Prince of Darkness

Chapter 3

Rose threw a saddle over her sleeping stallion, Midnight, abruptly waking the jet black horse from his sleep. He turned his head, greeting his owner with a snort and nuzzling her neck affectionately. Rose stroked his nose, before mounting.

Flicking the thick rope veins, setting Midnight off at a steady trot. She and the horse had only just exited the tiny wooden stable, when William ran over from the cottage. "Rose! Please, you shouldn't do this!"

She looked down, her eyes softening, "I have to, Papa. This werewolf needs to be stopped."

The old man objected, his tone pleading. "We have werewolf hunters. They're trained for it. Let them handle the creature."

As if on cue, Robert's voice echoed through town. "I'm glad that some of you were able to survive. I promise, my group and I will put an end to this beast's reign of terror!"

Enthusiastic cheers erupted from the crowd surrounding Robert, who was positioned in the centre of town. Rose gently flicked the reins of Midnight, the horse walking slowly over to the edge of the crowd.

Robert continued addressing the villagers, his tone firm and commanding. "I attempted to slay the creature when it attacked, but it escaped. However, I will hunt it down and end it once and for all!"

This was followed by more cheers from every villager but Rose. She seemed to be the only one who knew the truth...or who wanted to admit it. The amount of people supporting Him made her incredibly ill. She had had enough of it. Dismounting Midnight, Rose made her way through the crowd towards the front. "Stop this!" she yelled.

Robert turned to her, raising a brow. "Well, whatever is the matter darling?"

Once again, the loving term made her skin crawl. Rose took a step towards him, glaring, "You're lying to these people!"

There was a sharp intake of breath from the onlookers. Robert replied calmly, although rage burned in his eyes. "I think you should keep quiet. You don't know what you're saying."

The young woman didn't even flinch, "I know exactly what I'm saying. It's the truth. You're a coward who basks in glory he doesn't deserve!"

The werewolf hunter gritted his teeth, fighting to keep an indifferent expression, "You are the one who is telling lies!" He chuckled, "What proof do you have of my supposed cowardice?" This woman had to be as crazy! Anyone who dared to challenge him was certainly out of their mind!

Rose clenched her fists, ignoring the several eyes on her. "I was outside when the werewolf attacked, and I didn't see you anywhere."

Robert seemed taken aback. "You mean to tell me that you were out of your home when the creature attacked? How could you have possibly lived, if what you say is true?"

"I fought it off with a knife," the young woman answered.

The werewolf hunter threw back his head and laughed. "You surely must be joking with me! Look at you! A woman with no experience, fighting off a deadly beast? Impossible!"

Rose snapped, anger boiling in her blood, "You horrid man! I am not lying!"

Robert shook his head, "There is no point in denying it. Now, I suggest you go back with your father before you embarrass yourself further."

The young woman slowly walked away, going to stand near her horse at the back of the crowd. That arrogant, malevolent liar! Mounting Midnight, she let the horse gallop off with her, leading her towards the forest.

***************

"Girl problems again, Robert?" questioned a beautiful female voice.

The man narrowed his eyes. He had heard the teasing, mockingly sympathetic tone...and did not appreciate it. Turning to the source of the voice he hissed. "Quiet. You've been here long enough to know I don't like to be spoken to that way."