(I am sorry for the delay in chapters ): ) A puppet and their master

(I am sorry for the delay in chapters ): ) A puppet and their master
Aribella POV

Ice flooded my veins as a visceral reaction had my body frozen like a stone sculpture.

That’s not possible.

And yet…. That was my name. Time travel…. I think I’m going to vomit.

My mind was filtering through every thought I’d had from this life and the one before it, but the memories from my life as Charlotte felt hazy. Each one I tried to pull from my mind seemed shorter and less detailed.

That night… the night that Stephan killed me… I had stabbed him.

I murdered Stephan.

Bile rose in my throat. I never once considered the possibility that he could have come here in the same way that I had.

Gideon clearly couldn’t read the room, his maniacal cackling continued as he slapped Devin/Stephan on the back, “Get this,” he practically hung off of the man’s shoulder. “This guy claims that he’s from the future. His girl, Charleme, stabbed him during a fight AFTER he slit her throat. Crazy, right?”

“Charlotte,” Devin/Stephan snarled. “Her name is Charlotte.”

“Whatever,” Gideon shrugged, his eyes looking wild once again, “Crazy story, huh? Anyone heard of time travel before?”

“I can’t say that I have,” Emrys offers a confused smile, but once his eyes lock on mine, he must see something in my gaze. I watch as his throat rolls with a thick swallow.

No matter how hard I try, my eyes refuse to focus. Everything around me is covered with fog, and my legs shake where I stand.

“Anywho,” Gideon finally let’s go of Devin. “We’ll find her, bud.”

“May I ask a candid question?” Rhory tilts his head.

Devin nods once, an annoyed look plastered on his face.

“Why would you want to find someone who murdered you?” Rhory’s lips pulled into a soft frown.

“Because she’s mine,” Devin’s jaw was tight with tension, but the way he said the word mine had my lip trembling.

This couldn’t be happening. I finally got away. Even if it was through death, it was worth it because I woke up here, where I could build the life I wanted, free from Stephan’s clutches. I met Rhory and Emrys. I fell in love with Kaelar.

None of it was easy, but it was drastically more fulfilling than the life I led as Charlotte Sinclair. I was a prisoner in my own skin. Everything I did was shadowed by Stephan’s ideals. I was the puppet, and he was my master.

“Miss Voss,” Corabelle’s eyes had zeroed in on mine. Narrowed slightly, but full of curiosity. “Is everything okay?”

I blinked, and everything came back into focus, “Yes. Why do you ask?” I kept my tone as neutral as possible, hoping she’d back off.

“You seemed a bit distracted. Did our Devin’s story ring any bells?” she arched a brow, the slightest hint of a smirk curling on her lips.

“It’s simply fascinating,” I forced a relaxed smile on my face. “Time travel? Who would have thought something so far fetched to be a reality.”

“Are you insulting me?” Devin snarled, stepping into my space. I heard the blade of Kaelar’s sword draw, but Mael stepped in front of me, “No need to get in the lady’s face,” he grinned, “I too find it fascinating and quite bizarre.”

Devin’s eyes narrowed at Mael, studying his face, but Mael was the King of acting. I’d give him that much.

“Please, tell us more. You’ve piqued my curiosity,” Mael stepped towards Devin, and I was grateful for the brief moment to breathe. All eyes were now on Mael… except for Corabelle, who continued to study my face.

“There is nothing more to tell,” Devin snapped, his lip curled in a snarl. “I’m searching for what is mine. I know she’s here because I’m here, and when I find her, I’ll ensure she never leaves my side again.”

It takes everything in me not to fall apart.

My past was here, finally catching up to me, and none of these people knew the truth. Well… other than the three guards standing watch, and even that wasn’t the whole truth.

Kaelar saw everything with his own eyes. Lived through some of my worst moments that day in the cave. I was desperate for his arms to wrap around me, holding me together when I so desperately wished to fall apart.

“In that case,” Mael’s face still held that overly friendly, fake grin, “I hope you find exactly who you’re looking for. Shall we continue with the tour?”

Gideon clapped dramatically, “Yes! Please. Also, do you have any offerings for a meal?” he winked. “I heard this castle houses some of the most delectable blood Sacaris has to offer.”

“Of course,” Mael motioned his arm forward. “I’d be happy to take the three of you to our exclusive dining area. The servants will gladly deliver a fantastic meal while we wait for my father and Mikko to return.”

The day dragged on painfully slowly. The entire time, my head throbbed with a headache. Mael had somehow appeased our three guests, allowing me room to breathe, but no matter what I did; My chest remained tight.

I was going to have to explain my truth to Rhory and Emrys, but at what cost? Would they hand me over to Mikko in exchange for peace? Was Stephan’s new life here that important? He’d found himself alongside the most formidable vampire in Sacaris, while I’ve found myself on the opposite side as the fake fiancé of the future King.

Johnston and Mikko returned many hours later, both relaxed, and laughing at something the other had said. Their demeanor was nothing like what I’d expect from two of the most disgusting people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

“Negotiations went well, I presume?” Mael grinned, his eyes glistening with mischief.

Johnston’s face slowly fell. “Mikko and his adversaries will be leaving the castle immediately. We were unable to reach a deal at this time, though our discussions were… productive.”

Mael’s spine stiffened, but he didn’t lose the grin, “Sounds like we are heading in the right direction then.”

“Today has been just delightful,” Gideon’s lips pulled into an overly animated grin that made the jokers smile look like child’s play. “Thank you all for being such lovely hosts. I hope we’ll be seeing one another again very soon.”

“Let’s go,” Mikko’s tone of voice was lower than I’d heard it all day. “You three have been parading around as something special all day. It’s time you are reminded of your places.”

Gideon winked, falling in line behind Corabelle, with Devin walking at the rear. It was clear this was practiced, and I wondered what in the world Mikko had to offer beyond fear that kept the three of them by his side.

The disrespect was unbelievable.

“I’ll see them out on my own,” Johnston clasped his hands behind his back. “Mael, please wait for me up in my office.”

Once again, I could see the tension in Mael’s stiff body, but his grin gave nothing away.

“I’ll be seeing you shortly then,” he nodded, spinning on his heel.

For the first time since showing up here, I genuinely felt bad for Mael. Something was screaming at me to follow him. He knew more than he was leading on, and this was the proof I’d been searching for this entire time.

Johnston Whitehall was up to no good, and if my hunch was right, Mael was just like me. A puppet whose master pulled the strings.