The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

- ENRIQUE

~

"Done," I say as I step back, lowering my hands, and the intense surge of magic I was using disappears. The tear in the veil is now surrounded by a double set of cages made from powerful steel, reinforced by magic. Each pillar of metal is four times the size of my

thigh. Each one is bolted and welded.

I don't know how, but using this power comes naturally. I look over at Ahren as we stand in the dome of air in the depths of the water that Benigno and Antonio had created.

Ahren had sped things up greatly by transporting these. Even with magic, it wouldn't have been easy to manoeuvre these to the bottom of the water.

"Thank you for your help, kid," I say as I look at the barrier we have created.

"No need to thank me. I wanted to help you," he says quietly.

I c**k a brow. "You're acting like you f*****g know me, or is it you wanted to help your cousin?" 3

"No, I don't know you yet. But you are with Kataleya now, so I will get to know you more," he answers, rubbing his hands together.

I frown slightly as I observe him. He wants to say something more...

"What is it that you are not telling me?" I ask.

He looks up at me, his light grey eyes full of sorrow? Or I'm f*****g reading him wrong.

"Don't give me that pitiful look. The f**k is wrong with you? Are all of you Rossis weird as f**k?" I ask.

He grins at that. "Yeah, we really are. But there is something that I wanted to tell you; the truth. Something I'd appreciate stays between us."

I remain silent this time. He's clearly struggling with it, and I know how that f*****g feels. Sometimes speaking your mind is one of the hardest things.

"Fourteen years ago, when the battle against the Djinn that consumed your father took place, it was my grandmother who was going to deliver the final blow to the Djinn and die in the process. Because only a demon can kill a demon without dying themselves..." his face becomes serious, his eyes now meeting mine. "Do you know who delivered that final blow?"

I look away. "The Lycan," I sneer. Although he isn't a demon, even if he f*****g looks like one. It's still a sore subject, even if I understand it. I still remember the moment he tore Padre's heart from his chest. That memory will forever remain etched in my mind. This book has many missing chapters and scenes if you're not reading it on [J] ob nib.c [o] m. He kneels down, picking up a shell from the seabed and examining it. "He did destroy your father's body, forcing the Djinn from it, but the one who killed the Djinn was me."

My heart skips a beat as I stare at the boy. I'm certain he isn't even eighteen. "Demon? How are you a demon?"

"It seems I somehow inherited more from my mother's side."

"It's still impossible, you would have been a child."

"Yeah... not that me, or this me, but future me." He winks at me, but the humour doesn't reach his eyes. 2

"What do you mean? Are you insinuating you can travel through time?" I ask sharply.

"Is it so hard to believe?" he asks quietly.

Frowning, I stare at him. "No, I guess not. Why are you telling me this?"

"It's complicated, but I am sorry that I failed your father. I tried, twice, before that time to destroy the Djinn - to alter the future. To kill him, but I failed both times. The future has many possibilities, but I know you will come out of it victorious because you already have your goal. A life with Kataleya."

I remain silent. He sounds far mature beyond his years for an uneasy moment. But at that moment he reminds me of Kataleya's annoying brother.

"You did your best. No need to apologise. You still saved my people, and I guess me, too. The Djinn was far too powerful and when a deal is made with the devil, it can't be undone."

"Correct. But he is gone, even if remnants of his power remain on this land," he murmurs.

"Do you feel it?"

"I do, but the longer Kataleya remains here, it will fade into non-existence."

"Thank you, then I have nothing to worry about, because she's mine now."

He smiles wryly. "Or something like that. So, we cool?"

"We were 'cool' from the start. It seems once again you have helped us." I motion at the cages.

"It's more fun than sitting around or helping with the boring stuff." He shrugs.

"True, but I must say that we do have something in common."

"That we are both handsome? I mean, you could pass as a Rossi."

"Never, I look nothing like a Rossi cabrón." I scoff.

He smirks. "Sure."

I frown at his sarcastic tone. "Don't try to change the subject, cabrón. What we have in common is we hide our emotions. I hid what I felt behind my rage, and you hide yours behind your smile. One day you'll find your reina, and maybe she will be able to help you ease the burden that sits upon your shoulders." 4

His smile fades, and then he grins. "Maybe, but hopefully I won't find her anytime soon. I'm too busy to deal with a woman who will make me work extra hard to please her. All I see is every woman wrapping their mate around their pinkie. It's some strange magic that Selene has given them. I am certain of it." 3

I chuckle at that before I frown. "Wait, no, that is not true when it comes to all women. Kataleya does not have me wrapped around her finger."

