Hellbound Heart

Meeting the Reign family and getting to know them felt too good to be true for Elle. She had never expected how harmonious and happy and peaceful everyone was. There seemed to be no power struggle or envy or anything unpleasant within their midst. This was something really rare in a royal household. This is what a true and loving family should look like in Elle's thoughts. Observing and communicating with them had caused her to feel a little wistful as she compared it to her own family. She knew that she should not, but she just could not help it.

"I can't believe how amazing everyone in your family is…" Elle commented, still smiling softly. She had actually enjoyed every minute of her time socializing with them, most specially with Abigail. She just liked her very much. She had never thought it was possible for her to like someone she just met this much. But they were just so welcoming and warm that she just could not help being drawn to them. "I've never seen any family in power as peaceful as the Reigns. It's really amazing. I really don't know how your family does it." She continued to gush as they walked along the corridor.

A while ago, everyone had urged Sebastian to bring her for a tour around the castle grounds. So here they were, walking around silently. And as she had expected, Sebastian really was not tour guide material at all. In fact, he was the worst choice possible if they were to ask for a tour guide. He did not even bother explaining to her about any background history of the places in this massive and magical castle.

"Well, everything's peaceful. For now." Was all he said in a quiet voice, causing Elle's smile to slowly fade. For now? What was that supposed to mean? She creased her brows and opened her mouth, but before any word could come out of her lips, she pressed her lips together again and shifted her gaze to the beautiful eastern garden that had caught her eyes. She had thought about it for a while and realized that he was right. All families had their own peaceful moments until one day, when everything would just change. Just like hers. She hoped from the bottom of her heart that this family would forever be this happy and peaceful, but she knew that even that might be too much to ask.

"Are your other two brothers joining us for dinner tonight?" Elle asked, changing the topic.

Sebastian halted. Then he let go of her hand and leaned against the veranda, his back facing her. She watched him bring out a cigarette and lit it up. Did she say something wrong? She just asked purely out of curiosity. She knew from her research that there were five princes of Viscarria but today she had only met two of Sebastian's four brothers. The second and youngest princes.

Since she had found out that Sebastian was not the eldest, yet he was chosen as the crown prince, Elle thought that the eldest must have given up on his rights to the throne. There was no information on why Sebastian, the third prince was crowned as heir apparent to the throne. She could understand why Skyler Reign relinquished his rights, but how about their eldest brother?

"Elijah will probably appear tonight." He said, blowing out smoke. Elijah… that must be the fourth prince? "I advise you to be extra careful around him."

She had not expected that warning. Was Elijah probably the black sheep of the family and that was why he said that?

Elle opened her lips to ask more but Sebastian spoke before she could. "As for the eldest… never ever ask about him. Never." his voice was hoarse and scratchy.

Silence reigned after those words. She had felt a little shiver run down her spine for a moment. His voice always sounded calm and cool even when he spouted threats. But this time, there was an obvious edge in his voice. Something intense and terrifying. Elle got the message. It seems the mere mention of their eldest brother was a taboo to him.

The sounds of people approaching them reached Elle's ear and she immediately recognized Kelly's voice among them. They were coming their way…

Looking over quickly at Sebastian, Elle easily realized how their postures must look like to others right now. And with how grim Sebastian's aura felt, she was certain that they would immediately come to the conclusion that they were fighting once they saw them.

When the group of people were about to reach them, Elle nibbled on her lower lip as she contemplated before throwing caution to the winds and wrapped her hands around his waist, hugging him from behind. She felt him still due to her sudden 'attack' so she quickly whispered to him, "People are coming…" then she rested the side of her head against his back. Heart thumping fast and face flushing, she hoped that it would be enough to give that false impression that her pink cheeks was due to their couple time instead of something else.

She squeezed her eyes tightly closed and her face turned even redder when she heard the talking ladies lower their voice as they passed by them.

Once the sounds of their steps were far enough, Elle breathed out in relief and pulled away from him. "Should we go back now or…" Elle trailed off as her gaze met his. Was it just her or was there really something different in the way he was looking at her right now?

The faint sounds of a vibrating phone had him shifting his gaze away from her and he smoothly pulled his phone out of his pocket. He stared at the screen for a moment before lifting his gaze to her.

Elle immediately turned around. "I'll go ahead first. I'll walk slowly to give you some time to catch up." Then she walked away, never turning back.

___

To all my dearest readers,

For those who aren't on our fb group, i would like to update you guys that the delays in updates are due to the strong earthquake that hit my region last month. But don't worry about me because I and my family are safe.

I just want you guys to be more patient for my updates' pace for now. I will be releasing five chaps tomorrow but for another privilege tier. And then maybe five more the next day to fill the last tier.

Once the privs are filled, I will try my best to resume daily update and resume Spellbound as well.

Thank you so much and I am hoping for your continues support and understanding.

Love, Kazzen (08/05/22)