Purest Corruption - The Darkling [General Kirigan]

• Chapter 8 •

As everyone got up to continue the journey to the Little Palace, I opened my eyes and yawned like I too had just woken up.

Kirigan shot me a small smirk as he watched my actions and I playfully scrunched my nose when I made sure no one was looking.

After packing up what little I had, I made my way out of the barn and to the black stallion I'd gotten so used to riding.

He snorted at me and my hand met his muzzle just like I knew he wanted. Standing there, stroking the beautiful creature, my mind wandered to Kirigan and I's conversation.

Even the dark needs its light, he'd said, and part of me couldn't help but wonder if he'd not only been talking about the night sky.

My ears picked up the sound of footsteps behind me and there was only one person it could be, "Ready for another day of riding, general?"

"I am Miss Starkov, are you?" There was a playful tone to his voice and when I turned around to comment on his mood I gasped.

Next to him stood the most gorgeous horse I'd ever seen, it was pure white until you reached its mane, that was black.

"I thought you'd want to try riding on your own horse today," he chuckled.

"I-i've never been good at riding actually..." My cheeks flushed red as a nervous laugh escaped my lips.

He walked the horse over to me and put the reins in my hand, "I think you're more than capable." A wink followed and then he mounted his horse.

"Let's see if you can catch up," his sweet laugh filled my ears as he began riding away.

I managed to pull myself into the saddle without looking too much like a mess. I then gripped the reins and clicked my tongue to get the horse moving.

Soon, the wind was fluttering through my hair, blonde strands flowing out behind me. I caught up to the general quickly, laughing as I did so, "You were right, I am quite capable. So capable in fact, we should race to those trees," I pointed ahead to a grove of tall, dark trees.

His eyes narrowed, "Oh you think you can beat me huh?"

"As a matter of fact, yes, yes I do." Then, without warning, I took off towards the treeline.

Heavy hoofbeats sounded behind me, signaling that the general was joining in on my childish behavior, and I couldn't help but look back at him.

The smile on his face was one I'd never forget as he desperately tried to catch up to me. My horse had galloped close enough to our finish line that I flung my arms open and let victory settle in.

Freer than I'd ever felt before, I shut my eyes and let out a yell of triumph. My hands found the reins again so that I could stop before we ran straight into the forest.

I turned my horse to face the general and the look on his face was priceless, "Aw don't look so upset General Kirigan, it's not like anyone was around to see you lose." My lower lip stuck out and I batted my eyelashes at him.

He gave me an eye roll in return, "You cheated by giving yourself a head start."

"I never said a head start was against the rules now did I?"

I could see him sick his tongue into his cheek as he looked at me with a glare, "Well if I am to accept my loss, you'll need to make it up to me."

"And how will I do that exactly?" He had peaked my interest.

What could he possibly want?

"I can think of a few ways, but I don't think you're ready to hear them quite yet," his eyes grew dark and a smirk formed in his lips.