All Chapters of Vermillion Haze (Red Riding Hood Series): Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Yesterday's meal was amazing. I don't even know if I was able to contain and secure my sanity for that food. I would die and suffer only to grab a taste of that soft and tender meat, cured with honey and spices which was also braised to perfection.Despite my complaints about how poorly accommodating this shelter was, I would say that they are quite filling in those gaps, and that's scary. I'm afraid that one day, I might choose not to leave this place again. Everything was comfortable. The ambience, the snowy forests, the food.As always, I woke up to the sound of pans clattering that awful stench of wet dog fur and the musky scent of mold. I scrunch my nose and cover them as another set of Weres came from what I assumed, was an expedition to expand their influence on the lower regions. Darn it. I have to leave this place as fast as I could. I need to give every intel to the King as soon as possible. Or I'll be too late.I retreated myself to the corner of my cold cage and stared

I watched in awe as a group came from the city with a dozen rolls of thread behind their backs. A few carriages came in as well which seemed to be hauling a mass production of foam and wood. Standing under the shade of the roof to cover myself from the falling snow, Linda placed a palm on my shoulders. "I cannot believe that Master Riftan bought these for us.""Well, of course, why wouldn't he? You guys deserve a good rest since you've been working your arses off to feed everyone.""Thank you."I simpered a small smile."We really appreciate this, Ruby.""Make sure you get lots of rest tonight."She chuckled heartily, which was a very foreign sound for me to hear. I spent the entire day watching the villagers happily take their share of woven blankets and new clothes. Smiles were etched on their faces. The little children wore the blankets like cloaks on their backs and pretended like they were superheroes. "I'll be sure to tell them that you were the one who requested this, Ruby."

ZEN RIFTAN"They have arrived, Sir."I close my eyes and yawn, feeling the fatigue leave my body. Putting the book aside, I lifted my head and faced my servant who came to relay the news."Who exactly?""Sir Vale and the others."Vale. The Beta of my pack. My right hand and my assistant. The boy my parents entrusted to ensure my well-being."Where is he, now?""He should be in the dining hall, taking his meal. Would you like me to come fetch him?"I waved my hands and declined, "No need. Allow him to dine. He must be starving after all the journey he spent. We should give him time, alone.""Sir Riftan!"I flinch, hearing that desperate cry resonate from the halls. Turning my head back, I see another servant of mine- face ghasted. I allow her to breath for a moment, before explaining the ruckus she had been procuring."We are in trouble, Sir! Miss Ruby is in trouble with Sir Vale. He had cut off the chains in a heated argument and they are both fighting in the kitchen!"I stood up, grab

The taste of blood inside my mouth was strong. Linda and the others looked at me with horrified expressions. A few guards have come to view when their Alpha was injured by none other than me. The assassin destined to kill him."You may have taken me into your custody, Riftan, but it does not change the fact that I am the predator, and you are my prey."Vale dropped his sword and summoned the sharpest claws I've ever seen, ready to pierce me anytime. "I've given you shelter and food. You've made friends with my people. What else am I going to do to earn your trust?" Riftan demanded with a low and dangerous voice."Nothing. I'd rather die-""I won't kill you," he bellowed in firm words and gave me a stern look. "I can't kill you.""Well, then that makes my job even more easier," I smirked. "If you can't kill me then I-""You can't kill me either." What does he mean that I can't kill him? "As I've said before, I am an assassin, I can kill you-""You can't," he insisted once again, int

I am still in complete shock after the incident last night. I brought my fingers to my lips and caressed them, while looking myself in a mirror. I am still in a dilemma as to how Riftan had caught feelings for me, even if I was this messed up.And so do I.I was also in a dilemma as to why I was in denial to accept Riftan's confession. Ever since I was caught, the male did not do anything to me. And it was probably the other way around. I was the one who kept hurting them. I could not help myself. No matter how much I tried to forgive them.No matter how much I convinced myself that not all of them are the same.No matter how much I tried to see the beauty in them,I could still not find a way to look at them from a different perspective.I was aware that there were good Weres and bad Weres. And in every moment of my life, I always seem to meet the bad ones. I was taught how to punish and prevent them from hurting other people- by hurting them.The Phantomcrescent pack exceeded