On the first night of our journey to Astoria, under the silver glow of the moon, I couldn't resist the urge to sneak out of my tent and seek out Tumblefluff. The tiny, furry monster had captured my curiosity, and I felt an unexplainable connection to it ever since our brief encounter by the river. I had a sense since leaving the camp that the small monster was following me, so I needed to find it.Navigating the forest, I trusted my newly discovered "monster sense" to lead me to Tumblefluff's whereabouts. It wasn't long before I found the creature sleeping soundly under a massive mushroom, its fur blending perfectly with the bark like a chameleon."Hey, Tumblefluff," I whispered, not wanting to startle the little creature. "Are you awake?"Its eyes fluttered open, and it let out a soft chirping sound, recognizing me from our previous meeting. I sat down beside it, gazing into its round, beady eyes."I couldn't stop thinking about you after our last conversation," I confessed. "And I wanted to know more about why I can talk to monsters like you."Tumblefluff tilted its head, seemingly considering how to respond. "You have a gift, princess. Not all humans can communicate with monsters. It's rare and special."I furrowed my brows, trying to make sense of it all. "But why me? Why do I have this ability?"The furball blinked, almost as if contemplating how to explain it to me. "It's hard to say for sure, but some believe that it's a connection passed down through bloodlines. Your lineage might have a history of interacting with monsters."I was both fascinated and perplexed by the idea. "So, it's in my blood?"Tumblefluff nodded, its fluffy body swaying gently. "Yes, but there's more to it. To communicate with monsters, you must also possess a kind heart and a pure soul. Monsters can sense the goodness within you."I touched my chest, feeling a mix of emotions. "I've always tried to be compassionate and caring. Maybe that's why I can connect with creatures like you.""That's possible," Tumblefluff chirped. "But it's also about trust. Monsters can sense whether you mean them harm or not. Wild beasts like Frostbane cannot communicate with you because they are driven by instincts and fear."I nodded in understanding. "I see. So, it's not just about the ability, but also about building a relationship with them.""Exactly," Tumblefluff confirmed. "And the more you bond with them, the stronger your connection becomes."As I listened to Tumblefluff's words, I felt a sense of wonder and gratitude for this newfound ability. It was a gift I never imagined I would possess, yet it seemed to be an integral part of my journey in this enchanting world."Thank you, Tumblefluff," I said, my voice soft with appreciation. "You've been a wonderful companion, and I'm glad I met you."The furball let out a contented chirp, its eyes reflecting the moon's gentle radiance. "It's been my pleasure, Princess. If you ever need my help, just call, and I'll be there."With that, I bid farewell to Tumblefluff, feeling a sense of kinship with the tiny monster. As I made my way back to the camp, I couldn't help but reflect on the extraordinary adventures I had experienced in this world."You have a fondness of sneaking out, Princess."I was startled when I heard a masculine deep voice echoing behind me. I turned my back hastily, losing my foot. Before my body tumbled to the ground, Alexander's strong hands grabbed my waist. Our bodies touched. I craned my neck to look at him, as he was taller than me. My treacherous heart started to pound. My cheek was rosy from the coldness of the night, and I felt hot at the same time because of this man who was still holding my body to his."I... I was taking a midnight stroll." I stammered. Not knowing what to say as an excuse. I was afraid that he would find out about Tumblefluff."How leisurely of you thinking that this forest is safe." The smile on Alexander's lips looks mischievous. It is a contrast to his warm smile and genuine kindness that he showed me this morning. Does this man have a dark side that was not written in the novel?"Well... nothing has happened so far." I tried to act cool and innocent, hoping that Alexander would not be suspicious of my true intention of sneaking out that night."Indeed, you are safe... at the moment. But have you thought about how worried Sir Gregory and Lady Evelyn would be if they were to found that you sneaked out without their knowing?"When Alexander began to nag about the truth, I felt guilty. I should not take Sir Gregory and Lady Evelyn's concern lightly. They have been searching high and low for me with the others at the time I was kidnapped by Frostbane not long ago."Well, Your Highness... thank you for reminding me. Now... if you'll excuse me?" I tried to break free from his grasp, but he held me tight.I stared at him defiantly. It was time to show him how I really felt.He smirk!What the... I almost swear at Alexander. But I quickly held my tongue."You pique my interest, princess. Or should we dispense with all formalities? I would prefer to call you Ely."I raised my right eyebrow in confusion. Why did it sound so intimate when he called me 'Ely'? I had never thought of him as anything more than an acquaintance, so why did his use of that nickname make me feel so strange?"Okay... Al..." I paused for a moment before continuing, "...Xander." I smirked back at him, daring him to say something."That's better." His smile broadens, and finally, he releases me.I took two steps backwards, putting a huge distance between us. Even though he had released me, I could still feel his warmth. And the feeling was not comforting at all!"The night is getting late. We should part here." I turned my back to him and started walking toward the camp. I took long strides, purposely 'running away' from him.But his long legs kept up with my pace, and we ended up walking side by side."Are you running away from me, Ely?" His voice is laden with mockery."I'm not running away. I am keeping a distance." I'm almost out of breath.He was right. I am running away from him! Why am I so afraid? I feel like he's dangerous, like he could hurt me if he wanted to. Maybe I should just laugh it off because I'm being silly. But deep down, I know better. I can see it in his eyes. He's hiding something. And I'm afraid of what it is.One more thing I realized that night was that our conversation had turned informally and more casual than before. Are we getting comfortable with each other? I suddenly felt cringy. I should be annoyed with him. Where did that annoyance go?I must always remember what was written in the novel. The tragedy that happened to Seraphina and Areilla might befall me if I'm not cautious with this man. I shouldn't be here... being the third wheel or, should I say, the fourth wheel among them.It is best for us to part ways to avoid disaster. Tomorrow, I will talk with Sir Gregory. We better take care of our business without strangers' interference.