IMPRESS.

Chapter Fifty-Six: Family Reunion.

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##SO FAR:

Natalya has allegedly and miraculously awoke from the "dead," well that's what everyone believes except the witches, Xander and Natalya herself. Although many find it odd that she still remains human, no one has questioned it other than the Queen who has many suspicions about Natalya. Preston stole the Nixonited-ink stake from Ella (who'd been ordered to kill Xander by the Queen) and then wiped her mind, so nobody knows he has it (not even Natalya). The King and Queen have recruited guards to search the castle top to bottom and whilst that is happening the King has put not only the castle but Aeralin on shut down.

We are yet to find out who is sending Natalya notes and which girl is to die next in IMPRESS, however, most believe Ella will since she lost the last stage. Preston promised to help Natalya control her powers, embrace her darkness, find the fire-starter of her village and killer of her parents since he really likes her and wants her as his future Queen. Thing is, does that mean his intentions are good?

Lord Hilbert isn't Lord Hilbert. So where is the real Lord Hilbert? & Why did Lord Hornsely pose as Hilbert all this time and if it was to get information out of the remaining Ascelyns, who was he sharing this info with and why... Also, who is Daya El Rigo? Why is he mentioned so much and what relations did he have with Natalya's mother Isabella?

The leader of the werewolves (aka. Dario's father) has come to securely map out the plan for battle against the witches with the vampires and Preston who is pretending to help the witches, as well as the vampires, helped Oberyn escaped.

Ultimately, what are the witches planning with Oberyn, how soon is the war and who will Natalya support?!

#RECAP DONE

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Natalya's POV~

"What I can't seem to comprehend is why you were friends with the castle librarian in the first place," Zac folded his arms, furrowing his eyebrows suspiciously at myself and Alaric.

I instantly pursed my lips, going mute and momentarily freezing as I side-eyed my brother, "well-"

Before bullshit would spur from my mouth my brother cut me off and stood forward, "he said he knew our parents."

I tried to tug Alaric back and shush him from spilling any more detail but failed. As soon as I stretched my arm out to grasp him, he brushed past it and continued to put me on edge by moving closer to Zac.

We'd left the late Lord Hilb- I mean Hornsely's study now and were currently based in the prince's bedchambers. Derek was here too and so were a couple of servants cleaning around.

It felt weird being in here for some reason but Zac suggested it was the best place to talk since apparently something important had been stolen from the Royals.

What was it again? Uhmmm- nixonited-ink something I think, I don't know, I've honestly forgotten what he said.

"You mean your dead parents?" Zac emphasised and I rolled my eyes at his lack of sympathy to even try and sugarcoat his words.

"Yes, our dead parents," I emphasised back but with a bitter response, receiving a non-apologetic smirk from yours truly aka. Zac.

Alaric and Derek gazed between us awkwardly before Alaric continued to speak, "he promised he'd help us."

"With what?" Both Zac and Derek queried in unison.

I sighed. I guess since we are heading down the honest route, I may as well join the ride, "to find out who set our village on fire," I straightened up my posture, "and find out who the hell keeps breaking into my room and leaving me notes."

"Breaking into your what!?" Zac suddenly exclaimed, stomping forward only to be stopped from moving any closer by Derek.

Alaric turned back to stare at me like I'd gone insane and said too much, I shrugged innocently and let Zac's rage spiral free.

"Someone has been entering your room and you didn't think to tell me?!" Zac fumingly yelled, his fists balling, "are you out of your bloody mind!!"

I flinched at how angry and spiteful he sounded and instinctively stood back, "no- no she's not," Alaric defensively countered, "and don't yell at my sister," my brother fearlessly shoved Zac back.

Zac threateningly flashed his fangs at my brother who remained unfazed, and simply just hugged his arm around my shoulders protectively.

What kind of friendship do they have? It's so weird my brother can talk and touch the prince like that without getting into trouble...

"It just concerns me that, that paedophile could have easily gotten you alone and hurt you..." Zac ran his fingers through his hair, clearly frustrated.

I faintly smiled at his concern for me and mentally thanked Derek for breaking through the rising tension in the room.

