Destined to the Beast

On the outskirts of Manhattan, Lilith leaped from her car and dashed into the dense forest. She covered her arm where a bullet had grazed her. Someone was out to kill her! After a recent rain, the muddy paths were slippery. Her high heels were ill-suited for the escape, and she soon tumbled face-first into the mud! Pain flared up immediately! She got to her feet, yanked off her high heels, and threw them down a side path, hoping to mislead those who were chasing her! Then, lifting her dress, she continued her desperate run deeper into the woods. Thankfully, her dress was neither a floor-length gown nor a mermaid fit, which would have utterly hindered her escape! If it weren't for what had happened, she would have secured the vast inheritance of the Wentworth family. She had been waiting for family members and their attorneys when armed intruders burst into her house in an attempt to kidnap her! Her alertness had saved her from an unimaginable fate. Now, as pebbles bruised her bare feet and brambles scratched her calves, Lilith bit down on her lower lip to endure the pain. Raised as the shining star of the Wentworth family, she was unaccustomed to such hardships. As dusk settled, exhaustion and hunger overwhelmed her. Hearing faint voices, she rushed even deeper into the forest. God, please don't let them find me! Suddenly, the ground beneath her gave way! She screamed as she fell down a slope! No! Please! Please don't let me die! She rolled down the slope, stopping as suddenly as she had begun. Lying on the ground covered in cuts and bruises, Lilith gasped for air. She was too exhausted even to cry for help. A large rock had struck Lilith's chest, possibly breaking her ribs. Every breath she took was agony, and she feared a rib might have punctured her lung. Her gunshot wound was serious. Without treatment, she wouldn't survive the night. She had to figure a way out! Despite the pain, Lilith attempted to sit up. "Ouch!" she cried out as pain shot through her left foot. She had twisted it! Dammit! How was she supposed to get out of this forest? Her phone was long gone, and there was no way to contact anyone for help! Scanning her surroundings, she noticed a castle not far away! Maybe she could medical supplies and stay there for the night. Using a stick for support, Lilith staggered towards the castle, curiosity growing with each step. Whose castle was it? And why was it here, deep in the forest? A crow flew overhead, sending a shiver down her spine and filling her mind with ominous thoughts. But she had no other options. Spending the night unprepared in the forest was out of the question! She pushed the castle's door. To her surprise, it was unlocked. With a simple push, it swung open smoothly without any creak. It suggested this castle was not long abandoned. Swallowing her fear, Lilith stepped inside. The door remained ajar, leading into pitch darkness. "Hello? Is anyone there?" she called out. Her voice echoed through the empty halls. Something wasn't right! Lilith pricked her ears. She heard footsteps echoing in the distance! Lilith stepped back, her heart racing. Was there someone in the castle, or was it something else? Suddenly, the lights in the hall flickered on. Rows of crystal wall lamps glowed, dimly lighting the sizable hall. A tall figure appeared on the spiral staircase of the castle! It was a man! Lilith's heart, which had settled, leaped into her throat again. "Leave this place, human," commanded a deep male voice. "Please help me!" Lilith clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. Summoning her courage, she pleaded, "I'm injured and can't walk. May I stay just for the night? Please!" "No." The man, initially thirty meters away, was suddenly in front of her! He grabbed her collar as if she were a kitten and lifted her effortlessly! "Let me go! Wait!" Lilith struggled, flailing her good arm. But the man ignored her pleas, strode into the forest, and set her down roughly! "No, please," Lilith begged, clutching his legs. "Save me. I'm from the Wentworth family..." She intended to offer a substantial reward for his help, or just anything valuable he wanted! Touching him, she felt like she was touching the ocean on the brink of a storm, terrifying and unfathomable! A wave of fear washed over her, silencing her pleas. The man tilted Lilith's chin, forcing her to meet his golden, beast-like eyes! As she drifted into unconsciousness, she heard his surprised voice. "Are you a guide?"