Chapter 1

The night sky was full of diamonds.

Kiara loved diamonds. She loved anything shiny. Maybe that was the reason why she loved Killian's eyes so much. They reminded her of diamonds. Like a brilliant night sky, full of sparkling diamonds that blinked on and off.

"It's beautiful," Killian whispered into Kiara's ear.

"It is," Kiara nodded.

She moved a bit closer to him on the blanket they had laid out in the garden. The summer air caressed her bare shoulders as Killian traced mindless patterns up and down her skin. His gentle touch made storms rise in Kiara's heart. She turned her head to look at him as her own hands gripped the fabric of his shirt.

"Much better than the day sky. Don't you think?" Kiara asked.

"It's not the same," Killian shook his head.

"What do you mean?"

"You're different in sunlight," Killian began to slowly roll on top of Kiara.

He pinned her to the blanket as he brushed his lips along her collarbone. Pushing aside the straps of her dress, he kissed her shoulders and grazed his teeth along her skin.

"Your skin," Killian darted out his tongue and licked the hollow of Kiara's throat. "It looks like gold under the sunlight."

"And under the moonlight?"

"Silver," Killian continued to kiss her.

"What about my eyes?"

"Like pools of honey in the sun," Killian smiled. "And endless horizons in the moonlight."

Kiara felt her cheeks warm as the boy moved his hand down her arm and beneath her dress. He treasured every inch of her before pushing aside the material of her underwear and running his finger over her core.

"I love seeing you blush," Killian said as he gazed down at the angel beneath him.

"You make me blush," Kiara said, her cheeks darkening.

"Do I?" Killian moved his finger inside.

Kiara gasped, "Yes."

"What about now?"

Kiara's back arched off the ground as a spark of thunder and lightning shot through her body. Her toes curled as she felt a scorching hot need rise in the pit of her belly.

"Killian," she said breathlessly, pulling at him with her hands.

Killian smiled. He was addicted to how wonderful she felt in his hands. Lowering his mouth, he kissed her passionately, making sure she understood his emotions as if they were her very own.

"It's getting cold," he said as he felt her skin come alive with goosebumps. "We should go inside."

"No," Kiara shook her head. "We should finish this."

"What is it with us and gardens?" Killian chuckled.

"Like Adam and Eve," Kiara looped her arms around the boy's neck.

"My Eve is far more beautiful."

Kiara feared she was as red as a tomato. She didn't say a word as Killian jumped to his feet and held out his hand for her. She slowly rose to her feet only to be lifted into Killian's arms. He swung her around before carrying her into the large Italian manor and up the stairs to their bedroom.

"It's getting really cold," Kiara complained as she began to shiver. Her feet felt like ice cubes and her teeth began to chatter. The tips of her fingers were starting to turn blue and she couldn't feel her toes.

"We can cuddle under the blankets," Killian laid her down on the bed.

"I wish it was warmer here at night."

"It is," Killian smiled.

"What?" Kiara looked up.

"It is warmer here at night."

Kiara stared at Killian as the room instantly warmed up. A gust of desert wind blew in through the open balcony and stole the chill in the air. Kiara blinked several times before a wide smile spread across her face.

"I love it here," she said, falling back and laying down against the pillows. "It's so warm."

"I love having you here," Killian smiled.

"Come to bed."

"Yes, ma'am."

__________________________

"How can this happen?" Tobias demanded as he towered over Clare.

His eyes were as dark as night. His skin was as pale as ice. His coal black hair only made his sharp features stand out as he glared at the woman in front of him.

"How did you not see it?" Tobias asked.

"You know she doesn't see anything when she's with me," Ares said, stepping in between his wife and his uncle.

"It's not Clare's fault," Killian said from where he stood by Posey. "It's my fault. I let her go alone."

"How could you have known?" Posey asked, her eyes red and puffy.

"I should have been there," Killian felt his chest tighten.

His mind had a never ending battle raging through it. He was moments away from breaking apart and crumbling. He couldn't breathe and every cell in his body screamed. He felt a strange restlessness inside his chest, like he was seconds from destruction.

"This wouldn't have happened if I was there," Killian ran a hand through his already messy dark hair.

"Tobias," Clare cleared her throat. "I know you're upset, but we n-"

"Upset?" Tobias gave a cruel laugh. "They took my daughter, Clare! I am beyond upset!"

"I get that," Ares placed a hand on his uncle's shoulder. "We're going to get her back."

"Bring her back," Posey sobbed. "Just bring her back....I don't care how this happened. I want her back home."

"Posey," Clare looked at the woman. "We will bring her home. I promise."

Suddenly, the door to Clare's office opened. Nora, Hayden's assistant, walked in, tugging at her sleeves and shifting her weight from foot to foot. She cleared her throat as if the people in the room hadn't heard her come in.

"The doctors are done looking at the girls," Nora said.

Clare slowly nodded, "We'll be there in a minute."

"Okay," Nora nodded before turning on her heels and heading out.

