Bride?
The word echoed in my mind, over and over, like a bad tune in my head.
I stared at the young man in front of me. His eyes were decidedly cold. On a normal day, I might have found him handsome. But this was not a normal day.
He continued to hold his hand out to me, yet I could not bring myself to take it, as I still dangled from the beast's mouth.
He seemed to have read my mind.
"Alphus, release her."
The giant wolf immediately obeyed, lowering me until my feet reached the ground. It felt good to have my feet back on solid ground.
I took a step and stumbled a bit; he suddenly grabbed onto me, holding me still. Our eyes met, and I felt a stirring. The same feeling that I felt back in Adler's garden had arisen in me again.
But the feeling quickly passed, as his cold eyes continued to stare into mine. But All I found was darkness in them. And I suddenly felt anger I had never known bubbling up inside me. Who was he to tell me what to do?
I suddenly pulled back from him, terrified, but angry enough to keep the feeling at bay.
"I don't know what is going on here, but I'm not your bride. I am betrothed to Adler."
He remained still.
"You belong to me, Prince Dante," he said, calmly.
I looked behind me to see the wolves, guarding the exit with their large ferocious fangs and strong paws.
He once again seemed to read my mind. He took a step toward me.
"You can't escape. And if you did, you would not survive. This is not your world. What lurks in the forest would tear you apart. And what lies beyond the trees would make your skin crawl. Now, I ask that you please step inside the castle."
I stood my ground. I had no idea what he would do, but at this point, I was too tired to care.
"I am not going," said I, defiantly.
His face contorted in frustration at my disobedience.
"Fine. Have it your way. Alphus," Dante called out in anger.
Alphus approached me quickly, and I attempted to shield myself. But before I knew it, the beast had me in his mouth again. The other two nipped at my heels to keep me in check.
Dante stared at me as I wriggled in the beast's mouth, and then pointed to the door. The wolf, Alphus, began to move inside, followed by the other two.
The wolves brought me inside of the most ornate, yet terrifying castle that I had ever laid eyes on. Rich tapestries depicting violent wars and lustful love covered the stone walls, while rich carpets lined the floors. And It was cold. Very cold. Like a constant winter wind passing through.
Alphus suddenly stopped, and I finally noticed a small line of people looking at me. Their terrified expressions matched what I assumed mine looked like. They were all dressed in black uniforms.
One of them, a woman of some years, with gray hair, stepped forward with urgency.
"Alphus, drop her."
She spoke in a commanding way that betrayed some kind of authority. And the wolf immediately let go of me. I landed with a soft thud on the stone floor.
I heard a large door shut behind me. And my heart dropped. There was no escaping now.
And I watched as the young man appeared again, walking up to the old woman.
"Mrs. Fields. Please escort my bride to her room," he said, his voice betraying a hint of annoyance. "No need for introductions with the villagers just yet. She will need to be prepared."
The woman, Mrs. Fields, curtsied, before grabbing onto my arm.
"Come on now. No reason to be scared."
Before I knew it, my legs sprang to life, obeying her command.
Followed by two other women, she led me through hallways, up four flights of stairs, and through several passageways, before bringing me into a very large and beautiful room.
It was filled to the brim with black furs, entire walls of books, beautiful tapestries, and a large four-poster bed in the middle.
A fireplace with a roaring fire stood in the corner. Without thinking, I quickly removed myself from the old woman's grip and made my way to it, placing my hands inches from the flames.
Mrs. Fields watched me closely, as the other attendants further prepared the room.
"You must be cold," said Mrs fields, some concern on her face. "Warm yourself up. Before you go down for dinner."
I turned and watched as one of the attendants placed an extravagant dress on the bed. I turned back to Mrs. Fields, who was still looking at me with concern. Panic began to rise within me, as I realized the nightmare was just beginning.
"Please. You've got to help me!"
"Help you?" asked Mrs. Fields, confused.
"I don't know where I am. Or who you are. Or who that man is. I was forced to come here. You see, this is my wedding dress. For my wedding to Adler. Please, you have to help me escape. I have to go home," I said desperately.
Mrs. Fields took a step back from me. Her concern had turned to bewilderment.
"My beautiful girl. But you are home."
"This isn't my home! I don't even know where this is."
She looked at me as if I were crazy.
"This is the land of Demons. And you have been ordained from birth to rule it."