Whenever I announced I would be away from the facility, I usually was here, spying from afar. I needed a quiet space to focus on important plans, without the chance of being disturbed over useless issues.
I couldn’t believe the one time I’d actually left the realm, having to meet my co-partner, was when the knights infiltrated. I couldn’t help but take a glimpse at Jeffrey, his long stride matching mine as we walked side by side, those mysterious eyes focused on the path before us.
I know I couldn’t trust anyone, and he was the only one who knew of my departure. Did he give a tip to those knights? Was he plotting against me?
I took another calming breath, trying to ignore the clawing curiosity in my mind. Jeffrey wasn’t obligated to stay by my side. He did it because he believed in me, believed in my plot for revenge.
For all I knew, that stuck up co-partner could have set me up. I knew he was working for someone, but even with my multiple spies and rouges, I still couldn’t pin point who.
I reached my private office, Jeffrey opening and holding the door for me. I sighed as I entered my sanctuary, walking towards my clean marble white desk. I sat down, my new velvet red office chair squeaking in protest as I relaxed, closing my eyes.
I heard Jeffrey close the door, his footsteps walking a few steps, before I heard the clattering of a glass. A pop noise followed by the pouring sound of liquid filled the room, the plain white walls still hollow from lack of furniture in the room. I would have to redecorate.
I opened my eyes to see Jeffrey turn towards me, a glass of scotch in his glove covered hand. He walked towards the desk, pulling out a glass drink coaster to place upon my desk, before setting my glass down. He bowed before stepping back.
“Sir, do you still want me undercover at that school of weak misfits?” He questioned.
I could sense his disinterest. I couldn’t blame him, as being before surrounded by weak shifters with no true understanding of what power really is, grind my gears. I bet Jeffrey felt the same.
“No. You may officially drop it. I can’t stand that headmaster anyways. Waste of money. I have a request. Head to Distala. Get the demon girl, the purple eye one and bring her down here. She’ll be next up in the experimental trials.” I instructed, reaching out for my glass, the three ice cubes clattering against the clear thick surface.
I don’t have much hope in that Minato shifter but she’ll have to do for now. Maybe that royalty blood would pay off.
“Yes sir. I’ll take my leave now. Is there anything else you need?” He questioned, eyeing me for a moment.
I closed my eyes, hoping he couldn’t see the multiple emotions slamming through me, growing every second that ticked by.
“I’m fine Jeffrey. This too shall pass. Contact me if anything occurs.” I reassured him, opening my eyes to stare back at him.
He nodded, giving me one last deep bow before turning around, walking out the door. I watched as the door closed, leaving me alone to finally let go.
I took a long chug of my drink; the strong liquor flowed down my throat and I hoped its effect would rid me of these hindering emotions.
I deserve this. Everything I care about always taken from me. The gods always destroy the people I care about. Were my cycles of solitude not enough? Were the hours of staring at the bare land before me, the ground that once blossomed with life, as my people walked and cheered, praising me, not enough of a haunting reminder of my mistakes and failures? I dared to open my heart again, craving to share a bit of happiness with the woman I loved and the blue-eyed shifter who excelled in all things, reminding me of my past life. I regret ever thinking I could enjoy such luxury with the Starlight gods watchful eye. They stole my Elaine from me, and now…my little fox too.
I rose to my feet, picking up my now empty glass as I stalked towards my miniature bar. I poured another glass of scotch, chugging it down; the burning sensation reminded me that I was still breathing.
I needed to forget, to rid myself of these feelings. Such emotions were for the weak and I, Blair Aspen, would not fall prey to them after today. That’s right, I’ll allow them to consume me, one last time, but I’ll never keep anyone close to my heart again. I would avenge my failures, my Elaine and little fox.
I poured yet another glass, attempting to down the contents, as I felt a tear roll down my cheek. I lowered the glass, looking down at the golden liquid, the remaining ice cube clinging to the side.
I clenched my hand before slamming the glass into the wall, the sound of shattering glass echoing. My outrage didn’t stop the tears from falling, my pint up anger and frustration only contributing to my depression.
Just tonight, I’ll mourn for her: my little fox, Makoto and Midnight. Fear not, I’ll avenge your sacrifice. I’ll destroy the gods and ruin all those who’ve plotted to corrupt everyone I care about. They will all suffer. I promise.
***
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You’ll never know dear; how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.”
