Daughter of Alvar (Redemption Saga, Book 2)

Chapter 3

I barely make it out of my dress before the transformation overtakes me in the courtyard. My monster was biting and scratching to be released, and I ignored it; now, I'm paying in full.

Stupid. I should have listened to Kalvar.

My bones break as I transform, and the pain sears through my back and into my legs. Tears spring from my eyes, and I grit my teeth. I imagine my cries of misery sound like a woman going through labor pains to anyone within hearing distance. Hopefully, the music is loud enough in the great hall, and I'm far enough away that no one can hear.

If I had given in earlier, this transformation wouldn't be painful. It would be quick and sweet, like slipping into clothes. I hate my Curse. It separates me from everyone else.

Finally, the transformation is complete. I shake my new body, rattling my wings and stretching my limbs. I take up most of the courtyard now, and I cautiously step over the fountain I'm so fond of as I slither over the wall and up onto the rooftops to get away from the party. I'm not as immense as my father is in Cursed form, but I'm told I'm still pretty darn scary.

While in beast form, my needs and desires are instinctual.

I'm hungry.

A transformation is exhausting to go through.

I evacuate the palace premises in flight before any of the guests see me.

I'll catch a deer and eat it, then I'll get back to the party.

I imagine I'm not going to be returning in time to dance with that handsome stranger, Rift. In all likelihood, he doesn't know about my special condition I'd hidden away from the view of others and that's why he'd asked me to dance.

Still... there is something about him I can't shake.

Perhaps it is that I'm attracted to him and wistfully thinking, but the way he gazed upon me was like I was the only woman in the room.

*

The deer is an easy catch and quick meal, I devour it down to its bones. Father had taught me not to think too much about this animalistic way of eating. Raw meat and bones don't hurt me like it would a regular human.

I lick my lips clean of blood and a deep purr settles in my throat. The beast is satisfied.

I've settled down on a hill overlooking the palace. The view is breathtaking, and a filmy mist has settled on the valley the palace in Underland City rests in.

I could paint a pretty picture from here, I muse, but first, I need to go back to the party and see if I can't have my first dance with a partner who isn't doing it out of obligation my title.

I spread my wings and return to the party, swooping back into the courtyard and shrinking into my human form as I do so. I pull up my underwear, and then pick up my dress, taking some time to smooth out the wrinkles from the hasty way I'd thrown it aside. I'd better hurry to get it on. It had been not very smart to have taken it off in such a public place.

"I was wondering where you'd wandered off to," a familiar voice says from behind me.

With a scream, I whirl around crossing my arms over my chest to cover my breasts. I know my eyes are glowing red from the scare, and likely my face is the same shade from embarrassment.

Here I am, naked, save the underwear I'd managed to pull on, and the handsome Rift is in the courtyard with me.

Great, one chance I get to dance with a guy, and fate deals me this hand.