"Enough!" Madam Vallahe shouted, her voice echoing through the silent office as she strode towards Esme.
Esme, struggling to stay upright, clung to the edge of the table, her knuckles white from the effort.
Madam Vallahe halted abruptly after only a few steps, her eyes narrowing as they fell upon the creature standing protectively by Esme's side.
"Grrrrr"
A deep, guttural growl emanated from the beast, its eyes gleaming with a fierce, unyielding loyalty. Madam Vallahe's jaw tightened, and she felt a surge of rage boiling within her.
In this world, magical beasts like the one beside Esme were rare and revered. These creatures chose their partners, often aligning themselves with the most powerful and promising individuals of ancient families.
The bond between the beast and its chosen was sacred, a symbol of the highest honor and responsibility. If one were chosen by such a beast, it marked them as the next heir, destined to lead and protect their lineage.
The presence of the beast spoke volumes. It was not just a guardian but a declaration that Esme had been chosen, that she was the next in line.
Only those selected by these mystical beings could command them, and in times of danger, these beasts would lay down their lives without hesitation to shield their masters.
Those who possessed such a spirit were far superior to ordinary humans, their very existence a testament to their unparalleled strength and worth.
Madam Vallahe's eyes blazed with fury and envy. She gritted her teeth, feeling the weight of centuries of tradition pressing down on her.
The beast's unwavering gaze never left her, its presence a silent but powerful reminder of Esme's status.
Esme, though clearly exhausted, stood taller, a defiant glint in her eyes. She met Madam Vallahe's gaze with a mixture of determination and apprehension, her breath coming in shallow gasps.
The bond with her beast gave her strength, but she could sense the immense challenge that lay ahead.
Madam Vallahe's fists clenched at her sides as she struggled to maintain her composure. Her voice, when she finally spoke, was low and dangerous.
"You think this changes anything, Esme? You think this beast makes you untouchable?"
Esme's expression hardened. "It changes everything," she replied, her voice steady despite the tremor in her legs. "And you know it."
Madam Vallahe clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white as she fought to maintain her composure.
Her eyes bore into Esme's, a storm of emotions swirling within them—rage, envy, and a flicker of desperation. Taking a deep breath, she attempted to steady herself, her voice dropping to a dangerously low tone.
"You have only one choice," she said, her words measured yet laced with menace.
With a swift motion, she reached into her coat and pulled out a thick stack of papers. Her movements were sharp and decisive as she hurled the documents at Esme. The papers flew through the air, smacking Esme's chest and then cascading to the floor around her feet.
"Sign it," Madam Vallahe commanded, her voice cold and unyielding.
Esme didn't flinch as the papers hit her. Her expression remained calm and unbothered, her eyes never leaving Madam Vallahe's.
She glanced down at the scattered documents, recognizing them immediately. They were legal papers—contracts that would strip her of her rights, her heritage, and the very essence of what she had just been chosen for.
"grrrr....",Her beast let out a low growl, sensing the threat in Madam Vallahe's actions. The creature's eyes never left the older woman, its muscles tensing as if ready to pounce at any moment.
Esme's gaze shifted from the beast to Madam Vallahe. She bent down slowly, her movements deliberate, and picked up the topmost paper. Straightening, she looked Madam Vallahe squarely in the eye, her jaw set with determination.
"No," Esme said, her voice steady and resolute. "I will not sign this."
Madam Vallahe's eyes narrowed, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. She had not anticipated such defiance . She took a step closer, her presence imposing, and leaned in, her face inches from Esme's.
"You will sign it," she hissed, her voice barely more than a whisper. "Or you will face the consequences."
Esme remained unperturbed, her expression calm and unyielding. She felt a surge of strength and conviction, bolstered by the unwavering loyalty of her guardian.
She tore her gaze away from Madam Vallahe, focusing instead on the beast, drawing from its calm, steady presence.
"Consequences? Do you think I am scared of them?" Esme's voice was cold, each word cutting through the tension in the room like a knife.
She looked Madam Vallahe directly in the eye, her expression unwavering as she gently patted the beast beside her.
The beast responded to Esme's touch with a low, reassuring growl, its presence a formidable shield against any threat.
Its eyes locked onto Madam Vallahe, who hesitated, taking an involuntary step back. Her face was a conflicted mask of anger and fear as she glanced warily at the creature.
Madam Vallahe's confidence wavered, the fire in her eyes dimming slightly as she struggled to regain control. Her fury battled with a deep-seated fear, one that had been awakened by the sight of Esme's unwavering resolve and the beast's protective stance.
Esme held her ground, her posture relaxed yet commanding.
Esme held her ground, her posture relaxed yet commanding.
"Do you think I am a child that you can scare? Don't forget who brought this company to where it is now," she continued, her voice steady and unyielding. "You may try to intimidate me, but it will not work."
Madam Vallahe's hands trembled slightly, her fury bubbling just beneath the surface. She had never encountered such defiance, and the presence of the beast only heightened her sense of helplessness.
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she struggled to find her voice.
She knew the weight of the situation: Esme had been chosen by the Beast at the age of eight, a sign of immense power and potential. Yet, out of respect and to protect the family's honor, Esme had never revealed the Beast, ensuring that Madam Vallahe's reputation remained intact.
"You insolent—" Madam Vallahe began, but the words caught in her throat. The beast beside Esme let out a low growl, its eyes fixed menacingly on her.
The air crackled with tension, and Madam Vallahe took another hesitant step back, her resolve faltering.
Esme's gaze never wavered. She took a step forward, her presence dominating the room. "I built this company with my blood, sweat, and tears. I will not let you take it away from me."
Madam Vallahe's expression twisted with a mix of anger and fear. The sight of Esme's unwavering determination and the beast's silent threat left her feeling cornered.
She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms as she tried to muster the last of her authority.
This time, it was clear: Esme had drawn the line . Bringing out the Beast was a definitive statement.
She had always hidden it, shielding Madam Vallahe from the whispers of incompetence and preserving the family's face.
But now, with the Beast out, Esme was unequivocally declaring that they had crossed her final boundary.