The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

- ENRIQUE ~

We are coming.

Those words continue to echo in my mind incessantly to the point that I now have a throbbing headache.

They were the only thing that ruined an otherwise incredible night... Even if it was a night that shouldn't have happened... They tore me out of that impossible dream, reminding me that reality awaited.

I knew it, knew that if I gave in to the intense attraction that I felt for her, it would destroy far more than just my expectations.

It was like tasting a forbidden fruit, which now makes everything else I have seen and tasted feel like dirt in comparison... That itself is a curse that I am now inflicted with...

I had left her shortly after that voice entered my mind, unable to sleep when my time was almost up to find the Ash Stone. I had headed downstairs and scoured the books, hoping for a clue.

Anything to help me locate the Ash Stone.

When morning came, and I was falling asleep over the books, Hugh entered, and I asked him to help me search for anything to do with the Ash Stone in my father's old belongings.

He nodded, not asking any questions, and had prepared to leave.

I had been heading upstairs for a short nap when my phone rang and Jose notified me that the governor was in the city and that my meeting was moved up, so I showered and left to attend it. It wasn't something I could delay, and I wanted the problem with the sea and the safety of the people to be taken care of.

The meeting had gone as well as it could have, and I warned him about the restrictions I enforce around the beaches at night. Especially as these creatures seemed to attack only after dark.

The mayor had obeyed, but it wouldn't be long until he turned around and backtracked on his words. However, by tomorrow, he will no longer hold that title or power.

This place is mine.

Money. The answer to most problems. It may not be able to buy happiness, but it sure as fuck came in use... And as long as I keep feeding the governor money, he will remain under my control.

I have been tempted numerous times to put one of my own men in that position of power... or even run myself, but I don't want to be exposed to the eyes of the world.

The political world is a mass of corruption and lies, and it is not one I wish to be a part of. I have more things to deal with, and they won't be done by participating in meaningless meetings or speeches filled with false promises.

I already hold that power... but what I do not hold is the answer to where the witch is residing. I now sit back against the leather seat of my car, trying not to let my mind wander back to thoughts of Kataleya.

I shouldn't have done what I did, but then again, since when do I pay attention to what I should and shouldn't do? I take what I want, right? That's how it fucking works... only there's something about her that I felt like protecting. What we did last night, the connection between us, felt like I was fucking high on ecstasy, and the pleasure was out of this f*****g world.

I run my fingers through my hair. I'm doing it again... pondering over her and the taste that she's got me reminiscing about.

Her days are numbered here...

There's a tap on the window and I turn, looking at the man who stands there. I motion for him to get in and he obeys. "Alpha."

"Diego... I told you time is limited... yet once again, you bring me no answers."

"I'm sorry, Alpha, but despite finding a lead, everything I try leads me to the midst of our city, and there's no sign of her there."

I watch him sharply. "What do you mean?"

He shakes his head. "I have used a few methods in terms of trying to locate a witch's essence, but once I get to the city I see nothing but shops, and then my compass goes haywire."

"At least we now have an area that is pinpointed, even if it is extremely vague. It is something," I remark, holding my hand out. "You said you used a compass? Show it to me."

For a moment he freezes before understanding dawns and I realise if he hadn't slipped up, he wouldn't have mentioned the compass.

He takes it out and hesitantly holds it out to me. "It is very precious, it helps me find sources of magic..." he says as I take it and hold it up in front of me, frowning when I see the tiny inscriptions with the design. There's magic in it. "And where did you get this?" I ask, observing him keenly.

He looks a bit uneasy. "Let's just say I wanted it, and I won it in a bet against a stranger."

Something like this... could be ideal for so many things...

"I understand it belongs to you. Rest assured, you can trust me, and I won't mention it to anyone. However, can I borrow it? I need to find the witch as well as something else which might also be tied to magic. May I?"

He looks down, conflicted. Clearly, this is something that means a lot to him.

I wonder if this is how he tracks things... He is one of our best trackers, so he uses magic to help him.

"If... if I was to say no, My Alpha..." He bows his head low. "Will you return it to me, and I will accompany you and use it no matter where you wish to go?" he asks quietly, his voice holding a tinge of fear.

"Very well then. It is yours, and I will not take it from you," I say, passing it back to him before looking ahead. If it means so much to him, I do not plan to make a child cry for a picture. "Tell me the location where this leads you, let's head there now." He's silent, and I look over at him, cocking a brow when I see the surprised expression on his face.