"I want to talk to them first," Clare announced. "Without you two."

Ares and Tobias nodded. They knew in order for Clare to get a clear read they couldn't interfere with her. Together the men stepped out of her way as she took in a deep breath and headed for the infirmary.

Posey looked at Killian, waiting to see if he was going to follow. Her heart broke every time she looked at the boy. His eyes were filled with panic and rage. He couldn't keep still, not even for a second. His hands constantly moved and his hair stuck out in all sorts of directions.

"Killian," Posey took the boy's hand.

"Nope," Killian pulled away. "Don't. I don't want to hear anything. We're going to get her back. And that's all. Nothing has to be said."

Posey's bottom lip quivered. Her eyes watered once more and her throat closed up. Killian tore his eyes away from her. He couldn't look at her without feeling the weight of his fears doubling.

Taking a step back, Killian let Tobias walk Posey out of the room as he hung back just a bit to try and catch his breath. Ares looked at him for a few seconds before walking out and shutting the door behind him.

The silence suddenly started to scream in Killian's ears. The room started to spin as he felt all the oxygen disappear. By impulse he kicked at the chair in front of him, causing it to fly into the wall.

"Killian," the door opened.

"What?" Killian barked and he whirled around to face Hayden.

"You need to sleep."

"What the actual fuck?" Killian didn't know if he wanted to laugh or punch the guy in the face.

"You and Kiara can share dreams," Hayden said walking into the room and pushing the chair out of his way. "If you can get into her dream you can find out where they're keeping her."

"She's not going to sleep when she's been abducted," Killian shook his head.

"She will when she realizes she can contact you," Hayden pointed out. "It's worth a shot."

"I get it," Killian nodded. "But sleeping...that's the last thing on my mind right now."

"I can do a slumber spell," Hayden said. "Put you under."

"Okay," Killian nodded. "When do w-"

The door opened once more and Nora cleared her throat. The boys turned towards her as she walked in with Kiara's purse. Killian's heart immediately contracted and broke into pieces.

"Killian," the girl looked up at the tall boy with messy black hair and broken eyes. "Macy wants you to have Kiara's bag."

"Did you run it past Clare?" Hayden stopped her.

Nora paused, "No..."

"We might need to put that in the evidence bin."

"I just...." Nora looked at the purse. "It's her purse. Not the kidnapper's purse."

"Fingerprints, Nora," Hayden's voice hardened. "And you already touched it. Great."

"Macy touched it too and so did your sister," Nora put her feet down. "And so did some random lady in town who gathered everything off the sidewalk and put it all back inside."

"That sill doesn't mean we don't put it with the ot-"

"Give it to me, please," Killian held out his hand.

Nora didn't hesitate despite the look of disapproval in Hayden's eyes. She crossed the room and handed Killian the pure before holding her boss' gaze for a second and turning away.

As soon as Killian's hand touched the purse, Kiara's perfume tickled his nose. He felt something snap inside of him as he felt tears push to his eyes. He didn't let them out as he bit down on his jaw and balled his hands into fists.

"You might..." Nora pointed to the bag. "Um....you might want to look inside."

Killian looked up at her, a bit confused and irritated.

"Macy said to look inside," Nora clarified.

"What's insid-" Hayden looked at the purse.

"No!" Nora took a step forward. "She said for Killian to look inside."

"This is ridiculous," Hayden snapped. "Nora, we're not playing hide and seek."

"I'm just honoring the girl's wishes," Nora said. "I'm sure she has her reasons."

"I'm sure," Killian muttered.

He turned away and placed the purse on Clare's table. Undoing the zip, Killian opened the bag and his heart immediately stopped.

"Fuck," he whispered. His voice, a ghost.

"What is it?" Hayden asked.

"I need to talk to Macy," Killian turned.

"What's going on?" Hayden asked before his eyes fell on the box Killian held. "Shit."

"Where is Macy?" Killian asked, shoving the box back in the bag.

"Killian, did you kn-"

"No, of course I didn't fuyckin' know!" Killian began to lose his patience. "I don't even know if this is for her."

Hayden slowly nodded, "Nora....can you get Macy away from the others?"

"Should I bring her in here or in your office?" Nora asked, ready to sprint out of the room.

"In here," Hayden said.

Nora nodded before running out of the room. The door closed and Killian collapsed into a chair. His knees began to immediately bounce up and down as he ran his hand through his hair.

"Killian," Hayden walked up to the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't panic before we know anything."

"Pancing isn't a switch I can control right now," Killian said. "If they hurt her in any way. I swear Hayden......"

"I know," Hayden nodded.

A cold and heavy silence fell over the room. Killian could still smell Kiara's perfume and every time he inhaled his lungs screamed for her.

After what seemed like an eternity, the door opened once more and Nora walked in with Macy.

"Obviously, this isn't the bathroom," Nora apologized. "But Killian wanted to talk to you."

"I had a feeling," Macy said, rubbing her hands up and down her arms. "Killian, I....."

