Somebody pulled me out of my sleep, i thought it was Riya but it wasn't. "Alina, wake up!" The voice startled me, it was Ivan's. He had direct contact with my lack of clothing. I blinked my eyes open fighting my sleep. I gasped seeing him, one of his hands was behind my neck and the other grasped around my arm reaching behind my back. He looked down my neck and saw the noodle strap down on one of my shoulders.

His eyes were fixed on my face, i felt slightly embarrassed and vulnerable. "Be ready within the hour, we are setting off on the journey to the palace." Ivan let go off me, i landed on my elbows. My chest going up and down more than usual. I gulped down my shame. Ivan stood there watching me get out of bed, his eyes went down and he then left the tent allowing me to get ready.

I changed into black, unfortunately. It was an easy slip off dress, that had two black laces that hold up my dress. Long sleeved and see through on my arms. Thick around my body with curly black patterns that was tight around my waist. I admired myself in the mirror. I did look quite good in black.

No.

Black is his colour. Right now you are wearing it because it was the first thing you picked out and you don't have a lot of time. I kept telling myself, to prevent myself from wearing black in the future.

I put gold gangly earrings in my ears, brushed out my hair, and tucked some of it behind my ears. If anyone stood behind me, they would see some of the skin on my back, hopefully their would not be a strong breeze. I grabbed my black cloak and clipped it around my neck, the fur slightly prickling my neck. Pulling out my hair from under the cloak, i separated it from the middle. My hair on both sides down my front.

I left the tent and the two Heartrenders escorted me to the carriages.

I was put in the same carriage with the Darkling, i avoided eye contact with him as we sat opposite sides. "You look lovely!" He complemented looking down my figure across the seat, my cloak was opened in the middle, he could see very well what i was wearing. I glanced at him briefly, his face stern and his lip slightly curled. "Thank you!" Looking away. For the rest of the journey we didn't talk to each other. I wonder what he would do the minute we reached the grand palace. I felt sorry for everyone there, would he kill them all? He said all his methods didn't require blood shed but i don't believe him.

He could have been invited to the palace instead of storming in and taking the throne, which i doubt would happen. He's diabolical, he plans everything. It's been nearly a week and he already has me wrapped around his little finger. The Darkling thinks before he acts, which something Mal always says i should do. I don't see myself being too reckless, foolish at times, maybe. But nothing more, at least i'm better then him.

I glanced at him a couple times. He sometimes caught me watching him and sometimes i would see him watching the door of the carriage, leaning back-closing his eyes and just listening to the wheels of the carriage against the roads. My mind wondered back to what he said,

Like Calls To Like

How could he be so sure that we were connected? Is it because i dreamt at him for the past month? Or is it because he had controlled my powers with the antler collar and could have traces of my power within him? Wait, he said i have his shadow powers. He could have my light powers. Saints, how did i not think of this before?

"If you have questions, you could ask them now Alina." The Darkling's voice interrupted my thoughts, i looked up at him. He had a calm, aura around him. His expression, blank. He was waiting. I decided to ask.

"You said i have some of your powers, right?" He nodded, softly.

"Do you have some of mine?" I asked bluntly. He didn't answer straight away. I saw through his expression, he knew i was going to ask but he didn't want to answer. I guess that means...

"No!" He finally answered.

I knew it.

He continued to speak, "When i used the amplifier, i felt your powers but i could not tame them. They are controlled by pure force of will, unlike mine which are controlled by emotions."

"Hmm, no wonder why your a bright ray of sunshine!" I sarcastically retorted against him. I faked a smile, he look slightly annoyed. "Anyway, your powers were cut off from me when the connection between the amplifiers died."

"When you cut it off my palm, any other questions?"

I guess that was about it. The only other question i asked was,

"How long till we get to the Grand Palace?" I asked bluntly. As if right on cue the carriage stopped and the horses neighed, people's commotion could be heard from outside. "We're here!" The Darkling pointed out, obviously.

The carriage door had opened by Ivan who stood aside Fedyor. The Darkling got up from his seat and stepped out the carriage. He turned to me holding out his hand for me to take, i stood up taking it and he helped me step out the carriage. The carriage door closed behind me. I watched as the Darkling talked with Ivan. He forgot to let go off my hand, so i forcefully got out of his grasp. He looked to me. I wanted to walk away but he grabbed me by my forearm, he leaned in near my ear. "Behave, you will be in your chambers till further notice."

