CHRIS Exhausted, I flip the journal I’m investing upside down so I can return to it when I’m ready to. I get up and head out of the study and to my room to meet Nikki. We could have lunch or talk or do whatever crazily thing on her mind. Of a truth, our private life has been shaken because of my constant availability of late. I can't help it, even though I've explained to her countless times without numbers, she is adamant and feels it's intentional. We could cuddle all day, perhaps I shouldn't return to the study for today, rather I should spend it in her warmth, I think aloud, passing by servants that turn their faces to the side while I soliloquize. The room is empty, and so is the bathroom. “Nikki.” I call, to be sure she isn't curbed up somewhere. There's silence, not a single response.Shutting the door, I head to the main chamber even though she has no business there, also to the large guest room, parlour, and then the compound, and it's just the servants and no Nikki. “

NIKKI The sky is bright, and the sun’s harsh rays seep into the carriage from the small window of the carriage, making me squint. It kisses the spot where his hand smacked delicately, hurting me the more. I adjust to the left side of my sit, and away from the sun’s beautiful punishment. I lay on the side, my head leaning on the window as I observe the scenery. It's not beautiful, nothing special to want to keep as memory but one thing is certain, I’m never going to see a place like this. With every movement, the grasses grow taller and the trees thicker, with every movement, I get closer to safety and far away from a place I made my home, from the people I gave so much for, and from Chris, my supposed mate. “When you meet your mate, he will be everything you dreamed of and more. The moon goddess never makes a mistake.” My mama once told me, with a broad smile on her face. She is perfect, the figure I look up to even in her absence. Her union with my papa is every girl child’s drea

NIKKI "And did you just run off, just like that?” she sounds perplexed. "Yeah, it's safe to say I ran for my life.”"Say what now?” Her brows are arched. “You’re getting me confused. What should I have done? Do his laundry before leaving or make him his last meal, or...”"Damn, Nikki. How about making him a replica of yourself to keep his bed warm? You know I’m not all about that crap.”"Okay? You should spill at this moment. Because if it's ironing things out...it’s a no. If I had spent one more minute in there, I would be a captive for life and you will be over here writing notes I would read but cannot reply to, thinking I’m fine as my ass.”"Your ass indeed. I meant to destroy his freaking face with hard blows, slaps, and scratches. Put your freaking nails to good use, girl.” She sounds pissed. "How can you just up and leave?”"It sounds tempting, but I’ll pass. I'm certain I will have my eyes totally removed if I did that.”"He wouldn't dare, stop hyping this motherfucker.”"I

NIKKI.With gentle strides, I walk down the corridor, admiring the beautiful sculptures and landscape portraits, and they are as beautiful just like I remember them to be. The walls, and paintings, though renewed but feel the same. At the extreme is the King sized bedroom that holds lots of memories and bliss and terror. How going in and bagging tortures and bruises was the only way to prove your worth. How being a destitute sting more than being rejected by your mate. And even though you are wild as eff, the brutality of Lady Sasha’s whip was enough to make you petrified. Those years when a few days all we wanted was cheap validation from our foes, still wearing the tags of slaves. We wanted freedom even though we were scared of what the actual world now looks like and most of the days, we only wanted good meals free of wolf's bane. We fought for survival and tasted betrayal from the closest of them all. Got maltreated by our fellow slaves and topping the chart is strongest, Aaliy

AALIYAH After the pure intimacy in the bathtub, Hector carries me in his arms, out of the bathroom, and onto his large bed. I lay on the bed and in his arms, cuddled like a child. My eyes travel along his chest, and my hand plays with his chest hair before leaning closer to layer kisses on it. “Hmm...” He moans, and buries his nose in my hair, sniffing my shampoo and stroking my hair tenderly. “Hector,” I tilt my chin upwards so that my gaze is on him and pause to fully gain his attention. "Yes, dear.” He looks down to meet my gaze and rests on his elbow, gaining stability. His eyes glitter and he looks as though he's fighting the smile that lurks around his lips. He knows when I need him to be serious and right now is one of those times."What's amusing you?” I can't help but be curious. “Nothing serious.” He tries to shift the focus."Of course, it’s not, so what is it?”"It's just that you came in steamy and horny, despite our recent friction, I’m the way suitable to satisfy