincere smile.
"Oh, really? And why's that?" I challenge, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, you have the ass of an angel," he murmurs, sneaking around me, his hand sliding around my waist as he gives me a light but firm pinch on my left cheek. A shudder runs through me, but I push it down and face him, my heart racing.
"Oh, you bastard," I say, stalking toward him, ignoring the smirk on his face when I slap him lightly.
"Ow, ow, that actually hurt," he laughs, raising his hands in playful surrender. "Okay, okay, darling, you've made your point. No more joking around."
He gives me a soft smile that sends a flutter through my chest before pulling me into a warm embrace. "You're stronger than you look," he says, wrapping his arms around me like a comforting shield.
I smirk, flexing my biceps playfully. "You know I could really mess you up if I wanted to."
"Oh, you'd never want to do that," he replies, feigning innocence as he glances up at me with those charming eyes that spark mischief.
"And why is that?" I challenge, tilting my head, intrigued.
"You love me too much," he says, a cheeky grin spreading across his face as he gives me a flirty wink. I can't help but laugh, nudging him with my shoulder.
"Mm, you're growing on me, kind of like a fungus," I tease, raising an eyebrow.
He gasps dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "Well then, my darling angel, no library for you!"
With a mock huff, he stalks off in what I assume is the opposite direction of the library, his playful demeanor making it hard to stay annoyed. I quicken my pace, rounding the corner, only to find an empty hallway stretching before me.
"Seb?!" I call out, my voice echoing ominously off the walls.
"Okay, this isn't funny," I mutter, a hint of nervousness creeping into my tone. I glance into the dark corners, realizing how eerie this place actually is. He must be playing a game; if it's hide and seek he wants, he can come find me. Jerk.
I've had enough scares tonight to last a lifetime. "Fine, I'll just go to the library on my own," I decide, turning back. As I admire the vintage floral wallpaper and the moonlight spilling through the bay windows, I suddenly trip. My foot catches on a jutted-out piece of the hallway rug, and I tumble forward, landing flat on my face.