Malik
The sound of laughter filled the air as the girls walked past the kitchen, their heels clicking against the polished floors. I heard Ajax's voice, followed by Isla's giggle, and then—her.
Audra.
Ajax, as usual, couldn't help himself. He took a jab at me, thinking I wasn't around to hear it. I rolled my eyes, deciding to make my presence known. "What might I do?" I asked smugly, stepping into view. Then, I saw her. And my world stopped. She stood there, bathed in the warm glow of the chandelier, and I nearly forgot how to breathe. The dress clung to her curves, the deep sapphire blue making her eyes look even brighter. Her hair was pinned in intricate braids, soft strands falling to frame her delicate face. She was breathtaking, and she was all mine. Ajax smirked knowingly. "See? Melted." I barely heard him. I walked toward Audra, ignoring the way my pulse pounded in my ears. "You look amazing, Audra." My voice was softer than I intended, but I didn't care. She smiled shyly, nodding when I asked if she wanted to head out early. The others followed us outside, and we all piled into my Hummer. Isla and Ajax in the back, and my beautiful mate in the front, right next to me. As I drove, I couldn't help but steal glances at her. Her skin had… almost an ethereal glow under the rising moon.
"Audra?" I called gently.
She turned her head, curls bouncing softly as she did. I gripped the wheel, my eyes flickering over to her. "If tonight goes well… could I take you out on another date? Just the two of us?" Even though the lighting was dim, I could see the red hints of embarrassment creeping up her neck. I grinned slightly to myself. I loved seeing her flustered. I loved even more that I had done it. "It's okay. You don't have to answer right now," I chuckled, though my heart was beating so fast I thought it might escape my chest. She laughed nervously. "Yes." The word was soft—barely a whisper. My stomach flipped. "Really?" I asked, dumbfounded. She brushed a lock of hair aside, staring into my eyes. She nodded slowly. "I like you, Malik. I… I want to." She trailed off, words trembling on her lips. "I… I like you too," I murmured. Her cheeks turned a bright crimson, and she turned to face the window again, but I couldn't stop smiling.
We pulled into the drive, and I jumped out walking swiftly to the other side of the car. I pulled open the door and offered my hand out to Audra. After a moment her hand fell into mine and I gently guided her out of the car. Isla shot me a smirk and playfully wiggled her brows. I rolled my eyes shaking my head ever so slightly. We all walked around back and met with Roland and Daphane. After some light chatter more guests started to arrive.
We sat on the large deck outside with a group of our friends, laughing, drinking and playing games. After a while Audra stood abruptly jogging towards the railing of the dock. She leaned over the edge dry heaving. I stood swiftly running to her side. Without thinking I pulled her hair off her neck and rested my hand on her upper back. "Hey, are you okay?" I asked worriedly. She shook her head spitting up a bright red liquid. "I think the punch I drank was spiked." She said dryly. I let out a laugh. "Of course it's spiked Audra." I wheezed, patting her back. She looks up only for a moment, just to roll her eyes at me. "I don't drink." She comments. I snicker, "Let me go and get you something to eat." I twist her hair gently setting it on her back, hoping it would stay while I was gone. I returned to her moments later with a plate full of carbs. "Here, this will soak up the alcohol." I say handing her a small plate of food. She takes it nodding her head in thanks. She munches on the food staring out at the water. I watched as the breeze blew her hair like a gentle wave. Her eyes were lost in thought. "What are you thinking about?" I murmur. Her lips pull into a small smile. "This moment." She answers quietly. "Why's that?" I question. She lets out a small laugh tucking her hair behind her ear. "It's just so perfect. I have waited, wondering if I could ever be with you. Knowing I am nothing special, yet, you asked me here." She looks up at me her eyes watering, a lone tear slipping down past her defenses. I smile sadly, cupping her face with my hand and gently wipe away the tear. "Audra, you are the most special to me. I was scared to ask you out; afraid you'd say no." She leans into my hand grabbing hold of my forearm gently. "So, we have both liked each other for months? Both of us to scared to ask the other for fear of rejection?" She sniffles through a laugh. I look at her, lovingly, "Audra, I have wanted to ask you out the moment I laid eyes on you." She laughs through her tears, "We're here now." She laughs, wiping away another tear. Conversation was light as we stared out at the rolling water. The night passed in a haze of laughter and warmth. We returned to the fire pit, rejoining the games as the strumming of a guitar filled the air. It was one of the rare moments where I could pretend—pretend that we were normal, that I didn't have secrets, that I wasn't living a lie every second I was with her. I wanted to tell her the truth. I wanted her to know everything. But I couldn't. Not yet. I stood, reaching out my hand. "Hey, Audra, care to dance?" She hesitated for only a moment before placing her small hand in mine. I pulled her up off the couch. The moment our skin touched, warmth spread through me, anchoring me to her. I pulled her close, placing a gentle hand on her waist as I led her closer to the dock. We swayed to the gentle strum of the music. She rested her head against my chest, and I closed my eyes, breathing in her scent—the sea mixed with the fresh smell of the earth. It was intoxicating. I wished this moment could last forever.
