Chapter 6
Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy
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Cater stared at his aunt, his breath caught in his throat. For a long moment, he couldn't find the words. She stood there, her presence as cold and menacing as the memories he thought he'd buried.
Finally, his voice came, quiet but trembling with shock. "What are you doing here, Aunt? How are you alive? I… I saw you die. I was there."
His aunt smirked, the corners of her lips curling into a cruel smile. Her heels clicked softly against the stone floor as she stepped closer, her movements slow and deliberate. She reached out, brushing her icy fingers across his cheek.
"You should be glad to see me, Cater," she said, her tone sweet but dripping with malice. She tilted his face upward, forcing him to meet her crimson gaze. "But I suppose you're not even excited. Such a shame, really."
Her hand dropped as she stepped back, her expression hardening. "This is no place for the son of the Dark Lord. What are you even doing here, Cater? Playing house with humans? Does your father know you're running around saving one of them? And not just any human—an enemy of all supernatural creatures."
Her words cut deep, but Cater stood firm, his fists clenched at his sides.
"You're not human, Cater," she continued, her voice sharper now. "So why don't you listen to your dear aunt? Leave this pathetic life behind and return to the underworld where you belong. You know it's the only place for you."
"No," Cater said firmly, his voice steady despite the storm brewing within him.
His aunt paused, her back still turned to him. Slowly, she faced him, her expression curious but dangerous. "You won't… or you will?"
Cater stepped forward, his resolve unshaken. "I won't go back to the underworld," he said. "I won't go back to him. I have one purpose here—to protect Prince Alric. And I intend to fulfill it."
Her laughter echoed through the hallway, soft at first, then growing louder. She moved closer, her smile widening into something sinister.
"Oh, I see now," she said mockingly, tilting her head. "My dear nephew is in love. You care for that prince, don't you?"
Her voice dropped, each word slicing into him. "How pitiful. Too bad for you, though. I'll marry him soon enough, and you'll watch him fall before your very eyes."
Cater's blood boiled as his demon side clawed at his control. He clenched his fists tighter, willing himself to remain calm.
"You'll never marry him," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "I'll make sure of that."
Her laughter faded as her expression turned serious. Her eyes narrowed, her tone dropping to a cold, calculating edge.
"And what will you do, Cater?" she asked, stepping closer. "Kill me? Destroy your own family? Do you think Alric will still want you once he knows what you are? That you're not just a servant, but a half-demon, half-vampire freak?"
The words struck like a dagger, but Cater didn't flinch. He held his ground, his glare locked on her.
She smirked, stepping back. "You should know better, nephew. If Alric finds out the truth, he'll despise you. And then you'll lose him forever." She turned on her heel, tossing her final words over her shoulder. "Now, be a good boy and get out of my way."
As she moved to leave, Cater's hand shot out, grabbing her arm. His grip was firm, unyielding. "I don't care if you're my aunt or not," he said through gritted teeth. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect Alric. Even if that means killing you."
Her expression darkened, her eyes glowing crimson as fur and claws sprouted from her hands. In one swift motion, she struck him hard across the chest, sending him crashing into the stone wall.
"You dare threaten me?" she hissed, her voice filled with venom. She stalked toward him as he struggled to rise, gripping his shirt and pinning him against the wall. "Did I not teach you to respect your family? You think you can stop me, Cater? Your powers are nothing compared to mine."
She released him with a shove, letting him fall to the floor. Cater winced but quickly stood, his eyes glowing red with fury.
"What have you done with the real Princess Ava?" he demanded, his voice sharp and accusing.
Her smile returned, wicked and triumphant. She leaned in close, her voice a whisper that sent chills down his spine. "Oh, Cater," she purred, "she's long gone. I am the only Princess Ava now."
Before Cater could respond, hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway. He turned to see Jane rushing toward him, her face pale with worry.
"Cater!" she called, her breathless voice tinged with relief. "Thank goodness I found you. Do you know how angry Prince Alric can be when—"
She froze mid-sentence, her gaze locking onto Ava. The confusion on her face was unmistakable.
"Oh… Princess," Jane said cautiously, offering a nervous smile. "I didn't realize you were here. I was just looking for Cater."
Ava tilted her head, her smile sweet but poisonous. "Why don't we shake hands, Jane? After all, we'll be working together soon enough. Once I marry the prince, you'll serve me just as faithfully as Cater serves him."
Jane hesitated, her hand twitching at her side. Something about Ava's demeanor sent a wave of unease through her.
"Well… how could I say no to a princess?" Jane said finally, her tone forced. She reached forward hesitantly.
Before their hands could meet, Cater grabbed Jane's arm, pulling her back.
"That's enough," Cater said sharply, his voice filled with authority. His eyes stayed fixed on Ava. "Jane, step away from her. You're right—she's not Princess Ava at all."
Jane's breath caught, her confusion deepening. "I told you, Cater. She's a witch."
Cater shook his head, his expression grim. "No, Jane. She's not a witch. She's worse."
Jane's heart pounded as her voice dropped to a whisper. "Then who is she?"
Cater turned to her, his voice steady but heavy with emotion. "She's my aunt. And she's a demon shifter."
Jane's eyes widened, the words sinking in like stones. "A demon shifter?" she repeated, her voice trembling.
Ava smirked, watching the two with amusement. "How touching," she said mockingly. "But let's see how long your loyalty lasts, dear nephew."
Her laughter echoed down the hallway as she disappeared into the shadows, leaving Cater and Jane standing in tense silence.
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