Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Hei

Dang it! So what do I care?! Nobody would have really cared that I disappeared. I didn't abandon the family. They abandoned me. But as head of the family that jerk has to go and wring my hide for not coming to the last family meeting. I wince at the thought of him and I grabbed my bandaged arm. He wants me to go out and find a job and live in the world. He makes it sound like I’m just a normal person, but he’s the reason I’ve been in that castle for the past twenty-two years. He trapped me there. He was like the rest treating me like the monster I am. Why must I be tormented with the fact that I can’t be human. I don’t belong in the world out there.

I was back at the castle, sitting in the garden on one of the benches that was near the pond, that held a few coy fish. My mind was drifting into space watching them and I thought about the girl, again. What was her name? Tiger Cub? No I think it was Tila. I remember bandaging her wounds. She had grabbed my arm, I knew the antiseptic is painful, but why did she grab my arm and hold on. My arm still felt her grip tightening with each sting and the way it relaxed when her pain subsided. I also remember her skin shiver with each touch. I thought it was fear but her grip told me otherwise. I felt a weird yearning for her to rely on me for strength again. I shook my head. No that is not something I deserve to yearn for. She should fear my touch. But her eyes they closed softly as if she trusted me. Her vulnerability was intoxicating.  When she saw my power she did not cringe, instead I saw relief in her eyes as I saved her life. I remember her anger as I scolded her. I remember the icy blue stare that made me take a step back, but underneath I saw the confusion and the hurt. Why did I scold her? I didn’t know her. Why would I get so scared of losing her when we had just met? The feelings that I felt bubbling up to the surface, what are they? Love? It’s not possible. A monster can not love. A monster can not even fear. But I felt it a fear of hurting her. A fear of losing her. A fear of her anger, Why?  

That night Lealand didn’t come to accost me for almost being late. I ate my Dinner in silence and alone. I almost yearned to be in the presence of Tila again. It was different here now. My prison really felt like one. No more glamour just dark and alone. I then headed to my bedroom and aid down. I closed my eyes and I was asleep. My mind echoed her name. Tila. Tila. Tila?

Darkness once again surrounds me. What now? I look around hoping to spot something familiar. Where am I now? Which way to go? Soon I see a lit pathway. I begin to head toward it. Getting closer I notice the lights look like floating balls of blue fire. As I reach them they take off leading the way. I run after them, not wanting to lose sight of my only light source. Where are they taking me? As I run, I hear the sound of water trickling over my own breathing sounds. So I see trees and a small clearing. The lights lead me directly to it and stop. I take a look around, I see bushes trees, but in the corner I spy a small pond. Looking closely I see a small waterfall to be the ponds source of water. The sounds and the area had a peaceful feel to it. I may not know where I am, but I don’t want to leave. Gathered around the pond was a bunch of purple Irises. In the midst of a group stood an orange Dragon Lily. I stared at this flower taking in every detail, from its bright flaring color to its dark swirls on the petals. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed movement. Without a second thought, I turned quickly getting ready to attack. A soft gasp was heard, the voice I heard was so familiar. It knocked me to my senses, I dropped my stance. My eyes met the sharp blue of hers. Why? Why is she here? What do I do?

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. I . . . I . . .” I began to stutter. Why am I so knocked out of tune around her. I can hardly breathe. Her gaze continues to pierce me. Questioning my every thought almost. Geez, what have I gotten myself into here.

“How did you get here? Why are you here? Who are you?” Simple questions but I couldn’t seem to find the words. Get it together! Tell her the truth. My mouth felt empty. My head was on spin cycle.

“I followed the lights.” Her eyes lit for a moment. Ok, keep going. “I don’t know why I’m here.” She stared at me still wondering who I was. I knew that I should run before she remembers me. But I wanted her to remember. I wanted to talk with her more.

“But who are you? You seem so familiar.” She didn’t remember? I walk over to her and take her hand.  Whe our hands touched. I watch as her eyes light up with the memory. She blushed and then her eyes changed to the icy fury I remember. “You? How is it possible? You shouldn’t be here.”

“Why shouldn’t I be here?” I ask not understanding her anger. I watch her take a defensive stance as she walks past me.  I turn and I watch as her face changed to a sad longing look. She walked over to the Irises and knelt near the Dragonlily. She gently caressed its petals.

“I thought I was the only one, who could visit this place.” She looked so gorgeous and when she turned to look a back at me, our eyes met. My breathe was taken away.  My whole resolve crumbled. I couldn't think of anything to say except one word.

“Beautiful.” Before I knew it the word slipped out of my mouth. Her face flushed and she hid it behind her shoulder.. Feeling dumbfounded I didn’t know how to fix that mistake. Then she looked back me and gave me a stern look, My body chilled at her icy gaze.

“I may not know why you are here. But your flattery is cruel. I’m not beautiful. I’m just a simple girl, who ends up in fights all the time.” She is still mad about this afternoon. Crap Hei, you idiot.

“I’m sorry.” Her face froze.  “I was wrong to think that you ended up in that alleyway by your choice. I just was angry that things like that could happen. I felt bad because I barely could stop it myself. I’m sorry” She seemed too stun to think. “But it is not flattery, you are very beautiful. Especially here. I will leave. I understand that this place means a lot to you.” I turned and began to walk away. Then as I heard it. The words I had been longing to hear for twenty-two years.

“Wait! Please stay.” My heart soared at them. I don’t know why? I turned and I saw her clutching her arm looking at me with eyes a deep blue.  She keeps looking so stunning, it’s paralyzing. She reached out her hand. “ I’m Tila. Who are you?”

“Hei” I said as I walked toward her and took her hand. I didn't let go of it this time. We sat down on the soft grass by the pond.I continued to stared into her eyes. I felt like I could sink into them forever….If only I could stay like this…..