C. Bryant - Broken

Her bed linens were all askew as though she’d been thrashing about. Kira could have kicked herself. She should have been watching Altaria closer. She put another log on the fire, grabbed the last of the extra blankets off the end of the bed and pulled the overstuffed armchair closer to the fire, turning it so she still had full view of the bed. Soon the events and emotions of the day caught up with her and sleep took over.

The first dream that entered her mind showed Arela dancing around her bedroom. She wore a pretty pink dress with more ruffles than the skirt on Kira’s bed. Arela’s hair lay in silken waves down her back and with every turn it floated through the air like the wing of a bird. The little girl laughed and giggled so hard it made Kira’s side hurt to think about it. When Arela stopped, she stood in the middle of the room trying to gain her balance, stumbling to one side and then another. Her silliness caused them both to laugh.

Kira turned away from her to grab a brush so she could help get out Arela’s twirling tangles. As she did, a feeling of pure evil entered the room, swarming around her and sucking the air out of her lungs. Kira stumbled back and fell against the window seat right as Shandira appeared behind Arela. Kira tried to scream, but with no air left in her deprived lungs, her voice gave no warning. Shandira laughed, then grabbed Arela around the waist and disappeared. The odd combination of her black mist swirling around the angelic puff of white left by an innocent little girl filled Kira’s heart with horror.

A scream rang out, waking Kira from her nightmare. She jumped from her chair and ran to the bed, thinking it was Altaria, who was already sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to stand.

“What are you doing?” Kira asked. “You’ll fall.”

“You screamed. I thought you were hurt.”

“That was me? I thought you screamed.” Kira closed her eyes and tried to push the image of Shandira out of her mind.

“No, I was awake. You woke me when you called out for Arela. Then you screamed.” Altaria slid back on the bed, leaning against the tapestry headboard.

Kira tried to explain, but before she could, Octavion’s spirit surrounded her. It was almost intoxicating, the way it made her body crave his embrace. It wasn’t just the tingling warmth it brought to her flesh, but the way it flowed through every pour. When he appeared she half expected him to take her in his arms and finish what he’d started with his seductive spirit, but instead he brushed her aside and went to his sister.

“I heard you scream. What happened?”

Altaria scowled at him.

Kira cleared her throat. “Excuse me!” Kira said with as much sarcasm as she could muster. She put her hands on her hips.

Octavion spun around and by the look on his face, he knew exactly what he’d done. He cringed. “It was you?”

“Yes, it was me, but that’s not the point. You shoved me aside, like I meant nothing to you.”

He growled. “Kira, I thought she was hurt. I didn’t think. .”

“Well, maybe you should have asked first.” Great! Now he has me all riled up. “By the way, how exactly was I supposed to get out of here, call you on my cell phone? ”

Altaria snorted.

A confused look crossed his face. “The same way you got me to haul all that water up here.”

“Altaria was asleep. I didn’t want to wake her. You have this place locked up so tight I couldn’t get out if my life depended on it. And that’s another thing. What if Altaria really was hurt and she couldn’t send her thoughts. Was I supposed to open a window and start screaming? You want all this to be a big secret, but how would that look? Your so called girlfriend locked up in the kings chambers. Don’t you think that would’ve caused a little gossip among the villagers?”

He sighed. “You are right. I should have considered that.”

He took a step toward her, but she responded by turning her back to him. Where was this temper coming from? She had to get it under control before she broke another finger.

“Kira,” he said. His smooth voice caused her heart rate to pick up a few beats. He gently placed his hand on her back and turned her around to face him. “I will have something fashioned for you tomorrow. Will that remedy the problem?”

Kira looked at him curiously. “What do you mean?”

“Remember the heart pendant you used to call me from your world? There is a silversmith in the village who keeps a selection of stones you may choose from. He is very talented and will be able to create something unique, just for you. If you wish, I can take you there in the morning.”

“You mean. . you’ll take me shopping? ” Her mood improved considerably with his offer.

He nodded and grinned. “Yes, my love. I will take you shopping. Anything you desire will be yours.”

Kira looked over at Altaria and winked. “Gee, too bad you’re grounded.”

“Next time, perhaps,” she said with a crooked grin.

He ran his fingers through Kira’s hair, taking a small strand to his face, and drew in a breath. When his eyes met hers again they were laced with tiny veins of gold.

Kira stepped back. “The smell of my hair bothers you?”

“Kira, everything about you affects me in some way.” He took her wrist, held it to his face and breathed in slowly. “Even the scent of your skin attacks my senses.” The gold in his eyes brightened and invaded more of the blue.

“Octavion,” Altaria scolded. “Is that necessary?”

“He’s teasing.” Kira stepped closer and put her arms around his neck. “Anything else you’d like to get a whiff of?”

He raised one eyebrow and flashed a sinister, yet playful grin. Instead of answering her, he spoke to Altaria while keeping his seductive eyes on Kira. “I suspect I will be hunting tonight. Would you care to join me in the reward, sister?”

“ Serious? ” Altaria’s whole face lit up.

“I will bring it to you later, but for now I have to tuck this little one into bed.”

He leaned closer, tracing Kira’s collar bone with his lips and taking in one last breath. “That is the one that burns the most,” he whispered.

“Then why do you do it?” Kira asked.

“How else will I build my resistance?”

“When you two love birds are finished, I could use some sleep.” It was good to hear Altaria’s haughty banter.

“Silence,” Octavion teased back. “Your body has slept for days. You should be well rested.” He grinned at Kira with a loving spark in his eyes. They were back to their deepest color of blue now. “Shall we go?”

Kira nodded.

As she closed her eyes to prepare for the painful trip through the walls of the castle, she felt the majestic spirit of his father entering the room. Altaria would be well taken care of in their absence and Kira was sure the king would be pleased with the progress she’d made. Kira’s biggest concern was with Altaria’s struggle to find Lydia. To be alone for the first time in her life must be terrifying.

They appeared in her sleeping chambers where she wasn’t at all surprised to find her bed turned down and a fire warming the room. A fresh bouquet of flowers in a large ceramic vase on the dressing table.

“Ussay?” Kira guessed. Although there were several servants constantly buzzing around the castle, it always seemed Ussay’s gift of caring for others benefited everyone.

“Of course. She has been busy with the newborn for most of the day, but insisted on preparing your room for the night. I believe she has laid out a gown in the other room, as well.”

“Well, at least she’s busy. I don’t have to worry about spending time with. . um, you know who.” Kira didn’t dare say her name aloud in case someone eavesdropped, like Arela. She stepped to the door leading to the morning room and opened it to take a peek inside. Arela’s door was closed. She still had the nightmare bouncing around in her head and a heavy sense of worry that wouldn’t budge.