I think I needed an excuse

피계가 필요 했었나 봐

-

It seemed liked only yesterday when we had left the kingdom of the vampires. A few days had past and everyone was wary and tired.

I blinked trying to adjust my eyes from the harsh sun. It felt strange to have the sun on our faces again, for in the kingdom of the vampires, the sun did not shine there.

But here I felt at peace. I did not feel any darkness here. Unlike the kingdom of the vampires. The forest over there itself was scary and "cold" in a dark way. It made me shudder remembering the powerful darkness over there.

But strangely here I did not feel any of that at all. Maybe it was only my imagination but the atmosphere itself felt brighter in a way. There was more of a calming aura in the air.

The horses too seemed pleased to be here, for they trotted gaily along the past.

You could here the soft crunching of rocks and dirt from their powerful hooves, and the occasional soft soothing sway of the green leaves.

Nobody had said much along the journey. Now that I thought about it nobody had spoken at all. I looked up at Lukas who had been strangely quiet all this time.

I could understand why everyone was so quiet, especially Apollo. I mean here we are journeying across this realm. Where we are is so quiet and still while back at home is the opposite. Sometimes I would think about Grace and wonder what had happened to her.

Would Brayden really kill innocent people?

I had to admit I was slightly relieved that nobody was talking. My cheeks burned at the memory when I thought of Sebastian kissing my cheek. We both knew we had no feelings for each other but the others didn't know that.

"Crystal?" Ryker's curious pleasant broke the silence, "Why is your face so red?"

I nearly groaned, so much for a peaceful ride.

"She's probably thinking about when Sebastian kissed her." Apollo muttered dryly making my head whip towards him. I glared at him in which he leveled a steely gaze on me back.

"Somebody sounds jealous." Damon drawled lazily smirking, his demonic eyes flickering back and forth from me and Apollo.

Apollo scowled at Damon, his lips pressed together in a thin line, he huffed.

"Why did Sebastian kiss you?" Lukas accused narrowing his eyes at me, "I've been wanting to ask that question."

I gulped, praying that he wouldn't start ranting, "To say goodbye?" I squeaked, "Its a tradition." I said making that up.

"No its not." Eugene said curtly, arching a brow.

I glared at him, "You are supposed to be helping me."

"Then why did he give you a gift." Lukas asked in triumph when my face fell.

I really didn't want to tell Lukas, because Sebastian would have told him if he wanted to. Plus, I respected Sebastian's secrets and his privacy.

"What did I tell you Crystal?" Lukas said in his I am the boss because I am your brother tone, "That no man is good for you at all. I really feel sorry for the guys who try to get close with you."

"There are no guys who get close to me, because of you!" I hissed back in annoyance. It was true, nobody dared to come near me, because Lukas challenged that whoever came to me would have to go through him first.

Lukas looked pleased by my remark. I could see it in his eyes, "That's good to hear." he continued, "I am going to skin the person who gets anywhere near you, boil him and then break his bones." he said maliciously letting out an evil laugh.

"You're just jealous because you wished Sebastian gave you a gift." I replied deadpanned.

Lukas frowned, looking lost, "What?" He asked in puzzlement.

I wiggled my eyebrows, "You know its rumored that men sleep with each other."

I had to bite back a giggle, from Lukas' still perplexed expression, "I don't get it. How does that imply to me-" he stopped, "I hate you." he muttered, groaning in disgust.

"You never tell Crystal everything you do." Ryker pointed out.

Lukas frowned, "What do you mean?"

"Well one time back at home, I saw a girl come out of your room." Ryker said cocking his head in confusion.

Apollo coughed awkwardly, while Damon started snorted hysterically.

I raised an eyebrow, looking at Lukas knowingly, "You saw a girl come out of him room?" I asked gasping pretending to be shocked.

"I wonder what she was doing there." Damon hummed.

Lukas scowled at me, "She was just helping me out on stop." Lukas said sweetly, whilst giving Ryker the look to shut his mouth.

"Then why was she-"

"Ryker." Lukas said through clenched teeth, "Now is not the time!"

"But-"

I swallowed to keep myself from laughing, while Damon made no attempt to cover up his laughter.

"Ryker!" Lukas snarled glaring at his brother.

"Fine." Ryker muttered raising his hands in mock surrender, huffing in annoyance.

I didn't feel very talkative after this. Thankfully, Lukas had let this one go, probably since we were even now.

I was quiet and didn't say much now. Everyone else seemed to be talking breaking the silence.

Yet deep in everyone hearts, we all knew the real reason why we were talking. It was too distract ourselves.

"You know, I was pretty surprised that Sebastian decided to be alliances with us." Damon said, tilting his head.

Lukas nodded, "He seems like a cool guy, besides the fact he kissed my sister." He growled, scowling.

Damon rolled his eyes scoffing, "It was on the cheek, not on the lips or anywhere else like-"

Lukas narrowed his eyes at Damon, making Damon shut up.

