by Paula Nicole
Kyle shook his head, chuckling darkly. He slowly turned to Lynn at last and smiled.
“It’s for my Lindsey.”
Lynn’s blood chilled. She opened her mouth to ask another question, although she feared deep down she knew the answer. She fell silent.
Unbeknown to Lynn or Kyle, another pair of wide, shocked eyes stared upon them, listening to every word with disgust.
Lynn looked down, struggling to justify Kyle’s intentions. But it could not be done. She knew then that the situation was bleak and falling deeper into despair. The adventure for Lynn was over; she did not want to help Kyle anymore. He didn’t need a friend, he needed a psychiatrist.
She looked up to Kyle, her eyes gliding up and down him as if taking him in for the last time. Wickedly he grinned, his eyes flashing with a sadistic glee. “She will never run away from me again,” he vowed.
Lynn left the room promptly, never looking back.
Chapter Thirty Three
Lindsey stared into the mirror and yet she took in nothing more from the scene before her. Deep in her stomach a sickness began to stir and pass up through her, becoming stronger with every thought.
Kyle had bought her a wheelchair; with the intention of making sure she would never run away from him again. This time Kyle had crossed the border from insanity to sadism. And Lindsey knew that if she was ever caught again, she would spend the rest of her days under his power.
Shocked, she rubbed her slender legs and closed her eyes as she then clutched her knees with her long, pale fingers. She almost felt as if they were numb already.
Lindsey couldn’t stop thinking about it. How could she? Stunned, she stayed put in the seat as if she were already sitting on that wheelchair with Kyle holding the handles. It made her blood cold in her veins to imagine him looming over her, having complete control of where she went and when.
But of course, that was what Kyle wanted; to control her.
“Lindsey?” A musical voice called out.
She did not stir from her trance.
“Lindsey?” The voice called again. This time it was closer and more anxious. “Lindsey, my dearest. Are you quite alright?”
Lindsey’s eyes flashed and she turned to her side to see Lord Shade knelt down beside her. His hand rested upon hers, gently stroking her soft skin. His eyes were widened with concern as he watched her carefully.
Lindsey stared at him, not sure what to say at first. After Lord Shade took her trembling hands into his, Lindsey decided to tell him and she knew it was best to be blunt.
“It’s Kyle,” she said, her voice a little shaken. “He wants to break my legs.”
Chapter Thirty Four
Lindsey stared down at the gracious display of food on the long banquet table. She could feel Lord Shade’s eyes burning into her as she refused to eat from the feast, but Lindsey couldn’t eat; she couldn’t forget about Kyle.
“Lindsey,” Lord Shade said suddenly.
Her eyes flickered up, momentarily wide with surprise.
Lord Shade smiled at her softly, his gaze becoming sympathetic. “Come,” he said gently. He gestured to the food that lay before them. “It will help to make you feel better. Soon you’ll forget all about that boy.”
Lindsey frowned and looked away. She nipped her lip with her teeth lightly and considered eating one of the bright red apples from the fruit basket on the table, but she couldn’t. She felt physically sick.
Two gentle hands appeared upon Lindsey’s shoulders. She jumped slightly but once she realised it was Lord Shade who held her, she felt herself calm again.
“You are safe here,” he told her. He was adamant to convince her but his tone was kept soft like the fine silk Lindsey wore. “He can’t get you here, my sweet soul. He couldn’t if he even tried.”
Lindsey smiled faintly and placed her hand upon Lord Shade’s pale hand. A pleasant warmth radiated through her, making her feel just as content as she was before her dark discovery. It was almost as if it had never happened.
“But-”Lindsey murmured.
Lord Shade took Lindsey’s hand in his and held it tenderly as he reached out with his other hand. He scooped up a red apple into his hand and placed it into Lindsey’s. He curled her fingers around it and then pulled away, leaving her to eat the apple.
“Better?” Lord Shade asked her with an artful smile.
