Avia's POV

It's morning! Another miserable day of existence. I sit just by the open window of my pathetic excuse of a room. My little cloth rolled at the corner, my only covering during the cold nights.

Droplets of water land on my head. I divert my gaze to the point of leakage. Someone must be using the guestroom right above my room.

Anytime someone uses it, the water seeps through the cracks on the ceiling and finds it's way to my room. I quickly move out of the way and drop a metal bucket right under it. I exhale sharply and rush to freshen up.

Today is the day I finally get my freedom, I thought inwardly and a smile spread on my lips.

I freshen up and comb my dark brown hair into a bun. I look at myself in the cracked mirror. I marvel at my own beauty.... too bad it causes me a lot of problems being a slave and all. Sometimes I wish I didn't have such adorable freckles.

I head out of my room and meet everyone working hastily. What's going on? I thought to myself.

I walk through the whole chaos and make my way to the kitchen. I wanted to find out what's going on and the person who always has the gist works there... Martha.

Usually, she is surrounded by palace maids who want gossip to pass away time but alas, she was on her own, lips sealed and hard at work.

I took in my lower lip and walk up to her. I pick up one of the dirty dishes and began scrubbing. Hey Martha, why is everyone in such a frenzy, I ask her although not lifting my gaze from the dishes in front of me.

Do you ever know what's going on, tsk tsk... She clicked her tongue. Anyways, the reason why everyone is too busy to admire your beauty or cause you trouble is because the Ice lord will grace this palace with his presence, she said almost in a whisper.

I gasp softly. The ice lord?? I almost started dancing right there. How could everything be so in my favour. Everyone is too busy preparing for the ice lord's arrival that no one will even notice if I pass out and die right now.

This is the chance I've been waiting for. I pick up a few plates of leftovers and walk out of the kitchen, heading straight up to the second room up in the tower.

If I want to escape, I need to have my strength. I quickly stuff myself with the excess food the royals didn't see fit to grace their glutton bellies.

Suddenly I hear the sound of trumpets, announcing the presence of a dignitary. Suddenly the clouds covered up the beautiful sunlight and a chilly breeze swept through the palace.

I could barely hear anyone talking or chattering. It's like everyone went mute. He's here!

DARREN'S POV

Walking into this kingdom wasn't like me at all. Why did I agree to the invitation of Barney. I wouldn't bother to add his title because I feel he doesn't deserve to be a king.

Was it because I was persuaded by Calix or I needed a change of scenery.

I walk into this mediocre excuse of a palace and I'm greeted by a pot bellied pig draped in royal robes.

Welcome your lordship, he bellows extending his hand for a shake. What an insult. He must have noticed my change of mood as he withdrew his hand, beads of sweat forming on his face.

If there's one thing I love, it's the smell of fear. I always command respect everywhere I go and I don't want that to change ever.

I suddenly sense a strange energy just outside the palace walls. It wasn't a human or a spell caster or any mere supernatural.....I couldn't pin point what it was and curiosity was eating away at me.

I turn to Calix my right hand man. He seems to have picked up on it too. I'm not surprised as he is a fire phoenix of a high energy level. Just one nod from me and he disappears in flames.

Is there a problem my lord? Barney asked me. I hope not... for your sake, I say in my usually cold tone. I could see the tension in the air and I must say, I'm enjoying it.

AVIA'S POV

Sweet freedom is just at my fingertips. I decided to take the high ground and jump down using the ledges. If I can get into the trees without being caught, then I might actually pull this off.

I could have stayed here at least I had shelter and clothing but I overheard that I would be sold to some goblin merchant who is always at sea and I'm not a fan of water bodies. I get seasick. Plus if someone tries to rape me as usual, I won't have anywhere to run to.

If I escape, I can leave a normal life in some human village. Everyone thinks I'm human so I should be able to blend in.

As I leap to the second ledge I notice a flash of flames just by the ledge in front of me. Suddenly, the creature appeared in front of me.

It wasn't an ordinary creature, it was a fire phoenix and he was quite handsome.

Due to the shock, I step back and lose my balance. It is quite a fall from this height, I think I'm going to lose a life today, I thought to myself but he jumps after me and as soon as he grabs my waist, we are engulfed in flames and I saw myself in the middle of a crowd.