"It will be a big help though." Lukas continued sighing, "It just won't be enough."

"Did Sebastian say how much troops he would give you?" Eugene asked.

Lukas shook his head, "He just said that they would be there by my call. He's sent some spies to my kingdom to see exactly what Brayden has on his sides."

"So I suppose we are going to the elves now?" Eugene questioned, his face vivid of any emotions.

Lukas nodded.

Damon scowled in disgust, "Elves?" He practically spit the words out, his words dripping with venom.

I glanced by at Damon, frowning, "Do you have something against the elves?"

Damon scoffed loudly, "They are so bright and annoying." he muttered shuddering at just thinking about them, "And their singing is annoying. Everything is so bright and soft there." He muttered wrinkling his nose, "Their voices are high and squeaky and they are freakishly tall-"

"Alright Damon, you're being ridiculous," Lukas said sighing.

Damon narrowed his eyes, pursing his lips, "Why the elves though, why not the werewolves."

"Well one," Lukas said frowning, "The elves are the closest to the vampires. Two, they are most likely to help because they hate dwarves. Three, they are very skilled at archery."

Damon sulked, "I hate this so much." He muttered, crossing his arms.

While Damon and Lukas continued to bicker I glanced at Apollo. He was tensed and he didn't say anything just staring off in he distance.

He turned his head, making me almost fall out my horse in surprise.

I hurriedly turned my head, staring straight at the distant. I bit my lip, for I could feel Apollo's gaze on flickering on me before turning his head away again.

To my surprise he began to speak with Eugene and Ryker leaving me quiet and confused.

-

I was sitting just, letting my thoughts loose. I sat there staring at the flickering hot fire. Its warm heat warming on me. I shivered for some reason, and I scooted closer to get some sort of warmth.

It was beginning to get dark. The sun was starting to set and the moon was beginning to come up. The stars too were slowly beginning to be visibly.

From my right the horses were quietly eating some grass and they seemed to be happy to be resting.

Lukas and Damon were gone to go hunt for some deer. Ryker sat next to me, his shoulder touching mine. He was happily eating some dry fruit that Sebastian had given us.

Eugene didn't say much. He had jumped, and I mean jumped on a tree. His wary eyes alert, scanning the surroundings carefully. He was still as he sat there his brown glittering eyes, full of delicate emotions.

Apollo didn't seem to say much either. He just stared off into the distant. His eyes occasionally flickering back and forth to me, but I chose to ignore it.

Ryker wiped his lips, wet from the sweet fruit. He put his head on my shoulder sighing.

I smiled softly at his doing.

"Do you ever just wish you could repeat something to fix it?" Ryker suddenly asked looked at me.

I blinked at his question. I gave him a small smile, "All the time." I whispered, glancing up at Apollo who was gazing at me.

Eugene seemed to be listening to, for I could see his eyes lingering on the question.

Ryker patted my hand, to comfort me, "Everything will be alright." He hesitated. He opened his mouth to say something else, but he shook his head, asking me this instead, "Do you mind if I see you necklace?" he suddenly asked.

I nodded unclasping it. I knew Ryker had an interest in rocks and gems. He loved to study it and look at them, "Make sure you give it back."

Ryker nodded solemnly, "I will." he promised.

I stood up abruptly, needing to be alone, "I'm going to relieve myself."

I caught Eugene's calculating gaze. He seemed to be studying me, he nodded slightly and I had a feeling he knew I was lying.

I turned away, quickening my pace. I took deep breaths to calm my nerve. It felt peaceful though to be alone, strangely. It felt like a burden had been lifted off my shoulders.

I glanced behind me to make sure I would not venture too far. I could still see out campsite, so I decided to keep walking.

I heard something in the leaves and I froze. Something or rather someone had ran head straight into me. My head hit his chest making me stumble, the person grabbed my arm catching me before I fell.

I squinted my eyes to see who it was for it was dark and dim. The man had fiery red hair with pale skin. He had sharp jawline and daunting deep dark green eyes. There was a black eyepatch on his left eye and there was a tattoo on his hand. He was tall towering over me.

His emerald green eyes met mine for a split second and just like that he was gone. He disappeared into the shadows.

My mouth turned dry and I nearly fainted when my mind finally recognized that tattoo on his arm. It was a brand not a tattoo. The brand was for murderers.

I was shaken and I whirled around to run back to the camp.

But before I could move I saw a shadow behind the trees. My hand went up towards the necklace. My spine stiffened when I realized that Ryker had it.

I inhaled sharply when I saw another shadow.

My heart was thumping against my chest. I was shaking. I didn't know what to do. My hand went towards the dagger Damon had given me. I pulled it out trembling its gleaming sharp blade glinting under the moon.

Suddenly a hand wrapped around my mouth pulling my hair back. I slashed the blade around the blade desperately, my screams muffled.

I elbowed the person as hard as I cold.

There was a grunt, but his hold only loosened slightly.