***

I was escorted back to my room by Fedyor. It was similar to the one in the Little Palace except that it included a fire place and private study area. I checked out my surroundings, within the closets i saw some simple night gowns and silk robes. I picked out a white silk cleavage dress and a robe to match. Changing my clothes and removing all my jewellery, I sat down at the study desk to draw. Their were supplies in the drawers of the desk and i started to sketch out Mal. I had to find him tomorrow. But the Darkling and his people are always supervising me. I need to find some free time—maybe Riya could help me but i do not want her to get in trouble with the Darkling.

I've seen upfront how angry he could get and i don't want any problems for her. I stated drawing the outline of Mal, remembering his beautiful eyes and how i missed waking up to them in the mornings. I started to draw out the rest of his face remembering every moment, i caressed it when we were together. Once i was done drawing him to his shoulders, i remembered the horrifying look on his face when he was kidnapped by Fjerdans a week ago.

My heart hurt. His kidnapping was the reason why i gave myself up to the Fjerdans then kidnapped by the Darkling and now back here in his control. Honestly why is my life like this? The Darkling has something planned. I just don't know—what. I accidently dropped my pen to the floor. I heard some noises near my window. Going up to the balcony i saw nothing. Just the starry, black sky and crickets going off near the lake below. I turned around and almost screamed. A hand was over my mouth and i was backed up to the wall. It was Sturmhond.

I started talking through his hand, they came out as scuffled moans. "Sorry for dropping by, unannounced." He whispered letting go off me. I regained my posture, "what are you doing here?, if the Darkling finds out he'll kill you!"

"I just needed to see you Sankta!" He looked up and down at me. My robe was open revealing my thin night gown and half shown breasts. I quickly pulled my gown in, to cover my breasts. I cleared my throat. "You recognised me when you bumped into me didn't you!" He nodded, partly smirking.

He sat down on the end of my bed, i sat down next to him shifting my robe in place. Only my neck was exposed. "I and my crew researched about you Sun Summoner, you are the only one who can defeat the black heretic and end his rule!" He started to explain.

He placed a lock of my lose hair behind my ear, his hand caressed the crook of my neck. I shivered slightly. I'm the only one who can defeat him? A rush of importance ran through me and my self worth was realised once more. I smiled, then i remembered the Darkling. "No do not get involved with The Darkling he would kill all of you on sight and i cannot lose anyone else."

"Else? Malyen— oh right. Don't worry i can help you get him out of the Darkling's prison. Trust me." He said calmly. I squinted my eyes at him. "Trust you, i barely know you Sturmhond, how do i know your not a spy for the Darkling?" Like how Genya was long ago.

Even though it wasn't totally her fault. Sturmhond sighed slightly, he leaned in closer to my face. "I guess you don't, but i'm your best shot of surviving the Darkling, You have no other choice, love." He whispered near my ear, his heat on my neck. My heart hammered in my chest, i became a little more nervous. Sturmhond put his hand on my forehead. He then removed it after a couple seconds. "your hot love, take off your robe." He's right i felt a little toasty, probably because of the fireplace.

I hesitated but i did take off my robe. He saw me in my nightgown. I caressed my middle. Sturmhond placed my robe on a night stand near by. "What are you doing?" I whispered uncomfortably. "Your exhausted, sleep. Tomorrow we have to plan to find Mal, oh and enjoy your stay in the grand palace, i'm sure you'll like it." Sturmhond said bluntly. He smiled, his red hair illuminated in the moonlight. He was pretty handsome, much like the Darkling, only pure of heart. "I don't think i could ever enjoy it here, or anywhere, with the Darkling around." I stood up, going around to the headboard of my bed. I opened the covers and slipped into the bed. Pulling them up to my waist, as i sat back looking up to Sturmhond. "He won't be around much longer."

I hope so.

I lay in bed, my sheets under my arms, on my chest. Sturmhond came near my bed and close to my face. He stroked my cheek, "Goodnight, love!" I watched him intently. He was different. Mysterious like Aleksander and caring like Mal. I shifted my body under the covers, my eyes dropped. Sturmhond's hand caressing my cheek— I eventually fell asleep in his touch. I knew once i woke up i would have to face the Darkling for another day of his captivity, but i had Sturmhond on my side now. At least i think i did.

***

PUBLISH: 18:12PM 12/11/21