"Who is the pregnancy test for?" Killian couldn't handle the answering hoe he was. He cut right to the chase and pulled out the box once more. "Who bought this?"

"Kiara," Macy said.

Killian felt an invisible force sukerpunch him in the chest. His heart stumbled in the most painful way possible as he gasped for air.

"She asked me not to tell anyone until she did the test," Macy said quietly.

Nora patted the girl's back before moving her over to the sofa. She sat her down and rushed over to get her a cup of tea.

"So she might not be pregnant," Hayden said, looking at Killian and then back at Macy.

"She missed her period," Nora said, bringing the tea.

"How do you know this?" Hayden raised a brow.

"Macy," Nora pointed to the girl.

"You didn't tell me any of this when I took your statement," Hayden looked at the young girl.

"Maybe she feels more comfortable with me," Nora muttered.

"Nora," Hayden sighed impatiently.

"Yes?" Nora turned with a small smile.

"I need you to finish those reports from last wee-"

"Already done."

"The copies?"

"Stapled and laminated," Nora smiled. "Even though that's not a part of my job description."

"Not now."

"I can help!" Nora stepped forward. "Let me help. I can track the town traffic cameras. Or store security cameras. Someone must have seen the car plates."

"We have a team at the palace already working on it."

"The team at the palace sucks!" Nora said in frustration. "I know I can find something waaay before they even boot up their system."

"Thank you, but we have a han-"

"You're just afraid to see a human take down your entire palace team," Nora challenged. "Admit it. That's why you have me running around making coffee and tea and copies."

"You can find something?" Killian looked up.

"Yes! That's what I've been saying!" Nora clicked her tongue.

"Do it."

"No," Hayden held up his hand.

"Hayden, even if she can get me a photo I'll take it right now," Killian said before turning to Nora. "You can start. Please, whatever you can find."

"I'm on it," Nora turned on her heels and rushed out.

"Nora!" Hayden called after her but she was already out of the office.

"Macy," Killian turned to the quiet girl. "You said when you were taken, they kept you under?"

"Yes," Macy nodded. "Most of the time....I was asleep, but sometimes they woke me up....to ask me questions."

Killian nodded, "Hayden....I need you to do the slumber spell on me."

______________________

The sheets were feather soft against Kiara's cheeks. She stretched her legs and filled her lungs with the sweet scent of her lover before opening her eyes.

Killian had his head buried in her hair as his arm rested over her midsection. His legs were tangled with her, his breath tickling Kiara. She smiled, half asleep and half awake. Her back warmed from his skin as she scooted a bit closer and sighed with her heart full.

As the first ray of sunlight began to creep in through the window, Kiara heard the birds chirping outside. They sang too loudy as the golden light from Apollo's chariot covered the gardens below. Opening her eyes, Kiara threw back the covers. She gently removed Killian's arm before slipping out of bed and turning back around.

Killian slept peacefully. His dark lashes lowered, brushing his cheeks. Kiara stared at him for a while before placing a kiss upon his shoulder blade and stepping back from the bed.

Slowly, with bare feet, she crept to the balcony and stretched her arms in the cool morning air. Her hair flew in the gentle breeze as she leaned forward and placed her chin on her hand. Her eyes scanned the fruit gardens below along with the miles of rolling green hills. The dirt road that led up to the house was empty and still. The whole world seemed to be holding its breath as Kiara took in the sight below her.

But as she stood there, a small movement suddenly caught the corner of her eyes.

Kiara turned her head towards the vineyard to find Killian standing there. Their eyes met and she swore she heard him sigh in relief.

"How did you get over there?" Kiara called to him as she laughed.

"Kia..." Killian took a step forward, his face twisting in pain.

"Kiara."

Kiara turned to find Killian sitting up in bed and rubbing his eyes. Her heart began to immediately hammer in her chest as a loud ringing filled her ears. She looked back at the vineyard and gasped as her eyes landed on Killian once again.

"What's wrong?" Killian, the one sitting on the bed, asked as he threw the covers back.

"I..." Kiara looked back at the figure standing in the vineyard.

"Kia!"

"Kiara?"

The ringing grew louder and louder. Kiara shut her eyes and began to whimper in pain as an uncontrollable amount of pressure started to build behind her eyes. She fell to her knees on the balcony.

Killian, the one standing in the vineyard began to run forward as the Killian , sitting in bed, jumped out and rushed to the girl on the balcony.

"Kiara," he said, cupping her face and pulling her to his chest. "Open your eyes."

"No," Kiara shook her head. "It hurts."

"It's fine," Killian chuckled. "Just open your eyes."

Kiara buried her face in the boy's shoulder and slowly lifted her lids.

"See," Killian kissed the tip of her ear. "All better, love."

Kiara lifted her head and looked around.

She found herself sitting at the beach beneath a large yellow umbrella. Gone was the vineyard and rolling hills. For miles and miles in all directions, all Kiara could see was the blue sea.   

Who or what are you excited to see in this book? :)