Everyone's eyes were on me and my senses were on high alert. The fire phoenix man stepped back and an even more handsome man came to view.

His pale white face and blue eyes were quite the striking features. He seemed to resonate a powerful aura and my heartbeat doubled.

I noticed that I was sitting on the floor but I didn't have the courage to stand up. He steps closer to me and squats right in front of me.

Are you a lynx? He asked suddenly and I felt a lump in my throat.

Everyone gasps and I could hear them mumbling among themselves. I couldn't just keep quiet and confirm their suspicion. No... I'm not, I mumbled lowering my gaze for a moment.

His cold eyes scan my body and landed on my boobs.

You are a lynx aren't you? He asked and I shook my head in denial.

He stretches his hand and grab my ******. My pupils turn orange and my claws elongate. I strike him right across his face in anger or maybe it was my reflexes. It's not a new thing for people to try to take advantage of me.

Immediately everyone's faces turned pale and some people passed out.

I feel the air around me getting cold. He raised his head up and his wounds closed up, healing himself in a matter of seconds.

All his guards surrounded me with their weapons aimed at me, waiting for their master to give them the command.

I immediately regretted my actions. Not only did I reveal the fact that I'm a lynx, I also struck the infamous ice lord right across his face. I'm so dead, I thought to myself.

But what he said next sent chills down my spine........ His lips curved into a smirk and he held up my chin................ I WANT HER.

What????? I heard someone mutter from behind. It was Samson, the king's nephew. He is an elf and one of my least favorite people in the world.

He has tried several times to rape me although he has never been successful. But he has touched me in ways that make me feel disgusted with myself.

I know he wouldn't want to let me go until he has had his way with me.

Did you say something? I hear the vicious man in front of me say. It sounded more like a growl.

He stood to his feet and his eyes darkened. The walls started freezing up, icicles protruding from them.

Please forgive him your lordship, King Barney pleaded. I knew if he could fall on his feet he would but his obese tummy proved too difficult.

The ice lord looked towards Samson's direction and immediately a strong force sent him crashing into the wall.

Either I take her with me,or I turn your entire kingdom into an ice palace with you people as ice statues, your call Barney, he said firmly.

The audacity to address a king by his first name. "Take her your lordship, she is all yours, anything you want is all yours anything at all", King Barney bellowed lowering his gaze.

Like that my fate moved me into the clutches of a demon. As I stare into his emotionless face, I could tell that my suffering had only just begun.

CALIX'S POV

I've never seen Darren cause such a scene because of a woman talk less of a mere slave, although the fact that she is a lynx does set her apart.

She is quite a beauty and young as well. She dared to strike the infamous ice lord and she is still breathing, I must give her the much deserved accolades.

It seems Darren is done negotiating or better yet, he has gotten his way as usual. I signal the guards and they quickly bundle her up.

As usual Darren walks out first accompanied by everyone else. I wonder why he chooses to dominate using his ice powers when he is also half- fire hybrid.

I've tried asking him a few times but he prefers to be mysterious. This new girl seems like she's going to rock some boats in Darren's life. I can feel it.

I hope she survives longer than the other slaves * sigh *

To be continued........

Avia's POV

What rotten luck has the heavens bestowed upon me. I look around in the carriage I am currently in. It seems quite unique. It wasn't pulled by horses, it rode on its own.

My hands are currently tied up with chains and I'm crushed between two ghouls. Is she really a lynx? I heard one of them ask the other. Her sexy curves and cat eyes are a give in, the other replied.

She looks so sweet, I wonder how she tastes in the middle, he said eyeing me with lustful eyes. Don't worry, she is now a slave and once she is in the cell, we can get to find out, the other replied and cackled.

I try my best to put on a brave face. I don't want anyone to see me as an easy target. I cannot give up on my goal, never!

It was quite a long journey back, taking a whole day. We arrived at night but this palace was glowing even in the moonlight.

We drove into the palace. It was times three the size of King Barney's castle. I was dragged out of the carriage and they pulled me along.

The entire residents of this palace were lined up side by side in welcome of their ruler.

