The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

- KATALEYA

-

The day of the summit is finally here, and where I should be excited to meet my family, whom I have missed dearly, I feel a sense of sadness instead.

That night, those precious moments in the kitchen, that was the last time I saw Enrique until this flight we are now on to make the over ten-hour journey. A flight he has barely acknowledged me on despite how long it is and I know he is shutting me out. He's wearing the prosthetic. That night I told him he has to wear it daily instead of his other ones, and it looks like he is holding to the promise he made.

However, although he's wearing it on the flight, he isn't using it. Maybe it's out of habit or he doesn't want to use it, but at least he's keeping it on. Maybe he'll get used to it in time, but I do wonder why he dislikes it so much. I thought we had made progress. Valentina is on her way back too. However, she has taken a separate flight with Li Sheng, whilst I'm on a private jet with Enrique. I told her she need not return with me, and I promised Marie that when I return, we'll hang a little more. Promises that now feel like self-reassurances. After all, I still want to help Enrique regarding the darkness.

"There's an hour left before we land, ma'am. Would you like anything else?" The flight attendant asks.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"No, thank you." I shake my head, deciding I should get changed. We won't have time to do so once we've landed since the summit starts in under two hours.

I stand up, glancing at Enrique, but he has his eyes closed, his breathing steady. He's been like this for the last few hours of the long journey. He must have been tired.

I pause as I pass him. Reaching down, I softly brush his lush brown locks from his eyes.

I wish you spoke to me... why are you shutting me out?

It's scaring me, as if he's avoiding me. And if that's the case, does it mean he might- No! I will not think it.

I sigh softly before I turn and walk toward the adjoining compartment. Was giving him everything I have, not enough?

Feeling glum, I take out a long-sleeved black dress with gold detailing on the waist.

What is my heart trying to tell me? Why do I feel so low?

Is it because I don't know what to say to Mama and Dad?

That's not it.

But what are we? I don't even know...

I put on some lace stockings and black heels and braid my hair back. I pack my handbag with a few items and slip my mobile into it. Visit Jobni'b .com to read the complete chapters for free. I'm happy that I will get to see both Sky and Zu, I missed them! It's a shame I won't get to see Alessandra since I will come back with Enrique. I need to message her again, even though she'll just ignore them again.

I smile.

She's a unique soul.

"We're about to land. Return to your seat."

I look up from where I'm sitting to see Enrique filling the entranceway. He's changed into a dark navy suit with a black shirt, clothes that are shades darker than his preferred colours, like mine.

I nod. "Mm, let's," I answer, standing up. "Enrique!" I call out, raising my hand to stop him.

He pauses, turning back to me, and cocks a brow.

"-"

"We need to belt up. We do not have all day," he cuts in.

His words sting a little, but I simply nod and follow him out. He suddenly comes to an abrupt stop and I slam into him, whimpering as I stumble back. He looks over his shoulder at me as I pat the tip of my poor bruised nose. "You..." he shakes his head, looking away, and instead takes his seat.

I sigh softly, wondering what he wants to say as I sit down and strap up, ready for the descent.

"I wish you would talk to me. If something is troubling you... then tell me," I plead softly.

"Nothing is troubling me," he answers.

"Then why are you unable to look at me?" I ask, my heart skipping a beat when his eyes flash gold and he turns to me.

"Who said I can't?" he questions, his gaze raking over me, lingering on my bare legs openly and I wonder if the stockings were a bit much. I've never felt so self-conscious before.

I tug at the hem of my dress, trying to pull it down as I press my thighs together, my cheeks flushing under his burning gaze.

"Stop that," he growls, his voice deep and guttural making me freeze, braving a look up. My eyes widen as I see the animalistic glint in his eyes.

I know that look...

He wants me.

Bravely, I unlatch my belt, feeling a little displeased when I realise he isn't buckled up but wants me to be buckled up. Pouting, I walk over to him.

"What are you doing?" he asks, observing me suspiciously.

"I'm scared," I lie, blinking innocently at him. "Very scared."

He narrows his eyes, and I'm sure he doesn't believe me, as he motions towards the seat opposite him with his head, when the plane lurches and I grab onto him making him instantly grab my waist, our face centimetres apart.

I feel light-headed from the proximity, my heart racing and I blush when I feel a certain something throb against my thigh. I lick my lips as that familiar fire that always builds within me when I'm around him rekindles.

"I love you," I whisper. Not waiting for a reply, I press my lips to his just as the plane shudders again. I'm ready for him to resist, even when the flames of pleasure explode within me, burning tingles spreading from my lips and right through me. His hands wrap around me tighter as he kisses me hungrily. I gasp when he squeezes my a*s with his right hand and he pulls away.

"Fuck," he mutters, frustration clear in his voice. "This hand is glitching."

I'm unable to stop myself from giggling as I look at him. "It only does what you think," I whisper, blinking at him. "You wanted to squeeze my booty cheek."

"Then I need to really be careful what I'm thinking- I mean no, I wasn't," he mutters, making me giggle again.

I lean closer but before I can claim those perfect lips once again, he looks away, his demeanour becoming stiff, the mood darkening once more.

He is pushing me away...

But even then, he continues to hold me until we land. I pick up my bag and we both head to the exit.

I look outside at the night sky.

We're finally here.

We enter the Deleyn Manor, where the summit will be taking place, one of the many estates owned by the Solaris Court or the Ardens. In short, they belong to Alpha Royce Arden, the Solaris King. Before being allowed to enter, we're checked over by security, which is led by a team of witches who make sure we are who we say we are. As well as making sure we aren't carrying anything we shouldn't. Security is tight. Anything can happen, and having so many powerhouses in one place is needed to make sure everything runs smoothly and no one who shouldn't be here is.

'Kataleya, where are you? I just heard you've arrived. There are a lot of people here. Please stay vigilant, Mama says through the mind-link.

'I will. It's lovely to be able to mind-link you again, Mama."

'Same, my angel. I missed you!

Smiling, I reply. 'I'm by the entrance. We're making our way to the conference hall. Are you there?"

'Yes, we are. You and Enrique are at our table.'

'Oh.' I look at Enrique, who is wearing an emotionless expression on his

face as we continue walking towards the conference hall.

"Alpha Enrique, it's an honour to finally meet you. Welcome to Alaska, Kataleya."

My eyes widen at that voice, and I turn to see the man who is wearing a grey suit and I smile. It's none other than the Solaris King himself.

"Royce!" I say with a smile as I hurry over to him and he opens his arms, giving me a hug. I hug him back warmly.

It took me a little time to get used to him, but I am as comfortable around him as I am with Dante and Leo.

He kisses my forehead softly before he smiles at me. "Skyla's been going crazy waiting for you."

I nod as I look around, wondering where she is before I look at Enrique, who looks irritated right now.

"Royce Arden." Royce holds his left hand out to him, and Enrique takes it after a moment of hesitation. I smile, watching them exchange a handshake. They are opposites, just like me and Sky. "Well, I'll show you both to your table. We will begin shortly," Royce says.

I nod as I follow him towards the main hall. The moment the doors open, my eyes widen at the vast number of people in there. I knew the summit was going to be big, but never did I think there would be this many people here. For a moment I falter, staring out across the crowds, searching for some familiar faces.

"Keep walking, Princesa," Enrique murmurs, placing a hand on the small of my back. I nod up at him as I speed up a little, and that's when I spot them. Taking up two tables at the front.

The Rossis.

My family.