There was another shadow, and the something kicked my leg really hard making me cry out in pain. The dagger dropped to the ground, with a soft thud.

I flailed my arms around, trying to scream. Tears blurred my vision, when I felt somebody elbow me hard on my stomach. My stomach screamed in pain, but before I could register what had happened another man wrapped his arm around my shoulder pressing a dagger against my neck.

I could smell his sour breath as he whispered in my ear, "Don't you dare scream." the man said.

I nodded shakily as the man loosened his hold on me.

The man smiled toothily picking up the dagger on the ground examining it. I didn't know how many there were but there seemed to be roughly twenty men.

"That'll fetch for a good price." one of the men said looking at the dagger.

"She will too." Another said staring at me.

"Imagine what she'll feel like when I get inside of her." another man said groaning.

My eyes widened in fear, as one of the man bounded my heads together tightly. I closed my eyes, feeling the lustful looks from the men.

One of the man slithered his hand around my waist. I froze, unsure of what to do. As an instinct I kicked between his legs hard, making the man grunt stumbling backwards.

The man narrowed his eyes, while the rest chuckled in amusement, "You'll regret that." he hissed, taking a step towards me, "I'm going to rape you so hard, you'll scream and beg for more like the whore you are."

Disgust and fear churned in my stomach nervously. I made a small movement trying to make run for it, and immediately the dagger was under my neck.

"Don't think I'm afraid to use it, whether your beautiful or not." the man who was the first one to grab me whispered.

Before I had time to think, one the men stuffed cloth into my fair. I choked as they forced it into my mouth. Tears sprang to my eyes at the helpless situation.

"To bad that murdered escaped." one of the men muttered, "We could've gotten a big reward for him."

One of the men scoffed, "That fugitive doctor you mean? He's going to get caught one day. Besides we caught something even better." the man said grinning looking at me.

So that man was a doctor I thought my mind flashing back to the red haired man that had ran into me earlier. Was he running away from these bandits?

I tugged at my binding helplessly my eyes darting around trying to escape. Tears blurred my vision when one of the men grabbed my arm, tugging me roughly, "Lets go." he growled, tugging me harder when I tried to resist.

"Let her go."

My eyes snatched up, at the familiar voice. Apollo stood there looking at me. His face hardened with no emotions.

The men looked at Apollo with one glance, before laughing. I winced, they were laughing at the fact one of his arm was broken.

Apollo narrowed his eyes, a small smirk on his face, "I'll give you another chance." he whispered, slashing his gleaming sharp sword in the air, "Let her go."

A man approached him, smirking, "Do you really think we'll let go of a whore-" He didn't get to finish his sentence for Apollo pulled out his sword slashing the man's neck.

The man's head fell to the ground, dead. Apollo seemed pleased by the result not seeming affected as the blood splattered onto his clothes.

The men blinked, surprised by the sudden death. But everything in them soon registered quickly for the men around me unsheathed their swords, their eyes darkening with anger.

"Don't make me repeat myself." Apollo growled, his eyes darkening, annoyed that the men were testing him.

The men around me hesitated. Unfortunately for them, Apollo pulled out a dagger, throwing it at the man who had threatened to rape me. The man made a strange gurgling sound before falling to the floor.

There was a tense silence, but Apollo seemed ready. His hands were clenched tightly, and I could see sweat beginning to form on his head.

But before anybody could do anything, a man yanked my hair pressing a dagger against my throat.

"If you don't stop, I'll kill her." I winced feeling the cool dagger against my throat. My breath hitched up as I felt the man press it against my neck harder.

Apollo tensed, clearly not expecting this. His eyes flickered on me in concern before it disappeared.

The man who held the dagger against my throat narrowed his eyes, "Don't test me." he pulled a lecherous grin, "Wouldn't it be a pity to see her dead?" he asked in a soft and low tone, "It really would be a pity." the man smiled cruelly at Apollo's torn expression, "Drop your weapon."

Emotions flickered in Apollo's eyes, clearly unsure of what too do.

"I said drop it!" the man screamed, pressing the dagger even harder against my neck. I whimpered when the dagger begin to go into my skin, blood beginning to drip slightly.

The man smiled coldly, "Really how naïve of you to come here with a broken arm. Who do you think is going to win? Its you against twenty of our men." The man's eyes darkened, "So drop it." he hissed.

Apollo threw his sword to the ground in anger, his face filled with pure fury and revenge.

The last thing I saw before the man pressed a sweet smelling cloth on my face, was the man chuckling in amusement as the men rushed at Apollo.

Within seconds, stars danced in my eyes and darkness welcomed me in open arms.

-

And that's the end of this chapter!! Who do you think that mysterious man was? You know, he's going to have his own book in the future so.....

If you enjoyed this chapter don't forget to vote and comment to tell me what you think!!

But this chapter took me forever to write. Literally me when I wrote it.

Love you!!
Which is why I am blessing you with this gif of Jungkook!!

- NerdyWhale