“Much better,” Lindsey replied and she tore off another juicy piece of apple.
Admittedly, now that Lindsey had something to eat, she could feel her nerves becoming sedated. Her mind was slowly wandering away from the grim subject of Kyle’s plan and Lord Shade was only too happy to offer another distraction to his special guest.
“Would you like to attend a ball, my dearest one?” Lord Shade asked her enthusiastically.
“A ball?” Lindsey grinned.
Her face lit up with excitement as images of grand dresses and music flashed into her head. But then it hit her; you need to have more than two to have a ball.
As if sensing her uncertainty, Lord Shade took Lindsey’s hand and helped her from the chair. He gently guided her through to the great ball room where the night sky sparkled above them. Lindsey looked around with bright, keen eyes as the lights began to dim.
“Or would you prefer a show, my dearest one?” Lord Shade asked in a low, tempting voice.
Lindsey spun around to find he was no longer there. Her eyes searched the room and she felt her heart beat pick up as it grew darker and darker.
“Shade?” She called out. “What’s going on?”
A bright light blasted onto the stairs and Lindsey jumped backwards, falling into a plush red theatre chair. She laughed in amusement, wandering what Lord Shade was conjuring for her now.
A slender shadow stretched down the long, marble stairs. It slowly shrunk, before it seemed to lift itself from the floor and up onto its feet. The shadow gradually merged into itself, taking on a human shape. Lindsey watched in wonder as the shadow revealed a pair of arms and parted its lower, dark stem to reveal a pair of long, slender legs with pointed, delicate feet. It was a ballerina made from the shadows.
As soon as it had been formed, the shadow ballerina began to gently tip toe on pointe, whilst her arms gracefully moved up and down like the wings of a swan.
“Beautiful,” Lindsey whispered.
But that wasn’t all Lord Shade had in store for Lindsey.
Lindsey’s eyes glistened with delight as they strayed from the shadow ballerina and onto another shadow figure, which was forming on the stairs. But this figure was slightly bulkier, taller; this figure was male.
The two shadow dancers turned to each other and paused. Lindsey watched quietly, imagining what the dance would look like if the dancers were of flesh and blood. Would they look at each other like long separated lovers?
They ran to each other, their arms outstretched and heads held high. Suddenly, the female jumped. Her petite frame glided in the air before being caught by the male with such ease Lindsey almost felt the need to clap. But it was the puppeteer of the two shadows Lindsey was truly impressed with. How could a demon make such beauty? Why did he make it all for her?
Without warning, the ballroom began to brighten, revealing that Lindsey was no longer alone in the room; she was surrounded by dark shadow figures.
Her eyes widened as she looked around her and she gripped onto the plush, red seat. To her surprise, the figures paired up and music began to play. The figures took on a waltz position and the dance began.
Bewildered, Lindsey rose from her chair and scanned the room, searching for the source of the music. Her eyes soon found Lord Shade standing on the staircase with a violin in his arms.
He was making the music. He played fast and passionately as Lindsey watched him from the centre of the ballroom. His eyes however, were stuck on Lindsey and he took great pleasure when Lindsey grinned back at him.
Lord Shade then took his hands from the violin and he looked to Lindsey for her nex
t reaction as the violin continued to play without him. Of course, Lord Shade received the reaction he wanted; Lindsey was thrilled by the display.
Lindsey stepped towards him but stopped, uncertain of the shadows which surrounded her.
“Come to me, my dearest soul,” Lord Shade beckoned gently.
Hesitantly, Lindsey stepped forward again and as she made her way across the room, the dancers began to part before her, clearing a path for Lindsey.
Lord Shade eyed her fervently as she made her way to him.
Lindsey stood before him, suddenly feeling more mortal than ever before. It struck her then that she was standing before a powerful being, a dangerous one. Yet all he did was beautiful.
“Lindsey, dance with me,” Lord Shade commanded lightly.
