The Broken Angel & Her Overprotective Brothers

'Your past makes you the beautiful person that you have become today. The darkness inside you is the reason behind the light and warmth that you give others. Instead of running from that past, try to accept it as a lesson and gift that's bestowed upon you... Everything happens for a reason...' 

A faint smile appeared on Shadow's lips as he recalled the conversation that happened between him and the princess on the day of her first therapy session.

Looking back at that day, he could finally see that she had come so far. She no longer had episodes about her past, nor was she afraid of being all alone in the dark places anymore. She didn't panic while hearing someone shouting or even when she caught people fighting.

She could easily mingle with outsiders. Her nightmares had stopped too, and most importantly, she had learned to use the darkness inside her as a weapon. Even though she hadn't mastered it, she's still better than seventy percent of other people who were trying to do the same.

It was really ironic considering that back then, he was the one trying to make her feel acceptive towards her past, and now, she's reminding him of the very same thing. But unlike her, he couldn't just stop blaming himself so easily for leaving her all alone to battle the dangerous and cruel world in which she's born.

A small sigh escaped his lips as he realized just how hard these few days had been. Even though he was an Immortal, he could still feel that his body wanted some rest and time to rejuvenate.

Being an Immortal had become a curse for him. At this point, all he wanted was to be free from his suffering. However, it seemed like it wasn't the right time yet. He still had to go through some of the worst days of his life.

He always became unhappy while thinking about himself. That's why he decided to think about the one who always brought happiness to him.

His eyes found their way towards the girl who was fast asleep beside him, perfectly wrapped under the covers. There was a peaceful look on her face and it made him relax too.

It was a good thing that she didn't encounter nightmares even though she saw the monster from her past just a couple of hours ago. He was worried that her night won't pass easily after all that transpired.

The more he looked at her, the more he wanted to lie down beside her and fall asleep with his arms wrapped around her. The urge became so strong at a point that he had to leave the bedroom to put some distance between the two of them.

Him losing emotional and mental balance would lead to big trouble someday. He had to constantly remind himself that he had lost the right to do anything of that sort. He was just her friend and he had to respect that status. Being anything more than that was just his wishful thinking at this point.

Shadow took in a deep breath as he walked out onto the balcony at the very end of the hallway. The sky was still filled with countless stars but the moon had already disappeared somewhere.

Inhaling the cold fresh air, he focused his attention on the new information that he obtained. It seemed like he had another important matter to take care of.

*****

"This is such an unexpected visit," Kaiden commented as he walked out into the back garden of the mansion.

It was almost dawn and the darkness had started disappearing little by little. Shadow's gaze was fixed at the horizon as he waited for the shifter prince to approach him.

"It's something important." That's all he said in response but didn't turn to look at Kaiden who was finally beside him. The two of them stood there in the garden, looking at the horizon that had started to turn different shades of colors as the time of sunrise approached.

"Is it related to Angel?" Kaiden asked hurriedly. His expression changed immediately as he became serious. 

Shadow was silent for the next couple of seconds as he seemed thoughtful about the question. But then he finally nodded his head in reply before stating, "In a way... it is." 

Looking at the Supreme Lord's serious expression, Kaiden knew that it was something important. Otherwise, the man would not have appeared at his door so early in the morning.

"What's wrong with her?" He asked impatiently and didn't even try to hold back the worry in his tone as his eyes searched the side profile of Shadow's face in order to seek some answers.

Shadow was quick to shake his head as he turned to fully face the shifter prince. "She's completely fine and is currently sleeping soundly. You don't have to worry. The thing that I want to discuss is somewhat related to her in a way but it's mostly about you. But before we talk about that, I want to ask you something."

Kaiden relaxed a little bit when he heard that his mate was perfectly fine. Even though he could feel that she was calm and relaxed at the moment, he couldn't trust his instincts. Especially when they hadn't bonded yet.

"Go ahead. What is it that you want to ask?" He waited for the Supreme Lord to put forward his question.

Shadow didn't waste any more time and asked the question that had been bugging him for quite some time. The only reason he stayed quiet all this time was that he didn't want to meddle in Kaiden's business. Besides, he was no better when it came to such things.

He had no reason to question the young prince when he too was making the same mistake and that was also on purpose. But unlike him, Kaiden needed to speak out the truth before it's too late.

"When are you planning to tell Princess about Elsie?"