Mated To The Cruel Prince
Chapter 560: As Damaged As Aldric

Chapter 560: As Damaged As Aldric

Everything happened too quickly for Islinda to comprehend. One moment she was running for her life, and the next, a deep cloak of darkness enveloped her, shrouding her in its embrace. It felt as though she was being transported away, her senses disoriented as her feet were lifted off the ground and her vision swirled, darkness consuming her.

It was almost akin to traveling through a portal, but this was different. There was no reflux action or nausea that usually accompanied teleportation over such distances in the blink of an eye. Instead, Islinda was enveloped in a thick blanket of darkness, carrying her through.

Despite the darkness surrounding her, she felt an unusual warmth, which was confusing. She should have screamed in terror, but the comforting embrace of the darkness held her in awe. Suddenly, as swiftly as it had enveloped her, the darkness receded, leaving Islinda standing in a new place, bewildered yet strangely intrigued.

Islinda stumbled as her feet unexpectedly found solid ground, the darkness releasing her with a gentle touch. She winced, squinting against the sudden assault of sunlight on her eyes. Blinking rapidly to adjust her vision, she scanned her surroundings, her heart racing with fear of being captured by one of the assassins.

However, as her gaze lifted, she locked eyes with a figure looming over her. Her breath caught in her throat as she recognized the familiar eyes, the color of the tranquil ocean. It was Aldric, his face obscured by the hood of a large cloak. Shock and disbelief painted Islinda’s features as she stared up at him, her breath hitching in her chest.

Aldric was standing right in front of her.

He was the one who had whisked her away. No wonder the darkness felt eerily familiar. Islinda had suspected it might be his doing, but she had never witnessed his power manifest in such a manner until now. It was dawning on her just how formidable the dark Fae prince truly was.

Yet, in the midst of her shock, Islinda’s mind raced with questions. Aldric stood before her, contrary to the assurance Maxi had given her about his imprisonment. Panic clenched her heart as she wondered what Aldric might have done to Maxi and Isaac.

However, the corner of Aldric’s lips curled into that familiar smirk, his eyes dancing with mischief as he spoke with a lilting tone. "Hello, love, miss me?"

Islinda was rendered speechless, stunned by how incredibly handsome Aldric looked with that smile, albeit a cunning one, on his face. The light dancing in his eyes made him appear younger and less malevolent. She couldn’t shake off the memory of the earlier fight and the Fae who had attempted to kill her but failed. It dawned on Islinda that Aldric had truly been the one who had been helping her from the shadows. He had saved her life.

With her heart racing like a wild stallion, Islinda acted on impulse and grabbed Aldric’s face, pressing her lips against his. A thrill rushed through her as her eyelids fluttered shut, surrendering to the intoxicating sensation of his lips.

Though Islinda couldn’t see Aldric’s reaction with her eyes closed, she sensed him stiffen, standing as still as a rock. However, his lips were soft, firm, and enticing, compelling Islinda to continue. She told herself that Aldric was used to stealing kisses from her, so her returning the favor shouldn’t be that surprising.

Islinda’s hands found their way to Aldric’s shoulders, fingers tangling in the fabric of his cloak as she pulled him closer, intending to deepen the kiss. However, Aldric remained rigid, his body unyielding like a statue. It felt as though she were kissing a stone rather than a living being.

With a sigh of resignation, Islinda reluctantly pulled away, her eyes lifting to meet his with uncertainty. She bit down on her lip nervously, unsure of how to interpret his reaction.

Aldric’s expression remained inscrutable, his features giving away nothing of his thoughts or feelings. Islinda’s blush deepened as she grappled with embarrassment and confusion. What had she done wrong? Was it the timing, or perhaps he simply wasn’t in the mood? The uncertainty gnawed at her, leaving her feeling ashamed and vulnerable.

"I am sorry," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze dropped to the ground, unable to meet his eyes. "I thought... I-I must have misunderstood...."

Islinda’s words faltered as Aldric hooked a finger beneath her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze. The intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine, his expression grave and serious. It was as though she had committed a grave crime by kissing him, a stark contrast to the gentle touch of his hand beneath her jaw.

Caught in his gaze, Islinda found herself unable to look away. His glowing blue eyes seemed to pierce through her, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed, as if he could see straight into her soul. Each moment felt like an eternity as they stood locked in a silent exchange, the weight of his scrutiny hanging heavy in the air.

"One more time, Islinda. Did you miss me?" Aldric’s voice, low and husky, sent a shiver down Islinda’s spine as heat surged through her core. Unconsciously, she pressed her thighs together, trying to contain the sudden rush of desire he ignited within her.

Swallowing hard, Islinda wrestled with her conflicting emotions. Admitting that she had missed him felt like a betrayal to everything she had fought for, yet denying it would be a lie. Fuck. But then, who was she deceiving, she had missed the psychopath.

She slowly nodded her head, the air around them crackling with an electric tension, their eyes locked in an unspoken exchange of longing and desire.

But Aldric tutted, his voice low and commanding. "Words, darling. I want to hear you say it." His hand left her jaw to cup her face, his thumb tracing the curve of her lower lip, swollen from their earlier kiss. Islinda couldn’t suppress the shiver that ran down her spine at his touch, and it was only when she arched into him that she realized her back was pressed against the wall of a deserted alleyway, with no one around to witness their intimate exchange.