The Apple of My Eye: Book Two (An Ever After High Crossover)

The Beast of the Ball

'They were all laughing at me...'

Apple could only sob to herself, closing her eyes as they burned from the sugary fruit punch. Despite her desperate curiosity, it was better not to see. The laughter seemed endless, high-pitched and hysterical, echoing back as her hearing gradually came back. She extended an arm, trying to escape the spotlight's glare. Apple longed to run, but her legs wouldn't cooperate. She was a damsel in distress, with no savior to rescue her from this terrible nightmare.

All that ran through her mind was...

"W-where are you Kyle...?!" Apple cried out.

Laughter turned to screams of horror as the spotlight suddenly went out, leaving only the moonlight. Through her blurred vision, Apple saw bodies being thrown amidst a deep, sinister laugh echoing around. The school's sprinkler system sprang to life, soaking everyone and washing away the debris clinging to her. Apple wiped her eyes, straining to see the chaos. A loud thud sounded as Faybelle Thorn held a large trash can, smacking the ground. Faybelle quickly got up and vanished into the crowd.

A shiver ran down her spine as a loud growl echoed from the shadows. The creature extended what could hardly be called a hand from beneath the fluorescent light; it resembled more of a claw, similar to those belonging to the creatures of the Dark Forest.

"I'm here now."

Instinctively, Apple raised a hand, driven by curiosity.

"Apple get away from him!"

Stan dashed in front her, creating a distance between Apple and the monster hidden within the shadows.

"Stan! What is going on?!" demanded Apple.

Wendy came to his side, not wanting to leave her boyfriend alone.

"Come with me..." he requested-his voice devoid of malice. The beast's tone was a perpetual growl, each word rumbling from his throat. She should be terrified...

But...this feeling inside...

***

"Just back away, this doesn't need to get ugly," warned Stan.

Why are Stan and Wendy in my way? They could have easily swooped in and helped defuse the situation. Instead, they did nothing! All I'm doing is protecting her. Those disgusting pigs deserved what was coming to them.

'They were in shock, what could they do?'

"How could you break our promise?! Now look what's happened!" shouted Stan, feeling betrayed.

He doesn't understand...No one hurts my princess and gets away with it!

The monster lifted his hand, commanding the air to repel his friends, thrusting them against the wall. With the little time he had, he swiftly gathered Apple in his arms and dashed away.

Shivering in his embrace, the monster's princess was not comforted by the chilly air. Scanning the forest, he halted in a secluded spot. He drew Apple close, sharing his warmth as they settled by a tree stump. His fingers gently traced her pale cheek, reminiscent of Cinderella, disheveled after her stepsisters' cruel act before the grand ball.

All she did was stand up for herself and this is what she gets in return?!

***

Apple was motionless, the monster's fingers tracing her skin. His nails, sharp as razorblades, grazed her cheek with a caution that prevented them from cutting through. His eyes, glowing a sinister blood red, and dilated pupils served as a warning to the unwary. His hair was as white as snow, and his skin bore an ashy grey hue. With each word he spoke, his fangs peeked out, ready to sink into the flesh of his next victim. Apple had every reason to fear, yet his mask and attire suggested something far less menacing.

This time... she knew it had to be him...

Question is... is he still the same person underneath the monster before her?

A broad grin spread across his face, revealing the very fangs she had mentioned earlier. Apple closed her eyes, uncertain of what was to come.

Was this going to be 'The End'?