Monsters

Chapter Two:

I woke up with a cool rag on my face and with Ryder standing to the side looking really freaked out. When he noticed I was awake he ran to me with a cup of water. I gulped down the water greedily. After finishing the glass of water, I looked to the back wall which held a reflective tin that I used as a mirror.

My reflection showed what I most feared; it revealed my demons in my eyes. My normal electric blue eyes were dimmed with that seemingly tortured look. I could see why Ryder was afraid. I looked like I was a mad woman.

I stood up suddenly and I grabbed my cloak to disappear to the woods. I made it to the tamed part of the land and I stood still as could be. I watched the people of the kingdom dance joyfully in the square.

Looking to see what the big deal was I saw something that was very absurd. The king and his younger sister were standing in the middle of the crowd spinning around dancing. At my side I heard a deep voice mutter under his breath.

Turning to the sudden noise, I stared into the eyes of a tall dark haired man. He wore a cloak similar to mine which covered his face from the crowd. He spoke rather softly, "We must blend in with the crowd, miss."

"Why are you trying to help me," I asked shocked.

His posture straightened slightly as he sighed and murmured, "The king is beginning to stare at you. I know this sounds weird but the king wants you." I walked into the shadows and laid my cloak and mask down.

I walked back to the man who took his cloak off as well and he offered his arm. He was gorgeous despite a long white scar that trailed down his face. We danced to the music gracefully without the slightest bit of error.

The king stopped watching me and continued to dance with his younger sister, Princess Carmen. The princess was adored in the kingdom for her good nature and generosity. After the music stopped playing the crowd started to disperse thinly.

In my rush to get out of the crowd, I ran into Princess Carmen. I gave her a silent apology which she accepted with an energetic nod of her head. Her brother stood slightly off to the side of the crowd not drawing attention to himself.

My attire had many pockets so I shoved my hands into my pants pocket in which I found a small piece of paper. Knowing that people were watching I disappeared into the shadows for my cloak and mask. After putting the cloak and mask on, I left the shadows and headed straight to the woods.

I pulled out the piece of paper and found in a very feminine script a note. It read: I know who you are. Meet me alone tomorrow at the edge of the woods. I will be alone as well. Sincerely, Princess Carmen

I knew that this is a huge risk but so was dancing with the cloaked stranger. I sighed knowing what I had to do. I arrived back to the cabin and Ryder was nowhere in sight but he left a note that said; Went out for food. Be back soon. -Ryder

I sat in the cabin staring at the mirror. Unlike earlier the demons in my eyes are gone and if anything they look a little bit brighter. I wondered to myself who was the man who helped me when the whole kingdom hates me.

I stood up and walked over to my mirror and stared at my reflection. My eyes were the only part of me that seemed to be affected by my demons. My blonde hair glistened with beauty that most women will kill to have. My skin wasn't tan but it was a tone that most women of our kingdom lack.

Ryder arrived back soon after I opened my mother's old journal. I closed the battered book quickly as I ran up to Ryder to hug him. While hugging him I whispered my thanks in his ear.

All Ryder did was leave me a small shy smile and a slight nod of his head. Soon after the sky turned dark and we went to sleep. I slept for a great while until the first scream rang out.