Chapter 10

Ashley's POV

I broke into uncontrollable laughter, and Steven’s intense stare only seemed to fuel my amusement. His cold eyes bore into mine, making my giggles grow louder.

"I’m… I’m sorry," I gasped between bursts of laughter. "It’s just… it’s just so funny to think of you magically healing my mom and then forcing me to marry you in three days."

The moment I said the words, his face darkened. A low, rumbling growl echoed from deep within him, and the sound sent a chill down my spine. My laughter instantly died, replaced by a deep, uneasy silence. I slowly looked up at him, and what I saw made my blood run cold.

In an instant, Steven’s form shifted before my very eyes. His body rippled, muscles growing and shifting unnaturally. His face twisted as his teeth elongated, and soon, a terrifying beast stood before me—a hairy, towering figure with glowing, predatory eyes and fangs that seemed to gleam like daggers under the dim light.

"Ahhh!" I screamed, stumbling backward in a panic, my b