I closed my eyes and sighed, wishing I could release all my frustrations and sorrows as easily I could my breath. The warm gentle midsummer breeze rushed by caressing my too pale skin and blowing my mane of unruly dark reddish brown hair out of the sloppy bun I had managed to put up. In just under a day all of my dreams and everything close to me was shattered and taken far out of reach.

The moon bathed the garden with her eerie glow providing enough light for a limited view of my surroundings. If only my aunt and uncle could see me now, they would surely die of heart attack.

It is highly improper for woman to be seen in her night gown and her hair not properly put up, not to mention walking alone in the middle of the night without a male escort under these conditions which would definitely raise shame to her father’s name.

Not that I had to worry about my father though I wish I did; he passed away when I was only twelve. He was a merchant; he had many ships and would sometimes travel across the great seas to extend his business, he was kind and fair that is why everyone loved him even though he was not of noble blood.

My mother on the other hand was born into one of the most prestigious families next to the king and his relatives. At her time she was considered one of the most beautiful women of their court. With her long honey blond locks, that cascaded down to her mid thighs, and her bright blue eyes that held the innocence capable of only a new born. She was said to have captured the hearts of all the young men and women.

Father and her met at the masquerade ball, It was love at first sight they would tell me. The nobles at the court viciously objected to their relationship, calling him peasant scum but when it was apparent they had no intensions of separating even with everyone’s cruelty their viciousness slowly die down into a sort of awkward acceptance. Still most of mother’s family and the higher nobles stuck their noses in the air pretending he didn’t exist.

I think that is why they decided to move into an estate so far off from the main city, though I’m quite thankful to be so far off from their prejudiced stares; in my opinion the farther away the better.

Our estate though isolated was kept at its very best. Our main house ran from one side of the fence to the very end of the other, our stables were adjacent to the back western side of our house and along the front and back were the gardens holding almost every kind of flower known.

Every thing was neat, organized and well kept. My mother she loved her garden, she would spend hours along with her servants tending to the flowers; until recently since she fell ill, which is why my Aunt and Uncle are here. To make sure I quote “a young maiden such as yourself is married off before your mothers death. No suitable man will want to take an orphan in as his wife.”

For the past week they have been fussing about every little thing my unruly hair, uneven too pale complexion, posture, manner of speech, my unlady like behaviour and lecturing me on what men find and don’t find appealing in a women.

I just couldn’t take anymore of this madness what right do they have to barge into our home and command us like we are their servants? Do they even care that mother is on her death bed? What more know one objects to this insanity, it is ridiculous how much power they hold and only because of their money and status.

So caught up in my thoughts I tripped on a jagged tree root but thankfully I got hold of a near by branch and was able to steady myself before I fell face first into the puddle of mud.

Attached to the back of our house was a forest and inside there was a short trail that lead to a small lake which is where I am headed now.

I took a quick scan around me making sure I was not being followed before slipping under the protection of the tall trees as I made my way towards the lake.

The lake looked breathtaking as always the moon and stars were reflected on the lake surface along with my reflection.

No one ever came here, this is my own sanctuary. There are rumours about this lake, of people being drowned countless times. The entire village believed they were caused by the sea demons but I’ve come here almost every day even swam here and nothing has ever happened. Besides there are no such things as demons, I thought as I dipped my feet into the cold water.

I splashed my feet forming ripples in the water, but my peace was short lived. The hair on the back of my neck stood. I had this eerie feeling in the pit of my stomach like I was being watched.

I searched my landscape but nothing met my questioning gaze. Dread seeped into me, it was too quiet and I was alone at night in nothing but my night gown.

Cursing my stupidity I stood, ready to take my leave but something held tight to my ankle restricting any movement.

Paralyzed for a second time in fear, I chocked back a scream and slowly turned. I was met by a pair of startling blue eyes as they stared back from beneath the water, they would have been beautiful if not for the malicious glint in them.

His grip tightened painfully; suddenly he pulled trying to drag me under.

I held on to the first thing I could get hold of, a tree branch wrapping my arms around it I held on firmly.

I whimpered as he pulled harder, the branch bending as he drew me closer to the water. I screamed blindly thrashing my legs one made contact to what I think may have been his face, his hold on me faltered for a second.

That was all I needed I took off through the path, towards home.

