Chapter 4

Lyca's point of view.

"You can't get away from me! I'll track you down even if it means going to the end of the world!" Queen Annabelle screams and laughs. Her hand is covered in blood, and the king's chopped body is in front of her.

"NO!" I scream and jerk up from lying. While panting, I was stunned for a few seconds. Although it is only a nightmare, it appears to be real.

But it's true! It occurred last night, "- Father... I'm sorry; it's my fault- If I hadn't rushed and devised a better plan, you wouldn't have met such a tragic end... Queen Annabelle will not assassinate you..." As my tears continued to fall, I sobbed.

I'm not sure how long I stayed that way; I just stopped when I heard voices in the distance. Then I was taken aback. "What occurred? I was last night-" I came to a halt and examined my arms. "Can you save me from the black wolf?" I utter as I notice my arm wrapped in a bandage.

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"Xavier

This will not do! That girl can't possibly stay here!"

(Are they referring to me?) Before getting up, I muttered to myself. I looked around as I was walking. The house is straightforward and made of wood.

"Oh, no! I just can't let her go! I caused this to happen to her, so I must bear the consequences!"

(I came to a halt in front of the window and looked out. I noticed a figure... He had his back to me, so I couldn't see his face, but based on his build, I knew he was working because of the bulging muscles on his arms and back.)

"Then murder her! That is the only assistance you can provide! Save her from the agony she may face if the curse is activated!"

( "Curse? What on earth are they saying?" I frowned and murmured.)

I decided to leave because I suspected the people outside were talking about me, but before I could, the man named Xavier turned around, allowing me access to his features.

I was stunned and mesmerized at the same time. Xavier's eyes were puffy and swollen, but that didn't take away the mystery surrounding them.

"Then tell her and let her decide her fate..." Xavier confirmed while her gaze was fixed on me.

"Do I have a problem?" As Xavier's men approached the window one by one, I murmured to myself. Seven men, all shirtless and sweaty, were staring at me at the same time.

Xavier said as he opened the window. "If you're fully awake, come here- we need to talk to you," he said, turning around and walking away. The rest of his group then followed him.

"How should I proceed? It's clear from their expressions that they don't want me..." As I walked out of the room, I mumbled in fear. "Wait for a second! Why should I be concerned if they dislike me? I'll say goodbye right after I say thank you... That's correct! I need to get to Prince Matthew's kingdom and ask for assistance!" After much deliberation. I made up my mind, so my plan was complete when I left the room.

I discovered three men sitting on a small wooden couch in the kitchen adjacent to the living room.

"Xavier! Get your a$$ here; the princess has arrived!" The guy enters the room after not long.

"Do you remember what happened last night?" Xavier asked. He inquired as to when I sat in the empty chair.

My attention was drawn to Xavier and his companion. "... First and foremost, please accept my gratitude for rescuing me last night. Despite the fact that I have no idea how I got here, I am grateful to you. And in response to your question, I don't believe I need to say anything... I'm leaving now that I'm feeling better-"

"I'm not sure why you're in such a hurry, but I must apologize... You cannot leave this forest, "Xavier makes a thoughtful observation.

In disbelief, I frown. "What do you mean I can't get out of this wood?"

"Do you remember being bitten last night, Lady?"

- It was the man next to Xavier.

I examined my bandaged arm. Of course, I'll never forget that moment when my heart nearly jumped out of the cage due to fear. "Why bother asking the obvious?" I couldn't help but be annoyed because I knew they knew because they were the ones who saved me.

"So let's cut to the chase..." Xavier confirmed with his eyes wide open. "- It was me who bit you."

My earlier annoyance gradually faded until I found myself laughing. "Is that you, Xavier? I didn't think you were a joker based on your appearance... Anyway, I'm afraid I won't be able to ride your joke... As I previously stated, I must depart from this location."

Xavier is unfazed and unconcerned. "The Black wolf from last night is me..." he declared flatly.

(Is he insane?) I thought to myself, but when I saw Xavier and his companion's expressions, I couldn't help but wonder. "You're the black wolf from last night, aren't you? Really?" I inquired mockingly.

Xavier didn't say anything, but his companion did. "- In fact, the seven of us..."

I abruptly stood up and stared at the men in front of me. "Enough with the deception! Do you know who I am? Are you a member of the Queen's household?! Perhaps you intend to detain me and hand me over to the Queen!" This group of men openly lies because I can't think of any reason.

Xavier rose to his feet. "You are free to leave, but let me warn you... When night falls, you will experience excruciating pain... Your bones will be shattered, and your flesh and skin will be peeled. You might make it, but chances are you won't." He then turned and walked away. "We tell you this to determine your fate..."

My red cheeks turned pale, and my terrified eyes widened. "What are you on about?" I inquired, my voice trembling.

Xavier turned to face me and stated. "You have the option of staying and going through the pain, or you can choose to die and avoid the pain..."