The Invisible - Part 2

To start at the beginning, click here for Part 1

"Clara! Clara! Come back, Clara!"

Maik's heart beat over time as pure adrenaline helped him spring out of bed. He made it halfway across the room when his bedroom door swung open, and his father entered.

Taking in the situation, he ordered, "Maik, get back in bed this instant."

Swaying as he tried to stand in the middle of the room, he asked, "Father, I don't understand. Why will King Lars not approve of our marriage now? This makes no sense."

King Florian looked at his son with compassion, replying, "Maik, he fears that you'll become power-hungry and overthrow him, combining both our kingdoms. He wants us to return to our lands as soon as possible."

Maik stumbled back to his bed and flopped down. Running his hands through his hair, he ran through a thousand scenarios, but he couldn't imagine life without Clara by his side. Finally, he glared at his father and said, "Why did you save me? If I can't marry her, I'd rather pass into the netherworld."

Florian stood up and looked annoyed at his son, declaring, "You'll do no such foolish thing. I have a plan, but I must know, are you willing to fight for her?"

"Of course," Maik replied immediately.

"Very well. Say nothing to no one, and let me work my magic." Florian left soon afterward, and hours later, several of his father's soldiers marched into his room, and the leader barked out his orders, "Prince Maik, get dressed now and come with us quickly. Don't waste our time!"

Ten minutes later, they were sneaking down the servant's staircase in the middle of the night. Once they reached the kitchen, they entered a hidden passageway and followed it deep underground.

Maik was getting weaker with each step. The rough terrain and the fast pace were too much. He desperately needed blood and stopped, leaning against the wall. Barely breathing, he gasped, "Can one of you give me your blood?'

The leader stepped before him, saying, "Take mine, milord."

Letting his fangs grow, he took the soldier's blood and sealed the wound before replying, "Thank you, Devon. I owe you one."

Feeling revived, they rushed through the tunnels until they entered an underground cavern deep into the kingdom's mountain ranges. To his surprise, Clara was waiting in the center of the room, with his father beside her. As he stumbled in, he heard his father declare, "Maik, hurry before it's too late. You'll take her as your mate this very evening."

Devon helped him reach the center of the room, where he stood, swaying next to Clara. He whispered, "Father, I need your blood, or I'll collapse."

"Very well," King Florian answered. He stepped toward his son and added, "Be quick. Take only what you need. Time is of the essence."

Feeling the power of his father's blood coursing through his veins, he turned to his beloved Clara, asking her, "Are you sure about this? We'll have to flee. Do you love me enough to sacrifice all that you know?"

Clara stepped toward him and smiled sadly, "I'll miss my kingdom and my people, but it is in your arms I belong."

Upon hearing her words, Maik didn't hesitate. He pulled her into his embrace and pierced her neck. He drank from her and spoke the magic, binding their souls to each other. He knew she could feel the magic working, turning her into his kind.

She clung to him, begging with her eyes to ease her pain. He turned to Devon and ordered, "Slit my wrist so I can give her my blood."

King Florian barked out, "Soldier, do it now!"

Pulling away, her lips were stained with his blood. He bent down and kissed her lips gently. Whispering in her ear, he said, "We can't mate here, but once we reach safety, I shall devour you." He knew his words embarrassed her, but he longed for the day they could be intimate.

Off in the distance, they heard the hound dogs barking and snarling as they searched the underground tunnels. Raised voices echoed with each passing second. They needed to flee.

King Florian yelled out, "Go now! Devon will come with you. The remaining soldiers will hold back her father's men."

Maik took her hand, and they fled down another tunnel, deep into the mountains. The darkness devoured them, but would they remain safe from her father's wrath?

~~~~

Hi Readers,

I hope that you are enjoying the Invisible. Please come back for Part 3.

~~ KA Stefana