12 The Lake. (Chapter 11)

Drake had his hand on my waist. I didn't feel the same with him when he touched me. It didn't feel nice. It felt wrong. He could tell something wasnt right by my forced expression. He lifted his hand higher on my waist. He spun me around so my back was on his chest, I could feel his heart beat.

"Whats wrong princess? You should be happy. For Tonight, you will be mine." Suddenly enraged I deliberately stood on his toe. He yelped in pain and let go of me. I put a sweet innocent look on my face and said "Oh I'm so sorry." He looked at me in my eyes part of him pissed off and the other part amused. "It's alright kitty. This won't be our last dance." He said with a wink. A dark feeling came over me but I pushed it away. It's drake afterall. The music came to a stop and he gave me a long sloppy kiss on my cheek. I rolled my eyes. He ever so slightly limped off to the side. I was awoken from my train of thought as someone had tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to face them. Standing there was Damien. His eyes angered but his body relaxed. He coughed roughly and straightened his robe.

"I believe its our dance now Princess." He extended his hand out for me to take.

"Yes My lord, I believe it is."

Bewitched in his soft eyes. I took it.

This, this felt right. So right, but so wrong.

We walked to the middle of the floor Hand in hand. He pulled me close to him, closer than expected. I rested my hand on his shoulder. But didn't put his hand on my waist, it was by his side.

"On my waist." I said a little confused that a Prince doesn't know how to dance.

"What?" He suddenly looked up at me and then his hand. "Oh right yes." Still hesitant he put his hand gently on my waist. Like he was afraid his touch would break me. The music started. We moved slowly. His eyes not breaking from mine. He unconciously pulled me closer, that our bodies were touching. I raised my hand from his shoulder to the side of his neck and wrapped my other arm around the back of his neck. I rested it there. He put both hands onto my waist and held me tightly afraid I would leave. He spun me around until my back was on his chest still swaying to the music. Our eyes still entwined. He was a drug. I wanted more. Our faces inches apart as he studied my lips quickly looking back to my eyes. He lips moved closer to my ear. Close enough for me to hear him say 'beautiful' under his breath. I blushed not waivering my eyes. He didn't either. He hands moved up my body to the back of my ribs, his warm hands on the bareness of my back caused me to shudder at his touch. He made me nervous, nervous in a way where I am conscious of myself. But it felt good. Having him close to me. It felt natural. I felt safe in his embrace. He smiled, so painfully at me I wondered what he was thinking. His heart beat was so fast as I was close enough to hear it. He removed one of my hands from his neck and entwined it with his. His soft touch was almost like fire to me. My hand felt like it was burning when he held it. It tingled at his touch. Nothing I ever felt before. And he held it there, still swaying to the music.

The music came to a stop and I bowed to him, he stopped me mid curtsy.

"Don't." He whispered softly Still close to me. He picked up my Hand and kissed the back his eyes latched onto mine. "It's been a pleasure princess." I grabbed his hand.

"Karina....My name, it's Karina." Not wanting to, I let go of his hand. Again he studied my lips and curled his. "Damien, my name is Damien." I smiled in response. He took once last look and with great difficulty walked away. A shaky sigh came out of me as it was time. Time to find my soulmate.

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Ryan was behind me with Isla. We walked through the woods, the moon acting as our guide. Only one person was allowed at the lake with me. I chose Isla, she won't judge me and could be quite helpful. Also my best friend. We reach the clearing. I give my brother a hug as he says he would wait here for us. I smile eager to learn who it is the universe has decided to be my soulmate.

Isla also gives my brother a hug. I smiled as I already know they are to be soulmates. And they knew it too.

I start walking into the direction of the moon. Trees surround us and the wolves come out to bow to me and show their respects for my birthday. I bow to the Alpha in respect. They have been our allies since our first day here, we look after our forest and they thank us for that. They know it's the day for the ritual, so they escort me and Isla to the lake. Isla is uncomfortable with animals, it makes me laugh so I tell her to walk infront away from them. They surround me, rubbing on my legs to show affection. I stroke them giggling in pure joy as the alpha leads the way. She speedily walks infront tightly clutching the ceremonial knife Wrapped up in cloth that my mother used at her ritual when she met my father.

"KARINA...LOOOK!! It's BEAUTIFUL!!"

I jog ahead and the wolves pick up the pace. Anticipating what will happen next.

We reach the lake, the wolves stop and howl at me for good luck. I bow to the Alpha to Thank him. He bows back, and turns to leave. Soon the whole pack turns and goes leaving me and Isla. The lake was white, shimmering in the moonlight. Perfectly flowing in harmony with the wind. I knelt down. And took a few breathes. Isla handed me the knife. I slit my hand and dropped my blood into the lake. Nothing happens. I wait. And wait.... The lake went red. Blood curdling red and the color drained from the moon. All the forces of Darkness were at work here. I felt pain, agonizing pain in my head calling me to scream out. My screams echoed through the trees. It crippled my body. I couldn't see, everything was blinded by the pain. Now the pain had spread to my heart, I couldnt move-breathe-talk-scream! I gasped for any air as if it was sucked out of my lungs.

Images started flashing. I saw drake...but my head was still in agonizing pain, my heart quadrupled in pain and it wasn't stopping. He isn't my soulmate. Infact, the pain, it was almost a warning. A warning for what? Drake?He would never cause me pain? Right? The pain was too overwhelming for me to think.

But I could see something else. In the light of all this darkness a man emerged. Offering me his hand. Who was it? It's not Drake. But-