21 I love you. (Chapter 20)

Again we walked through the woods. Damien was by my side admiring the scenery. Every now and then I would see him look at me with a worried expression as I didn't want to engage in conversation. I didn't want to tell him about what happened with Drake. Somebody just tried to kill me and they used one of my best friends to do it. I'll admit they have balls to cross me. But nevertheless,The experience was traumatic. I didn't feel too well. I felt like I was going to cry. But this was a happy occasion, We we're going to see the Tree Iqra and the man I love loves me back. I think. We have never actually said it to each other. The air was clear and crisp and the moon shone bright. Fireflies lit up the forest like little lights In all different colors. The branches on the trees were long and strong outstretched along the horizon.

"I can never get bored of this view." He chuckled whilst stroking the leaves as we strolled along the path.

"I guess.." I say avoiding my eyes. He furrows his brow and stops me. He stands in-font of me. His head tilted down but his eyes level with mine.

"What's wrong Karina?" He said whilst cupping my cheek and stroking my lips with his thumb. I couldn't hold it in anymore. I started crying uncontrollably. I forgave Drake for what happened, but that doesn't mean I forgot. He engulfed my body with his own, holding so tight his warmth was comforting. His scent was of a sweet Vanilla and I could hear his worried heart beat as I was so close, resting my face on his broad chest.

"Karina..don't cry my love. Tell me, what's on your mind." He whispered not letting go of me. His hands stroked my hair giving me a small kiss on my head. I was still crying but I was whining like a cat on its pillow. He gently pushed me up to face him, his golden eyes shone with worry but he smiled to comfort me. I was so happy he was here with me, he really was my soulmate. He lifted me up and threw me over his shoulder I erupted in Giggles and squeals as I wasn't expecting such a response. He spun around making me hear laughs that I never thought I had. He took me off his shoulder and lifted me onto a tree branch. He leaned against my leg whilst I sat on the branch with a massive smile on my face mirroring his.

"Are you ready to tell me now?" He said with a smile on his face. But the fun faded and I was left with a bitter truth that made my face sour. I didn't want to worry him and I also didn't want to lie to him, because if I lie to him, then how can I expect him to trust me.

"Something happened in the tent.." I say looking down not wanting to meet his eyes.

"Drake He uh... took advantage of me. But I stopped it before it went too far." I felt brave enough to meet his eye. I looked up and I swear I saw the gold in his eyes turn red. He saw blood. He didn't speak his expression didn't change, he shook with rage, drew his sword and started to march back to the castle. I pounced off the branch landing directly in front of him.

"I'll kill him." He said and I knew he was deadly serious. The inner monster that all warriors have is deadly, but mess with a loved one, and you unleash a demon. And Damien's demon was out for blood. I tried to stop him pleaded him to stop but his force was stronger, stronger than me. And he was fuelled by pure rage.

"Stop Damien!" I pleaded pulling him back. But he broke free from me.

"He was under a spell!" He stopped and turned to face me.

"What?" He was still angered but confused.

"The Zorrik spell. He was placed under it...I think someone wants me dead."

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We continued walking, Damien has lost all sense of curiosity and is now so serious with an unrelenting look on his face.

"Damien." He stops and faces me.

"I know there is a lot of shit happening, but this tree has been a dream of mine to visit since I knew of its existence. Can we please enjoy it?" I say entwining his hand with mine. His face softens and he gives a small nod. We continue walking Damien a little more relaxed. But I can see him plotting some kind of revenge. We watch the moon on the horizon and make our way into the darkness of the forest.

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"It's in there?!" Damien points at a misty cave reluctantly moving towards it.

"Apparently" I say and make my way into it. He was slightly reluctant but he came in after me. His golden eyes shone in the darkness and I loved it. He was my light in the shadows.

There was a small light, I went towards it and it got bigger and lighter. Damien was close behind. We were entrapped in the stunning view. I saw THE tree in all its glory. Massive with its bark strong and it's long thick branches outstretched on a slight hill. The leaves weren't leaves but breathtaking tiny red crystals. The cave Led to an undiscovered part of the forest. The grass was untampled and the air was fresh, The flowers unpicked and the animals undisturbed. A lake surrounded it, a black lake leading towards the front of the free. I now realised that it was the stones in the water that were black reflecting onto the water making it black. Exquisite. The tree was so massive and beautiful that under it there was a grass bed, so fluffy and soft with pillows made of flowers. I looked over to Damien to see him mesmerized by the sighting, maybe even more so than me. I took him by the hand and led him to a parting In the branches that led to the bottom of the tree. We sat on the bed of grass and lay out heads on the pillow of flowers and admired the stars that twinkled reflecting off the crystals. we were at peace. Damien let out a big sigh, with the biggest smile on his face. He was at peace here. He lay down. And I curled up next to him laying on his arm. I watched his chest go up and down, the wind play with his hair and his eyes flutter in peace. I had studied every part of his eyes, but now I realise how truly handsome he was when he was at peace.

"Other than its beauty, what is so special about this tree?" He asks touching it's tough bark. I smile because he reminded me that he wasn't from here. Even though he fits in here so well, he is not a warrior of Dark. Yet still, he completes me.

"This tree is said to have been the starting place for Dark Magic. Our ancestors, grew this tree and instilled almost all of their power into its roots. They say, here. Is where the dark forces are strongest. We are taught that dark magic is borrowed from this tree, and here, is where is it all returned when we die. Magic is only borrowed Damien, someday you will need to give it back. The more crystals, the more power it has." He looks up to see the never ending crystals, I see he is definitely interested.

"What if this tree should die?" He asks.

"If it dies, the people of Valtor die with it. Only someone as strong as our ancestors can restore it. And, there hasn't been such a master of the dark arts in 3000 years." I say. He seems concerned, but also he is fascinated. His mood quickly changes. He turns on his side and puts his arm under his head facing me. He places his hand on my thigh stroking it with his thumb. But again, his expression changes more sombre.

"Karina... I think I'm falling in love with you." My heart beats a thousand times a second. I cannot breath I sit up suddenly and so does he. He takes my hands in his and moves close to me.

"I know, I haven't said it to you before. But it's true, I can't lie to myself anymore and I can't lie to you anymore. I love you Karina, I really do." His golden eyes went soft, there was no way he would be faking this. He was genuine. He loved me. I watched him for a while. I had never been so sure in my life. I put my hand on top of his and entwined our fingers. With a deep breath I said-"I love you too."