Time travel

Time travel
Aribella POV

“I missed you,” I grinned, looking up into Kaelar’s golden eyes. He had me pressed up against the wall, his massive frame towering over me.

I reached up, unclasping his mask. We had only a few minutes, and I wasn’t about to waste it. The damned thing clattered to the ground with a soft thud, my hands moving to the sides of his handsome face.

With Mikko’s impending arrival, Kaelar had been practically nonexistent for the last few days and the separation was starting to effect me.

His lips pressed against mine, a contended sigh escaping between our lips, “Would you hate me if I killed him?”

“No, but why now?”

The moment I laid eyes on Corabelle; a strike of jealousy zipped through me. She was the woman who captured Kaelar’s teenage heart, pushing him as far as to murder multiple people. I knew it was silly to feel this way about someone from eleven years before I ever met him, but a part of me understands what unresolved feelings can do to a persons heart.

Was Kaelar angry that she chose his brother over him? Would he feel regret knowing that he didn't try harder?

“His presence here in the castle is not for anything good. The King is a fool for even taking the time to hear him out. If anything, this is for him to scope out the castle and our ability to defend it,” Kaelar’s lips pressed against mine again quickly, “He puts you at risk, and I refuse to accept that again. I'll strike down anyone who causes you harm.”

I let out a relieved sigh, “I was worried about how Corabelle’s presence would affect you.” My teeth clamped down on my bottom lip to stifle a smile. I knew his words stemmed from the intense guilt he felt after my "punishment".

“Has it bothered you that she’s here?” his nose brushed against mine.

“I was worried about what seeing her would do to you,” our eyes were locked once again. “I know you regret what you did that day.”

“I do, but her being here won’t negate that fact, and my feelings for her faded many years ago,” a slow smile pulled on his lips. “I won’t lie and say it doesn’t bring me joy that you were jealous.”

“I didn’t say that,” I playfully nudged his shoulder.

“You didn’t have to,” he buried his nose in the crook of my neck. “It’s okay, love. I get jealous too. I don’t like that you have to play pretend. Knowing that Rhory isn’t interested isn’t enough for me any longer.”

Every single time he calls me love, a tiny part of my shattered heart heals.

“I think I’m ready to run away,” I whispered, raking my fingers through Kaelar’s hair. “I’ve got a terrible feeling about what comes next.”

“When the timing is right, we’re good to go. Rhys and Reo stand with us,” Kaelar pecked my lips, bending down to scoop up his discarded mask. “You do understand what that means though?”

His voice was now muffled by that wretched mask, and I couldn’t wait for the day I never had to see it again.

“I’m not afraid of being on the run. You’ll still teach me how to fight, right?”

“Of course.”

Kaelar slipped between the curtains separating our rooms before I heard him step into the hallway to post himself beside my door.

Our time had run out.

After ensuring I looked presentable once again, I stepped out, smiling with a nod, “I’m ready, Mr. Ituski.”

The prim and proper shit was grating against my nerves. Our hidden relationship was growing more painful by the day, which is why the idea of running away became more enticing.

“Do you feel better dear?” Rhory’s voice sounded strained as I returned to his side.

“Much, thank you.”

Reo and Rhys were standing off to the side, and Kaelar quickly joined them.

“Why is it that you needed a guard to use the restroom?” Corabelle arched a brow, her arm looking as though it had never been broken in the first place.

“I don’t go anywhere with a guard anymore. With the recent attacks, it’s safer.”

“Do you not know how to wield a sword or protect yourself?” she scoffed, condescension dripping from her tone.

Gideon choked on air, his eyes wide as they stared at me. Did he not disclose that I was the one who sent him running like a little bitch?

“Oh no,” I smiled, “I absolutely do, but Mr. Itsuki is the most amazing swordsmen I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. With his services available to me, I’d be a fool to pass up on them.”

Emrys cleared his throat to suppress a laugh, clearly understanding the double meaning behind my words. I knew I was being petty, but this bitch used Kaelar, and then left irreparable scars.

Gideon quickly began moving around while keeping a close distance. He looked like a kid in a candy shop, admiring the surroundings. His bright eyes were taking everything in with a childlike gaze.

The man named Devin was quiet and cold. His eyes darting around as though he were waiting for something or someone to pop out of the shadows.

My eyes studied him, and a shiver rolled down the length of my spine. Something about him screamed danger, and just looking at him gave my body a visceral reaction.

As if he noticed my eyes on him, his dark ones snapped to mine, “You smell familiar.”

“I’m not sure we’ve met before,” my voice was shaky. This man’s aura was pure evil, down to his bones.

“I’m certain we have,” he stepped closer, narrowing his eyes. I heard Kaelar reach for his sword just behind me. Devin's nose twitched as if he were tracking a scent. “I’m looking for someone here.”

“Devin here has a peculiar story!” Gideon clapped. “Tell them the story, bud.” He slapped the man on the back, earning a glare.

Devin remained silent, his gaze still locked on me.

“He’s not much of a talker,” Gideon cackled. “But lucky for him, I am. Devin here, claims to have traveled through time. He’s in search of someone… What was her name?” Gideon tapped his chin, and I felt like I was suffocating. “Candance?” Gideon shook his head. “Chantry?” he snorted, “That’s not right.”

“Charlotte,” Devin snarled, cutting off Gideon. “I’m looking for a Charlotte Sinclair.”