And Down

Max was brought back to reality by a unique sensation of pain that gripped his heart, signaling that there was something about that kiss that had altered his body in some way. However, there were unknown factors that seemed to be suppressing this modification.

Despite Hazel's brief explanation of her intentions to mark him as her mate and the significance of this bond, he couldn't shake off the feeling that it was all too surreal.

But the pain in his heart said otherwise;

It felt real;

Really.

'Fuck this mate stuffs already, damn this crazy girl! Why are the dots so disorganized? She said it's her mating day with that crazy aged looking man, and then she's saying she wants to make me her mate... Why me? What if I weren't here? Did I ever say I want to become a part of her fucking life?'

Max's eyes squinted.

'And then Penelope on the other side, how's the creepy creature copping by definitely knowing that I'm not caged anymore? And yeah! My blood! What did they drain my blood for? What is going on here?'

Through his Spider Vision that activated itself on instinct, Max saw Hazel together with Armless making their way through the darkness to where he was. It seemed like the magically bright rocky dome he was inside was very depressing, and despite the fact that he had broken bones all over his body, seeing Armless all fine felt delighting for no reason.

Arriving, "Slavey, how are your bones doing?" Hazel said casually, disregarding the unintentionally long hard glare Max gave her when he was standing up from the ground.

"Maximus." Armless called the instant she shifted into Human form, a call that deceivingly sounded she knew him for a very long time and cared so much about his well being. "You don't look fine."

'That is because I am not fine, woman, must I say it as a man?'

"Yep, he isn't fine my dear. And don't ask us why or how." Hazel giggled, her charming eyes looking straight into Max's eyes. When Armless' stare intensified on Max, she added: "Because the story is really embarrassing. Should I say it, Maxey? Fine. I am saying it: A beautiful woman gave him the beating of his life."

'Very funny huh, very funny.'

"Am doing fine, Armless, and ah was doing so fine thinking of going back to my realm but then, this woman a'ver here who knew the safest route back, since I don't have my map anymore, said I have to wait until she frees ya."

"How about finding Evelyn?" Armless questioned, walking closer to the Vampire.

"How about you yourself," Hazel replied instead. "don't you any longer want to know why, I, of all people, is freeing away someone like you who's probably very close to one of the most wanted man in Royalty Pack?"

"Enough of the random talks." Max complained. "Are ya two willing to show me my way back home? What's the unsaid condition for that since that is what y'all know doing very well: Helping someone under damned conditions."

"Are you in a hurry?" Hazel asked.

"Are you willing to trust her?" Armless questioned.

"A'Have no trust left for anyone." Max answered.

"Do you still want to keep following him until he informs Lucas to bring him his golds or not?" Hazel asked plainly, mischief dancing in her eyes.

Armless folded her arms on her chest and said the most harsh words she could say: "Your Highness, I don't know why Max told you about that, but with all due respect, It doesn't sound wise answering you. What do you want from us?"

The smile on Hazel's lips died. "I freed you so that you will continue to stay close to my mate," She made a face in saying "my mate", but continued: "before the game of the dark throne begins and until it ends because he's also involved and has the right to inherit the Dark Throne."

Armless raised her eyebrows in confusion.

Max rubbed his brown hair backwards. "And can ya explore what does that mean?" He moved closer to Hazel, very close despite his paining bones that she smiled dirty at him.

"May I know how he is your mate?" Armless blocked her "O" mouth using her palms. "I shouldn't believe that you kissed him." She guessed what the crazy girl could do.

"We kissed, alright." Hazel rolled her beautiful eyes and informed Armless with a grin. "We kissed and now he is my mate..."

"Am not your mate!" Max shouted at Hazel's face. "Watch ya words, woman, I didn't kiss yar. Ya, kissed, me!"

"Don't shout at me or I'll slap you again. We kissed each other passionately!"

Still blocking her "O" shaped mouth, Armless whispered saying, "You don't know what trouble the kiss of a princess can drag you into, poor boy." She then looked at an infuriated Max with pity.

Both Max and Armless pitifully didn't know what Hazel was about to bring into their lives:

All of a sudden, the magically bright rocky dome started becoming darker, darker, and then evilly darker;

"Yes you are right, my kiss can be troubling but guess what? It is what will change your lives, the both of you, and make your dreams come true. And mine as well. Hand in hand."

Armless stared confusion straight into Hazel's beautiful eyes. "Your Majesty," She glanced at Max who was somewhat not with them anymore, pressing his palm on his paining chest with no System notifications about it. "I guess you have to explain things better."

"Sure." Hazel brought out the book named "STEM OF THE KING" and added, "He will do so vividly."

At an instant, she opened the book and the dome dimmed before blacking out meanwhile a sigh escaped her lips. It was a slow darkness consumption that ate every bit of light it bypassed plus everyone it could come across in there; roars of the River of Origin seized; it turned eerie silent as two mighty red eyes appeared glaring down at the mini trio.

'Alright, calm down Max... It is all just your mind. Calm down, and down.'