Dark Enchantment

1

Elara

Have you ever wished to be a part of something so badly, only to regret it when it finally happens? That’s exactly how I felt, only worse. My heart had been ripped from my chest, but I had to let all that pain go. I had to fix it all, because it was my fault in the first place.

Six months earlier…

My father sent me to this place when I turned sixteen, because I was what you would call the family disappointment. I was as girly as a girl could be, and back home I was popular, but apparently it still wasn’t enough.

He was one of the most respected doctors in London, and while my brothers were quick to decide to follow in his footsteps, I couldn’t think of anything worse. I wanted to travel, and that didn’t sit well with him. As for my mother, well, I can’t say much about her because she died when I was younger, though I know absolutely none of the details.

Anyway, in a nutshell, that’s me.

My father thought this place might fix me, and as much as I’d love to laugh, I can’t. Being here in this little village only proves how impossible a task that is.

The population of Oak Hill is roughly two thousand people. With two hundred of them being a part of this boarding school. And out of those two hundred, only one has ever taken the time to actually speak to me. The people here tend to walk through me as if I were invisible, not that bright red hair doesn’t stand out. After all isn’t that how the ole saying goes. Ignore it and it goes away?

Everyone except for Asher. And although he’s a few years older than me, he sees me, or at least he sees a part of me.

I couldn't help but feel my heart race whenever Asher's eyes would lock onto mine. The way he looked at me, not through me, sent shivers down my spine, in a way no other guy ever has. It was as if a magnetic force was pulling me towards him, drawing me in closer each and every time he was near me.

His gaze held a sense of mystery, causing my breath to catch in my throat. I would find myself unable to tear my eyes away from his, captivated by the intensity and depth I saw within them. Almost as if he understood me.

Today was sunny day, though thanks to the October weather not very warm. I sat under the shade of my favorite tree during lunch, completely lost in the pages of the dark romance novel I was devouring. The heated exchange between the characters had my heart racing as I turned each page, eager to see what would unfold next.

I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't even notice Asher approaching until he sat down beside me. My lashes fluttered as I was suddenly pulled out of the fictional world and back into reality. Startled, I bit my lip as I tried to compose myself, but it was too late. Asher had already taken the book out of my hands, a mischievous glint in those gorgeously dark eyes.

"What are you reading that's got you making those faces?" he asked, a teasing smile playing on his lips. I could feel the blush creeping onto my cheeks as I tried to come up with a response. I cleared my throat, my voice slightly shaky as I replied, "Oh, just a novel. It's... um, intense."

Asher raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Intense, huh? Mind if I take a look?" Without waiting for my answer, he flipped through the pages, his eyes scanning over each of the words. I waited, watching nervously, wondering what he would think of the steamy scenes that had captured my attention.

Would he be disgusted, surprised, or not bothered? I mean don’t they say men watch porn, but women read it.

A moment passed before he looked back at me, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Well, well, Elara. I never knew you were into this kind of stuff." I felt my cheeks heat up even more, embarrassed by his discovery.

"It’s only a romance novel," I retorted, trying to regain some composure. But as I reached out to take my book back, Asher leaned closer, pushing me back until I laid on top of the wet grass.

"That’s not the part I meant," he said, his voice low and teasing. With the book still in his hand, he placed them down on either side of my head, effectively trapping me beneath him.

I swallowed nervously, his words sending a jolt of electricity through me. "I... I’m getting a wet back Asher," I stammered, trying to sound casual despite the way my pulse quickened at his closeness.

Asher chuckled. "Doesn’t reading that make you wet?” he murmured, his gaze intense as he locked eyes with me. "I mean, I’m game if you want to re-enact that chapter."

I could feel my face flush even more at his words, the embarrassment mixing with a strange sense of excitement, and I knew my face would now match my hair. As he leaned in closer, his breath ghosting over my skin, I found myself unable to look away.

Was this my queue to kiss him? God, guys never made me this nervous.

I opened my mouth to speak, to say his name that had been on the tip of my tongue, but before the words could escape, Asher silenced me with a charming smile. "I'm just joking," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Relief flooded through me, though I would be lying if I didn’t say I felt disappointed. As he climbed off me and sat back, he casually asked, "Are you going to the Halloween party?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond. I didn’t have friends here, not like back home, so I’m pretty sure that these people hated me which meant I wouldn’t even have been invited. “No, I don't think so," I replied, my voice soft as I avoided his gaze.

But Asher just chuckled and shook his head. "Yes, you are," he stated confidently. "You're going with me. Be ready by eight o’clock, Elara. I'll pick you up. Oh, and wear something… sexy.”

…

I walked into my last class of the day, my mind already drifting towards the Halloween party and the thought of seeing Asher later. But before I could even reach my seat, a sudden force collided with me, sending me crashing to the ground. My heart pounded in my chest as I looked up to see the girl who had tripped me – Millie was a vision of perfection with her flawless appearance, like a living Barbie doll.