Then, the screaming started.
A bloodcurdling shriek tore through the night, followed by the sound of people scrambling, running. Thick, black smoke twisted into the sky, swallowing the bonfire's glow. Chaos erupted around us. I didn't think—I acted. I yanked Audra against me, shielding her with my body as I scanned the crowd. Something was wrong. This wasn't an accident. I looked down at her, panic creeping into my voice. "Audra, we need to go!" I started to lead her back towards the beach. Then—a wall of people. The crowd surged like a violent wave, separating us in an instant. I reached for her—fought for her—but the bodies shoved between us, pushing her further and further away. "AUDRA!" I cried out. I heard her scream my name one last time before she vanished. No. No, no, no! I shoved my way through, desperation clawing at my chest. I turned frantically, eyes darting across the chaos. Then, I saw Isla. "Where's Audra?!" she shouted, fear in her eyes. "She was pulled away from me—I can't find her!" My voice cracked, my heart slamming against my ribs. Ajax ran up and grabbed my shoulder, spinning me around. "Malik! Look!" he said, rushed. I followed his gaze to the tree line—and my blood turned to ice. A man—tall, broad, with shaggy brown hair and piercing hazel eyes—was dragging Audra toward a glowing portal. This was planned. A deep, guttural growl ripped from my throat as I bolted forward, shoving past the crowd. I was so close—so close—but just as I reached for her, a wall of fire erupted between us. I skidded to a halt, the searing heat forcing me back. And then, through the flames, his image appeared, projected through the flames.
Acheron. King of the Fire element.
His silver-white hair was draped over his shoulder, and he wore a smug grin.
"The fact that you didn't know baffles me." His voice was slick with amusement.
I bared my teeth. "Know what? Don't play games with me," I said angrily, gritting my teeth.
He smirked, arms crossing over his chest. "Oh, Malik, this isn't a game. I'm quite serious. Your precious little mate is mine now. And the fact that you had no idea about her true nature? Honestly, it's embarrassing."
His words sent ice through my veins. My mate? What was he—?
Then it hit me. I took a step back, recalling my memories of her. The first night. When we fought the rogue. That was the trigger. That's when it happened. That's when her power awoke. I had been so blinded by my feelings for her that I hadn't even noticed. And today, her smell—it no longer was the fresh spring I remembered.
Acheron chuckled. "Figured it out yet?"
Rage tore through me. "You can't have her. She's mine." I lunged, aiming for his throat—
But my fist met only fire.
Acheron laughed darkly. "Oh, Malik. You'll never find me. You'll never find her." His voice was laced with cruel amusement. "But don't worry—I'll give you a chance. Four years. Two for me to awaken her power, and two for me to take it. After that? Well… she won't be much use to either of us, will she?"
His words crashed over me like a tidal wave, drowning me in terror. Four years. If I didn't find her in time—she would be dead.
A roar ripped from my throat as I tore at the flames, my fury manifesting into raw energy. I didn't care if I was weak tonight. I didn't care that my power was at its lowest. I would tear through him. I would save her. I had to.
Ajax's hand landed on my shoulder, steadying me. "We'll find her, Malik." His voice was calm and resolute.
His calmness toward the situation infuriated me.
Isla stepped beside him, determination in her eyes. "We will get back our queen."
Acheron smirked. "I'd love to see you try." And with that, he was gone.
The fire vanished.
And Audra—my mate, my everything—was gone.
A cold, empty hollowness settled in my chest. My knees nearly buckled as the weight of what had happened crashed over me.
This wasn't just a kidnapping.
This was war.