"So, the real Lord Hilbert knew your parents then?" Derek curiously asked and I nudged Alaric to answer the tricky question.

Alaric cleared his throat and thought fast before responding, "well, we don't really know seeing as the person who claimed to know our parents isn't really Lord Hilbert."

"A lot of strange things are happening in this castle..." Zac murmured, "wait...  I may have forgotten to tell you that a while ago I found someone spying on Natalya."

I widened my eyes and took a step back exclaiming "what!?"

Alaric appeared alarmed, as did Derek. When did he- Why didn't he tel- Who the hell was spying on me? "When exactly did you find someone spying on me?" I asked in an abnormally calm tone, trying hard to keep my cool.

"It was a while ago when I found you and Xavier pressed up against each other in our castle gardens," Zac bluntly stated, irritation evident in his voice and body language.

My cheeks warmed up in embarrassment at the memory of what he was referring. That was a long time ago, before the third stage when I was going through hellish situations.

I regret a lot of my past actions, what was I even thinking then...

Also, the fact Zac claims he saw me that night kissing Xavier may be one of the real reasons he was so intent on killing me at the end of stage three. It kind of makes sense now.

Jealousy can be a powerful trigger to a great evil.

"I found a human boy- what was his name... uhm Antony that's it," he clicked repetitively trying to recall his memory, "at first I thought it was just one of your trespassing admirers until the boy said if he told me whom he worked for, he'd be killed. He told me to protect you."

I mean- that could also be another reason for his twisted decision to kill me at the end of stage three, he did say he wanted to protect me so maybe drowning me in hopes of me turning me into a vampire was what he wanted.

But, obviously, that didn't work out.

"You should have told me," I furrowed my eyebrows, partially glaring at him so he could see how annoyed I was, "or at least Alaric or Derek."

Zac tore his eyes away from mine and started to pace up and down, "forgive me, it hadn't crossed my mind until now and the more I am thinking about it, is making me think how very unusual my encounter with the human boy was."

"It does sound worrying," Derek remarked.

Alaric heavily sighed, probably trying to think of a solution to all of this, "so my sister is being stalked and Lord Hilbert isn't Lord Hilbert, great. What a convenient time when our attention should be on eliminating the witches, just perfect."

I almost forgot about the witches.

They have been scarily quiet, not that I care anyway... I feel betrayed and angry after finding out their bad intentions from Preston.

I'm still waiting for that one person working for the witches undercover, to try to trick me into drinking a drink in hopes of me consuming the black blood magic crystal they created.

The crystal is supposed to make me obedient to whoever's blood was used to make it, how messed up is that!!!

I frowned hugging myself, "don't worry, if the castle security improves then I should be fine."

"It most definitely will after tonight, I heard my father has planned a search on the castle and every house in Aeralin starting the second actually, so nobody will be able to leave the region or enter it," Zac informed.

I arched my eyebrow, suddenly thinking about the flask of Nixon I left at the side of my sink. I need to get to that before they do. "Uhm what's with the search?" I asked in the most non-suspicious way.

"Something very valuable has been stolen from the castle...." Zac replied in a way that made us more curious.

Alaric and Derek simultaneously asked, "what was stolen?"

"The Nixonited-ink stake, you know, the only thing that can kill royal blood," Zac revealed and I swallowed anxiously... that doesn't sound good.

Is anyone or anything safe in this castle because I am not sure anymore?

"The King must be raging, that stake is watched day and night, how could it have possibly ended up in the wrong hands?" Derek thought aloud.

Zac shrugged worriedly, "we don't know, but we will find it. No matter what. And I promise I will also get to the bottom of this incident even if it means contacting the real Lord Hilbert."

"Thank you," I softly spoke, almost losing myself in a daydream while staring at Zac.

His eyes bore into mine as I spoke and my heart skipped a dozen beats, unable to take on the electric sphere between us.

To strip myself from the igniting sparks, I bowed my head tearing my eyes from his and brushed past my brother, Derek and the prince with my hand covering my face. "I have to go see someone," I exaggeratedly coughed whilst awkwardly rushing out.

