If it isn't good for me
Then I don't want to know

-

I must've been sleeping for quite a while because when I woke up it was dark outside. The moon glittered proudly, its midnight dark sky filled with a canopy of bright sparkling stars that adorned the black sky.

I lifted my head from my brother's chest wincing as I stretched my arms and legs.

We were going in a much slower pace, and I felt sorry for the horses. They looked tired; their steps were like of a traveler who had faced a long and hard journey. The only horse who continued to trot with energy was Damon's horse.

There was a quiet eerie silence that lingered in the air. I shuddered remembering the wails and screams as we fled the kingdom. And now there was nothing but silence and the occasional howl of the cool wind.

I did not know where we were and I glanced around uneasily. Something about this place made my spine crawl. I could feel darkness, an evil unseen force around this forest.

The tall thick trees towered over us, mocking our small figure. The only source of light we had was the moon and her stars.

I listened to the bitter screams of the winds and the occasional rustle of the leaves. Out of nowhere there was a blood-curling howl and I jumped in fright, clutching onto my brother's shirt, "What was that?" I whispered, grimacing as more howls followed.

Lukas clenched his jaw, "Wolves."

Damon shook his head grimly, "Not just any wolves, werewolves." he growled. He looked up at the sky, "Its the full moon, it is the day where they honor the moon goddess."

"Do you think we'll run into them?" asked Lukas, a slight edge and anxiousness in his voice as more howls rang in the air, all from different directions. They were very fair away, but their howls were so loud it was as if they were right there.

"I think we'll be fine." Damon muttered, "As long as we don't trespass their territory on this day. They consider it as a great offense if someone enters their territory on days like this and the penalty is death."

Werewolves were common but they were hardly seen, especially in the human form. You could occasionally hear a howl but you would never see a werewolf outside its territory. Sometimes if you were lucky you might see a wolf in the forest, but you would never know whether it was a normal wolf or a werewolf.

Werewolves were known for their bravery, courage and strength. Even the strongest humans were nothing compared to them. It was rumored that a demon's greatest rival was a werewolf in strength. Though in magic they may not be as sophisticated as them, but in strength it is known that a werewolf might be able to defeat a demon. Beside their strength, werewolves were also known for their love of family and were known for their extreme loyalty.

However a werewolf was also known for their love of war and blood.

I stared at the endless long path ahead of us trying to ignore the continuous howls of the werewolves. It seemed like it would never end and I sighed softly, clenching my hands.

"We'll rest here." announced Lukas pulling the reigns, he slid off then grabbed my waist gently putting me on the ground.

There was a small stream on the rights, and after everyone got off their horses, the horses eagerly ran towards the stream drinking the water.

I groaned as I stretched my sore legs, trying to loosen my muscles.

It was now I suddenly realized that my throat begged for water.

As if Lukas had read my mind, he handed me a leather pouch filled with cool water and I grabbed it in relief thanking him as I drank the cool water.

Damon had picked up some sticks and he dumped it to the ground. I watched curiously as he bent down, before murmuring something softly to himself. Instantly there was a wisp of gray swirls and then just like that there was fire on the sticks.

I couldn't help but be wonderstruck as I watched the small fire lick the dry sticks. The flames dancing lazily and I could immediately feel the warmth of the flames. With the fire, it was lighter too and it felt me feel more safe and secure.

I glanced at Ryker, whose face was mixed with confusion, hurt, betrayal, sadness and anger. All the bitter emotions mocking him. He fiddled with his fingers, his eyes lost in the bright flames.

"Ryker? Crystal?" asked Lukas softly. He beckoned us to follow in which we obliged.

I stood up following Lukas, the warmth of the fire immediately leaving me and the bright light making it harder to see.

I found Lukas at the edge of the stream. Not too far from our group, but far enough so they couldn't hear us.

He was staring up at the sky. It was too hard to see his face, but I could see his clenched hands and stiff posture. That's when I saw a single small tear slide down his face. Just one tear.

That's when I understood. It was time to mourn and then never to cry about this again.

Ryker to must've understood too, because there were already tears pouring down his face and he fell to his knees, his whole body shaking uncontrollably. His sobs muffled and broken. Lukas rested a hand onto Ryker, him to broken. But unlike Ryker, Lukas was able to withstand the other tears and his face hardened

What about me?

Tears of brokenness and misery cascaded down my cheeks leaving me so weak and frail. Once that tear broke free, the rest followed like an endless flow of river. I clenched my hands in anger while my tears fell down.

I was silently screaming inside, wishing I could go back to the castle and make my brother pay. I wanted to go back in time and protect my father and mother.

My ragged breath turned to hiccups, my pride suffocating me. It was as if there was a silent war going in my head.

This felt like torture, because I didn't want to cry. I tried holding back the avalanche of my tears. The pain felt harsher than anything I had ever felt. I was consumed with grief. I didn't have a very well relationship with my parents. Yes, we would talk, but rarely would we all sit together. And rarely would we spend time together and laugh together.

Sometimes I was angry at my mother. Yes, she was my mom, but I sometimes, didn't feel her love. We never shared a moment and she was too busy with her life. I went on with my life and she went on with her life.

In a way it was my fault. There were many times where I could have made memorable memories with my father and mother but instead I let my pride get the best of me.

