Calantha's point of view:

I woke up early the next morning, feeling like a child on fangfare day. Arin had promised to take me on a trot the previous day and I can't wait.

I had always envied the man at the postillion position anytime I go to the capital center for sightseeing with her majesty but today, I'm glad that it's finally coming to reality.

As soon as I woke up, I sat at the edge of my bed, lightly rubbing my feet with my hands as I awaited Lyra. Soon enough, Lyra and a few maids entered with a few boxes containing what I guess will be clothes.

“Your royal Highness.” The four girls said, bowing. And I hummed to accept their greeting. Standing, I stretched my hands on either side of me in a hurry so that my sleeping robe could be easily accessible to take off and a maid stepped forward to do so.

After that, I took a seat on a furred chair near my bed as three of them placed the boxes on the fourth girl's hand and proceeded to prepare a bath.

After a few minutes, Lyra came back.

“Your bath is ready, my lady.”

Without much ado, I immersed myself in the bath filled with roses and my excitement only grew. After a quick bath; a rarity for me since I always indulge in long baths, the maids help me get dressed in a pair of black boots and comfortable trousers that look like a gown.

I confirmed with a few stretches and made my way out of my chamber, the maids a few feets behind me with Lyra at the front.

After breakfast, Arin and I set off towards the stables. As we made our way towards the stables, Arin held my hand with his gloved hands. His grip is firm but soft.

“I can't wait.” I said, swinging his arm which made him chuckle.

“We are going to have a great time, I promise.” He said softly with a smile on his face.

His black hair is tousled. I think he didn't comb it since he's aware that the wind will blow it anyway.
He said we are going for a trot but he would have known me enough to know that I will insist that we take a gallop.

He's clad in tight fitting black pants which displayed his manly muscles, a black loose top with long sleeves and intricate embroideries and a deep purple cloak is draped on his shoulders, matching with my deep purple fit.He matched it with a pair of black high boots.

The air is clear. On reaching the stables, a black majestic horse is handed to Arin by the stable boy. I waited with bated breaths for mine; a white one preferably. But Arin climbed the horse and looked down at me in confusion before I spurted.

“Are we taking one horse for the ride?” I asked, looking up at him.

He answered with a nod before stretching his hands out for me to take. Heat rushed to my cheeks as I placed my hands on his and he drew me up before placing me in front of him, his chin resting on my shoulder as we set off.

We've been moving for hours and it is nearing afternoon. The sun is about to be directly over our heads and it is beating down on me – on us.

It's so funny how the weather and temperature can easily change. The air was a bit crisp some hours ago which made me wear clothes that are meant for coverage but now, it is the opposite and my forehead is glistening with sweat.

We took a different route to keep us away from the prying eyes of the public. Our trot soon turned to a fast paced gallop and I think that it is because Arin noticed the sweat on my face.

The air suddenly turned cool and fresh and fanned my face, making my hair enter my mouth. I looked up at Arin to see a serious expression on his handsome face which made me chuckle.

“Where are we going?” I said. I don't need to speak loudly because he will definitely hear me over the wind.

“It's a surprise.” He answered, a soft smile playing on his lips.

I nodded, relaxing. But as we rode, the path was getting narrower and rockier. The trees were becoming thicker and more ominous. They seem to be closing on us. I felt uneasy and asked Arin again.

“Where are we going?”

“Just a little farther, Cal.” He said, whispering in my ears. “Trust me, it will be worth it.”

His words made me relax and I leaned back to his chest as we continued to gallop fast into the forest. I have little self defense training and I'm sure I can defend myself if we were to be attacked by witches.

But as we continued to ride, the darkness seemed to press in around us and the ajr became crisper. I could feel my almost non existent heart beating widely in my chest.

“Let's go back, Arin.” I said, tugging at his arm which is holding the reins.

Suddenly, the horse stopped but in front of an ominous black cave. I even have to strain my weak vampiric eyes to continue to see.

Arin got down softly with a graceful thud at the feet of the horse and stretched a hand towards me. I lifted my eyebrow in a questioning way.

“It's inside, love.” He said softly and assuringly.

“What's inside?” I asked with unease.

“The surprise.” He said with a soft smile.

Despite the uneasiness, I decided to trust him and allowed him to pull me down. It's also because I'm curious. The cave seems very large and ancient and I'm sure that it must be well known but I remembered not seeing it on Valotoria’s map.

Maybe it's a cave for personal dates of the royal family.

Our boots crunched the wet and dry twigs that were on the floor and made a crunching sound as Arin literally dragged me to the entrance of the black cave.

Surprisingly, the cave is very clean with only the smell of damp earth. The floor is a bit wet and muddy. We walked for what I think is an hour, only conversing at regular intervals.

Me doubting, his assuring and reassuring.

And then, we reached a cliff side. Just by looking at the bottomless pit of the cliff, I started to get scared. I held Arin's hands firmly.

“And, what are we to do here?” I asked him. I was intending to ask nonchalantly and casually but I can feel my voice shaking. I was starting to regret my decision of ever coming on this ride as I held his arm firmly.

And then, without warning, Arin pushed me off the cliff.

I tried to grasp anything that my hand could hold and that is his cloak.

“ Please….”
I whispered. Hot tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I held on to dear life… the cloak, the only thing holding me from perishing… from falling to my death.

However, he unclasped the cloak at his neck instead and the last thing I saw was his smiling face, his eyes gleaming with a crazed light.

This must be a dream.

And then, everything went black.