I was just behind the phoenix man and the ice lord was in front of us.

I was constantly pushed to walk faster and it hurts. I try my best to keep a straight face as eyes bore holes in my body.

There were a few people waiting at the front. By their looks and dressing, they didn't seem like ordinary workers.

Welcome back brother, I hope your journey was pleasant? The beautiful young lady greeted. By the looks of it, she must be the ice lord's sister.

There were was also a man standing behind her. By the looks of it, he seems to be a werewolf. He has a muscular physique and tanned skin. His eyes narrowed my down and I quickly looked away.

I thought you just went for a friendly meet, why did you bring back a captive Darren, the werewolf asked nonchalantly.

It seems like everyone has noticed my presence and are trying to figure out what's going on.

Take her to the guest room on the top floor, the ice lord ordered and two human maids walked over to me and pulled me away.

DARREN'S POV

If there's anything I dislike, it's unnecessary questions, I say to Derek. He has always found ways to annoy me. He likes to misuse the privilege of being my cousin to his full advantage. If it had been someone else, I would have turned him into an ice sculpture.

I notice that everyone else is also wondering but I hate explaining myself. Besides, Calix can handle that for me. I need a drink, even I don't know why I brought this lady here , there's something special about her, maybe it's because she's a lynx. Either way I'll find out.

CALIX'S POV

As usual, Darren leaves all the work to me. Who knows why I agreed to be his right hand man. Lauren walks up to me with questions just waiting to burst out.

Lord Darren brought her here as a slave for disrespecting his presence by trying to flee from King Barney's castle while he arrived, I say to her, even though I don't really know the reason, I just have to say something to calm down the situation.

Derek scoffs loudly and walks away. I know he wouldn't believe me. He is always looking for trouble. I hope he doesn't get into another fight with Darren because of this.

LAUREN'S POV

Calix's explanation doesn't go down well. If my brother felt disrespected, he would have iced her bones and crushed her. Why bring her to the palace and keep her on the same floor as himself?

I excuse myself and head up to where she is.

I approach the door and walk in, the maids standing outside the door. She is currently curled up in a corner. Her hands are chained and she looks pitiful. Such a beautiful girl had to be entangled with my brother of all people* sigh *

I walk up to her and squat beside her. What is your name? I ask......... Avia, she replies with her gaze fixed on the floor.

Are you hungry? Or do you need anything?. No thank you your majesty. Your kindness is more than enough consolation, she say respectfully.

I got up to my feet and smile lightly. Since he placed her in this room, she must be special. I like her aura, it's calming and quiet fierce as well. She is quite the interesting creature I must say.

I walk out and order some maids to give her food and water, it's the least I could do.

**********

AVIA'S POV

After a while of silence, peaceful loneliness, the temperature dropped drastically and I heard footsteps walking slowly towards the room.

I scooted back to the wall and clasped my hands together. That aura belonged to only one person....... Bam! He opened the door and shut it behind him.

His cold eyes ravage my body, I feel so scared and uneasy. I was wondering how I was still alive after what I did. Was it finally time for my punishment?

I bow my head respectfully but no matter how hard I tried, words weren't coming out. Stand! He said and I quickly stood up, my gaze still down.

You have insulted me, you know that right? No one has ever dared to lay a finger on me and lived to see another day but here you are, he said in a sarcastic tone.

I have decided to bestow upon you a slow and painful punishment, I want you to wake up everyday wishing that you had stayed put in your little corner and not crossed my path. You will become my slave, my pet and a means of passing time and pleasing myself and I am not an easy person to please, he smirked and held up my chin.

I could feel anger building up inside me. How dare he call me a pet! I yelled in my head.

DARREN'S POV

She looks at me with her cat eyes... she's glaring at me!! The audacity! It seems I got a real wild cat and it needs to be tamed. I could feel my lips curve into a smirk, torturing and breaking someone's spirit is my most favorite hobby.

I grab her and pin her to the wall, I could feel her body tighten and she seems to be holding herself back from attacking me. Her eyes are getting darker by the minute. I'm enjoying this very much

AVIA'S POV

I notice the mischievous grin on his thin lips. I don't know about anything else but I could just cross my limits if he dared to cross he's. Have I lost my mind? I already strikes him once and got this sort of punishment, what would happen to me if I defy him again......... But it's hard to control my anger, I feel like tearing that smile off his face.