So I felt regretful to. I felt empty and hollow. It was as if I couldn't be broken because there was nothing to break. I felt as if a piece of me had died when my parents had perished. I felt like a broken vase that couldn't be fixed.

I hated crying. I felt weak and vulnerable.

I took a deep breath, swallowing feeling the lump in my throat.

I looked down at the water, seeing my reflection. My swollen eyes stared at me back and I was puffy and red. I looked like a complete mess.

I felt Lukas' comforting hand on my shoulder, he said that everything would be ok. But I knew he was just saying that to make me feel better. And I knew he just said that to make himself believe that everything would be alright.

I shuddered letting out a ragged breath.

I clenched my eyes shut wishing that this was all a dream.

-

I couldn't sleep, and I lay on the hard ground my eyes still wide awake.

The only thing that seperated me from the dirt ground was just a thin piece of blanket.

The smell from our dinner was still in the air, and it made me want to puke. I had politely declined dinner which was roasted bunny with some dry bread.

I fidgeted uncomfortable now lying on my back. I closed my eyes listening to the soft breeze of the wind and the soft crackle of the fire.

I opened my eyes. A small ache in my heart. I focused instead on the stars. The canopy of the dazzling stars on the black sky, giving me a small sense of peace.

"Can't sleep?" asked a voice, making me sit up in a start. I sat up my eyes meeting Apollo's curious gaze.

He was leaning against a tree trunk a sword on his lap. I had forgotten he was guarding.

I nodded, tensing slightly waiting for him to pity me and tell me he was sorry about my parents death. I opened my mouth ready to tell him that I didn't need his pity.

Instead to my surprise, he yawned, "Today was a pretty wild and strange day, wasn't it your majesty?"

I raised a brow, "I can't tell if you are being sarcastic. Seeing people die and get their heads torn off? Of course it was such a fun day." I muttered thankful that I could take my mind off my hurting emotion.

To my surprise he laughed and I was thankful that it was dark outside, otherwise he would have seen my relived smile.

"Thank you." I murmured to him softly, giving him a genuine and soft smile. I was thankful that he was taking my mind off of earlier and making me laugh.

He gave me an ever so small smile before it was quickly replaced by his usual smirk.

"How did you meet my brother, Lukas?" I asked, folding my hands together. I stared at him curiously waiting for him to answer.

"He punched me."

"What?" I asked, my voice laced with amusement and interest, "He punched you?" I repeated, trying not to laugh.

Apollo sounded annoyed as he spoke, "At the time I didn't know he was the prince. We bumped to each other in a bar. He was pissed of that I knocked his drink. I told him to get over it. He got even more mad and told me that the only girl who would ever love me was my mom. So I told him that I would bed his sister. I didn't know that he actually had a sister and that he was a prince."

I choked on my saliva, while Apollo smirked at me watching me amusingly, "To bad its true."

"That I'll bed you?"

I choked on my spit again, "N-No that the only girl who ever loved you was your mom!" I muttered flushing, "Besides that's not the point. What I'm trying to figure out is why my brother chose a person like you."

Apollo chuckled.

I frowned, stifling a yawn, "You acted so much more quiet and reserved earlier when around me. How come you are comfortable talking to me like this right now?"

"Are you saying you like talking to me?"

"No!" I cried glaring at him.

"Ok, forgive me." Apollo exclaimed in exasperation, "Well unless you want me to get beat up by your brother of course I am keeping a respective distance from you. You know how protective your brother is."

"Are you saying you want to talk to me?" I asked grinning, using the same thing Apollo had same to me.

Unfortunately my triumph didn't last long.

"So your not denying that you enjoy talking to me." he drawled lazily a crooked grin on his attractive face.

"What!" I squeaked, "No! I'm n-not saying that I'm attracted to you or anything." I muttered cursing myself for stuttering, "I mean you are attractive. But not t-to me. I'm not saying your ugly. just don't h-have feelings for you."

Apollo looked at me, biting his lip to keep himself from laughing, his lip quirking up slightly, "I never said you were, Amethyst."

My eyes widening when I realized my mistake and I slapped my hand over my mouth, "My name is not Amethyst." I hissed trying to change the subject, my cheeks burning from embarrassment, "Its Crystal. Cuh-ris-tal."

He looked liked he was trying not to smile, "Whatever you say, Fluorite."

-

Chapter Four! I know I haven't been posting in a few days, but I just got super busy and school was just running over me like a truck. I really try hard to post, but sometimes I just can't do it. Anyway, if you enjoyed this chapter please click on the star! It does make me happy! Also comment and tell me what you think! And 58 views!! Like what? Thank you so much to those who are reading my story!

I also want to clarify about Crystal and her mourning. I know it may have not felt like Crystal was sad, but like I said Crystal and her brother did not have a good relationship with her mother and father. Yes they loved them dearly, but they never had that bond. So when her parents die she does feel sad and regretful but she doesn't feel like it's the end of the world.

Also remember you'll start to see Apollo acting differently when Lukas is around and is not around. I mean we all know tht Lukas prefers to use his fists then his brain so Apollo will act differently around Crystal. But they are starting to make a connection...

Me though when I see people reading my book.

- NerdyWhale