The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

- KATALEYA -

"I don't need worshipping, I just..." I trail off as I gaze out of the window. She's right though. Once we put a plan of action in place the rest will fall into place.

"The witches are calling you to the lounge..." Ahren whispers from behind us, making us both jump and Sky growls at him. "You asshat, stop doing that!" she growls as he chuckles. "And I don't think they'd like you calling them like that." "They are witches, though, aren't they?" he smiles innocently, but there's a devious glint in those large eyes. I shake my head as he walks around the room slowly. "This place has a strange feeling to it. This entire island does." Does it?

"What do you mean?" I ask curiously.

He shrugs, "I don't even know myself." He taps his chin but shrugs again. "Yeah, I got nothing."

I stand up, pondering on that as we make our way to the lounge. I stop at the door to see Raihana standing with her hands on her hips, having cleared the centre of the lounge. The table and sofas are pushed back, and the way Uncle's sleeves are pushed up, it's clear he had done the heavy lifting.

"Alright, step inside, close the door. Time to plan," Raihana says, as Delsanra walks over with some large A2 papers.

"Seems like this is going to be a lesson. I hate lessons," Skyla grumbles as Ahren snickers.

"Then you need to come back to school, it's worse now." He pulls a face.

"Enough talking. Time to listen," Delsanra says as she unravels the first paper and I watch as gold letters appear on the paper.

STEP 1

"What's step one?" It's Uncle Liam who speaks this time, earning a frown from Raihana.

"What did Del just say? Listen," she scolds lightly.

"Sorry," Uncle responds sheepishly, earning an amused smile from Raihana.

"Step 1 is for Sky," Delsanra says as she flicks her fingers and red writing appears on the page.

I stare at the words as Skyla cackles.

"Oh, I can do that, not a problem."

Enrage the Alpha.

"And how is this going to help us aside from getting us kicked off the island?" Uncle asks but even as he speaks, I think I know why.

"Because, by angering Enrique... it will bring forth his rage and with it, summon the crawlers," I state.

"Exactly." Raihana nods.

"Ah... Angering the Alpha makes sense, I guess," Ahren adds. "Can I help?"

"No," Delsanra says, placing the first sheet on the floor before she mutters a spell and all the papers spread across the floor." And now we plan everything else out. Our deadline is the Blood Moon, which gives us an estimate of three-ish weeks?" Uncle nods. "That's correct."

"So, Kat, we need to know everything that will help, like the exact locations of events, etcetera, because three weeks really isn't long," Raihana says as she takes a seat and crosses her legs.

I nod. "You're right, it isn't. So, I'll start with explaining the ranked wolves and-"

There's a knock on the door and Raihana flicks her finger, making the door open. Hugo stands there, clearly not expecting the door to fly open as he quickly fixes his top and smiles politely. "Forgive me for intruding but, can I be of any help?"

The rest glance at me, waiting for me to decide.

After a quick moment, I smile, "Of course, come join us." I say, looking at the others and giving them a small nod. "Enrique is your alpha and could command you to speak everything you know. It's risky," Raihana remarks.

"I am sure there are enchantments to stop one speaking?" Hugo suggests. "I'm sure you could make sure I don't."

"That's true," Delsanra agrees.

That's an odd remark from Hugo, or am I looking too much into it?

"And surprisingly, Alpha Enrique does not push me too much," Hugo adds, smiling warmly at me.

"Hugo... have you ever... never mind." I smile, shaking my head.

"I say the more the merrier, that man is a stubborn one. So let's create our own team to put Chocolate Curls in his place," Skyla says.

I'll ask Raihana about my thoughts when I get a second. Our eyes meet and I know she knows something is on my mind. She cocks a brow and taps her phone that sits on the table beside the chair she's sitting in. Oh yes! I can ask her via text.

I take my phone out when Hugo steps inside. "And... there's a few more people who wanted to help waiting right outside. May I call them in?"

"Yes." I turn and smile, sensing their presence before I hear faint footsteps and the entrance door to the villa opens and then we hear louder footsteps come down the hall.

We all turn and I smile when I see none other than Jose, Carlos and Marie.

"Hello," Marie says, smiling at everyone before she looks at me. "Welcome back."

"Marie..." I walk over to her and hug her. "Thank you."

"Well, don't thank us yet. I hope we can be of some help," she replies.

"Yeah, this was her idea," Jose says, giving her a pointed look. "But I am glad you are back," he adds politely.

Marie rolls her eyes. "He's just scared of his alpha."

"I like her," Skyla says as Marie blushes, going into fan-girl mode.

"I'm a huge fan," she says, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

Skyla smirks. "Well, I'm a fan of anyone on our Kat's team." Those words only make Marie even happier.

Once I had introduced them all, they step inside and Raihana shuts the door, whispering a spell. I can tell they are wary of her and Delsanra.

