His Dark Obsession

The Right Question

booms over the speakerphone.My heart sk**s a beat, and I turn to look at the screen above us. The eight couples’ images flash on the screen. As the numbers next to them begin spinning.How did we do?I’m nervous as I watch, wondering how I did on my part…Come on… Come on….Chasyn and Maryka’s result pops up 7.1 beneath it. There’s a breakdown of their pointers and I see it’s Maryka’s clue that left them rather low on their average. My stomach twists as I wait patiently for mine.Sinclair and Celia… 6.8… Amar and Vienna, one of the couples that were married before the contest, are at8.4.I grip onto Zedkiel’s arm, not even realising I have done so until I feel him tense, but I don’t let go, noticing Sinclair’s eyes on me. Ignoring him, I stare at the screen flashing beside our names. 9.4.2A few of the couples look at us, and I let out a breath of relief. That is a good number!“We did it!” I whisper to Zedkiel, who simply glances at me before looking back at the screen.The rest show up, but I’m no longer that concerned knowing we have done well. When the final numbers come to a halt. I realise we are the highest with Amar and Vienna second.“Congratulations to you all.” Franco says. “Last night, a serious life-threatening situation took place and I know that we have all heard about it. All we would like to say is, stay vigilant and stay safe.”Alpha King Ambrose steps forward and gives Franco a nod and I try to ignore all the looks that I can feelon me. “Furthermore, if I find out that anyone who is part of this contest or anyone acting on their behalf is behind this, rest assured they will be expelled from the tournament immediately and punished severely.” A silence follows, and the king continues after a couple of moments. “Thank you and congratulations to you all. Tonight’s match will be one that I’m certain we will all enjoy. Hand-to-hand combat between the Alphas!”Claps and cheering break out behind us and I hear Zedkiel mutter ‘foolish’ and I can’t disagree. Do they realise the winner of this contest shall take the throne? Is this really a wise way to choose? We need a king who cares for his people, one who will be best for the kingdom. Is this tournament really going to prove that? Is this contest just to please the people, when we need to choose a king, not a champion…I keep my thoughts to myself as the eight alphas look at one another. The rules and time for the matches for the evening are announced and the excitement builds. The opponents will be paired randomly tonight. “Prepare to eat dirt.” Zedkiel says, turning and walking out. I follow, trying not to run but still trying to keep up. “You don’t need to follow me.”I freeze at the coldness in his tone, but after what I said to him last night, I can’t blame him. I need to apologise for that.“Zedkiel… about last night… I didn’t mean what I said. I don’t even know why I said it.” I whisper softly.“Yet you said it, but you’re not wrong. I am basically a cold, heartless monster.” He sneers, walking off.” Stay away from me.”I sigh softly but don’t follow him. I need to go to see the Oracle, and if Zedkiel needs space, then I’ll give it to him. Until tonight, when I’ll be here to support him.Glancing around the hall, I head down the hall toward the Oracle’s quarters. It’s time I got those answers.I reach the Oracle’s room soon enough, however, with every step I take, I begin to doubt myself strongly.“You’ll regret it.’ That voice again.‘No. I won’t, and I know what I’m going to ask.” I say coldly.I knock on the door lightly, taking a deep breath. ‘Turn around!’“No.”I can feel the pull from inside of me, the determination that she wants me to turn back.‘No, I actually have something very important to ask her.’ I say with determination.“You need to listen to me Evangeline, you owe me!’ She hisses.‘No, I don’t.’ I reply, knocking again.Please answer…‘Don’t trust her. She isn’t who you think she is. I’m trying to look out for you, heed my warning.’ She whispers menacingly.“Enter” The Oracle’s voice comes, and it takes all my willpower to reach for the handle and open the door. Almost as if some force is trying to stop me.I have so many questions I want to ask the Oracle but right now the one that seems to scream at me is what is the voice in my head? What am I? Isn’t that what Zedkiel wanted me to ask?Suddenly I wish he was here. I feel so alone and the unease that is eating up at me is becomingsuffocating.The Oracle is standing there, her long hair open, and she looks almost… pale…“So you have come.” She says, her eyes boring into mine.“Were you not expecting me?” I ask, shutting the door behind me.My head is hurting, and a dull ache is beginning to form at the nape of my neck.“I came to ask you my one question.” I say, unable to walk closer. Something is stopping me.She observes me silently, and I feel as if she’s looking into my soul.“There’s something inside of me…” I begin, knowing this sounds crazy.“What is your question?” She asks, not bothered about what I just said.My question.‘Let’s leave.’ The voice comes again, but beyond the anger, I can feel a glimmer of panic. 1The question…I close my eyes, trying to think of everything I knew, what Zarachiel has said… of Zedkiel killing me… Zarachiel hating him for killing me. The darkness within me, the darkness that I truly believe, starts with that voice