After Liam stormed out of the room, his anger still radiating like a storm cloud. The memory of the forceful kiss he had planted on Annabelle was still fresh in her mind. She stood there confused and hurt, uncertain of what to feel. Just then Elijah brought her back to her senses, his gentle demeanor contrasted with Liam's aggression.
"Annabelle are you okay?" He asked, concern filling his voice.
"I----I don't know," she stammered.
"Liam just......he just kissed me."
Elijah took her hands softly, interlacing his fingers with hers. "Come with me. I want to show you something special. He said, leading her away.
As they walked into a hidden garden filled with strange blooms and vibrant colors, Annabelle felt her heart flutter. This place was enchanting, unlike anything she had ever seen. The flowers glowed softly casting playful shadows around them.
"Wow Elijah. This is beautiful," Annabelle said, her eyes wide with awe.
"I thought you'd like it, " he replied, a sly smile playing on his lips. "How about a picnic?"
Annabelle nodded eagerly. In her mind she pushed back the feelings for Liam. Convinced that Elijah's sweetness meant he cared for her. Little did she know, beneath Elijah's charming facade lay a hidden agenda.
As they spread the blanket and prepared their picnic, Elijah felt a twinge of guilt. He needed Annabelle's blood to awaken the evil flower in the garden, a flower that would bring chaos to life. The thoughts weighed heavily on him as he poured them both juice from a small thermos.
"Thanks for this Elijah. I really need it right now. Liam...." she trailed off, staring at her hands.
"Forget about him," he said, hoping to direct her thoughts elsewhere. "He doesn't deserve you. You deserve someone who treats you right. "
"What if I can't forget?" Annabelle whispered, her voice barely audible.
"I can help you with that," Elijah said, lowering himself to meet her gaze. His eyes flickered with something more than just friendship. She noticed, her heart soared at the idea.
His gaze shifted to her lips, and for a moment, she could feel the tension between them grow. "Do you want me to help you, Anna?"
"Anna," she repeated, feeling the special essence in that nickname. It warmed her heart.
Suddenly, she felt bold and stood on her toes, reaching for a kiss. But just as their lips was nearly touching, a soft whisper echoed in her mind, warning her against the kiss. She hesitated, the voice lingering like a ghost.
"Forget about it. Just kiss me," Elijah said, his tone sweet yet urgent.
Before she could decide, Elijah stumbled, accidentally nudging her. Annabelle fell back, and as she did, a thorn from the evil flower caught her arm, drawing a drop of her blood.
"Ah!" Annabelle exclaimed, pulling back. "That hurts!"
Elijah turned sharply , his heart racing as he caught a sight of the flower glowing with her blood. "Are you okay?" He asked feigning worry. He turned her away from the flower, wishing to shield her from what just happened.
"I'm fine," she assured him,, though she could still feel the prick of the thorn. "Just a little scrape".
But her eyes drifted to the corner of the garden. And her heart sank when she spotted Liam kissing her sister. The sight tore through her soul like a knife. "Why?" She gasped, her breath hitching in her throat.
Elijah noticed her expression and gently turned her face back to face him. "You should forget about him " he murmured, his voice now low and comforting.
"But how?" Annabelle asked, tears threatening to spill. "He's always there."
"I can help you, Anna," Elijah said, his gaze intent as he leaned closer. But this time, his voice held an edge of desperation. Could he really fall for her? He wondered if what he needed from her now would destroy the bond they were creating.
"I want to forget," she said, her emotions fragile. With a sudden confidence, she pressed closer, deciding one more to kiss him. Just as they leaned in, that voice in her mind cried out louder, urging her not to.
"Elijah, wait‐--"
But it was too late. Suddenly, an unseen force pushed them both to the ground. "Anna!" He shouted, scrambling to her side. "Are you hurt?"
"I...I'm not sure," she replied, wincing. "I think I scraped my elbow. Oh my God, it hurts! see?"
She held out her arm, revealing a small mark where a small thorn on the floor had pricked her.
Elijah felt a pang of concern for her. " I am sorry, I didn't mean for that to happen," he said, brushing her hair away from her face. "Let me help you."
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