ANMELDEN~ODETTESilence befell the room.Everyone was too shocked to utter a word as they took in the gift I had presented to my parents. "How dare you bring rotten fruits to your father?" Rowena finally yelled, breaking the cold silence. That was when all hell broke loose. People began to murmur and point fingers. "She has guts! Bringing rotten fruits to her own parents!" "She is such a disobedient child!" "She is the black sheep! The bad luck! That's why she wears black!" "It would have been okay if you brought the rotten fruits only to me. I am nothing but your stepmother. We all know you never liked me despite all that I have done for you," Rowena continued. "But how could you bring this to your very own father?" "Is this how you treat me, you insolent child?" Father roared. "You disrespect me before all eyes!" "Father, take it easy on her, she's just angry that Adrian dumped her and she's trying to take it out on you for not stopping it," Camille added in a sugary voice. I was
~ODETTEWe had soon moved from the table. To my greatest surprise, Rafael didn't live either. It was almost as if he was interested in seeing what I was going to give my parents. With his watching, I had to live up to his expectations because right now, my life sort of belonged to him. He could end it at any time. They all went to sit in the grand receiving hall as they waited for us to show. I sighed heavily as I headed for the kitchen. Luckily for me, I found Clara just when I needed her."Would you let me trouble you for a bit?" I asked as I came to a stop before her.She widened her eyes at me. "I was so overjoyed when I heard that you survived the night with that monster. How did you do it?" I smiled at her. "When you have a strong goal at heart, not even death can stop you." She bowed to me in respect once more. "You are no ordinary woman, my Lady. I serve you now. I exist for your purpose, for as long as you live in this palace." I nodded. "Take this list," I handed her
~ODETTECamille suddenly blinked hard before forcing an obviously fake smile onto her face. "O— of course not," she stuttered. "I was so worried sick about you. Thank the goddess you are okay." I wanted to tackle her right there, but it would not be a very good impression at my first royal breakfast. Rafael suddenly cleared his throat and this reminded the entire room to show their respect. The nobles rose and all bowed to us. "Your majesties," they chorused. That was when Rafael moved again. "You may continue." The room resumed its previous activities and he walked to a seat very close to the head chair which I presumed was reserved for the Alpha King. I wondered where he was and if he would be joining us for breakfast. When Rafael arrived at his chair, he did the last thing I expected. He pulled out a chair for me. I widened my eyes at him before falling quickly onto the seat. Why was he being nice? This man had tried to kill me three times already in private. "I must sa
~ODETTEApart from always doing daring things to keep amusing the demon Rafael. . . I also needed to prove my worth to him. And I had found just the best way to do that. "I survived," I answered softly. He narrowed his eyes on me. "By poisoning me?" I smiled. "No, Rafael. I restrained it." His brows slowly rose at my daring answer. Then he leaned even closer so that we were only inches away. My body temperature rose at the body contact and I could feel my wolf dancing with excitement. Whatever was making her so happy, I couldn't tell. "You think you restrained my demon?" He asked. "You have grown bold. I should break your wings now before you soar too high."I never broke eye contact or reacted to his words. "Fine, go ahead. . . But know that in doing so, you'll never again find someone who can control your demon." This time, he laughed. "Control my demon?" He corked his brows at me. "You barely survived last night." "Yet I am still alive. I doubt if the others ever survived
~ODETTEI stood frozen as I watched the demon come at me...I was too terrified to move as multiple thoughts ran through my mind. The balm was supposed to have taken effect by now. Why wasn't anything happening?Was the dosage not enough? Should I have applied more on my body?Or does the balm react differently to a man with a demon like him?My thoughts got cut off when he crashed into my body and I got slammed hard against the wall. I gasped in shock as more fear scattered across my core, further paralysing me on the spot. My legs gave way and I dropped to my knees. But he wouldn't let me slip away from his fingers. He grabbed me by the neck and lifted me off the ground so that our eyes met and he was staring straight into my soul. My legs dangled in the air. I lifted my hand and grabbed his in an attempt to free myself but even that was futile.That sickening smile he possessed scattered across his face. "Won't you scream?" He asked deliberately slowly and the eeriness of
~ODETTEHis voice came out deep and dangerous. I could swear I heard an amusement somewhere deep within it. It caused an involuntary shiver to run down my spine. But I forced myself to bury all of my fear behind. If he truly was a monster, then he would detect my fear the moment I stepped in. I needed to remain completely amusing to him so that he would not be motivated to kill me. After giving myself an internal pep talk and forcing my heart beat to steady, I placed my hand on the doorknob and pushed the door open. The room was dimly lit with burning candles. His back was turned to me as he stared out into the night in his dark robes. There was something strange about the atmosphere— something different. "My Prince. . ." I called. "I am here." As I said it, the full moon shone in the sky and cast its silver rays upon him. He slowly turned to face me and I was met with a smile so wide it almost made me stagger back. And his eyes, they were glowing that same crimson color from







