#Chapter 95: The Bear Hostage

Ruby’s POV

“I’ll always protect you, no matter what.”

Atwood’s words stick with me, even after he leaves me to go back to the wedding preparations.

I know that he’ll always protect me, but how can he protect me against something that may not even exist? How can he protect me against something that has manifested in my own mind; a token of my own guilt and fear?

When Atwood leaves me to go back to the ballroom, I still feel as though there are eyes staring at the back of my head. When I turn around, however, there is nothing there.

Just then, the sun comes out from behind a cloud and shines through the small stained glass window in the alcove. It casts deep red and purples on the castle floor, and for a moment, I don’t feel so afraid.

Maybe I just need to go outside. Maybe some fresh air will help.

I run back up the stairs, taking two at a time, and head back to my room to get changed. I send a quick text to Nancy to ask her to meet up at the castle, to which she immediately replies wi