Episode3
1086 Words
With a heavy heart, but also with a strong determination to protect her family, Alice finally made the difficult decision to agree to marry Adrian.
"For the sake of my family, I agree." Alice said firmly, although there was still lingering doubt haunting her heart.
Adrian felt relieved to hear Alice's decision. Although he knew that the decision was not easy for Alice, he was grateful that they could find a solution to overcome the curse that had haunted his family for so long.
"I will make a promise using our culture." Adrian said, biting Alice's neck. With a gentle bite that made Alice gasp, Adrian made their promise in the traditional way of their werewolf culture.
Alice felt a mixture of pain and pleasure as the bite adorned her neck, creating an inseparable bond between them.
"You are mine now," Adrian said with authority, but also with tenderness. "This mark will protect you from anyone's interference other than mine."
Alice felt a wave of emotions within her as she realized the consequences of this promise. She knew that she was now bound to Adrian in a way she couldn't deny, but there was also a sense of certainty and protection that came from knowing that she now had someone who would always be by her side.
"With this, I promise to protect you and your family with all that I have," Adrian said with sincerity. "And I will try my hardest to cure this curse so that you all can live without the looming threat."
Alice remained silent for a moment. "Do you already have someone you like?"
"With my ugly appearance, is it possible for any woman to be interested in me?" Adrian said skeptically. "They were all afraid of me before I approached them. Since I have this curse, I have lived alone and haven't socialized with other nobles."
"If you have someone you love, just tell me so that I can know how to behave in front of the woman you like, and I will appreciate it," Alice adjusted her skirt. Her feelings were still hurt by someone's betrayal. "I was just cruelly dumped by my fiancé. Our engagement was canceled because he chose my step-sister. So, I don't want that to happen again in this relationship."
"You don't need to worry about being disappointed by me. But one thing for sure, we become partners out of necessity. I doubt if you will like me in this ugly appearance." Adrian spoke convincingly.
***
"Here's an invitation for you from Mr. Gerald and Miss Lily," Adrian handed the letter to Alice. "He's your ex-fiancé and your step-sister, right?"
"Correct." Alice opened the letter and read it. Instantly, she crumpled the letter in frustration.
"Why?" Adrian asked.
"Gerald is inviting me to Lily's engagement party, where he plans to announce our engagement cancellation in front of everyone," Alice's anger surged within her chest. This invitation was nothing but an insult to her dignity. It meant that Gerald would publicly humiliate Alice at the event.
"What's your decision?" Adrian asked again.
In the flickering candlelight, Alice fell silent, facing an unexpected crossroad in her life. Her face was filled with doubt, the light of despair reflected in her shining eyes. "I don't want to attend," she whispered, her voice soft and fragile amidst the darkness of the room. "But what if they perceive me as a coward?"
Adrian's eyes gazed at her with understanding, reading every doubt reflected in the darkness of her eyes. Gently, he approached Alice, touching her hand with tenderness. "You don't have to feel alone, Alice," he murmured, his warm voice flowing into her wounded heart. "I will always be here for you."
Alice looked at him, her gaze shimmering with uncertainty. However, suddenly, a flash of an idea swept through her bright eyes. With blazing courage, she looked at Adrian with hopeful eyes. "Adrian, are you willing to accompany me there?" she urged, her voice trembling with sweet nervousness.
A gentle smile crossed Adrian's face, illuminating the room with an immeasurable light of love. "As your husband," he said with a meaningful voice, "I will never refuse my wife's invitation." His voice was like a beautiful melody, echoing amidst the love growing between them.
In the meaningful silence, Alice and Adrian locked eyes, connected by an indescribable bond beyond words. Amidst the dark night, they found each other's light, proving that together, they would never feel alone.
***
In the glittering light of the party lamps, Alice stood resolute in the midst of the room filled with familiar faces. Her gaze met Gerald's, her ex-fiancé, who smirked cynically as if anticipating the moment to tarnish her dignity. With a condescending smile on his face, he approached Alice, attempting to humiliate her.
"So, Alice," Gerald said mockingly, "how do you feel after being left alone like that? Do you feel shattered?"
Alice stared at him with eyes filled with courage, refusing to show her vulnerability. "I've never been better, Gerald. You may think you could destroy me, but you're wrong." With a face engulfed in anger, Alice glared sharply at Gerald, her heart still burning with the fiery flames of rage.
Gerald just laughed mockingly, his gaze full of arrogance as he looked at Alice as if belittling her. "You almost killed both of us back then, how can you say you're alright." he said coldly, without a hint of remorse.
Beside Gerald, Lily stood with an arrogant stance, seemingly unaffected by the tension surrounding them. "Oh, Alice, you're always so dramatic," she said with a condescending tone, her smile radiating confidence that exceeded measure. "You know that Gerald and I are an inseparable pair. Your accusations won't work."
Alice looked at Lily with a sharp gaze, the woman's faults glaring in Alice's eyes. "You have no right to speak like that after what you've done," she pressed, her voice filled with genuine courage.
"We will announce the accusations and cases you have made against me." Gerald said. But before Gerald could continue his attack, heavy footsteps were heard behind them. Adrian, appeared with a sharp gaze that made Gerald silent.
"Gerald." Adrian greeted with a calm yet threatening voice, his steps firm as he approached the stunned Gerald.
"Who are you?" Gerald carefully observed the appearance of the masked stranger, making it difficult for him to recognize his face.
"I am Adrian from the Northern Land," Adrian introduced himself gracefully, wrapping his arm around Alice's slender waist standing beside him.
- Writer
