Chapitre 9: Ruby
As I watched the old woman pour me a glass of water, I muttered under my breath, "Why would she be here?" My eyes darted to the book in my hands, every line on the page blurring as my mind raced. The enchantress. Of all people, why now?
Before I could process further, the old woman placed the glass in front of me. Her voice was as warm as her smile, but her words sent a chill up my spine. "Why do you look so pale, traveler? Or should I say… Prince Adam?"
I froze, my hand halting mid-reach for the glass of water. Her words echoed in my mind, sharp and impossible to ignore: "Prince Adam." My pulse quickened, and the warmth of the cabin suddenly felt stifling, as though the air had thickened around me.
I forced myself to recover, plastering on a crooked grin. "Prince Adam? Me? You must have me confused with someone else, ma'am. I'm just a traveler."
She chuckled softly, her amber eyes glinting with an unsettling, otherworldly light. My gut twisted.
"Oh, come now," she said, setting the glass down with deliberate care. She leaned forward slightly, her knowing smile deepening. "Don't insult my intelligence. I still remember your face from five years ago. Even in this human form, your aura is unmistakable. I should know—I'm the one who bestowed it upon you."
Her words struck a nerve. My fingers twitched, my instincts screaming at me to bolt. But I held my ground. Running wouldn't change the fact that she had found me.
"And it seems you've gained the ability to be human again, albeit on a limited time," she continued, her tone almost teasing. " Let me guess—either that book you're clutching or a little run-in with a wandering werewolf gave you this… temporary fix?"
My stomach churned with a mix of fear and anger, the latter bubbling up from a place deeper than my own frustrations. Was this anger his or mine? The echoes of the previous prince, cursed and betrayed, roared inside me. I forced a deep breath, steadying my voice. "Why are you here? Do you have all the time in the world to wait and watch me turn into a full beast?"
I smirked, hoping it would mask my unease, but her calm, unwavering smile told me she wasn't fooled.
"Not at all, I just have some unfinished business here." she said lightly. "But tell me, Adam, how are you faring with my gift? Have you learned anything from it?"
"Gift?" I shot back, unable to keep the edge out of my voice. "You mean this curse that turned me into a walking fur coat? it's been a blast. Really helps with the cardio and haven't I sent you a thank-you note for this precious gift."
Her eyebrow arched, unimpressed. "Sarcasm aside, I didn't curse you out of spite. It was a lesson—a chance for redemption. Yet here you are, running around the woods like a beast instead of breaking the curse."
I scoffed, unable to hold back. "Yeah, about that—breaking it isn't exactly a walk in the park. And forgive me if I'm a little distracted by, oh, I don't know, surviving. You might've noticed, but this world isn't exactly sunshine and rainbows." I paused, then added bitterly, "And for the record, I am trying. That's why I'm out here."
Her gaze softened, catching me off guard. "And yet, you've survived. Grown stronger. Perhaps even wiser. That was always the point, Adam."
Her words hung in the air, unsettling me. What was she playing at? Was this just some cryptic check-in, or was there more to her sudden appearance? Either way, I wasn't going to let her keep pulling the strings.
I leaned forward, my tone serious. "Alright. You've made your dramatic reveal, dropped your cryptic lines. Now tell me—why are you really here?"
The enchantress smiled again, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Why am I here?" She tilted her head, as if pondering the question. "Well, this is my home."
I stared at her, deadpan. "Of course it is."
"You can stay here and seek what you endeavor," she said, rising gracefully. Her form began to shimmer, fading like mist caught in sunlight. But just before she disappeared entirely, her voice lingered in the air. "Oh, and one more thing—don't break my things. Tomorrow, someone will guide you to the village you seek."
And then she was gone.
I let out a slow breath, scanning the room to make sure she was truly gone. When I was certain I was alone, I slumped into the chair, exhaustion washing over me. "Of all the people I could've run into, why her?" I muttered.
My gaze fell on the book of Guidance resting on the table. It felt heavier now, almost as if it was reacting to her presence. Flipping it open, I scanned the glowing text under the Story Collection function. Beauty and the Beast. As I skimmed through the details, certain pieces began to fall into place.
"She was pretending to be a beggar… to help Belle's father." I sighed, closing the book. "Nice. I should've seen that coming."
I set the book aside, running a hand through my hair. The night had crept in fully now, and I was too drained to keep pushing forward. With a resigned sigh, I allowed my Beast form to take over. Fur sprouted over my skin as my claws extended, my body stretching and shifting.
"Twenty minutes used," I muttered, glancing at my claws. "Seven hours and forty minutes left for tomorrow."
I found the bed tucked in the corner of the cabin. It creaked under my weight but didn't collapse. It was late, and the thought of venturing further into the forest tonight wasn't appealing. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to drift into uneasy sleep, knowing that tomorrow would bring more challenges.
_____________
The next morning, I stepped out of the small bed, feeling slightly more rested. After freshening up, I grabbed the Book of Guidance from the nightstand. I had already transformed back into my human form, preparing to head to the village.
I was about to leave when a knock at the door stopped me. A voice called out, bright and clear, "Mister, are you there? Miss Agathe said I should guide you get to the village."
I paused, the enchantress's words from last night ringing in my ears. "My guide?" I muttered under my breath, narrowing my eyes at the door. "Is she for real?"
Reluctantly, I walked over, the Book of Guidance still open in my hands. I unlocked the door and pulled it open, unsure of what—or who—I would find.
Standing there was a girl, no older than her mid-teens, confidently meeting my gaze. A red cloak draped over her shoulders, its hood framing a youthful face with striking emerald green eyes and a smattering of freckles. Her chestnut hair fell in loose waves from beneath the hood. She looked sturdy, her well-worn leather boots proof of countless journeys through the forest. A woven basket hung from her arm, completing the image.
She smiled brightly, a small wave accompanying her cheerful introduction. "Hello, mister! I'm Ruby! Ruby Ridges. Nice to meet you"
For a moment, I just stared at her. Then, the Book of Guidance in my hands buzzed softly. My eyes dropped to its pages, and new glowing text appeared:
[You have met a crucial character in a story, you have unlocked: The Little Red Riding Hood.]
Closing the book, I sighed, my shoulders slumping slightly. ''This just keeps getting better.''
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