Chapter 5
Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy
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"You what?"
Jane's voice echoed down the narrow alley, loud enough to draw the attention of passersby. Realizing her mistake, she grabbed Cater's arm and yanked him into a shadowed corner, lowering her voice to a sharp whisper.
"You love Alric? Are you out of your mind? Do you have any idea what will happen if your father finds out you've fallen for a human?"
Cater sighed heavily, leaning back against the cold stone wall. He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "I don't know, Jane," he admitted, his voice low. "I just… I don't know how to stop it. When I'm around him, it's like everything makes sense. I feel calm, like I don't have to fight my demon side."
Jane stared at him, her expression caught somewhere between concern and exasperation. After a moment, she sighed and sank to the ground beside him, resting her elbows on her knees.
"Cater," she said softly, "you need to get this under control. You're not just some servant boy. You're the son of the Demon King. If King Authur—or worse, Alric—ever finds out, they'll turn on you. You know they will."
Her voice hardened as she continued, "You came here for one reason: to complete your mission. Falling for a human is not part of that. Don't let your feelings ruin everything."
Her words hung heavy in the air, cutting through the silence like a blade. Cater looked away, guilt flickering across his face. Before either of them could say more, a familiar voice shattered their quiet.
"Cater?"
Both turned sharply to see Alric and Ava standing nearby, their expressions a mixture of confusion and curiosity.
"What are you doing here?" Alric asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Cater straightened immediately, masking his surprise with a smile. "I came to check on how your walk with Princess Ava was going," he said, his tone light but laced with nervous energy.
"And you?" Alric's gaze shifted to Jane, who stood quickly, brushing dust off her dress.
"Oh, me?" Jane said, her voice overly casual. "I was just on my way to get breakfast when I bumped into Cater. Excuse me, Your Highness."
Without waiting for a reply, Jane hurried off, leaving Cater alone with Alric and Ava.
"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I'll leave you to your walk," Cater said, bowing slightly and stepping away.
Before he could retreat, Alric caught his arm, stopping him. "Cater, don't you remember? We have training with the knights before the wedding preparations start."
Cater blinked in confusion, but Alric's pleading look quickly made things clear. "Oh, right, of course, Prince Alric," he said smoothly. "That's why I came—to remind you."
Alric turned to Ava with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, but I have to go."
Ava returned his smile, though her gaze lingered on Cater for a moment longer than necessary. "Of course, love. I'll head back to the castle and get ready for tonight."
Cater watched as Ava walked away, her every step measured and graceful. She glanced back at him briefly, her sharp eyes gleaming, before disappearing around the corner.
The moment she was out of sight, Alric let out a breath of relief, chuckling as he placed a hand on Cater's shoulder. "It's a good thing you came when you did. She's really… something else."
The two exchanged a quiet laugh before heading off toward the training grounds.
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By the time the sun began to set, the castle was a flurry of activity. Servants rushed through the halls, carrying trays of food, decorations, and flowers to prepare for the wedding reception.
Cater, however, was lost in his own thoughts as he made his way down one of the quieter corridors. Rounding a corner, he nearly collided with Princess Ava.
He stepped back quickly, his expression guarded. "Princess Ava," he said, bowing slightly. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the reception?"
Ava smiled faintly, stepping closer. There was something unsettling about the way her eyes seemed to pierce through him, as though she could see every secret he was trying to hide.
"Why so formal, Cater?" she asked, her voice light but tinged with a darker edge.
Cater frowned, shifting uncomfortably under her gaze. "Is everything all right, my lady?"
Ava's smile widened as she slowly began circling him, her footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor.
"Hello, son of the Dark Lord."
Cater froze, his blood running cold. His throat went dry as he stared at her, his mind racing. "I… I don't know what you're talking about. You should go," he said firmly, stepping past her.
But Ava's voice, calm and mocking, stopped him in his tracks.
"You really think you're clever, don't you?" she said, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Did you honestly believe I wouldn't notice you and that nosy little friend of yours spying on me in the market this morning? I heard everything."
Cater turned back to her slowly, his expression darkening. "Who are you?"
Ava chuckled, her laughter soft and chilling. She stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. The icy touch sent a shiver down Cater's spine.
"It's funny," she said, her voice low and almost playful. "You don't recognize me, do you? I was wondering how long it would take for you to figure it out."
Her words sent a wave of unease through Cater, but he kept his composure, his blood-red eyes starting to glow faintly. "Who are you?" he repeated, his voice sharper now, more dangerous.
Ava stepped back slightly, leaning casually against the wall. "What do you think your father will do when he finds out about your little crush on a human? Not just any human, but the heir to the very kingdom you're supposed to destroy. You're not like him, are you? So weak. So… different. No wonder he never let you near him."
Her words struck a nerve, and Cater's anger flared. His eyes burned crimson, and with a flash of power, his sword materialized in his hand. He pointed the blade at her, his voice cold and steady. "How do you know all this? Tell me who you are."
Ava turned her back to him, her laughter echoing eerily through the hallway. "Do you really want to know who I am, Cater?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder. "Do you really think you can stop me? I have one goal, and I will achieve it—destroying the real monster. And you? You won't stand in my way, will you?"
Cater's grip on his sword tightened, his glare unwavering. But her next words made his heart stop, and the weapon slipped from his fingers, clattering to the floor.
"It's been a long time… nephew."
His breath hitched as he stared at her, his mind reeling. "Aunt… You're alive?"
Ava's smile widened as she stepped toward him, her presence radiating both menace and familiarity. "Of course. And I've been waiting a long time for this moment."
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