Prologue

The aristocrats wouldn’t believe when they heard that His Majesty, King of Beverly was coming to the masquerade ball. They buzzed with thrill and passed each other cautionary glances to their family members. As the large crowds of bodyguards marched in unison inside the Royal Resort; they were in awe yet fidgeting.

Every eye turned to the Mighty King, Alexander Peters Goldsman. Eventually, they watched as the Duke of Albertville strolled gracefully towards the King and bowed briefly. While he held the King’s outstretched hand in greetings, he wore a big smile and showed them in. The King was impressed with the arrangements and walked two feet ahead of the Duke flashing his signature smile to the other royalties.

The massive hall housed a huge chandelier in the middle; Pink and white fabric draped from the mid to the railings of the hallways upstairs. It was perfectly matching the heavy drapes around and the floral arrangements in the hall. The hall was intricately designed with hand sculptures. More than fifty royal families stood in the King and Queen’s welcome. Their eyes lingered over the young Prince as he trailed behind them confidently.

Everyone was star struck; their chest filled with immense pleasure. It was not wrong—the Prince was absolutely handsome.

Even at an age of sixteen he looked dashing, confident and intimidating. Regardless of the mask that covered half of their faces, they were aware the Prince’s beauty was not temporary or for a moment. Their eyes briefly halted on their daughters as they wondered how to introduce them together.

However, the King gestured them to enjoy the ball and soon enough the charity started as usual. The Duke of Albertville, Abhor Albertville Jr. beamed with how the event was turning out to be. Soon, the ball started and everyone present in the Masquerade Ball chose this opportunity to mingle with the King and get their daughters to dance with the Prince of Beverly.

Nonetheless, as the first dance was started with the King and Queen, the Prince’s eyes roamed around sitting ideally at the huge long table reserved for them. He was bored to his wits but dared not show it on his face. He badly wanted to escape not because of the boredom but what happened earlier that day.

He cannot believe how his parents could enjoy at this moment. He cannot accept what happened in the first place. Things were going good and suddenly he started to feel uncomfortable within his own skin. He had slight fever from past week but kept it to himself…

Though, he didn’t expect to wake up in the morning and see… nothing!

Yes, he was scared. All he could see was silhouettes, their scent could be smelled and it was an odd experience.

Flashback

“What’s with that crying face? You’re a Prince! This isn’t how you’re supposed to behave.” His step-mother chided him sternly.

He was burdened and it almost crashed his little budding heart. He was missing his mother badly and he feebly expected his step mother to give him the same warmth.

“Your Majesty. I… I…” Suddenly, a thought struck him and his words died in his mouth.

He dared not utter another word. If they knew, he would never be able to fulfill what his mother wanted. His little mouth twitched as his heart and throat ached with heaviness. He cannot tell them…

“Are you not feeling well?” Suddenly, the Queen placed her cold hand on his forehead that made him jolt back.

He heard her gasp and quickly his guard rushed in waiting for the orders with bowed head.

“Call the physician quickly. We have to attend a Masquerade Ball later in the evening.” He heard her pass the order calmly and fought the worry to inhibit inside him.

“Prince Sebastian, you’ll have to endure for today somehow. This masquerade ball is important as your first public appearance. The timing of your sickness is unfortunate but as the Prince of Beverly, you’ll do as expected. Meanwhile, rest as much as you can.”

He gritted his teeth and nodded as he watched the Queen leave with grace.

Her head was held high and though he is aware she felt bad for him, he couldn’t help but miss his own mother. She told the retinue to make sure the Prince looked at his best in the ball tonight.

Clutching his chest, he stumbled and fell while making his way towards the bathroom and stayed there for a long time.

Flashback Ended

The Prince was sweating unusually. His brain was ready to explode and he blamed his crying for that. Right now he wanted to escape but the problem was he didn’t know how to. The Queen requested the King to bring the Prince to their Physician right after the event was over. Meanwhile, he needs to go elsewhere and can’t take the risk of fooling himself when they asked for a dance.

Thus, he cleared his throat and efficiently, a guard stood beside him ready for the order.

“Outside.” He whispered and the guard nodded, leading the boy out of the ball.

He wasn’t sure who would be looking so he maintained a smile on his face. Following a silhouette was easy to his relief. As soon as they were outside, he waved his hand in dismissal and watched everything turn deep red; no shadows, nothing.

However, the uneasiness increased and he had the urge to throw-up or get out of the thick silky fabric. He walked alongside to the nearest wall. The floral scent hit his nostrils as he dragged his feet around; at least no one was here.

After few minutes of walking, he crouched down and couldn’t notice the sound of splashing near him. He panted and hoped no one was watching his miserable sight. It would be a disgrace if someone did. As he fought his discomfort and fever, he inhaled a strong waft of oceanic and floral scent. His senses got alert and he craned his neck around.

‘Am I near an ocean, by any chance?’

He wondered but it was short lived when a shadow clouded his vision.

“Hey, are you suffering?” He heard a sweet feminine voice.

Before he can gather himself, a girl sat beside him. Suddenly, a cold and wet hand was placed on his forehead; startling him. Despite that, the wetness on his head calmed his temperature. He shivered due to the sudden coldness.

“You’re having a fever! Here…” He heard her concerned voice and couldn’t help the tears that brimmed in his eyes.

Soon enough, the girl suddenly wrapped him in her arms; nuzzling her face.

