The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

~ KATALEYA ~

Oh no, he's serious! I give him my best doe-eyed pleading expression, but he simply smirks, not falling for my poor cutesy face.

"I'm an Alpha King. I'm not going to leave through a f*****g window like a pathetic loser. A real man does nothing he's ashamed of, and I for one feel nothing but satisfied with what we've done, Mi Amor."

His words make my heart skip a beat, but no no no! There can't be excitement when everyone is out there!

I decide to change tactics and muster up my most angry face, but he simply chuckles as he switches the shower off, taking hold of my chin and kissing my lips before he grabs a towel and a bathrobe, passing me the bathrobe before he towels my hair for me. I slowly put on the bathrobe, blushing as I admire him as he takes care of my hair.

He then dries himself roughly and I can't help but check him out fully. It's so naughty of me, but I like seeing him naked... He has a very nice bottom, too.

He chuckles slightly. "As much as I don't mind you enjoying the view, I don't think you'd appreciate me walking out like this," he says, pulling on his grey sweatpants again. I watch as he turns to me, his wet curls falling over his forehead.

"I wasn't looking at you," I lie, pouting as I quickly look away. My gaze falls on the window, and a sudden thought comes to me. I can just say I went for a walk! "I'll take the window then."

"I don't think that delicious booty would fit..." he snickers, and I look down at my body, touching my booty cheeks. "You're calling me fat? Fine, I will make it fit," I whisper, furrowing my brow as I move to the tiny window that is above the toilet. But before I can even take more than two steps, I'm spun around and pulled into his arms, making my eyes widen at the sudden move.

"I'm simply saying it won't fit. I like a girl who has meat; now, we will step out together. I'll make sure no one says anything to you," he says, taking hold of my hand and heading to the door. I stop and look up at him. "Really?" I whisper.

"Yes, but I don't think your mother will care. She will be more busy fussing over you now that you are awake."

I nod slowly, wondering who else is out there, and when Enrique opens the door I look around nervously, spotting Mama, Uncle Liam, Raihana and Delsanra.

"Kat!" Mama says as she stands up and, despite my tomato red cheeks, she rushes over to me and hugs me tightly. I dare not look at the other three as I simply hug Mama tightly.

"I'm ok, Mama."

"I'm so relieved that you are, my angel. I was so worried. You look well, thank the Goddess! I'm so happy about that!" she says, cupping my face.

"Definitely look well," Raihana says lightly, and I glance over at her as she gives me a wink.

"Good to see you awake, Kat," Uncle says as he hugs me too, then Del and Ri give me a hug just as the door opens.

"Kat!" Skyla enters with Royce and Ahren just behind her, and I hug her tightly.

It's a relief to be awake and well.

"She's not entirely out of the woods yet, there are still remnants of the darkness left, which we will remove with the help of the medical team to locate the infected areas," Enrique says as someone brings in a large tray of food. "Would you like some refreshments brought in for the visitors, Alpha?" the nurse asks Enrique, who nods, frowning slightly as he watches Royce hug me.

He isn't jealous, is he? He can't possibly be because of Royce.

"Glad to see you're up," Royce says, and I smile up at him.

The nurse leaves, and Mama and Enrique both motion for me to sit down and eat. And I will surely eat! My tummy hurts from the hunger!

"Enrique, you eat too," I say. He simply takes a slice of toast and bites into it.

"I need to leave for a while, as I have to deal with the opening that the chupacabras are entering from, but you said you had some information?" Enrique asks, now looking over at Raihana.

"Sure, maybe I should give a disclaimer that I may have used the wrong means to get this information, so anyone who finds it morally wrong should maybe not hear this," Raihana replies as she crosses her arms. 2 Mama frowns, and I look up too.

"I think the majority of us have done that at some point," Skyla adds. "What's going on, Ri?"

I'm curious too. She sounds almost upset. But the rise of power I sense from Uncle makes me look at him sharply, realising instantly the tension is between him and Raihana.

