Hunting season is coming. Octavia walks back and forth in her room anxiously. Though she already passes the coming-age ceremony. She is able to make excuses not to join the event, faking her sickness every year. But this year...
"Curse all of you who invented this stupid event!"
She jumps back to her bed. Try to suffocate herself with a pillow though it won't give the result that she wants.
Hanging lamps that look like crystals entered her visual field. This time, she is in big trouble. Ashburn is one of the elite families that is considered to be at the top of the hierarchy after the royal blood amongst the vampire. Which means... if she disappeared again. She will bring disgrace to her family and soon after she will either be disowned or left to die. Alone.
She groaned again. Of course, for the hunting season, they will only need to hunt animals and not humans but still, there will be a lot of bloody incidents in the woods. Iron-like smells of the blood are too much for her. She hates it.
A knock on the door causes her to jump up immediately into a sitting position.
"Octavia."
She squints her eyes after hearing the voice from the back of the door.
"Come in Aunt Eustice," well she hadn't managed to finish her sentence but the door has already swung open.
She walks full of attitude towards Octavia. Well... If Octavia hates blood. Let's just say that the person in front of her is beyond that. Hate is such a mild word to describe. Now, what is she doing here?
"Make sure to come to the opening ceremony for the hunting season."
Ahh... What more to expect?
Faking her smile, Octavia answered back. "I will auntie. Thank you for reminding me."
"I don't want to put up with any of your nonsense again for refusing to go."
'Will you go bald, auntie? If I didn't go?' Of course, she clenches her teeth so tight not to allow such words to escape from her mouth though she wish that the words slipped even a bit.
"I will keep your words in mind." Again faking herself as an obedient girl.
"Good," she replied.
She wants to rebel so badly but it will prolong their bickering later on, especially if her father gets involved. It definitely would be getting worse soon or later. So here she is... enduring the provocation from the noisy lady.
"This year, you will join the hunt." Her eyes become wide automatically.
Did she just receive a death penalty?
"I need to participate well?" she questioned her aunt's words just now, half screaming.
If that is a joke, she swears that she will be frank and tell that arrogant lady in front of her that she is bad at making one. The one listening will be having palpitations instead of laughing.
"Yes, you are."
"Why should I?" The obedient character she tries to show a moment ago shattered just like that. Octavia seriously wanted to scratch that not-so-pretty face in front of her.
"Are you questioning me?" Eustice replied with a threatening tone.
Octavia blinks her eyelids a few times. "I am not. But why did I have to participate suddenly? I don't remember agreeing to join any of this event."
"You are the sole heir of the main branch of the Ashburn family, Octavia." Eustice eyes turn scarlet red, giving off the vibe that she won't tolerate whatever words Octavia going to speak. "Your father's time has ended. Now our family name is held responsible by you."
She groaned loudly. Protesting the command she received. They sure know how to hit her soft spot by using her father's name to make her bow and obey.
"Fine! I will do it!"
Eustice raises her eyebrows. A bit surprised by the quick answer she received. It's hard to make the girl agree with her decision before. But as long as she received the wanted outcome, she will be at ease already.
"Good. Then I will take my leave now." She walks towards the door before stopping midway." Remember to come, you won't able to handle the consequences if you dare to break your promise."
The door shut close. Octavia just stare blankly at the trace her aunt left behind. The footsteps that were imprinted on the carpet in her room.
A huge responsibility is waiting for her. As the sole heir of her father, she knows the time would come but ain't it too fast? At least couldn't it wait until she figure out what is wrong with her? She would be a laughing stock if people know about her condition.
Octavia sighed deeply. A plan, she needs a plan for the upcoming event.