Black Knight (Royal Elite 4)

Bitch.

Calvin is about to head inside when he notices me lurking there, both hands in my pockets.

I haven’t released the star bracelet, scared it’ll disappear the moment I do. Just like she almost disappeared.

He sighs. “Go home, Xander.”

Calvin has seen me over the past few days and always tells me to leave. I’m like a dog who keeps coming back even after being told off.

I remain silent, but I don’t make a move to go.

Another sigh rips from him. “Lewis must be searching for you.”

I scoff. “He’s not. He has long conferences, he probably doesn’t know what time it is right now.”

“Still, go home and freshen up. You look like you’ve been in a fight.”

That’s because I have.

When I still don’t move, Calvin motions behind him. “Or go in.”

“I’ll probably make it worse,” I confess, my voice thickening with emotion.

“As long as it’s real, I don’t think you would. Besides, sometimes, things have to get worse before they get better.”

I stare at him for a beat as I weigh his words.

You know what, a human can be a ghost only for so long.

I make a move towards the door, but Calvin clutches my shoulder forcing me to halt in my tracks. “If you blame her for what happened, I’ll beat you up worse than in those newbie fights you get yourself into.”

How the hell does he know about those?

“Yes, sir,” I say, and there’s surprisingly no sarcasm like when I speak to Dad.

Maybe it’s because I respect Calvin and the role he’s playing in his daughter’s life.

“I’ll go grab a coffee.” He releases me and vanishes around the corner.

I continue watching him, making sure he’s gone before I step inside the room. It smells of antiseptic, but there’s also that slight lime smell from her.

Kim leans sideways, rummaging through her drawers. Her skin isn’t as pale as that night. Her hair falls on either side of her shoulders like a green halo.

She’s so beautiful, it’s physically painful.

And she’s alive, breathing, moving.

She’s alive and right there.

If I don’t do something, she might try it again, and maybe next time, Calvin or I won’t be there and it’ll be too late.

“Dad, did you see my Kindle? I think I put it here, but maybe –” Her words cut off as her eyes meet mine.

They widen to a huge green colour and sparkle a little, shine a little, but die a little, too.

Ouch.

I deserve that.