“You’re going to regret that.” His voice was cold and detached making me shiver.

I was gasping for breath but I couldn’t stop, he was gaining on me fast. I tried to run faster but I stumbled falling face first into the mud.

I heard his soft graceful steps halt a few feet away from me.

I looked up terrified. I didn’t realize when he was under water but now standing before me in the pale moon light he looked stunning. His face was chiselled to perfection, high cheekbones, straight nose and a strong jaw surrounding soft sensual lips which were currently upturned into a smirk revealing sharp jagged teeth.

His dark hair was wet; water droplets dripped and ran down accentuating the strong shoulders and lean muscles underneath his white cotton shirt.

But his eyes were what held me captive. They were a clear blue like the ocean and they drew me in until I couldn’t move or look away.

I had never believed in sea demons always brushing them off as silly tales made up to scare us from straying too far into the water. But now one stood before me in the flesh.

He approached taking brisk steps his eyes glinting in the dark.

My mind screamed telling me to run but I was frozen. I’m not sure if it was his doing or not but his eyes held me paralyzed.

He was close; I felt his fingers brush against my cheeks. I was furious and terrified at the same time, he could do anything to me as he pleased and I would be powerless to stop him.

He continued to caress my cheeks enjoying my helpless state. A single tear ran down my cheek, I didn’t want to die not like this. Suddenly something cool and metallic rubbed against my chin, I winced when I felt a sharp sting as warm red liquid started to run down my chin.

He broke eye contact freeing me from his spell.

Run my mind shrieked but I knew he would just out run me. Think I thought there had to be something, what did the villagers say? Something about bowing and water spilling…?

I didn’t have time to contemplate what I was doing quickly I crawled back and bowed down.

Something akin to fear appeared inside his blue orbs before he quickly banished the emotion. He hesitated before bowing back stiffly. Water splashed down as if someone had just poured a bucket of water over his head. His shock slowly died down leaving nothing but fury.

He clenched and unclenched his fists taking deep breadths to contain his anger.

“I should have killed you when I had the chance.” He said coldly as he painfully gripped my chin forcing me to look into his eyes.

“Do you have any idea what you just did?” I whimpered too frightened to speak.

“Well you just bonded us together, for eternity.” His voice was calm but the look in his eyes told me he was any thing but.

“Did you think you’d gain any power by this?” he hissed darkly, ‘well think again I am going to make your life a living hell.”

“P…please just let me go.” I pleaded honestly not knowing what he was talking about.

Ignoring me he proceeded to drag me towards the lake.

“I’m not going anywhere with you!” I exclaimed trying to sound brave but my voice came out in a pathetic tremble.

“We’ll see about that,” he said unfazed by my outburst.

I struggled against his hold digging my nails into his skin, He suddenly let go, surprised I almost fell back but I regained my composure and ran home acutely aware of his gaze burning into my back.

My heart still hammered against my chest my hands trembled as I locked the door to my room.

“Back so soon?”

I froze turning slowly.

“W…what are y…you doing here?” I stuttered.

Smirking, he got up off my bed sauntering over to me as a predator would to prey. He pushed me until I was caged between him and the wall.

“Did you really think I was letting you go?” He whispered into my ear making me shiver.

“W…what do you want?”

He chuckled, as he pressed closer to me, I could feel his breath on my lips as he whispered.

“I thought I already told you, we are bonded for eternity.”

“Please let go.” I said pathetically.

“Why? Do I make you uncomfortable?” He already knew the answer as he looked at my trembling figure, his lips curved up into an arrogant smirk.

“What’s your name?” he asked suddenly.

“What.” I asked surprised.

He gripped my chin roughly forcing me to look up.

“Your name.” he demanded; I winced as his grip on my chin tightened.

“Kia,” I gasped and his hold loosened only slightly.

“Kia…” he said testing the name on his lips before nodding in approval. “I will be back to pick you up tomorrow. Be ready.”

To go where I wanted to ask but his grip on my chin tightened again and I gasped in pain.

“And don’t you dare think of running away,” He growled before letting go of me.

I fell into a heap on the floor immediately curling up into a tight ball, forcing back the tears that threatened to fall.

“I’m Aric by the way.” He said before disappearing.

A maid lightly knocked on my door before peering in.

“Yes?” I asked wiping my eyes.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, but your mother the mistress just now she passed away.”