Chapter 36: Chapter 36

There were a few instances in my life which I'll deeply regret. And this is one of them. I should have known better than to wander off in the place which was unknown to me. Every turn I took led me deeper into the trees and I had no idea how to turn away. There was no way I could scream for help because the trees were so tall that my voice would echo in between them.

I felt like crying because according to my watch I was wandering from the past two hours. My feet ached and I felt my throat dry with each step I took. There was no water nearby.

Even though I could not see the sun, the heat was causing me to sweat, drenching the mid-region of my belly.

Breathing had become a task. But I still continued to walk in the hope that I would find a way out.

On the turn I stumbled in the door and gasped, taking a step back. The sound from the bushes rang in my ears and I held my breath. Someone came out from the bushes, their clothes are worn out and holding spears in their hands. They were different than that of Dean's but equally terrifying.

My lips parted, eyes widening at their demeanour. They were three of them. They all had yellow eyes and blue pale skin.

One of them inched closed, a creepy smile on his face, dark and angry, "Who are you?"

I

trembled, wrapping my arms around myself, "Uhh...I'm with the King"

I thought it was better to play it safe. Lukas owned Hell so maybe they'll let me pass through or better help me back to the mansion.

The other one chuckled from behind, "And where is our loyal King?"

A bead of sweat rolled down my forehead. Lukas was not in the hell so there was no way he would estimate the danger I was when. I felt small all of a sudden. Instead of wandering on my own, I should have waited for him to come back.

I held my scraped arm, lips trembling, "Uh...he's"

"Not here" The yellow-eyed demon stopped smiling, eyes running over me. I shivered at his stare. How did they know that?

The demon took a step towards me and I gulped loudly in fear. What was he going to do?

"Has the King bonded you yet? Made you immortal?"

I licked my lips, "Yes"

The demon roared, "Do not lie you, filthy mortal"

I took a step back in fear maintained his stare. Even though it was a lie I wanted to make it as convincing as possible.

"He did!"

"Show the mark"

I shook my head, tongue feeling heavy in my mouth, vision blurry. They had to be a way where I escape the situation. My eyes fell on the branch lying in the heaps of leaves. Maybe I could use that to escape.

As I took a step back the demon paused, sniffing the air, "You are bearing a child? Did the King lose his mind letting you out in this condition?"

At the mention of Lukas, my eyes filled. He would be so disappointed once he finds out that I went outside without informing him. Just when I thought that things were getting better between us this would throw off everything.

I sniffled, "He doesn't know...I-I was just wandering! Please!"

The demon cackled, his voice echoing around the trees, "Wandering?"

"You seem smart enough to do something stupid like this!"

The demon stalked closer, his arms touching mine and I flinched at the touch. He smirked at my reaction and traced his hand down my cheeks. I clenched my eyes shut, suppressing the shiver that ran through me. My breath caught in my throat as he smiled, his breath hitting my face.

"Such a pretty thing! He should have kept you locked"

"Let her go!" Lukas's voice boomed throughout the woods.

A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I opened my eyes. He stood there, tall and commanding, his jaw set tight and hands balled into fists. The demon who was holding my face dropped, backing away.

He turned towards Lukas, a snarl leaving his mouth, "She's in our land. All alone."

Lukas growled, "She doesn't know"

The demon growled, tugging at my arm and pushing me towards Lukas harshly, "Then I suggest you take her and leave before we decide to do something"

Lukas inhaled sharply as he managed to hold me in his arms, his hand supporting my waist. I hid my face in his chest, sniffing at his chest to calm my racing heartbeat.

"Did you just throw her?" Lukas's voice rumbled, the vibrations made me jerk a little. He was really scary when angry.

The demon growled back, "You have no authority on this land my King"

Lukas gritted his teeth, "I have very little authority but I do. Don't forget we share boundaries, Lasik."

"Cara" Lukas whispered as he pulled me away from his arms. I scrunched my face at the sudden loss of his warmth.

I hiccuped, "P-Please take me back"

Lukas hummed as he checked at the tiny marks from the branches on my arms. He tilted his head and his nose flared at the injuries, "Did he hurt you?"

I shook my head, "No. These are from the trees"

Lukas stroked the back of my neck, bending down to press a kiss at the side of my head. My stomach fluttered at his action.

Lukas stared back at the demon, his eyes narrowed, "You know there is a penalty for attacking Royals"

The demon scoffed, "She's just carrying your child, my King. I do not see a mark on her"

Lukas went quiet at that. I had no idea that it was necessary to have a mark. Maybe I should ask Lukas to just do it. There are so many situations which could be avoided if I bear his mark. Even that Li Changying will have nothing to say.

"I don't care. Don't touch her again"

"We are going to do far worse if she wanders in these woods without mark"

Lukas grind his teeth together, "Is that a threat Lasik?"

"Consider it friendly advice my King" The demon sweetly smiled and disappeared back into bushes.

***

Lukas was seething. I should have known that because he has been quiet the entire way back to mention. Even though I tried to explain the reason he did not hear a single word of it. It stung.

"Miss Talia!" Kira was the first one to hug me as soon as I stepped inside the mansion. I patted at her back, hiding my smile.

Lukas cleared his throat, staring at Kira, "Inform Dean that Talia is found. I need to have a word with her"

"Yes my lord"

The maids scrambled back to the kitchen and Kira walked out in search of Dean. I followed Lukas into the red, with each step dread feeling my stomach. I should have known that it was stupid to wander around and I might have cut his trip short which made me feel guilty.

Lukas closed the door behind him and turned to face me.

"Have you lost your mind?" He groaned.

I opened my mouth to reply but he cut me off.

"Do you realise how risky it is to wander off like that? I thought you would be responsible enough to look after my child. How can you put yourself in danger? What is if I didn't find you in time? Do you even know what would have happened? To you?! To our child?!"

I bent my head down, trying not to cry. It was embarrassing how much effect his words had on me. Not only that but Lukas must be thinking I'm irresponsible.

He paced around the room, tugging at his locks and pulling the buttons of his shirt. I inhaled sharply as he came to stand in front of me.

"I seriously don't understand why you can't listen to me for once. It was very careless and irresponsible to wander away without informing anyone. You always get into trouble like it's your second nature!"

I snapped my head at him. What did he mean by that?! The only reason I get into trouble is that I am a human stranded on a fucking Hell just because of him.

"This isn't earth. People here are dangerous and you are a mortal. Did you forget that?"

I shook my head, chewing on my lips.

Lukas massaged his forehead, "Why did you leave? Huh?! What was so important that it couldn't wait till I came back?"

I licked my lips, my throat parched as I met his eyes, "I wanted to make you a flower arrangement. That's why I went out to pick flowers but I had no idea those woods were dangerous because you don't tell me any fucking thing. I am sorry that it's my fault I am stranded here with your child which again is my mistake. I'm sorry that I don't know anything about this place! I am sorry that you have issues and you don't tell me anything unless I ask you to!"

With that, I stormed out of the room. Sometimes speaking out is better than locking up everything inside.

***