I can't be feeling any sparks with the prince when my heart lies with Preston. No way will I let that happen,  I personally forbid it.

***

On the way back to my bedchamber, I passed at least three guards at a time every sixth step I took. There was a dozen of open doors on every floor, each of the open rooms flooded with men who'd been chosen by the King to tip the furniture until 'this stake' was found.

I could hear a whole lot of crashing and shattering echoing across the corridors and this just confirmed how valuable the stake was. 

The guards/maids were acting relentless and throwing furniture like savages, probably frightened that if they don't find the stake the King will obliterate them. 

As soon as I entered my bedroom, I first thanked the gods it had yet to be searched and paying no attention to anything else I simply charged for the bathroom to grab my flask of Nixon. Once I found it in its usual place,  I decided to squeeze the flask into my bra not knowing where else to put it.

I caught my reflection in the mirror and nearly fell back. My own reflection had once again managed to surprise me. Not only was it freely moving on its own but I looked ten times more enchanting than this morning.

Who knew you could be captivated by your own reflection... When I turned the tap hoping for cold water to flow out into by cupped hands which were in the ready position to splash my face... I suddenly froze before whipping my body around.

Did I just see right? I could've sworn I had just seen a sudden flash in the mirror and a glimpse of golden blonde hair. Am I going crazy?

I slowly turned back around and didn't waste any more time waiting for the water to reach its coldest, deciding instead to dip my head down and throw the water onto my face in hopes of waking me up a little so I can confidently face my reality.

"Natalya," an annoyingly familiar voice chimed from behind my hunched body.

Nice. Pick a moment where I am vulnerable and I can't properly see. I blinked furiously trying to rid the water from my eyes and when I was able to do that successfully, I spun on my heel and faced opposite again.

"Ella," I spoke her name back to her in the same dark tone she used to address me, "what possibly brings you here? Last time I checked we weren't exactly on good terms."

Ella pouted, "I thought you'd ask me how I got in but okay, I guess you are more interested in my motives," she rose a challenging brow whilst strutting out my bathroom and into my bedroom like she owned the place.

"I still find it unfair how you get this and I get a room with a bed, chair, window and about four drawers, but that's none of my business," Ella retreated before she could even strike at me, "but why I'm here you ask? Well, can't a relative come visit another relative without being questioned-"

"-Don't kid yourself, Ella you stabbed me in the heart literally and never apologised or anything. How can I even call you a cousin!" I exclaimed, infuriated by her insensitivity.

She placed her hand on her chest acting innocent as she continued to mockingly pout, "wow I try to do something good and get backlash, gee thanks... And get over it Natalya, it was only a game and do or die situation. I did what I had to do, you are still alive so it was clearly a good idea, think you owe me thanks, to be fair."

"You could have easily targeted Cassandra or Rose but you chose your own blood, that's dirty. And Ella, I am lucky to be alive, I was only ever at risk because of you. I don't owe you anything and I certainly don't need to thank you for anything. Ella, I hate to say it but you changed."

She scoffed and laughed aloud, looking to the side as if I'd said something hypocritical, "first of all, you put everyone at risk and second of all, I've changed! What about you? I mean look at you, you look like a combination of Aphrodite and Hades wife or something. And you have the guts to tell me that I'm the one who changed. Wow, alright."

Squinting my eyes I adjusted my dress and circled Ella, "yes my appearance may have changed, I can admit that but my heart hasn't. I would never deliberately go out of my way to sabotage or ruin you, ever. But ten bets you would me... And everyone at risk, how?"

I could feel my voice getting louder as I grew agitated and frustrated at her. Ella looked down biting her bottom lip momentarily, "I know it may not appear so, but I would never truly hurt you, I need you to know that, please know that."

I rolled my eyes on the sly and nodded, although I did not believe a single word that left her lips. "And come on is that even a question. Look in the mirror and there is your answer. You are annoyingly gorgeous!! Every girl is jealous of you, every guy wants you, Natalya. The prince never stops staring at you, of course, I felt threatened and had to protect what I have wanted since birth."