Smiling, Lindsey gave a nod and accepted Lord Shade’s hand. She was quiet as he led her down the stairs and yet she felt the pressure to say something as Lord Shade’s stare grew more intense. But he bet her to it.
“Your favourite colour is red,” he stated.
Confused, Lindsey’s eyebrows arched and her nose crinkled lightly. Her confusion only increased when Lord Shade gave a low, playful chuckle.
“Just wait and see, my dear soul. Trust me,” he told her firmly.
Unsure, Lindsey followed Lord Shade’s lead and they took a waltz position. Their eyes were locked on each other’s intensely but Lord Shade had a knowing gaze.
“Look down,” he said softly.
Lindsey gazed down to find that the pale dress she had worn before was gone and had been replaced with a spectacular ball gown, which was as red as a blooming rose.
She smiled as she ran her eyes down the dress, taking in every detail. Lindsey loved how it hugged her curves with a corset top and gave her legs the movement she needed when it frayed out as it went down her legs. In this dress Lindsey felt stunning. Never before had she felt so desirable, but it was the way that Lord Shade stared at her that made Lindsey tingle.
“It’s beautiful,” Lindsey beamed. “I’ve always dreamed of dresses like this.”
Lord Shade laughed lightly; he was amused by the blush appearing on Lindsey’s pale face. “Why do you blush, my dear child?” He asked her with a grin.
Lindsey shied away even more; she was embarrassed that her cheeks had given her away so easily. Why was she so transparent? She wished she could be more mysterious.
“You are breath taking,” Lord Shade said to her gently. “And now you look like the queen you are.”
As they danced to the lone violin, surrounded by shadow couples, Lindsey couldn’t help but think about how strange the situation was. She doubted she would ever become used to Lord Shade’s peculiar world, or lose the enchantment she felt with his every action. For everything he did was new and as captivating as the gesture before, and more importantly, it was all done just for her.
“Lindsey, are you tired?” Lord Shade asked, interrupting Lindsey’s thoughts.
She smiled and quietly admitted that she was indeed feeling weary. Lord Shade stopped dancing and as soon as he had stopped, the music fell silent. And like night being washed away by day, the shadow dancers faded away. The ball was over.
“Come,” Lord Shade said soothingly. “It is time for you to rest.”
Quite content to retire for the night, Lindsey followed Lord Shade’s lead and took his arm as they headed up the marble stairs. As Lindsey walked with him her dress began to lighten around her body and by the time Lindsey realised what was going on, she was in a simple white nightgown. It was soft and light on her skin. Lindsey couldn’t help but appreciate how luxurious it was.
“Although you love the dress, I wouldn’t advise sleeping in it,” Lord Shade joked.
“I’m so tired I could sleep in almost anything!” Lindsey laughed.
They reached Lindsey’s bedroom and all that was on Lindsey’s mind was how comfortable her bed was going to be. Although she hadn’t really exerted herself during the day, Lindsey was keen to sleep. It was as if she was under some sort of compulsion.
She stopped just short of her bedroom and turned to Lord Shade, ready to bid him goodnight, but that was when something caught Lindsey’s eye. It was that same blur again, but this time it was closer.
Lindsey fought through her tiredness and snapped herself awake, but at the same time Lord Shade had sharpened his senses. Lindsey had to say something and as Lord Shade opened his mouth to order Lindsey to go to bed, Lindsey knew she had to be strong and say it then and there.
“What is that?” She asked, her voice was strong and demanding.
Yet Lord Shade was not put off by Lindsey’s tone.
“Come,” he commanded.
He tugged at Lindsey’s hand, trying to get her into the bedroom. But Lindsey had gained full resolve, and this time she swore she would not be coaxed by the demon, no matter how soothing or reassuring he could be.
“No,” Lindsey objected firmly.
She pulled away from Lord Shade, surprised to find that he let her go willingly. Once more, he did not try to grab her or force her into the room.
“Lindsey, I will not fight you,” Lord Shade smirked.
