I run a hand through my hair, trying to calm myself down before I see James. I can’t let my feelings show in front of him, I can’t let my guard down, or he’d know something was up. Being undercover here is harder than I initially thought it would be. I have always had to protect myself and pretend to be someone I’m not.

I’ve been here for just over ten years - ten years away from those that I love. Ten years away from my family and friends. Ten years of proving my loyalty to James, pretending to be his most trusted slayer. It’s my mission - my destiny - in this fight to bring him down and bring Silvia back to its former glory.

And now, one girl could ruin it all for me.

I found out her name is Kayla, and she’s Dara’s best friend from Earth. James brought her here to torture her and make Dara turn herself in for Kayla’s release. I can’t let that happen though. From the first moment I saw her, she took my breath away. Her long blonde locks, her perfect body and her eyes - those eyes take me to another place, into the forests of Silvia. She’s breathtaking, and I can’t help but check on her every day to make sure she’s okay. I can’t let James use Kayla like he intends - if he did, and I had to break my cover to save her, I’d do it.

I update Declan on the situation, and he says he’ll check back in with me once they’ve sorted out a plan. Until then, I’ll have to secretly keep her safe without James noticing my obsession. The thing is, I’m torn between wanting to keep my cover here and help Dara fulfil her destiny and wanting to ruin it all by saving Kayla.

I take a deep breath and walk into James’ quarters with a clear head. He has been training hard ever since Dara found the first stone, so I’m not surprised to find him in the middle of the room, practising, mastering all his spells and learning new, more powerful ones. He let her go, and I could tell he had been kicking himself ever since.

“How’s our little guest doing today? Has she woken yet?” James asks, not bothering to look towards me.

Being careful not to reveal any emotion, I say, “Yes, Sir. She’s awake but drifting in and out of consciousness.”

He pauses, his face lighting up at my words. “Perfect. She’s had time to heal and develop. Let’s go and pay her a visit, shall we?”

I follow him through the castle and towards the cells below. I hate going down there. Knowing what happens in this place, I shiver. I clear my thoughts as quickly as they come though. With Declan’s help, I’ve learnt to block out thoughts around James, and after ten years of being under James’ watchful eye, it had become second nature to me. If I ever got out of this hell hole, I’d have a hard time showing my emotions again.

We stop just outside the cell, and when Kayla stirs James looks between the both of us. With a smirk, he says, “It looks like someone trusts you, Alaric. Little does she know, she can’t trust you or any of us - not with what we have in store for her.” He taps his chin thoughtfully. “Although, you may want to take her for a ride before we begin.”

My whole body turns to ice. I quickly shake it off, offering him an evil smirk in return - giving him what he wants to see, playing along. I know he’s testing my loyalty - he always does this with his slayers. He’s unbalanced and thinks everyone is against him. It’s funny, though; I am the one slayer he trusts the most, yet I’m the least trustworthy.

Kayla’s worried eyes meet mine. With James’ eyes on me, I keep up the pretence and I give her nothing in return.

“All right,” James announces, starting to pace. “Before we have some fun, I want to let you in on a little secret, Kayla.” he smirks.

My heartbeat picks up, and I’m dreading what will come next.

“You aren’t on Earth anymore, Kayla. I’ve brought you to Silvia, but of course, that makes no sense to you now, does it? But you may know our little friend Dara?”

At the mention of Dara’s name, Kayla’s eyes shoot up to meet mine. Even though it kills me, I give her nothing.

James continues, “To bring you here, I had to do a little experimenting - a little magic. I changed you to become one of us. Of course, I couldn’t make you very powerful; I couldn’t have you fighting me off. Gone is the disgusting human girl you once were. Now you’re a mutt - a shapeshifter. You are the lowest magical being here in Silvia.”

Poor Kayla. The look on her face says it all. She’s as white as a ghost. She still had no idea if what James said is true or not. She’s completely clueless.

I’ve been wondering how James managed to take her through the portal. No humans can pass through - only those with some sort of magic in their blood. At least now I knew what he’d done to Kayla.

“You’re here as I need to use you against your dear friend Dara. If she loves you as much as I think, she’ll come to rescue you. It’s perfect. Now, my little friend, it’s time to start your torture,” James says clapping his hands in excitement.

I watch as James slams Kayla’s body with magic. She jolts and starts shaking like electricity is coursing through her. I can’t stand to look anymore, I slightly turn my back and get in contact with Declan. They needed to hurry up and tell me the plan, before it’s too late.