“You’ll feel better. Don’t worry. The water will help you. It always does.” Her words sounded like promises and he let the tears down his cheeks, mixing with the dripping of water droplets from the girl herself.

Who are you?

He wanted to ask but failed when his inner self sought more from her. As he felt the girl roam her hands on his back, he shuddered—a strange feeling overpowering him.

“You are crying? Is it that bad?” He heard her ask—voice cracked as if she was herself in tears.

Her slender arms tightened around him before she pulled slightly back. He can feel her hesitancy for a brief second. He couldn’t let the comfort go. As he tried to lean towards her, he was surprised when a pair of soft lips was placed on his.

The prince gasped, taken aback while the girl gently kissed him. She was quick to pull away saying, “Now you’ll be better. Your fever will lower down—”

Her words were interjected when the Prince instantly pulled her into him and smashed his lips on hers. This time, the girl squealed in surprise. She was stunned from his actions but a weird feeling bubbled inside her lower abdomen and chest. She felt the knots tightening and a mere throbbing downwards that flushed her face. The prince kissed her feverishly.

He appeared to be in a daze and she couldn’t help but shake as a leaf against him. Immediately, her fingers tightened on his shoulders encouraging the Prince, unknowingly. The Prince pulled her up, on his lap and kissed her as if there was no tomorrow.

Her closeness was giving him comfort. Though, it might be the cold water but his mind couldn’t register that. His hands roamed over her body; feeling her up. The girl responded to his kiss; feeling his tongue invading her mouth.

She was young, like him; thin and dressed in a thin fabric. It was hard to say if the softness was of her skin or the cloth but it was pleasant. He let his fingers dwell in her hair and tugged them, unconsciously. Her hairs were drenched but long. They pulled apart when it became hard to breathe. The Prince kissed her neck, letting his free hand feel her face.

Her eyelashes fluttered shut, lips trembled and tugged between her teeth as she left out some weird noises. Her lips were soft, wet and either full or swollen; he had no idea. The way she shook, he stopped.

No!

He doesn’t know what it was but he wasn’t stupid to understand what might happen later. He was young, though not a child, still as a Prince he cannot afford to make hasty mistakes. Also, he doesn’t know the girl’s age. As the Prince of Beverly, he has a reputation to keep and a future to hold. So, it was better to stop!

As they panted heavily, leaning on each other; he pondered on all the grim thoughts. Their forehead rested against each other. He felt their bodies emanating heat but weirdly it didn’t bother him anymore. Embarrassed and flushed, he badly wanted to see what was her reaction—the girl whom he gave away his first kiss to. And just like that, his frustration at the lack of vision started brewing in him.

“I am sorry, Miss. I would like to thank you. You helped me. May I know—” before he could have asked her name, she gasped loudly; pushing him off.

“I have to go.” She ran and almost immediately, he was alone.

A flash of shadow disappeared and he sat there with an empty grasp; lost at words and wits.

What happened?

He felt empty without her and the feeling was awful.

“His Royal Highness, the King of Beverly and Her Majesty are asking for you.” He heard his guard say and frowned.

Was it the reason she left in a hurry? Why did she sound so frightened? 

He wished he could run after her and ask but he dared not keep his parents on hold.

“Prince Sebastian, you may need to change your clothes. They are… wet.” He just nodded again following the route he came back from, cautiously.

To his relief, the Queen stood halfway waiting for him.

“Prince Sebastian, what happened to you? If it is too bad, we’ll go right now.” He heard her call and shook his head.

“It’s okay, Her Majesty. I’ll change and would be there, shortly.” He hoped she agrees because he doesn’t want to give his father any reason for the same.

He can imagine her smile because she patted his head in admiration.

“Very well then, I’ll leave you to James. He’ll bring you back. Please endure a little.” And she left while he let his retinue bring in a different set of clothes and get him changed into them.

Meanwhile, he kept wondering who she was.

If only he was able to see… 

He cursed that day when they went hunting almost a month back. Though, others hardly think so but he was sure his life changed due to that animal attack. It was all fine until then. His heart felt heavy as he recalled what happened that time—

They were hunting, and his father had challenged him. Jumping down his horse, he heard a rustle nearby. Curious, he pulled his gun ready and walked towards the source of the sound. It came from somewhere deep inside the forest.

He walked as discreetly as he could and was shocked when he heard a roar followed by a bullet passing. As if all hell broke loose, the wounded animal charged towards him screeching in pain. Though, blurred with its speed but he could make out it was an unusual looking animal. If his mind was right, that was a werewolf.

But werewolves don’t exist! It must be a wolf or a dog.

As he stared at the fuzzy movement with wide eyes, he watched it throw his gun away. His fear froze him in place and saw the furious animal open his wide jagged mouth, dripping saliva. It gripped his wrist and bites him hard on his nape; almost trying to tear off his flesh.

A loud yell escaped his throat and suddenly another bullet was fired somewhere near. Startled, the furious animal tossed him away with full force. His head hit against something and air got knocked out of his lungs. He lay there helplessly gazing in the direction the terrified animal had run away. His eyes almost shut close with the unbearable pain he felt. Soon, he watched his father run with fearful eyes. He was lifted and carried back home as blood oozed from his neck.

Two weeks later things happened. Fever with sudden heat, drowsy brain, restlessness, uneasiness and now… the red vision. 

He sighed, hearing the ball music getting louder. The Queen politely excused them from any dance for his sake.

He regrets that day!