As I attempted to stand up, she loomed over me. "Elara, isn't it?" she sneered. "I heard Asher invited you to the party. But let me tell you, he only did it out of pity. He feels sorry for you, you know."

Her words stung like a sharp slap to the face, igniting a fire of anger within me. I’d always thought of myself as a strong person, but something about her, made me feel small. I gritted my teeth, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. But I wouldn’t let them see. As Millie turned to walk away, a silent wish formed in my mind – a wish that I could knock her perfect teeth out for the hurtful words she had spoken. Even though a small part of me prayed she wasn’t right.

But just as she took her seat, a loud crash echoed through the classroom, followed by a sharp cry of pain. A ball had come hurtling through the window, striking the life-like Barbie in the face and knocking her back in her chair. I watched in shock as her teeth went flying, landing in her lap in a scattered mess.

As the chaos unfolded around the screaming Barbie, I took the opportunity to gather my belongings and slip away.

Collapsing on my bed, I lay back, staring up at the ceiling as I tried to make sense of what had just happened. Was it karma that had caused the bully to lose her teeth, or was it something else entirely? The question lingered in the back of my mind, a nagging doubt that I couldn't quite shake. But in the end, I dismissed it as being in the wrong place at the wrong time, a mere twist of fate in an unpredictable world.

Deciding that I wouldn't be returning to class for the day, I shifted my focus to the Halloween party that was happening tonight. Pushing aside the doubts that gnawed at me, I rummaged through my wardrobe in search of something to wear. Settling on the makings of a witch's outfit, I began to apply dark makeup, transforming myself into a character of mystery and intrigue.

…

Before I knew it, 8 o'clock had arrived, but Asher was nowhere to be seen. I tapped the screen of my phone, hoping to see a missed call or message from him, but then I remembered I hadn’t given him my number. Letting my phone fall to the floor I stood there looking into my mirror. I scrunched my face in frustration and shook my head. I had gone through the effort of dressing up, stepping out of my comfort zone for him when deep down, I should’ve known better.

Asher was a popular guy, everyone from the lookalike Barbie to the quiet, nerdy girl in the back of the class wanted him. The realisation hit me like a ton of bricks – maybe I had been foolish to think he would choose me. The strange city girl living in a small town.

That lookalike Barbie... I couldn't shake the thought that she was the reason Asher hadn't shown up. Perhaps someone had planted a seed of doubt in his mind, insinuating that I was the reason behind her accident, even though I hadn't laid a finger on her. Maybe Asher had second thoughts about bringing me along, assuming that since I didn't want to go to the party in the first place, it wouldn't matter if he didn't show up.

Picking up the packet of makeup removal wipes, I began to gently wipe away the dark masterpiece I had created on my face. As the last traces of the witch's makeup disappeared, I felt a sense of release wash over me. With my face once again bare, I slipped out of my black dress and changed into my cozy nightgown.

Tonight, I had hoped for a different outcome, a night filled with excitement and fun. But as the minutes ticked by, it seemed like it was going to end the same way it always did – alone in my dorm room, with nothing but my thoughts for company.

Having found a film to watch, I settled in under the warm duvet, ready to lose myself in the world of the movie. But just as I had gotten comfortable, a soft knock echoed from the door, breaking the silence of the room. Curious and a little hesitant, I made my way over to the door and opened it slowly.

"Hey, Elara," he said softly, his eyes meeting mine. "I'm sorry I'm late. Can we talk?"

As Asher finished his sentence, his eyes roamed over my nightgown, and I felt a rush of embarrassment at being caught off guard. "That's not a Halloween costume, Elara," he said, his voice stern and disapproving.

"It's nearly 10 o'clock, Asher. You never came," I replied, my voice tinged with disappointment.

As I turned my back to him, Asher invited himself into my room and closed the door behind me. He stepped in front of me causing me to step back, my back hitting the door.

"Asher..." I began, but my words were abruptly cut off as he placed his hands on either side of my face, his lips pressing against mine in a sudden, and unexpected kiss.

"That's not an apology, Asher," I managed to say as I mustered the strength to break the kiss.

"Is it not? Then what would be an apology, Elara?" he replied, his voice smooth and unwavering.

As he placed one hand firmly on the door beside my head, I felt a surge of excitement building within me. His touch was electrifying, sending a wave after wave of excitement coursing through my veins. With deliberate intent, his other hand moved to rest on my thigh, the warmth of his palm searing through the fabric of my nightgown.

Keeping his eyes locked on mine, he slowly began to move his hand higher. My stomach fluttered with nerves and desire, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me as I struggled to maintain my composure in the face of his bold advances.

“Do you like that, Elara? Hm...” Asher whispered in my ear, his warm breath as it tickled my skin.

I tried to gather my thoughts, to form a coherent response, but I couldn’t, “I…” I started, but the words caught in my throat, unable to find their way out.

“Do you accept my apology?” Asher's voice was soft, his tone dark and teasing.

All I could manage was a nod, my heart pounding in my chest as his hand rested on the hem of my knickers.

“Then get dressed, because if you don’t, I’ll undress you myself.”