บท 4: THE SECRETS

Aurelia pov

In that chilling moment, Leo's fingers wrapped around my throat, his grip unyielding. His voice, cold as ice, sent shivers through me. "Aurelia, there's no escaping me this time. You'll be a good girl and not attempt anything reckless. Obedience is your only option."

His smile held an eerie, villainous quality, adding to the terror that gripped me. All I could manage was a trembling nod, my eyes wide with the intensity of the situation. As he released his grip, I gasped for air, but Leo paid my distress no mind.

His command was swift and harsh. "Get to the table quickly. Don't make it seem like I've done anything to you."

Leo didn't wait for my response; he simply turned and exited the room, leaving me alone with my fear.

Sitting on the floor, tears streamed down my face. I pondered the reasons behind the intense hostility that Leo held towards me. It felt as if he were exacting some form of revenge, and the weight of my past actions hung heavily in the air but I don't know what I did. I wondered why fate had been so merciless to me, considering all I had already endured at the hands of my father.

I rose to my feet, determined to hide the turmoil I had just experienced, wiping away the tears that had trickled down my cheeks. I forced a fake smile onto my face, a mask I had mastered over the years. I had to appear strong, even when I felt anything but.

As I stepped out into the corridor, uncertainty gripped me. There was no one to guide me to the dining hall. Soon, a servant approached, her friendly smile putting me at ease. "Mam, follow me to the hall," she said, her tone gentle and inviting.

I didn't reply with words; instead, I offered a nod of gratitude and trailed behind her.

Upon entering the hall, I was taken aback by its vastness. It was larger than my family's entire home, and I couldn't fathom why such grandeur was necessary. My eyes then landed on the table, an expansive spread of dishes. The sight alone rekindled my hunger, and my stomach growled in response, making me realize how empty I truly was.

I searched for Mr. Leo, hoping for some indication that I should take a seat. His presence was like a statue crafted with divine perfection but devoid of warmth. I decided to take the initiative, reaching for a dish that was furthest from him.

As I did so, I felt his gaze on me, an unspoken invitation to sit beside him. Without hesitation, I moved to the seat next to him, curious about what this meal might bring and what other secrets lay beneath the surface

As I awaited Mr. Leo to begin his meal, the cacophony of my rumbling stomach filled the silence in the grand hall. His icy gaze locked onto me, and with an almost imperceptible nod, he granted permission. "You can eat."

I didn't waste a moment, not waiting for him to say more. I eagerly served myself and relished every bite. The servants watched, their eyes wide, as if they had never seen someone savour food so passionately. I couldn't help but enjoy every morsel. For too long, I had been denied such simple pleasures. My father's oppressive rules had made every meal a mere formality, devoid of joy.

I was a food enthusiast, and the ability to savour a meal was a taste of newfound freedom. Life had been uncertain and cruel. Now, I understand the value of relishing every moment.

Observing Mr. Leo finishing his meal, I reluctantly pushed my plate aside, even though a part of me longed to consume more. He turned to Julie, his eyes holding a command. "Julie, after Aurelia is done eating, give her a lesson about the rules and regulations here."

Julie acknowledged him with a nod, her warm smile never leaving her face. With that, Mr. Leo left, disappearing into a room, followed by an enigmatic man who had been accompanying him.

I glanced in the direction he had gone.

Satisfied, I began to make my way back to my room, with Julie quietly trailing behind me.

________ ________ _______ ____________ ___

Leo pov

I made my way to my office adjacent to the bedroom, with James following closely. He had been my friend since childhood, the only person who shared the same background and knew my secret.

"Leo, how are you feeling now?" James asked concern in his voice.

I offered a faint smile and replied, "I feel nothing, James."

"Dude, did you hurt her?"

"It was her who rejected me all the time. She's the one I'm supposed to protect for life, but every time I see her, it feels like she'll slip away, just like she did last time, and worsen my condition."

"What? She was the one who was destined for you? How is that possible?"

"Yeah, I discovered it during the selection process. The mark appeared on her neck and gleamed like gold when I touched her."

"So, what's your plan now?"

"I don't know what to do. I'm certain that I'll never fall in love with her."

"That's a relief. Humans can be unpredictable. You must keep your secret hidden from her."

"Yes, I will. You can go now and inform the master that I've found the destined one."

"Sure. Goodbye."

As James departed, I gazed at the moon, its brilliance casting a celestial glow. Only four days remained until the full moon, a source of fear for me. During that time, all of us would transform into werewolves, losing control and endangering those we were meant to protect.

I decided to check on Aurelia, the girl who had once promised to be by my side but had left me alone. The room was dark, but her youthful face remained unchanged as she slept. I wondered why she had abandoned me after pledging her love, and my determination to keep her close grew stronger.

"Hey, Aurelia, why did you leave me back then? I gave you my love, and you merely used it to walk away. I won't allow you to leave me again," I whispered to myself.

In the dimly lit room, her neck bore a glowing mark, a visible sign of our connection. I touched it gently, watching her as she slept. Her hands were bruised, a sight that filled me with anger. Who had harmed her? My eyes began to glow with a reddish hue.

My emotions were spiralling out of control, and I needed to distance myself from her before I lost it. I hurried to the balcony and, without hesitation, leapt into the night, hoping to find solace..