Does she?

I try to think of everything and narrow my eyes. I need to keep an eye on it. I'm not f*****g whipped. 9

"Sure," he says in the same mocking tone before he winks. "Adiós."

He disappears from before my eyes, and I look around, left with his words lingering in my mind. 1

A man who can travel through time...

An ability that is equally deadly and dangerous...

I look upwards before motioning to the guardsmen, and feel the bubble become smaller as it pushes me up through the water until I can see the sun shining through the water.

I break the surface, the air bubble popping and water hitting me on all sides, soaking me. I brush my wet locks off my forehead, shaking my head. The sun shines down, making the water glitter. Antonio and Benigno surface beside me as we walk out of the water, giving my men a nod.

"It is done!"

They all cheer before I head to my car, ready to return to Mi Amor. I'm sure her scan must be complete by now. Once I have eliminated all the darkness from within her, I hope she'll feel better.

Just the thought of how I'll have to burn her insides makes my heart clench. It won't be easy even if it is necessary. And I'll pay a visit to Rhea.

Twenty minutes later, I'm at the hospital again. The scan was in progress, and they would be ready for me soon. I walk to Rhea's room, stepping into the room where she lay on the bed. It's silent. Clearly, she hasn't had any visitors, well it's not like she has family. 1 I stand over her, pushing away the sliver of guilt.

She saved Kataleya, and in my eyes, that means a lot. She may not have family, but this pack will be her family.

'Carlos'

'Yes, Alpha.

'What are you doing? No doubt wasting time.'

'Not at all, I was helping! He replies, sounding a little hesitant.

The cabrón is always full of shit.

I don't bother asking him what he's helping with as I look down at the woman on the bed. Her skin looks grey, and she's clearly in some pain. The mark is still clearly not healed.

'When you finish, come keep Rhea company. I know she is not awake, but you have a mouth that's always running. Put it to use.' I command.

'Yes, Alpha I mean, it's going to take me a minute to get used to the fact that she is not evil. She scares me a little-'4

'Oi, pendejo! Just do as you're f*****g told. And I told you to talk to her, not to me.' I growl, blocking him off. He gives me a headache.

Walking to the end of the bed, I pick up her medical file to see what steps have been taken. Moon water, incisions, it seems even the Queen Luna had come in here to take a look at her earlier today and she wasn't able to help.

I will fix this.

Raising my hand, I focus on the darkness, trying to rip it from her. Some cuts on her body appear as I burn the darkness that seeps through those cracks immediately. I stop after a while. Although she is not fully alright, she will most likely be able to wake up soon. I scribble a note in her file before turning and leaving the room, shutting the door behind me before I head to the operating room where Kataleya is. I knock on the door before I open it, and step inside to see she's lying on the operating table. The preparations and anything I might need are ready.

"Enrique," Kataleya says softly, turning her head and smiling at me.

"Mi Amor." I walk over to her, taking hold of her chin as I lean in and kiss her deeply. She kisses me back before I move back, looking into her beautiful face as she blushes.

"Is the scan done?" I ask, glancing at Elena as both she and Kataleya nod.

"Yes, but we will throw a camera down to help see exactly what we are getting. I think it's best that we put Luna Kataleya to sleep for it."

"No, I'm ok awake," Kataleya says.

"It will hurt." I remind her.

Elena nods, "Yes and it might be easier to work if your body is relaxed."

Kataleya ponders over it for a moment before she nods. "Ok then. Let's do this," she says.

I comb my fingers through her hair. "It's going to be ok," I promise her.

She nods. "I know. Let's do it."

"That's my good girl," I whisper huskily, ignoring the medical staff. But unlike me, she isn't able to ignore them, flushing even deeper at my words.

"There's something I want to talk to you about when I wake up," she whispers, caressing my arm.

"Of course. I think tonight we need a break from everything, and I think I have a plan. For just the two of us," I say, caressing her cheek.

A spark of excitement lights up her eyes. "Really?"

"Really."

"Alright, Luna. Ready?" Elena asks, smiling at both of us.

Kataleya nods, taking a deep breath. I give her hand a gentle squeeze as I prepare myself for what I must do.