Prince of Darkness

Chapter 4

Rose clutched her stallion's reins as they rode through the thick forest. Midnight's hooves struck the ground hard, small stones flying up from the earth and thin fallen branches snapping under the weight of the galloping stallion.

Rose's dagger was strapped to her side by a second thin piece of rope, the handle digging into the bottom of her ribcage as she rode Midnight. The uncomfortable sensation was easily ignored by her determination. She had to find that werewolf. She had to stop the attacks on the village, and she didn't trust Robert to do it.

All of a sudden, a series of rumbling growls came from the darkness. Rose swallowed hard, suppressing her fear as Midnight continued on. It's probably just my imagination.

A grey wolf jumped out in front of her stallion.

Rose screamed in shock. The wolf snarled, stalking towards her. It was followed by several more, coming from all directions. The young woman frantically untied her dagger, holding it in her one shaking hand. Her attackers weren't werewolves...but they were still dangerous and feral.

When one of the wolves jumped at her, Rose sliced it with her knife. The wolf whimpered, falling to the ground. Blood dripped from the gash in its chest, staining the ground. The creature panted, shock preventing it from moving. The others in the pack began to attack, barking and snapping at Midnight's hooves. The horse reared in fright. Rose fell to the ground with a soft thud, her knife falling from her grasp.

Rose's heart pounded, the sound deafening to her ears. Scrambling to her feet, she let out another scream of terror. A wolf grabbed the hem of her dress with his teeth and clamped down like a vice. Rose kicked the animal, attempting to get it to release.

The wolf let out a howl of pain, backing away while still holding Rose's dress in its teeth. The material ripped. Rose swiftly climbed onto Midnight. The horse, seemingly needing no further instruction, raced further into the woods.

Rose could hear the barking of wolves behind her. She flicked the stallion's reins once more, "Come on, we have to find somewhere they won't follow."

All of a sudden, the barking stopped, and Rose could hear the wolves running in the other direction. Curious, she dared to slow Midnight to a halt. The horse snorted. Rose looked around, before her gaze landed on the magnificent sight before her.

A castle.

It was made of stone and sat proudly in a cleared part of the wilderness. It seemed to stretch to the sky, and Rose could make out the sound of a waterfall somewhere nearby. A large iron gate blocked acted as the entrance to a wide courtyard. The grand structure seemed foreboding overall.

Rose edged Midnight closer, pushing the gate with one hand. It creaked loudly, swinging open. For some reason the wolves had refused to come any closer to this mysterious castle...so it seemed safe in that respect.

Entering the castle courtyard, Rose looked at the beautiful fountain which sat in the centre. It had several cracks, and water no longer flowed from it. Dismounting her stallion, Rose walked closer. Brushing a finger over the cold stone, the young woman realized that the fountain was also covered in a thin layer of dust. This entire castle must have been neglected for many years.

She looked up, seeing the two wooden double doors which led inside. Gathering her courage, Rose pushed the doors, causing them to open. Stepping inside, the young woman gasped, taken aback.

The interior was beautiful, with expensive furnishings, and winding staircases leading up to various rooms. It was the most wonderful thing she had ever seen in her life. "What is this place?" she wondered aloud.

"YOU! What are you doing here?" roared a male voice.

Rose let out a small yelp of surprise, whirling around to face the speaker. Taking a deep breath, she attempted to be confident. However, her voice came out as only a whisper, "My name is Rose, and I come seeking the werewolf."

A dark, almost amused chuckle was the response. "Well you've found him." The werewolf stepped from the darkness, looming above her.

The young woman gasped, stumbling back and reaching for her weapon. Panicking when she found that her knife was no longer on her hip, she turned back to the creature. Swallowing, she asked, "You are still in your wolf form. How can you speak to me?"

"Do not flatter yourself, human. It is only because I wish to speak with you," he growled.

"Why? Why don't you just kill me?" Rose dared to ask.

The werewolf snarled, "Because you...interest me. You did not run in fear like the other village women...you fought."

She nodded, for that was all that could be done. She couldn't kill this creature. Her only weapon had been lost in the forest.

The werewolf began to slowly circle her, as if inspecting her. "I can sense your fear. You are afraid that I will kill you. I will not...on one condition. If you wish to stay alive...then you will have to stay here."

"As a prisoner?" Rose inquired curtly. There was no possible way that was going to happen!

The werewolf's shook his head, his gaze stern. "No, as a servant, and you must promise to stay here forever. But no harm will come to you if you behave yourself. What do you say?"

The young woman took a deep breath, calming her nerves. It was the only way she would stay alive. But it would also mean that she would never see her family, or anyone, again. Rose held her head high, "Why must this be so? Why can't you simply release me and make me swear not to tell anyone where you are."

The creature's eyes flashed with rage. "DO YOU TAKE ME FOR A FOOL?"

The young woman took a small step back out of instinct. "I will not tell a soul if you release me."

The werewolf swished his tail like a whip, "No. I cannot risk being found."

Rose glared, "Why? Why do you not wish to be..." the words caught in her throat as she stared into the creature's eyes. In them, behind the rage and hatred, she saw what looked like fear. Because he does not want to be found. He's hiding.

The werewolf glowered at the woman before him. "Even you have tried to kill me! A petite female! What do you think the other humans would do to me if they found me?" he barked.

She blinked, having never thought of that before. She realized then what she had to do. Stepping further into the light, Rose closed her eyes, nervous to say the words that would seal her fate. "If you agree to let me live, I will be your servant."