As Jose and Carlos share more about the chupacabras as Raihana wanted to confirm if they were connected, I take a moment to text her.

KATALEYA: Do you think Hugo has had experience with enchantments to not tell anyone certain things? He seems to know a lot but I just felt it was a bit of an odd remark? Or maybe a wise one.

I feel guilty for assuming it.

I see Raihana glance at her phone when it lights up and I turn to Hugo. "I do have a question for you, Hugo. The woman who was with Enrique. Do you know who she is?" I ask him.

His gentle smile disappears as he looks me dead in the eye.

"I do I'm afraid, and it's not good news."

The other three become sombre and Carlos looks uncomfortable.

"Who is she?" Uncle Liam pushes.

"One of the guardsmen of the Crimson King. Right now, since he summoned them without possessing the Ash Stone, the consequences are dire."

"Get to the point, please," Raihana says, narrowing her eyes.

The four exchange looks, but it's Jose who speaks. "He's declared her as his luna and in a few days, they're holding the Luna Ceremony. Meaning he will mark her and make her his luna." My heart skips a beat, but I remain emotionless.

Skyla scoffs. "That son of a-" she stops, her eyes glimmering as Malevolent hisses.

"It doesn't matter. We have matters to tend to. What Enrique does... is his choice," I say. The words that leave my lips, make my heart hurt.

"We find the Ash Stone and send the fire Barbie tumbling to her knees to ask for mercy," Ahren remarks, making the four jump. They didn't seem to have noticed him popping up behind them. "The Ash Stone is something that only Alpha Enrique can find," Hugo says.

"Maybe, but we can help lead him to it... if that is what Kataleya wants," Delsanra looks at me.

"Is she dangerous to him?" I ask.

Hugo shakes his head. "She is still loyal to him, but the price of power is one he must pay. But if your question is if she'll hurt him, then no, she won't. But she would hurt what is dearest to him..."

I nod. "Then... let's focus on the crawlers and the chupacabras... the safety of those here is more vital than Enrique making someone his luna," I say gracefully, despite the way I feel.

It's crazy how much I miss the feel of his touch, his arms around me... the sting of jealousy that I know I shouldn't feel. They are all looking at me with uncertainty, as if unsure how to feel about it.

"Well... if that's how Kataleya feels..." Uncle Liam says, and I unlock my phone, reading Raihana's reply. Needing a distraction. RAIHANA: I'll check when I get the chance if he is in fact under any secrecy spells or has been. "Are you sure about this, Kat?" Skyla asks softly.

"Yes, let him carry on, I'm really ok. I would attend the ceremony if I were invited. I don't care what he does, Sky, I'm here to fix things, not bother with him and his affairs. He made it very clear he wants nothing to do with me," I reassure her.

I don't mean that, but I don't want everyone here thinking I am here to meddle.

"Well then, if that's the case, consider yourself invited."

My heart skips a beat as Carlos and Jose step aside, bowing their heads to their alpha, who now fills the door frame, hands in his pockets. His immense aura suddenly spreading through the room.

Eyes glimmering gold, rage simmering within them. His face is passive, but his eyes speak a million times louder as he glares at me as if offended by my words.

I smile. "Thank you for the invitation. I'd love to attend," I respond gracefully.

He smirks coldly. "Excellent. Now... since we are talking crawlers... I want in. This is my island and I need to protect my people," Enrique says looking around the room.

Raihana stands up now, "And... I had a spell around this room, so no one could hear what was being said.... How did you do that?" she asks calculatingly. Enrique approaches her.

"Because I am above you witches," he answers mockingly. "I'm sure you know that, no? Well now you do, learn your place." I step forward, my eyes flashing, as do Skyla and Delsanra.To access the complete chapters for free, visit Jo b ni b.com. But Uncle gets there first, stepping between Raihana and Enrique. "And you learn yours. You won't talk to her disrespectfully or you will face my wrath." Uncle's blue aura surges around him, but Enrique simply c***s a brow.

"We can all display our power, but I said nothing but the truth. If it's so hard to take, leave," Enrique challenges.

"It's fine, Liam," Raihana reassures him, moving him back.

"Alright, how about we all calm our egos down and talk like civilised wolfies?" Ahren suggests as he drops onto one of the sofas, placing his hands behind his head and closing his eyes.

"Yes... let's," Delsanra agrees, exhaling deeply. She's frowning slightly, but none of us want to escalate this matter, not right here.

"For once my Momma agrees with me, wow," Ahren whispers, making a few of us smile and instantly the mood eases ever so little.

I can feel his eyes on me, but I refuse to look at him as Raihana takes a seat again, trying to calm her rage.

"The choice is Kataleya's, if she wants you here- or not," she says, as all eyes turn on me waiting for my answer...