He suddenly leans in and kisses me !!!

DARREN'S POV

Her lips taste like honey and I couldn't help but take it deeper. I forcefully push my tongue in. Suddenly I felt a sharp pain on my tongue... She bit my tongue... how dare she? I bite her back, tit for tat.

Our bloods mixed together in our mouths and I felt a weird sensation.... maybe it's because she's a lynx, my energy core is in a frenzy. She's too bold, she needs to be taught a lesson.

AVIA'S POV

You dare to bite your master?? I need to teach you what happens when you disrespect me, he growled and immediately I feel my legs freezing up.

My legs are being swallowed up in a thick layer of ice. It keeps climbing up until my body is trapped in ice. Only my neck up is not covered with ice.

It's freezing cold, Please my lord... forgive me. I was insolent, have mercy.. please, I beg profusely, my teeth chattering because of the cold.

He smirks , a look of mockery and pleasure on his face. My begging seems to be fanning his huge ego. How can he smile while I suffer?. He doesn't spare me another glance and walks away..... what have I gotten myself into!

* DARREN'S POV *

I walk into my room. It's just a walk away from hers. My actions towards this girl shocks me. I kissed her and she bit me! The audacity!! She deserves this punishment. I don't care even if she dies from the cold.

I feel my fire core flaring up, my eyes turn yellow and my breath is laced with ashes. What's going on?

It would probably calm down if I get some rest. I lay down on my bed and use my powers to shut all the windows.

AVIA'S POV

I can no longer feel my bones. My limbs have gone numb. I can tell that my whole body must have turned pale. Is this how I die....no I can't die now. I've gone through a lot to stay alive despite my difficult life...... Why did I have to die in the hands of such a man? It would have been better if I fell off the ledge and died. I don't think I can stay for much longer.

I suddenly feel a warm sensation in my body. With the little strength I have, I struggle with all my might. Luckily the ice shattered into pieces. I felt my body fall heavily on the floor before I blackout.......

To be continued..........

LAUREN'S POV

Why is everywhere so hot? I ask myself. The heat seems to be coming from Darren's floor. It's the break of dawn, what trouble is he causing now.

I walk up to his floor and the closer I get, the hotter it feels. I noticed that all his guards on the floor have been burnt to ashes. How hot was it here last night that it fried those around?

I don't think I can handle it myself, I need to call Calix. Wait... but what about the slave girl, is she alright?

I walk over to her room and I immediately felt her energy, she's still alive???? But how did she survive?

Something is up. This girl isn't ordinary.

AVIA'S POV

I'm currently laying in a puddle of melted ice. I realized last night that the ice around me shattered because of the scorching heat. I could hear shrieks from the guards outside the door during the night.

They must have been incinerated. The heat emitted saved me from the cold and the ice saved me from the heat. I don't know what caused such heat but I'm grateful to whoever it was...... that saved my life.

Two maids make their way in and pull me to my feet. They both glared at me like I was an annoying thorn in the flesh.

They dragged me away roughly. I couldn't fight back even though I wanted to. I'm sure I might just slip up again, it's hard to control my anger when someone disrespects me for no reason.

They push me roughly into a room and throw a gown at me. Put this on and come with us, you need to earn your stay here, you are not some princess that you'll sit down all day and we'll be serving you, the taller lady said and rolled her eyes.

I pick up the gown and change my clothes. My hair was in a mess, so I arranged it quickly and follow the ladies out. They walk towards the garden and everywhere is covered with dead leaves. The garden seems to be below the ice lord's balcony," how annoying!"

What did you say? The lady asked me and I realized I said that out loud. It's nothing, I mumbled and bent my head down.

Clean up this whole place, she ordered and flung the broom at me. Oh and try not to get eaten by a ghoul, the other snickered and they both chuckled as they walked away.

What the hell!!! It's not only that the garden is like an unkempt bush, but I also have to watch out for flesh eaters aka ghouls, what a life!

