Prince of Darkness

Chapter 12

Rose walked through the halls later that evening, the wall candles lighting her way. Adam had disappeared just moments earlier, and she had been determined to follow the werewolf. What was he hiding? Why had he run from her so quickly?

A heavy pacing came from above her. Rose moved up the side stairway swiftly, the sound increasing in volume. What's that? The young woman peered around the corner at the top of the stairs, sucking in a breath at the sight.

Before her were large wooden double doors, and there was a dim light coming from inside. Rose crept forward, heart hammering, and placed a hand on the cold wood. The footsteps inside the room pounded in her head, mixing with the sound of the blood pumping through her veins.

Pushing the door forward, Rose took a cautious step inside. The room was cold and the air seemed heavy, with candles lighting parts but casting shadows on the walls. A four-poster bed with curtains hanging down, was placed against the right wall, and a small balcony was at the back of the room, leading out to the star-filled sky. Rose walked further inside, closing the door behind her.

"What are you doing in here, Rose?" asked a familiar voice from nearby.

She turned, "Adam, what's wrong?" His voice had been soft, and she could see the fear in his golden eyes which glowed in the semi-darkness.

The werewolf answered, his breathing laboured, "You...need to get...out of here."

The young woman stepped closer, trying to see him in more detail. "Why?"

Adam snarled, refusing to come into the light, "Because if you don't you'll be disgusted." That was when the prince was abruptly struck with pain in his skull. His back arched as agony exploded all over his body. No! Not now!

Rust-coloured fur sprouted from his entire body. Bones twisted. His skull stretched beneath his skin, transforming his human features into a canine snout. Jagged fangs protruded from his gums. Hairy ears grew and went to points. His hands and feet gave way to large, shaggy paws. His fine clothes came apart at the seams. A howl of anguish came from his mouth.

Rose, who had backed against the right wall, stared at the werewolf. She had already seen him like this, but never had she seen him transform.

Adam stared back at her, narrowing his golden eyes. "Well?"

The young woman was almost shocked by his speech. But then remembered what Adam had said to her when they met. He could speak to her in wolf form if he wanted to. Coming away from the wall, Rose answered, "I have seen you like this before."

Adam growled, "Seeing my full transformation did not disgust you? Hearing the moving, shifting bones?"

Rose cringed at the memory. "I simply felt bad for you when I heard it." It was true. She could not imagine the pain he would have experienced.

Seeing her expression, Adam reassured. "I was not in much pain. I have changed into this form so much that I have gotten used to it."

Rose nodded, "How...how often do you change?"

He replied, "Every full moon, and then back into my human form once day comes." His racing nerves relaxed. The female seemed to be taking an interest in him.

The young woman sat on the edge of the four-poster bed. What was she supposed to say? What was she supposed to do? Clearing her throat, she asked, almost unable to keep her voice was wavering, "Do you always kill when you're like this?"

Adam nodded solemnly, "Yes. The beast inside demands it. That's what they call me, you know. The beast."

Rose cocked her head, "They?"

The werewolf explained, walking towards her. "The humans."

"Oh," she muttered. She felt the bed dip and knew that Adam and jumped up and sat beside her. But she refused to look at him. Surely this couldn't be the same heartless creature that had attacked her village?

But her memories were a harsh reminder.

Rose swallowed and looked at him. "Why didn't you want me to see you transform?"

Adam answered, "I thought you would run from fear."

The young woman laughed lightly, "How absurd! Of all the things I've seen...you thought that seeing you transform was going to frighten me?"

The werewolf smiled, his gaze soft. "You have a lovely laugh," he said quietly.

Rose blushed, "Thank you."

Adam shifted in place as silence fell between them. Just tell her! It's the perfect time! You have to tell her eventually. Looking at the young woman, he sighed, "Rose, there's something I have been keeping from you."

She looked at him, "What?" she asked with slight anger in her voice. He had kept a secret from her? Even after he knew he could trust her?

The werewolf met her eyes, telling her gently, "You...you are my mate. Its instinct for werewolves. The first time we see your mates, we know, and the first time I saw you...I felt it."

Rose replied slowly, processing the information. "That's why you wanted me to stay here. You had no intention of having me as a servant, did you?"

Adam laughed, shaking his head, "No. That was merely an excuse to have you stay with me." His expression grew serious, "You are still going to stay with me, aren't you?"

She nodded, "Yes, of course. This is just a lot to take in."

The werewolf jumped off the bed, "I understand." He was unable to keep the smile from his face. She knew...and she was happy about it. What more could he possibly ask for?