The Dark Side Of Fate

A rush of excitement coursed through me, and a smile tugged at Liam’s lips as he stood by the doorway.

Since there was nothing to grab in my room, I slipped on my slippers and made my way outside.

“Did your father get in touch?” Liam inquired as we descended the staircase, and I nodded.

“ Heard the Alpha of Cain is joining us,” I said.

“My father thinks his case is linked with ours,” Liam said, and I was surprised.

“Mine too,” I said.

Moving downstairs, we encountered Oliver and Justin in the foyer.

It was evident that they were engrossed in a conversation.

As our gazes met, Justin’s lips curved into a knowing smile, his eyes carrying a hint of understanding.

Had Liam confided in him about our relationship? The notion made me feel bashful, yet I reined in my emotions.

“Make sure you stay on the premises, you two,” Justin cautioned, and Liam affirmed his understanding with a nod.

With that, we stepped out through the door, and under Liam’s guidance, our journey began.

“What’s up with Justin? One moment, he seemed uncomfortable with us being close, and now he’s all smiles,” I inquired of Liam, prompting a laugh from him.

“He was just concerned because of the whole Sophia situation.

He didn’t want you to be hurt,” Liam explained, causing me to pause and regard him.

“What did you say to reassure him?” I questioned, and he smiled.

“I told him the truth.

Sophia is my friend, and you hold a greater place in my heart.

He doesn’t need to worry,” he expressed, and a warm sensation filled me, knowing that Liam had the courage to confide in his cousin about us.

“Charlotte shared similar concerns,” I divulged as we continued our stroll.

“She feared I might be hurt when Sophia is located, but I assured her that we’re together now and she doesn’t need to be concerned,” I revealed, and a brief silence fell between us.

I wasn’t sure if my words had unsettled him, but they seemed to put a halt to our conversation.

“You must have had it bad for Sophia for everyone to be worried for my safety,” I teased him, and he laughed.

“Not really.

There was always a hindrance between us, A ‘but’, a let’s-wait-and-see vibe that I couldn’t shake off.

It was a bit foggy, and I had to think through it and plan,” he said as we entered the forest.

Liam halted his steps, drawing me near.

His fingers brushed my cheek with a tender touch as his gaze locked onto mine.

I had abandoned my contacts, a secret I was yet to reveal – the reason behind their initial use.

Strangely, I felt more assured in my own skin now than ever before.

The realisation had dawned upon me that the hurtful words thrown my way held no true significance.

Perhaps I should have confronted him back then, instead of enduring two years of emotional turmoil.

Liam’s touch continued a gentle caress on my cheek.

“With you, I never needed to overthink.

It was simply meant to be,” he admitted, and a flush crept up my cheeks while Onyx circled in head, howling.

Gazing into his eyes, I sensed the sincerity in his words.

Doubts dissolved as certainty took their place.

Liam wouldn’t shatter my heart; there was no need for apprehension.

“Follow me, the stream isn’t too far from here,” he suggested.

Taking his lead, we strolled hand in hand through the wooded area.

The gentle murmur of flowing water gradually reached my ears, accompanied by the aroma of a crackling fire and the tantalizing scent of food being prepared.

Could someone be cooking by the stream? “Looks like there are people around, Liam,” I remarked, gripping his hand a bit tighter, to which he responded with a chuckle.

Stepping out of the woods, we emerged into a clearing beside the stream.

What met my eyes left me pleasantly surprised.

This outing wasn’t a spontaneous decision or a last-minute idea.

Liam had meticulously orchestrated it, and the realisation set my heart aflutter.

A picnic mat lay adorned with a cosy blanket and cushions.

Nearby, the woman from the food truck was busy cooking, adding an unexpected and delightful touch to the scene.

“Since we can’t venture out alone, I convinced Mrs Mirabel to join us,” he explained, and a surge of excitement led me to embrace him tightly.

touched

return to

though the stream wasn’t quite the same as

me with his arms, planting a gentle kiss on

me, immediately evoking a

someone else nearby added a layer of shyness

“Li,” I murmured softly.

in a

off sparks of electricity across my skin, and my thoughts began to stray into more forbidden territories as my desires started to take on a wild

managed to utter, and

felt was tangible; I didn’t want him

mat, soaking in the picturesque view

Mrs.

us an array of appetizers and food, and once she had completed her task, she

assistance didn’t come without a price – she couldn’t have

her to come and

her departure, I nestled in close to Liam, my gaze fixed on the horizon to

precious gift,” Liam voiced, his gaze fixed on the distant

enough expanse to grant us this view, and

do everything we can to protect the peace our parents fought so valiantly to secure,” he said, and I nodded

us felt like a treasured

us was

trouble, we wouldn’t be able

poignant reminder that

make an exceptional king when

all be there to offer our unwavering support,” I

want you there,

spoke earnestly, his sincerity evident

at a loss

to him, his gaze

feelings;

It’s real.

that my commitment to you is

My feelings won’t waver.

the real deal

of course, you can take all the time you need to decide what you

with you,” he said, coaxing a

brow furrowed, looking at

your contacts?” he inquired, and a twinge of embarrassment led

concealing the truth about them any longer; it was

clearing my throat and absently

I desperately

nothing wrong with

contacts as a cover-up because of what I overheard you all discussing back in Lucland,” I confessed, finally meeting

there was no longer any justification for keeping this

I was actually planning to ask you out,” I admitted, and his expression registered genuine

the

know how relentlessly optimistic

day,” I added with a chuckle,

demeanour made my nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting to

partly

over my words,

from that day was stubborn,

felt like I couldn’t

should give it a shot,” I

but I suppose I lacked

seemed to

was always you

became friends, you started sidelining me, even at

I continued, and he made a move to draw me nearer, yet

imperative to express everything I had been holding

to hope and desperately wanted to share my feelings with you that

but

It was crystal clear.

had never experienced anything like it

you four talking

made me feel stupid and insecure,” I revealed, my voice trembling

moment, I don’t think I’ve ever despised

hair, my pale skin, my eyes, my intelligence – they all seemed

I couldn’t change my skin or my IQ, and I actually loved my hair colour, I thought maybe having brown eyes would make me seem more ‘normal’,” I

reached out to draw me close, I

sorry,” he apologised with genuine remorse, and while I sensed his sincerity, he needed

on me and locked his

eyes, Jo, they’re

your finest

unique is a blessing, not

of us said was thoughtless and

year and some months, yet you not only caught up but surpassed us; you continue to do so,” he earnestly expressed, evoking a giggle from

be jealous of a perfect person? I regret it deeply, Jo, and I

and

it in your heart to forgive me and not let this linger

adore every

perfect just the way

hugged me this time;

whispered, and he transitioned

tender and affectionate, devoid of any

was resolute in keeping