I was packing for Skryen with Julian when the second incident of this week happened. 

"Emylin." He took a step towards me, calloused hand outstretched. "Are you alright?"

Usually, magic didn't terrify me. But this unfamiliar dark power that seeped through my bones absolutely petrified me. I needed light, I needed it immediately. Julian was a Light fae, but what would this darkness do to him? I couldn't put him in such danger.

And then all at once, my knees stopped shaking and my breathing got steady.

"It's nothing."

"Em, your hair." Julian reached for a lock and frowned when I swatted at his hand before he could touch it. I wasn't sure for how long I could keep my control. I wasn't sure I even had control.

"It's black." He mumbled, a hand still in the air. "I know."

"Hey." The tips of his fingers lifted my chin. "It still looks beautiful on you." I managed to cast a look at Julian, and trembled. Did he realise what I longed to hide?

"Really?" There was confliction in his eyes which he would not voice. He would not push me to address his unspoken questions, I realised.

"I think anything looks -" I grabbed Julian's wrist. "The darkness is rising."

"The darkness?" I nodded and covered his palm over my pulsing heart. "It's sitting right here. I don't know where it is coming from but it gets heavier with every urge. "

"Em, what kind of urge are you talking about?" I refused to meet his eyes, and instead put distance between us. Julian caught me at the door before I could escape through it.

"Please let me through." I whispered, not taking my eyes off the painting on the far wall. "I don't want to hurt you."

"You would never hurt me." I took a step back, shaking my head - no, that wasn't true. "Julian, please. You have to get away. "

"I'm not going anywhere." So it was me that spectered instead. I had to before darkness took over again. Gods, it happened more often now. I knew Julian followed me so I went to the only place I could think of that he couldn't enter.

I just hoped Asmo wasn't home.

I took in the quiet living room suspiciously. No, he wasn't here. I staggered over to the brown leathered armchair and fell into it with a huff. Now all I could do was wait. But wait for what?

Asmo could help. He's done it before.

Saved me from demons which longed to trap me back at Mal's party. But back then I was in a bargain with him. Gods who knows what would he wish from me this time?

"My Alteaza." I leaped from the seat and spotted Asmo in the doorway. He had a cup with a drink of sorts in one hand and an old book in the other.

"Uh, hi."

"Is something the matter?" To leave now would be too soon. I had to stay longer. "No, not at all."

"Can I do anything for you, Alteaza?" He must be wondering what in the Gods am I doing in his house. "I was just ... you know, sitting ... looking at this beautiful view." I pointed to the window, then noticed the curtains that covered it.

"I see." Asmo's eyes were set on the clothed window, yet his lips were drawn into a barely noticeable smile. That smile fell away when I reached out with dark magic I possessed. I tried to read him like I've read Mal, and failed. His energy slammed against me and pushed me out instantly.

"Don't ever try to get inside my head, it's too dark for you."

"How are you doing it?" His eyes snapped to me, void of emotion. "Doing what exactly?"

"Keeping your darkness at bay." I could see the wheels rolling in his stare before a decision settled in it. "Do you truly wish to know?"

"Yes." His gaze fell from my face and Asmo took a long drink from his mug. "It is quite a long story."

"I would love to hear it." My hands shook as I bawled them into fists. Something evil irked in me to say, "I would love to know just how many people you trapped with your cunning words ... with your bargains."

"You said you never wanted the throne, you swore to serve your Queen. Yet I hardly believe that a man of your nature. With your cunningly pretty face could ever reject the power of such limits. "My vision blurred, untameable darkness filled every corner of my breath.

"YOU SWORE TO PROTECT ME ASMO!" I was falling, mind and soul crashing as they have never before. Arms caught me, but it was too late. The shadows soared across the walls, they were coming towards me and I watched, absolutely breathless, how each one faded into thick air.

"I will protect you. Always. "It was a low hush by my ears. A soft breeze of wind in the night. A cocoon of endless darkness surrounded me, it let me into his mind.

Why am I so afraid to lose you, when you are not even mine?

I am yours.

I thrashed wildly with a gasp. No! Those thoughts could not possibly belong to - Asmo's wide eyes collided with mine, his face so close I could see utter disbelief in the blackness of his gaze.

I spectered before I knew I did.

"Get your hands off of her!" Julian spat and knocked Asmo into the wall behind me. My expression must have really distracted the Dark fae because he took the hit. And Asmo wouldn't usually let that happen.

My magic recognized both of their presences and settled in a purr just atop of my heart. I realized I must also have a dark side if I am to be whole.

For whether I wanted it or not, I was as Dark as I was Light.

A / N: this is a work of fanfiction for one of my favourite stories/series here on Wattpad! This entry is for a contest so will not be continued from this point onwards.

Go check out the series by 

@_lovepenny  !!! She's amazing at what she does!

wc: 1,000

All the best,

EM