"I guess I'll sit this one out. I'll take the time to submit a report," he says, his voice sounding colder than I have ever heard it. "Whoa," Mama says, her eyes flashing and I see the edge in them that I have heard about but rarely ever seen. Mama is gentle, but she is not someone to mess with. "How about we deal with this like adults... Del? Do you know what's going on?"

"Liam, I think you should stay. Ri, come on, hun. It's a long story, Kiara," Delsanra says, glancing at Ahren, who simply sits back as if readying himself for the show. 2

I look over at Enrique, who looks at the others, his eyes sharp as he remains silent, as if assessing the situation.

"Like I said, Kiara, I used dark magic to get some information-"

"Necromancy," Uncle adds quietly. "Since you brought this up again."

"Weren't you going to, with Uncle and Rayhan?" Raihana shoots back.

"Guys..." Delsanra says, glancing at me, Skyla and Ahren.

Enrique glances at the time, sighing in exasperation. "I really don't have f*****g time to waste, so if you can put all your bullshit behind yourselves, grow the f**k up and get on with it. Let's do it, because I have things I need to do," he says, his voice sounding cold and arrogant. 2 "Excuse me," Uncle says as he walks to the door.

"Liam, please. Stay. We are a team, we are on the same side." Mama tries to reason as she blocks Uncle Liam's path as she looks at Raihana. "What exactly did you do?"

"It was me. I performed dark magic to gain answers from a dead witch. I summoned her," Delsanra explains, making my eyes widen.

"Nice. Why not continue to bring more darkness to this island? It's already got enough issues, including me," Enrique mutters, his eyes flashing. My heart thuds as I realise he's angry now. "You cannot go around and do shit like that without my consent." 1 "Enri-" I try, but I'm cut off by Raihana.

"I told her to do it. You are all blowing this way out of proportion! I get it, I won't do it again."

Royce sighs, "Alright let's calm down, it's done, we can't-"

He's cut off when Uncle speaks. "That is until the need arises once more and the same thing happens, right?"

"Liam, I know it's wrong but-" Mama begins.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"I'm out of here. Step aside Kia," Uncle warns. He glances back at me, a silent apology in his warm blue eyes.

I blink away my tears as they all continue arguing. It makes me uneasy. I don't like it.

Mama steps aside, but Skyla blocks Uncle's path, trying to get him to stay. Enrique is getting irritated as he keeps glancing at the time. 1

Royce and Mama are trying to diffuse the matter.

Raihana is upset, and Delsanra is trying to defend her.

Uncle is quietly asking Skyla to let him leave, but she's refusing to do so.

Ahren is simply watching it all, his face unreadable.

It hurts.

Why is my family arguing?

It scares me.

We are meant to be one. Why is this scene terrifying me?

Together, we are strong.

Separate we are weak...

My heart thuds as I glance at Enrique, who now curses. Annoyance is clear in his voice.

"Enough..." I whisper, my eyes blazing. No one hears me. "I said enough!" I slam my hand against the table, making the tray of food rattle as silence falls across the room, my aura swirling around the room like a cool blanket.

Mama glances at me. "Kataleya, one moment, I'm sorting-"

"I do fucking apologise, Queen Luna, but I'm going to stop you right there. Because on this island, Kataleya is the Queen." Enrique's voice is dangerous, his aura exuding from him in waves. "If she is saying enough is f*****g enough to you all, that means enough. So all of you sit the f**k down and let's get down to this shit without you all behaving like cabrones!" Silence falls as I stare at Enrique, blinking. The sound of birds chirping outside fills the silent room and I slowly bite into my cake as all eyes turn on me.

Oh no, I didn't mean for everyone to look at me.

"Mi Amor," Enrique begins as he folds his arms, those gorgeous liquid gold eyes burning into mine. A sexy smirk crosses his lips as he speaks the next words. "The f*****g room is yours."