Lindsey frowned; disappointed he was amused by her protest. But this did not put Lindsey off her struggle entirely. She wasn’t going to submit to him.
“I want to know what that blur is, Shade,” Lindsey said coolly. “You can’t keep me in the dark forever.”
Lord Shade calmly ran a hand through his dark hair and sighed lightly. Lindsey could tell he was not best pleased that she wasn’t going to give in. However, Lord Shade kept a stiff upper lip and together they faced the blur.
Anxious to uncover the mystery, Lindsey watched with anticipation as the blur began to grow darker and slowly take on a human shape, a female shape. Lindsey glanced at Lord Shade, he didn’t seem to be at all shaken by the appearance of the woman, and nor was Lindsey afraid, not until she saw the hollow spaces which represented the woman’s eyes.
Lindsey’s stomach churned in distress.
The woman smiled crookedly, exposing sharp, pointed teeth, which were all as green as limes.
“Lord Shade,” the womanly creature said in a crackly voice, one that sounded barely human at all.
Lindsey felt her heart race and a shiver violently rage down her spine. But she stood tall by Lord Shade’s side. This was no time to be weak.
“Oh my, now what is this?” The creature sniggered. Her hollow eyes gaped at Lindsey, looking her up and down. “So this is the mortal you have chosen to hoard away in secrecy?”
Lindsey could almost hear Lord Shade’s teeth gritting together as he stepped in front of her, trying to hide Lindsey from the creature’s glare.
“My personal business is nothing of your concern,” Lord Shade snarled in reply. “You should not be here at all in fact. This is my realm.”
The creature laughed, but its mouth never moved.
“And very pretty it is too. I like what you have done with the place,” the woman like creature jested with a sneer. “I assume this is all for your little mortal you hide behind you. Let me see her.”
“What is it you want?” Lord Shade barked angrily. “Why have you come to my realm?”
“To discuss business,” it said simply.
There was a dangerous glint in the creature’s grin.
Lord Shade gave a scowl but he did not say no to the woman like creature.
Lindsey came out from behind Lord Shade and stood by his side again. They exchanged a look, a look that told Lindsey that they were in this together now.
“Do you have a name?” The creature asked Lindsey curiously.
Taking a deep breath, Lindsey faced the demon creature and gave a faint smile as she considered whether to reply or not.
“My name is Lindsey,” she said honestly.
“Lindsey…” The demon woman breathed heavily. “Ah yes…Lindsey. I remember it now. But then again mortal names are not too important. However, perhaps yours wil
l be in the near future…Considering your situation.”
Lindsey felt their eyes upon her as she considered if she should speak again to the other demon. She wanted to question the creature; there was so much she wanted to know and yet their gazes were intense; Lindsey could almost feel them burn into her.
“You are a demon,” Lindsey assumed aloud.
The woman demon nodded.
“Are there many demons?” Lindsey pressed on inquisitively.
There was a pause and Lindsey thought that perhaps the demon would not answer her question. But then Lord Shade stepped in.
He looked down to Lindsey and smiled softly. His eyes glistened and Lindsey wondered if they were really going to give this information to her. She hoped they would.
“There are many demons out there, my sweet soul. But none of them are your concern; you are safe here,” Lord Shade replied very carefully.
Lindsey’s eyes narrowed; she knew there was so much more to learn about the demons and their world. And now that this demon had shown up in Lord Shade’s “realm”, Lindsey had the opportunity to gather new information. However, she still couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the demon glares.
“You won’t remain so safe if you continue to use up all your power, Shade,” the woman demon quipped with a smug smirk. “If I can get through, perhaps others will soon follow.”
“They won’t,” Lord Shade snarled defensively. “Now if you will go down those stairs we will discuss the business we have, once I have tended to my Lindsey.”
The woman demon nodded in satisfaction and to Lindsey’s surprise she followed Lord Shade’s command without protest.
Perhaps it was better for her to do the same?