Chapter 6 Lustful Beast in the Dark - Marked by the Crowned Beast

Amarien’s POV

My heart pounded in my chest as I raced through the night.

That was close!

Really close!

I shut my eyes, trying not to think about all that just happened. If I didn't feel my heart pounding against my rib cage as I ran through the night, I would have sworn it was a dream.

Prince Daevir of the Black Sun is a werewolf!

I collapsed on a wall nearby to catch my breath, my chest heaving in desperate gasp. I rest my palm on my chest, trying to still my nerves.

I remember Grandma Chichi once told me how werewolves had close relations with humans. “They are not animals, Amarien.” She'd say.

Despite meeting Prince Daevir today, he has been nothing but kind to me. From the moment he rescued me from Velmira and the rest of my bullies. To the moment, he carried me in his arms, out of the sun-baked concrete floor of the outer courts.

And even in his state of helplessness and vulnerability, he still cared enough to protect me from himself.

I open my eyes, beholding the full moon glory above me. The stars that lit up the evening skies. And the faraway sounds of celebration. Celebrating Prince Daevir’s conquest over the werewolves.

Imagine looking at the mirror only to see you've become the monster you spent the rest of your life destroying.

Imagine warring with the great Alpha Theron of the South, the great Alpha to whom humans tremble at his name, only to see that you’re no different from him.

I’ve never seen Alpha Theron of the South, but I swear his name alone can freeze my bones. The elders whisper it like a curse, like calling him aloud might summon his wolf to our doorstep.

They say he stands taller than any man, with a shadow that moves on its own. Legends say he is a shadowy omen left by the Blood Moon Witch who marked him for the destruction of the human race.

Sometimes, at night, I imagine that shadow crawling under my door.

They say Theron doesn’t wage war… he erases it. Entire battalions vanish when he arrives, as if swallowed by the earth itself.

Mothers swear the ground trembles days before he marches, carrying the screams of soldiers already gone. I don’t know if that’s true, but whenever the wind howls too hard, I hide under my blanket and pray it isn’t him coming East.

But the worst story is the one about the pact. They claim Theron offered his own blood to the Blood Moon Witch so she’d bless him with a wolf strong enough to wipe out any creature in the physical and spiritual world.

Theron wolf of war. A wolf that never tires. I’ve never seen that creature, and I pray I never do… but sometimes, when the moon turns too red, I feel like his eyes are on me.

Watching.

Waiting.

But guess what?

Daevir not only defeated Theron in this final battle, but he also drove him and his packs of rebels further south! We won't be seeing any loitering werewolf soon because of Daevir's exploits in the South.

I heard that when Daevir and Theron squared up to each other directly, all weapons were tossed to the side, and all their men stood back. Daevir used his fist and Theron his magic. Yet Daevir threw Theron off balance. Making him retreat with his men.

Nobody knows how Prince Daevir defeated Theron. I think I do now.

It only takes an equally powerful werewolf to defeat a mighty Alpha like Theron.

Poor Daevir. Imagine waking up to see you're the very picture of your defeat and the essence you despise.

“Who's there!” A guard's voice shook me off balance.

I didn't wait for a second call. Quickly, I sprinted into the darkness. My heart resumed pounding in my chest. My thoughts swirling.

Prince Daevir must feel alone right now. He must feel cursed. Just like me.

I've always thought it was just me in this lonely world with my lonely feelings of being cursed. I thought I’d never find anyone who possibly understands that feeling. But seeing Prince Daevir this night made me feel less alone.

A sense of protectiveness overwhelmed me that moment. I squeezed my fist in anger.

I have to protect him!

Yeah, I know I am weak and frail. I can barely stand up for myself without being knocked to the ground by life and everyone around me. But I'll die trying if it means protecting Daevir.

After all, I know everything there is to know about apothecary and warding off evil spirits. Being a werewolf won't stop him from being the imperial prince. I'll ensure that!

And...and, I'll run out of the palace to hunt Alpachipa roses if I have to. I'll spend weeks grinding herbs and stirring portions of I have to. Yes, I'll get in trouble with Corvin. But if it means protecting my friend, then so be it!

I paused at the realisation that I just called Daevir my friend.

Tears streamed down my face. I never got the chance to call anyone friend because my father ensured everyone knew I was cursed and wretched. The only person I could call my friend was Grandma ChiChi, and now she's passed.

When I try to make new friends, they all laugh at me and call me names. I never thought I deserved any friends. Until Daevir returned from the war and saved me.

How can I not call him my friend when he is the only one kind to me in this palace? Despite his beauty and splendour in battle, he cast his eyes on me to show me mercy, to save my life!

Yes, Daevir is my friend! My only friend! And I swear with all that I have that I'll protect him.

I got to the gates of quarters just in time. Most of the concubines were out partying and drinking. This was one night were you could get away with infidelity if you could hide in the dark.

I heaved a sigh of relief knowing I wasn't going to be confronted by anyone who would demand to know my whereabouts. Corvin is probably passed out drunk at the party in the inner walls.

Even the guards in our stations were nowhere to be found. The lights in the outer courts were not properly lit, and suddenly, the fear that a thief could find their way in at any time to steal valuable things struck me.

Quickly, I rushed to my room, hoping to lock it in time before anyone unwelcome got in. Sweat dripped down my pores as I got to my dark room, shutting and locking the door behind me.

Phew!

I got in just in time!

“Come here, little one.”

Shivers hit my spine when I heard that sickly, eerie voice in the room with me.

I froze. I couldn't see a thing. It was dark in here.

And then.

A strike of a match.

A furious little light that revealed nothing but the palm of the stranger in my room.

And then, the light spread to a candle that lit up the room.

I felt my heart swell in my chest at the tall frame seated on my bed. His shoulders were broader than I imagined, his lip curved into a sly smile, and his eyes were firm with lust.

My nightmare is here.

The emperor is here.

Help!