14

ARTEMISIA

Exhaling, I twirled my hair out of habit as I stepped towards a door that I believed was leading to the balcony.

I twisted the doorknob and stepped out. Immediately cool air smacked my face.

I let out a deep breath as the wind caressed my cheeks whilst lifting my eyes to the night sky, to stare at the stars as they glittered brilliantly.

My eyes dimmed as I caught sight of a shadow lurking in what looked like a garden.

I couldn't explain what or who it was since it was extremely dark and I was also far away.

I shook my head and averted my gaze. Also, I attempted to think of something else to clear the thoughts of the shadow being from my head as it resurfaced.

"Perhaps, I should take a look," I say to myself whilst staring in the direction of the lawn.

Shrugging, I step back into the hall and I notice everyone was still engrossed in the party.

It was my perfect chance to sneak outside without getting caught, I reasoned.

Also, Sin was nowhere to be found and I was happy with that because I wouldn't be able to leave the room if he was around.

After staring at the room and everyone to make sure they were not watching me, I strode out of the main door without a second thought.

★★★

"Wow," I mumbled as I stared at the garden in awe.

It was far better than I had imagined.

I twirled and my hair flipped around my face as I leapt around the beautifully trimmed potted fuchsia flower.

I let in a deep breath and let it out slowly. A smile slowly crept on my face and I wiggled my body slowly with my hands in the air as the sense of freedom invaded my mind.

Although, I was not free from the clutch of Sin. At least at the moment, I was away from his wandering eyes.

Startled, I halted as I heard a rustling sound next to me.

My heart smacked in my chest wildly and my eyes widened when I heard a low growl.

"Who's here?!" I inquired. But, I hated how it came out weak.

"Hello?!" I called out again, my voice sounding stronger.

However, no response.

Preparing to leave the garden, I heard the low growl again. This time, it was closer to where I stood.

I whirled but wished I hadn't.

My heart plummeted as I stared into the red eyes of the creature that stood before me.

It looked like a dog, but it wasn't because of how overly large it was.

My eyes almost fell out of the socket as it walked towards me, growling.

I wanted to scream but I couldn't not.

I felt my palms turned clammy, sweat gathered on my forehead and my throat closing up. I could sense the familiar surge of panic attacks swirling within me.

I glanced at the sharp, gleaming canine as it opened its mouth that was stained with blood.

"P-please…" I stuttered.

Maybe I was in a nightmare, I thought.

I shut my eyes and thought perhaps if I opened it again, the sight would vanish.

But, I noticed the beast was still in front of me. Also, it did not attack as I had imagined. Rather, it sat and watched me with uncertainty.

"I-I…" Whatever I wanted to say died in my throat as it brought its head closer to me.

It wanted me to touch it?!

It was weird how I knew, but I believe that was what it wanted.

My hand trembled as I stretched it to pat the head it extended.

"Artemisia!"

I lurched as I heard my name. Twirling, my eyes met Sin.

He looked as though he was about to murder someone with the glare he was tossing my way or maybe me since I left the safety of the room. His eyes swirled from the obsidian black it was to the blackest black. Then to gold. I found it intriguing that his eyes could change to that many colours.

Sin's face contorted in a grimace but strangely, I found it sexy. And my fingers itched to caress the scruff I did not notice on his cheeks until now.

The warmth from his body seeped into mine as he stood in front of me protectively. I noticed the muscle on his arms ripped and my nipples tingled reacting to him.

"Stupid thoughts." I grimaced.

I know I should not be thinking of how attractive he was due to the situation I was in. But, I couldn't help it.

I believed a sane woman like me would have the same thought.

"I told you not to leave the f**king room." He yelled, gritting his teeth.

"You are not my father," I mumbled, wrapping my arm around myself.

I shivered as the cool wind slapped my exposed skin. I hadn't felt the coolness until now and I glared at Sin as he continued to scold me.

"I'm your f*cking husband!" He shouted in my face.

I gasped as he tugged me into his strong arm. "And I'm going to make sure you follow all the rules I lay down because you are under my freaking roof!"

"You can't control me." I gritted my teeth as well.

"Try me." His eyes glinted as he stared at me.

I could not look away from his intense gaze. His face moved in slowly and I did the same whilst licking my lips.

For a second I thought he was going to kiss me. I breathed in as his hot breath fanned my face.

He smirked and moved his lips closer to my ear. "Don't dare to defy me."

The same thing he had said to me had the cathedral. I wondered what would happen if u defied him.

"Now be a good girl and run inside." He said, shoving me out of the way.

"Wait!" I yelled before glancing at where the animal had stood.

But it wasn't there. I believed it had fled during our argument.

"What?!" Sin grunted. "Are you happy now that it has run away?"

I ignored his question and stared around me instead. "What if it came again?"

"I'll take care of it. Now scoot." He assured, pointing to the direction of the palace.

I believed he would take care of things and I didn't argue with him again because I sensed he was far too furious with me.