Compliments from Ella, that's different. But, I do need to disagree not every guy wants me and not every girl is jealous of me, that's a bit exaggerated. "You don't need to see me as a threat. Remember Zac wanted to kill me he doesn't have any interest in me whatsoever," I lied, "I also don't have an interest in a monster like him," I admitted.

Ella was trying not to explode in happiness at my response and attempted to cover up her bright grin but failed, "he doesn't deserve you anyway."

"Thanks," I responded uncomfortably.

We stopped talking briefly, appreciating each other's company for only a few seconds, "if you don't mind me asking, why did you come all the way to my room if it wasn't to apologise? And how did you actually get in?"

I am starting to wonder how she did come in without a key or the assistance of a guard.

"Oh yeah, I should probably warn you that your balcony doors are pretty insecure, they open with one tug. I don't know how long they've been like that but you should get them fixed or else you might get people sneaking in..."

"Like you?" 

Ella cocked her head to the side with an expression that screamed really... "yes like me," she bitterly forced out and I smiled in satisfaction, at least she could admit to that.

"But anyway..." I waved for her to continue on.

It was like I was pushing her to answer the world's most complicated question from the way Ella lowered her head, fidgeted with her fingernails out of anxiousness and swallowed nervously.

"I need your help," Ella quietly muttered, almost inaudibly but I most definitely caught what she said. Thing is, I wanted to hear it again, the dark me wanted to hear it again.

"I'm sorry what was that? I didn't quite catch that," I cupped my ear and moved closer to Ella, pretending not to have heard her the first time. 

Ella sighed and repeated her words, "I need your help, please."

Satisfied.

"Okay," I smiled.

Did I really want to help Ella? Not necessarily. Did I want to unbury the promise I made to Todd and protect Ella? Of course, because Todd was the only one besides Alaric I could easily call family.

"Really?" Ella suspiciously narrowed her eyes.

I slowly moved my head up and down, "yes, I will help you, but that depends on what I am helping with?"

Ella brushed her fingers through her hair walking away from me to take a seat. "I lost the last stage, you saw that right?" I quickly nodded listening carefully, "well it only makes sense that I will be the next to die."

"Oh no!" I fake gasped clasping my hand over my mouth.

"Natalya," Ella whined, "please, I am really dreading every second right now..."

I shrugged helplessly, "I doubt there is anything I can do to prevent that from happening-"

Ella abruptly stood up, cutting me off and flashing over to my front, "-yes there is," she traced her finger against my shoulder and on the lace of my dress. I rose a questioning brow, "like what?"

"I don't need to see you as a threat anymore so I wouldn't care if you used your beauty for a greater good," Ella thought again biting her lip, "I've seen you do it before, the boys fall at your feet, it's almost like your beauty is hypnotising..."

... She has no idea...

I know that Ella was vaguely aware of our family history but I don't think Aunt Roslin went into deep details, and I am certain Ella, Todd, Marcus and Aunt Roslin had no idea that I have abilities. Something I have to my advantage.

"I beg to differ but what are you getting at?" I pushed impatiently, brushing her fingers off my shoulder. Just because I implied that I'd forgiven her, doesn't mean we are now the best of friends.

"Hypnotise the prince for me using your beauty as a guide," Ella asserted and I immediately objected, shaking my head vigorously.

I'm trying to get away from the prince not get cosier with him, I just awkwardly left a room to avoid the electric sphere so no No NO.

Whenever I'm with Zac now I feel like I am just committing adultery due to my commitment to Preston. I hate it, makes me feel like an offender.

"No, ew I won't do that," I firmly said, lifting my hand dismissively.

Ella was ready to slap me, I could tell but she restrained herself because she knew she really needed the help.

When Ella looked over my shoulder I thought she was just trying to think of what do or say next but it seemed she already had a plan b.

"Oh Natalya, my sweet darling, I've truly missed you..."

That misleadingly loving yet spiteful voice could be recognised anywhere, and it could only be suited to one manipulative and malevolent individual.

Someone I thought I'd never need to see again, someone who always had the upper hand and I thought would never go out their way to see me.

An individual I suspect for the murder of my