Chapter 1
837 Words
Let go of me, Daddy!"
"Bailey, I have nurtured your soul for a long time now. I'll just have to be a little more patient," a hideous being said. It had sharp, long teeth and long horns protruding from its head.
Bailey woke up screaming, her hand clenched in a fist, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Sweat soaked the collar of her nightgown, and her fingers dug into the bedsheets. She could still hear the creature's voice echoing in her ears, still see those sharp teeth and twisted horns lurking in the darkness. Taking a shaky breath, she pressed a trembling hand against her chest and stared at the moonlight spilling through her bedroom window.
"You'll have to wait forever then," she said, a smirk finding its way onto her lips.
It was still the brink of night. She stood in her room, her eyes fixed on a box that she guarded possessively.
She lifted the box softly and placed it behind her ear as if checking for a sound.
"You know what? I'm not just the Bailey you used to know," she said, her fingers tracing the surface of the box gently.
Then her eyes settled on the full moon beyond the vineyard. Her gaze remained on the moon for a while, nights like that felt different, and the air was heavier, the cool breeze brushing against her skin.
She exhaled deeply as she placed the box back to its hiding place. Sleep refused to come, so she simply closed her eyes, waiting for dawn, ignoring the sudden sharp pain lingering on her chest.
Morning came earlier than expected
"You couldn't sleep last night, again?" asked Sprinkle.
"What are you doing here this early?" asked Bailey as she put on her attire, her crown placed elegantly on her head.
Sprinkle stared at her crown, her eyes sparkling with something uncertain.
"You want it?"
"I dare not, My Eminence. I cared for your health and came to lighten your mood."
"Seeing you has already done that, but I have something to do. I don't have time for chit-chat. Make yourself at home," said Bailey as she touched Sprinkle's cheek softly.
"Senior Jess."
"Your Eminence."
The reply came faster than a command. For someone who wasn't in the room, nor at the entrance, her presence was quite sudden.
"Gather the soldiers. We have somewhere to be.”
Before Bailey walked out of her residence, a small yet adorable building, she turned back and gave a light smile to Sprinkle, who smiled back at her.
"Grant us your touch, oh Eminence!" the people chorused as they watched Bailey ride her horse alongside the country's soldiers.
"Come," Bailey called to a young girl who looked at her with a rather angry expression.
She bent down on her horse to the girl's level.
"Your Eminence," the girl bowed.
"Did I do something wrong?" Bailey asked.
The people around them smiled. Bailey's voice sounded almost like that of a little girl.
"You just look perfect. I hate it because I can't be like you."
Guilt flashed through Bailey's eyes before she quickly concealed it.
"You don't have to be like me. You…."
"It's confirmed, My Eminence!"
A man from the crowd shouted.
Bailey immediately urged her horse forward at full speed, the soldiers following close behind.
The people watched and cheered in awe as their queen rode elegantly out of the city, every bit the hero they believed her to be.
"He guessed it and escaped... again," said Bailey as they arrived at a cave.
"Does that mean we've failed again, My Eminence?" asked Senior Jess.
"I don't fail."
Bailey stared at her as if passing a warning.
Just then, an arrow shot toward Bailey's direction. She noticed it quickly and dodged, flying above the ground in a straight vertical line. Immediately, she pulled out an arrow and fired it directly towards where the first arrow had come from, then rushed toward the scene with Jess following after her.
"My Eminence, the person was bleeding, and got away."
Bailey bent down to trace the trail of blood, but her eyes fell on a dazzling creature with cute, puppy-like eyes that immediately ran away.
"Catch him," Bailey commanded.
The soldiers ran at full speed toward the cat.
It was fast, but Bailey was faster.
She aimed her arrow directly at its leg. The creature let out a cry as it slowed down, eventually collapsing to the ground.
Moments later, it transformed into a human.
His hair was messy, his face covered with cuts, and he wore ragged clothes. But even his rugged appearance, couldn't hide his striking looks.”
"So this is the legendary last of the Cat Clan. Interesting. You'll do well serving me."
Bailey brought out a note and began chanting.
Chains emerged and wrapped around Lucas, trapping him in place.
He let out a groan, his eyes fixed on Bailey.
No anger. No fear. Just an unexpected feeling.
Bailey let out a small smile.
"Seize him.” She said
- Writer