"Thank you, Alpha... but your words have reassured me." If you are not reading this novel on Job (n) ib.com, some sentences are incomplete. Visit Job nib. com to read the complete sentences for free. He looks down at his compass and holds it out to me. "You may borrow it for as long as you need. I just request that you please take care of it."

It's obvious that this thing means so much to him, and I will return it." Thank you for trusting me with it. It will be returned to you. However, how about you come with me? You can tell me how to use it."

He nods. "I have one more request."

"And what is that?" I ask as I start the car up.

"Please don't tell anyone about this item."

"I will not." I look down at the compass, hoping it leads me to some answers.

"Thank you. Please drive to the centre shopping centre. From there, I will guide you, Alpha," Diego says.

"Let's find this witch then."

"Alpha, do you think you can locate her?"

I'm not sure... but I do plan to try.

"There's only one way to find out," I smirk.

Diego told me the location was a place full of shops. She could be a customer, someone residing in one of the apartments, maybe even underground... somewhere around here.

The compass was indeed heating up and vibrating until I closed it. The witch is somewhere here...

I'll search this place one shop at a time. But I will find her.

My phone rings and I take it out, seeing it's Jose. "Yeah?"

"I know you're a busy man and you've put Hugh to work, but what about Princesa Kataleya? She was asking about you. I heard the meeting is done."

"The meeting was done a long time ago, but I have other things to do... surely you didn't call me just because Kataleya was asking about me?"

"Actually I did... Hugh has been here all day, she must be lonely." I frown, wishing I knew she had called.

"When did she call?"

"Did the princesa win your heart?"

I scoff. "My heart? I would need to have a heart for someone to win it, no?"

"You are right, you don't have a heart because she has already taken it... so go home, she's waiting for you. I know our rule is not to be there the morning after... but that's for other women, not your reina." Mi reina...

"Don't get ahead of yourself. I just treated our guest well. Showed her exactly what this island has that England does not."

"Extremely well..." he snickers.

He's been far too serious lately, seeing that cocky side of his back makes me smirk. "Also, Jose... There is something I need to talk to you and Carlos about tonight. Something urgent. I'll tell you where to come later. Make sure you tell Carlos too." I need to tell them everything that happened and about taking my place as El Rey Carmesí.

"Understood," he replies before I hang up.

Maybe I should head back...

I look around at the shops wondering where the witch could be hiding.

You're somewhere in plain sight... but where?

Where would I hide...

I am looking around and I stop when I spot a café right ahead, tilting my head as I remember Kataleya. I wonder if she's eaten. I had sent Hugh away to search. Now feeling a little concerned, I glance at the time before I stride over to the door. That's when I stop, seeing the sign hanging from the door. It's the middle of the day, yet it has a closed sign on it, but I can smell the goodies baking inside.

I should take some treats, maybe the sign is set to 'closed' by mistake?

There are plenty of people walking around here. No one finds me standing here weird.

I miss the chef at the packhouse, and this scent reminds me of hers. I remember her cooking for me daily, remembering all those desserts she made especially for me, but going back there meant facing Luis and Marie. My good mood suddenly dampens.

Yes, I'm taking Kataleya back to England... but to take a luna? The very idea seems ridiculous now.

Jose is right, even if I will not admit it. She has my heart...

And this is the result when someone steals your heart without even asking your permission.

Shaking my head, I walk towards the bakery and push open the door. The bell tinkles, but at least it's unlocked.

Entering, I look around. There are some cups and plates on a few tables. One table even has a steaming mug standing on it, and another has a half- eaten pastry.

Looking around, it's like everyone just decided to stop at once.

The sound of someone in the back makes me look up and I quietly approach the counter. I can still hear the sounds from the back when suddenly it just stops.

"El Rey Carmesí... you are here despite the sign that clearly states that we are shut."

That voice didn't come from the back, and now that I listen, I hear only silence from the back.

I turn sharply to spot the middle-aged woman standing against the far wall. Her eyes trained on me. She smells like a werewolf... but she is not one... Oh, I knew who she is.

"It's been far too long, has it not?" I ask quietly, my eyes glimmering gold as I look at the woman who stands there with a knowing smile on her face. I've found her. The witch that I have been searching for.