5. CONFRONTATION

~ODETTE

At first, my heart sank.

I took in a shaky breath. Thoughts ran through my mind. The demon Uncle had finally revealed his true nature and I could lose my life if I made the wrong move.

I released another shaky breath as I felt my wolf stir with a feeling I could not understand.

Was it excitement?

I pushed it aside and locked my eyes with his. His crimson eyes glowed even brighter as if he could see that I was daring him.

Then I smiled.

I smiled the brightest I ever had.

"My Prince. . ." I managed to say. "Is this how you treat your new bride?"

He must have never expected this reply because he frowned immediately like I had thrown him off balance.

The crimson glow in his eyes flickered before the original emerald color came back.

The hostility was gone but that didn't mean I was safe.

"Drop the act. I can see right through you," he whispered firmly.

I stopped smiling.

"What do you want?"

I shrugged. "To survive."

Then I lifted my palm slowly and placed it on the hand that was still closed around my neck.

"And to be a good wife to you." I trailed the tip of my fingers on the arm.

He scoffed and pulled away instantly. Then he stared at me in silence; probably trying to decide what to do with me .

So I smiled again, as innocently as I could. He blinked and looked away as he straightened his shirt.

"Most people are always trembling at the mere sight of me or thinking of how to run from me," he muttered. "Why aren't you trying to run?"

"People run from monsters. . . Are you a monster?" I pushed off the wall and slowly came to a stop before him.

He corked his brows at me before chuckling darkly. "Odette, was it?"

"Yes, My Prince," I nodded obediently.

Then he placed his fingers in my hair. "You are quite an interesting little thing. I hope you don't die like the others."

My heart skipped.

Others?

How many women had walked through these halls and never come back?

But he turned and left before giving me an explanation. I followed him out hoping to press on for answers but I was ambushed by the palace maids.

"My Lady, we need to prepare you for the night as per customs. Come with us immediately!" The head maid from earlier announced.

I looked at Rafael and saw him smirking at me before disappearing up the stairs. The sight caused an uneasy feeling to form at the pit of my stomach. I swallowed hard and followed the maid.

When we were inside the room they had previously used to prepare me, I finally asked the question.

"Has Rafael been married before?"

The maids instantly went still.

"M— my Lady, I am afraid we are not authorized to answer that question. Only Prince Rafael can tell you that himself," the head maid spoke up.

I sighed heavily.

"Is there anything else you can tell me about Rafael?" I probed.

The maid looked conflicted but she stared at me with kind eyes.

"It will be a shame to send you to face him unprepared," she finally whispered. "Whatever you do, do not draw blood. Blood forces the monster to the surface."

A cold chill washed over my spine and I swallowed hard as I watched her. So, the rumors were true.

He really was a monster.

But I pushed the thoughts away. There was no reason for me to bleed tonight. I could survive this.

She finished getting me out of the dress and put me into a black night dress. It was lacy at the upper part, leaving very little to the imagination. It stopped just over my thighs and the other maids helped me into the satin jacket that came with it.

"Thank you," I whispered. "May I know your name?"

"Clara," she answered.

I picked up my mother's scroll which I had originally left in the room when I came to change the first time. Then I also grabbed another balm and began to apply it to my entire body.

Clara watched me in confusion. "Why are you applying that?"

I smiled. "It's plan B." Then I took in a deep breath before turning toward the door. "I am ready for him."

As I walked out, Clara and the others followed me closely behind to direct me to his room.

The fear in their hearts was evident on their faces.

I exhaled heavily and faced my goal. Every step up the stairs got my legs feeling heavier but I had to trust in my abilities as well as follow Clara's instruction.

If I could abstain from bleeding, he won't lose control. Or whatever that meant.

When I arrived at the top of the stairs, all the maids stopped moving.

"What's wrong? You aren't coming?"

"His room is the last door at the end of the corridor," Clara said.

I peered down the dimly lit hall. It felt like I was in a horror movie about to make the craziest mistake.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't terrified yet I needed to act brave.

"It's all for Mom," I whispered to myself before turning to the maids. "Thanks."

"May the Moon goddess be with you," Clara whispered.

I smiled and walked down the corridor like I had no ounce of fear in me. When I arrived at the last door, I knocked twice.

"Come in.”