SPELLBOUND

Then Evie came over and approached Onyx last. The way she hugged and caressed it was definitely more biased if compared to the other dragons. Though she did seem to try to treat them all the same, Gavrael could see the minute changes in her expression and the look in her eyes when it comes to Onyx. He could not help but scowl again.

And it was as if she felt his gaze and his brooding energy, Evie quickly ended her goodbyes and let go of Onyx and jumped at Gavrael and kissed his cheek. "Alright, let's go Gav. Thanks so much for waiting." She grinned as if enjoying his aggravated expression, giggling secretly to herself.

By the time they were out of the gates, Gavrael was looking very serious again. It was obvious to Evie that his mind was occupied with something.

"Gav…" she called out softly as she could now see the moon the moment they were out of the Mist Forest.

He glanced down at her, and she flashed a slow smile at him, appreciating his patience with her.

"Let's drop by the lake again before we leave." She said in a gentle pleading manner and his brows creased a little. He looked like he wanted to ask why when they had dropped by that place just this afternoon.

"I told you right, I'd like to bathe in that lake there tonight." Evie added and her smile widened at the feel of him seeming to stumble a little as he landed on one of the tree branches after hearing her say that. She knew very well that her Gav was that ever so graceful prince, and he never stumbles. But he did just now, though only a little.

He did not say a word, but he followed her wish.

They landed softly on that same flat stone surrounded by the shallow waters of the lake and Evie pulled away from his arms, like a butterfly fluttering away as if wanting to escape to the skies.

The waters were glimmering, just like that night.

Evie walked towards the edge and ran her fingers across the water's glittering surface. The glimmers became amber with enticing series of ripples.

As she cupped the water in her palm, Evie's expression became a little severe as she looked down. She was getting worried about this war. She knew all he was thinking about was to win this war and to wipe out all his enemies and take over the throne. She knew he was much stronger now, but… what if this war will cause him to lose himself and the most fearful thing for her was that his tremendous magic ends up consuming him instead? Her heart shuddered at the thought, remembering his bloodied face last night again.

She could not help but feel the fear and worry nibble away secretly in her heart. Now she truly was out of time. If he was really going to go for his plan the day after tomorrow, that only means that tonight was her last chance. She must try her best to make him remember now!

Clenching her fists tight, Evie took a deep breath and her expression brightened before she threw a playful look over her shoulder at him with a smile on her face.

He was already seated. With his legs folded and his wrists resting on his knees. His gaze was unseeing, his expression seemed odd though Evie could not read his emotion at all at that moment.

Before she knew it, her smile faded. She did not know why but as she looked at him at that moment, he seemed so lost, so alone, even though she was right here with him. It was inexplicable but something about him right then drew shivers up from beneath her skin. She felt as though something was not quite right and not knowing what it was only heightened the sense of foreboding that threatened to overwhelm her.

She realized now the one biggest difference between these two versions of him. Both of them were brimming with so much fiery charisma. Only that unlike Gavriel's which was like an inviting, hypnotic flame, that would lure one to jump into it, Gavrael's was the kind of fiery flame that would warn you to stay far back, as far away as possible.

Right now, he was exactly like that flame, forcefully trying to intimidate her, looking like he was already warning her not to go for whatever it was that she was planning. As if he already knew what she was trying to do next, and he was not encouraging her to go for it.

But Evie shook her head stubbornly. She told herself there was no way he would know what she was planning to do. And no, there is no way she would let herself be intimidated. She would go for her plans no matter what!

Taking a deep breath, Evie rose and faced the tranquil waters. She reached for the ties of her cloak first, pulling on the tassels holding it together and removed it, letting it drop heavily to the ground. Her heart was thumping wildly as she shed her clothes, one article after another.

Though she could not see his expression, she could feel his gaze sweeping across her naked skin and that was enough to make her smile and relax.

Once she was fully bared to his viewing pleasure, Evie jumped into the water. The warm water was lapping at her waist. She scooped it into her cupped palms and splashed it on her face first before she turned to look at him. Her long hair draped elegantly over her shoulders, covering her breasts just enough not to be fully exposed but at the same time, revealing enough to tantalise and draw the pair of eyes that were looking over.

"Undress and come join me in the water, my love." She then called out a little coyly to him, copying the exact same words he had said to her that night.

____

A/N: Don't forget to vote spellbounders, if we stay #1 this whole month in golden ranking, i will give 10 chapters mass release this november 1.