I pick up the broom and start sweeping. The vines stretched over the place so I use my claws to cut through them. Ever since I could remember, I haven't been able to use my powers for the fear of being caught.... It feels good to let my claws out.

DEREK'S POV

Walking around this place, I realize how dull and boring this palace is. Everyone prefers to stay on their own and they are all trying to suck up to that annoying little pimp. So he can make my drink cold, he's not so special that everyone has to worship him and be at his beck and call.

I hear ruffling in the bushes next to my favorite spot. Who dared to invade my space??

I walk closer towards the direction of the sound. I noticed a female figure just up ahead. She suddenly flicked her hand and her claws elongated. Her aura changed in a matter of seconds and I realize who it is.

DARREN'S POV

Everything in my room is covered with ash. Why did my flames suddenly go into a frenzy? This happened after I kissed that lynx. Our bloods mixed up as well. I stand up and walk towards the balcony. I felt a familiar energy and my eyes narrowed down towards the owner. Why did I bring in such a lady? At least she's been put to good use.

I walk away from the balcony, I think I need a little fresh air.

AVIA'S POV

I stare at my beautiful claws, I wish I could use them to tear off those annoying eyelids, I say looking at the ice lord's balcony.

Suddenly I felt someone behind me and fear gripped me, was it a ghoul? Get away from me you ugly beast!! I scream, swinging my claws back.

I look back and see who it was, It was the handsome werewolf. I gasp and slowly cover my mouth with my hands. My claws had ripped his shirt open. I didn't know whether I should be feeling regret or contentment because his broad chest and tight abs are making me think otherwise. He's so hot!

DEREK'S POV

I would have ripped her face off for what she did but I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Finally, someone who doesn't worship that egoist. Usually girls drool over him and wish to be in bed with him but she wants to rip his eye lids off.... I couldn't help but laugh at her adorable nature. " Cute "

I watch how her eyes are glued to my chest. I don't think she heard my remark. Do you want to touch it? I ask her and her gaze turns to me.

Can I? She asks, her curious eyes widened. "You can"

Her lips curve into a smile and she stretches out her hands but a force pushed us apart, although it barely moved me, she was pushed back. Luckily she flips and lands on her feet, her eyes glowing bright orange. I turn my gaze to the perpetrator of this act, no one but Darren.

I never knew you had taste for anything that belongs to me, he growled, his eyes were yellow unlike before but it's not the first time.

He really gets on my nerves!!!

AVIA'S POV

How could he push me like that and why is he making a fuss about this? He ruined everything. I really wanted to feel those abs in my hands.

He diverts his gaze towards me and my heartbeat doubled. My claws elongate on their own and my pupils dilate.

You! Come with me, he said and walked ahead. I slowly trail behind him trying to keep a distance. I could smell a sweet scent coming from him and it was driving me crazy.

He walks into the room and I follow behind. Suddenly the door shut behind me and I was once again at his mercy.

⛓️...........

Darren sits on the bed and raise his head up. Come and sit here, he says and Avia walked over and sat down like an obedient child.

AVIA'S POV

Darren places his head on my chest and inhales my scent. I could feel his breath on my neck.

His hands wrap around my waist and I feel a cold shiver down my spine. What the hell is he doing? And why am I not resisting? It feels so good in his arms and I don't want him to let go.........

I think I've gone mad

DARREN'S POV

Every time I touch her, her reaction set me on. Her scent is intoxicating and it's making me lose my senses.......... What am I doing? A mere slave is giving me sleepless nights. I don't understand anything. Our bloods mixing.... does it count? No it doesn't...... but that would explain this weird feeling and this constant longing for her.

If she hadn't bit me, this wouldn't have happened. She is messing with my mind, this little *****. I won't let her break me. She will suffer the consequences of arousing such feelings in my mind.

AVIA'S POV

He raised his head abruptly and stood up. Suddenly I felt a force push me roughly.

It picks me up and flings me out of the room and I land hard bruising my elbow.

I turn my gaze to him, trying to figure out what's going on in that head of his but he shut the door in my face.

I think this is what I needed to snap me back into reality. I hate him to the core... I absolutely hate him!

To be continued.......