“Mommy, sing it again!” I begged, wrapping my arms around her legs as I looked up towards her. I loved my mom’s eyes, they were exactly like mine. I was my mom’s mini-me and I liked it.
“Rosalina, why do you love that song so much?” She asked me, bending down to lift me in her arms. I laughed as she lifted me in the air, catching me in her arms once more. I wrapped small arms around her neck, snuggling next to her.
“Because the sun is bright and makes me happy. It scares the monsters underneath my bed away.” I answered, looking up at the bright sun in the middle of the cloudless sky.
I looked down to stare at my mom, placing my hands against her cheeks.
She smiled back at me, her soft red lips made her eyes even prettier in the sunlight. I loved my mom’s brown hair. She always had it down in huge curls. I wanted to look as pretty as mommy one day.
“You know what I want you to always remember, Rosalina?” My mom whispered softly.
“What?” I whispered back, leaning into her face.
“The sun will always guide you back home. No matter where you are and the hardships that may follow you in life, always look up at the sun for guidance. Light will always be stronger than the darkness. No matter how lost you are, the light will lead you to salvation.” She promised.
I took a moment to ponder her words, not understanding everything she had said.
“But Mama, you’ll always be with me and daddy, Kadey and Xaviory! Why would I need the sun?” I questioned, confused.
“I won’t always be there baby girl. The gods have big plans for you, but they’ll never fail you, just as the sun never fails to rise every morning, to scare the monsters away. You’re still too young to understand, but in time you will. Can you at least promise me to trust the Starlight gods and sun to guide you?” She asked, rubbing her nose against mine.
I giggled, before nodding.
“I promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly! Poke a flower in the sky!” I sung; my voice switching to a melodic voice, as Hopey’s power flowed in me. My mom laughed, shaking her head.
“What did I say about you constantly switching with Rose and Hope?” She reminded me. I pouted at her, Rosey coming forward to hug her.
“But it’s fun! I’m sugar and spice.” Rosey exclaimed. Hopey nudged her, taking her place.
“And I’m everything nice.” She sung. I took over, laughing.
“See Mama! We’re the POWERPUFF GIRLS!” I giggled, wiggling in her embrace. She sighed.
“I need to tell Kade to stop letting you watch those Earthala shows. They make you hyper.” She mumbled.
“I’m not hyper! I’m – NIGHTMARE!!! Mommy, down down!” I roared as my eyes caught glimpse of her small white furry body in the flower bush.
My mom laughed, placing me back down on the ground. I ran to my little friend, her head peeking up before she started mewing, racing towards me. I embraced her, spinning around as I lau
ghed. I was so happy to see my familiar.
“I guess Nightmare’s joining us for dinner. Let’s get going my little sunshine. Daddy will be joining us.” My mom encouraged, holding out her arms. I beamed at the mention of Papa. He was always busy with work, but he promised to be at dinner tonight, celebrating my sixth birthday early.
“YEAH!!!!” I yelp, running into my mom’s arms, Nightmare wrapping her tiny frame around my neck, her three tails, hanging down my chest. We both laughed as we made our way back to the palace.
“Mommy? Can Rydey and Stryky be there? Pretty please?” I begged, looking up at my mom with wide eyes. She smiled down at me before nodding.
“Yes, he’ll be joining us with his sister, Anya. I made sure he’s sitting next to you.” She smiled.
I hugged her, tightly as my spirit’s happiness flowed in my mind.
“I love you, Mama.” I whispered, kissing her on the cheek.
“I love you too Rosalina. You’ll always be the sunshine in my life.”
I’m cold…
TAINTED ROSE
November 2017
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yumoyori.W.Wilson lives in Toronto, Ontario with her lovely Mother, Queen Loulou. When she’s not working night shift as a Community Registered Nurse, she’s out relaxing with friends or sipping bubble tea while playing Elsword with her gaming friends.
She has an obsession with fashion and currently owns 100+ lipsticks, 50 being various shades of nudes though she insists all of them are different in their own way. She enjoys reading during her night shift, immersing herself in reverse harem, paranormal and romance novels to pass the time and prevent herself from falling asleep.
To connect with Yumoyori online:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yumoyoriauthor
Youtube: http://bit.ly/2wZKlGF
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BY YUMOYORI W WILSON
The Starlight Gods Series:
Dark Wish
Tainted Rose (Coming Soon)
Dark Wish Page 33