Fated to the Beast

Chapter 5: Someone to Trust

Several days had elapsed since the merciless day when I tragically took the lives of my own brothers and sisters with my own hands. Even now, I find it impossible to consume food or experience a restful night's sleep without their haunting presence invading my dreams. Each night, their specters suffocate me, refusing to release their grip.

Yet this was not the only cause for concern. Surprisingly, days had passed, and none of my surviving siblings had made any attempts to visit me. Of course, their intentions would only be to exact revenge and end my life, but strangely enough, this absence alarmed me even more. I could not help but wonder if they were silently amassing their forces to eradicate me completely.

Would I ever be fortunate enough to evade their murderous intentions once more?

I shifted my body to the edge of the bed, gazing out of the window in my room. The moon peeked through the glass, seemingly beckoning me to venture outside and marvel at its beauty. However, I lacked the strength to leave the confines of my bed. Raising my healed hand, I reached out towards the moon as if it were within my grasp.

"I fervently wish I could escape this place. If only it would be that easy," I whispered to myself, retracting my hand and continuing to observe the moon casting its radiant glow into my room.

Yet suddenly, a shiver raced down my spine as I felt someone trace their fingers along my cheek. Startled, I instinctively recoiled, withdrawing a concealed dagger from beneath my dress. The entire sequence of events had transpired so swiftly that I found myself in a corner, bewildered by how I had ended up there.

My heart raced as I pointed the dagger at the intruder. I was both surprised and frightened because, for the first time in my life, I had encountered someone unlike anyone I had ever known. I had never sensed their presence before, which made me realize that this individual held a position next to my father because they acted on an entirely different level than I did.

"How did you get inside?" I asked, striving to mask the uneasiness in my voice. The woman simply smiled and gestured towards the closed door.

How had she managed to open it without my detection?

"So... you desire to escape the palace?" she inquired, leaning towards my ear. I maintained my guard while pulling my dagger closer. The speed at which everything had unfolded left me dumbfounded and unsure of how I had relocated from my bed to this corner.

"It is none of your business," I replied, refusing to let my guard down.

"Hmmm... really?" she raised an eyebrow. Unsatisfied with my response, she persisted, but I paid little attention. My sole desire at that moment was for her to leave my room.

But, why is Alexandra here in the first place?

Before I could articulate my thoughts, she abruptly stood up from my bed. I instinctively recoiled once again, intently observing her every move. One could never predict when she might strike and sever one's throat.

"I suppose they are gone," Alexandra stated unexpectedly, causing me to furrow my brow.

"Gone?" I queried, bewildered.

In the blink of an eye, she was already in front of me, moving with an astonishing swiftness that left me breathless.

"Your actions in that hall impressed me, but they have also made you a target. Everyone is now seeking your demise," she said, smiling as if her words carried no weight.

"No, they are not. I have been sequestered in my room for days, anticipating any potential assailants, yet I have detected no presence," I responded. In that moment, I froze as I witnessed her smiling like a devil.

"You should ponder why they have not yet come for you," she suggested, causing my eyebrows to knit together in confusion.

What was she implying?

"Because of what you did, I have taken an interest in you," she revealed, smiling as though she had stumbled upon a hidden treasure. I flinched as her hand brushed against the strands of my hair.

"So, from now on, little sister, let us have some fun!" the woman exclaimed, her excitement palpable. In the blink of an eye, she began to exit the room, leaving me stranded amidst a whirlwind of thoughts.

What on earth did she just say?

~

I couldn't comprehend a single word spoken that night, nor could I fathom the true meaning behind Alexandra's notion of "fun". Her intentions eluded me entirely. However, since that encounter, she has clung to me persistently, visiting my room every day. Gradually, her constant presence began to unnerve me, as it prevented me from letting my guard down. I feared the potential consequences if I were to do so.

"So, have you ever ventured into the town?" Alexandra asked eagerly, sipping her tea.

This marked the fourth topic she had broached today, and she alone monopolized the conversation. I replied sporadically, not wanting to anger her or risk any actions that might result in my untimely demise. I couldn't even fathom why she continued to invade my room day after day. This routine had persisted for several days now, and I couldn't comprehend why I acquiesced to her demands: having tea with her today, engaging in conversations I normally would avoid.

I had spent my childhood in solitude, rarely conversing with others. But well, I had exchanged a few words on occasion, but they were always fleeting encounters, unlike this continuous interaction. The unfamiliarity of her presence made me uncomfortable, and her presence alone felt awkward.

"Anastasia?" she called my name, snapping me back to reality. I had momentarily forgotten that she had posed a question earlier.

"Unless summoned by Father or in need of something unobtainable by the maids, I have never wandered beyond my room. The maids provide me with essential items, including food, so I see no reason to venture beyond these chambers," I responded.

"What? Why? Everyone is free to leave the palace if they wish!" Alexandra exclaimed, taken aback by my answer. She was correct; all members of the family possessed the freedom to venture beyond the palace walls. However, I lacked the courage to do so.

Moreover...

"I was afraid that stepping outside the door might lead to my demise," I admitted.

Alexandra fell silent at my response, causing me to steal a glance at her. Her normally expressive face appeared devoid of emotion, leaving me frozen. She always wore that malicious smile, but now I witnessed a warmth in her smile, despite the lingering malevolence surrounding her. Seeing her somber expression, I couldn't help but lower my head.

"Do you wish to have a stroll outside with me?" she suddenly asked, causing me to raise my head in astonishment. When our eyes met, she smiled once again. Perhaps she had discerned my longing to leave this place.

Although I had only spent a few days with Alexandra, it felt as if she could read my thoughts effortlessly, or perhaps I was merely too transparent.

"Yes," I replied, suppressing the surge of joy welling within me. Even if it were just for a day or a few hours, I yearned to escape the confines of this place and explore the world beyond these walls.

"Alright then, this Saturday. Let us journey to the town, indulge in shopping for clothes, shoes, and jewelry, relish various culinary delights, visit salons to enhance our appearance, and watch plays. The possibilities outside are endless," she responded, her words flowing freely. After her initial agreement, I struggled to comprehend the subsequent flood of information.

Excitement overwhelmed me, and tears welled in the corners of my eyes. Startled, I felt a hand wipe away my tears, and when I looked, Alexandra was already by my side. For the first time, her touch did not repel me.

"I am glad to be the only one who witnesses this side of you," she said, her smile genuine.

Though I still struggled to grasp her words, her actions in the past few days had slightly lowered my guard.

Could it be that she was trustworthy?

I could only hope that I wouldn't regret my decision in the end.