24

ARTEMISIA

I darted into the foreboding woods. I ran as fast as my legs could take me. Occasionally, I glanced at my back to see if what I was running away from had caught up with me.

I didn't dare to stall since I knew I would be an appetizing meal for the beast if I did.

I leapt over a chunk of wood that was on my path and let out a wince as my leg got stuck into a hole that I hadn't noticed in front of me.

I felt something snapped around it and I didn't need to look to know it was a snare that had caught my leg. Also, I felt I was beginning to bleed as my head became woozy.

"No no!" I shook my head frantically whilst trying to chase away the dizziness that was building at the corner of my eyes.

My head reeled and my heart palpitated. I didn't come this far to become unconscious in the middle of nowhere.

Earlier, everything had been great. Emma, Julie and I had taken a stroll around Merene and had arrived back at the palace later than usual.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary as I stepped onto the entrance. Yet, the doorknob had given me a cold vibe when I gripped it. I had been hesitant to step indoors until Emma and Julie showed up beside me.

We had been too perplexed to move at the sight that was awaiting us. I still remember the stench that was oozing out of the already decomposing body of only god knows who.

I had taken a moment to glance at the hall filled with lifeless stinking humans whilst searching for Sin or anyone that I might know whilst still in shock.

Until the beast that had incited the havoc appeared.

I was sure I was the first person who sprinted out of the door because I didn't even bother to check if the others had done the same.

Emma and Julie, I groaned. The beast might have caught them and slithered their stomach as it had done to the people in the hall. I moaned whilst blinking back the tears at the corner of my eyes.

I had left my sister and the only best friend I had at the mercy of an ogre. I should be given the worst award if nominated for friendship and best sister.

I had tried to save myself whilst leaving them.

Even though I had waited to ensure they were alright before scampering, I was certain I would be dead by now.

Still, it was better than not doing anything. At least, I died whilst knowing they were doing great.

I swirled as a twig snapped close by. The leaves rustled as the wind began to blow abruptly. My hair flapped around my face and I shivered whilst clutching the hem of the dress I donned as the wind ruffled it.

I couldn't run. My right leg wasn't working anymore. It had grown numb due to the snare that it had caught in. There was no way I could use one leg to escape. It was only a miracle I needed, a miracle to save me from the impending doom awaiting me.

I took in a staggering breath whilst glancing around the forest. This was my first time coming here. I had been wanting to explore the whole of Merene. I didn't plan for it to be like this.

I was sure this would be my last time since whatever I was running from might have caught up with me.

My eyes widened as a growl sounded. My breath came out in short gasps as the creature that had been chasing me came into view.

I had thought it was a humongous entity, instead, it was a black wolf with gleaming red eyes. It seemed somewhat familiar and I wondered where I had seen it before.

Its teeth were stained with blood and I wondered from whom the crimson liquid was from.

It prowled towards me menacingly and I took two steps backwards with each it took.

I winced as I stumbled on a branch that was at my back.

I shut my eyes and say a silent prayer to whoever was watching over me.

I snapped my eyes open as I heard a howl from the wolf. Swiftly, it leapt in the air and its paw swung.

I shrieked whilst jerking awake.

"It is a bad dream, a really bad one." I chanted severally whilst staring around the room.

I switched on the lamp which was on the nightstand.

I shrieked, leaping out of bed as I saw a figure in front of me. I scampered towards the locked door and grasped the handle, yanking violently. I banged and banged, but it remained locked.

"Bloody hell, woman!"

I turned, staring into the glaring dark eyes of Sin.

I breathed out slowly. My hand left the handle and I slid down the wooden door.

"Oh, gods." I stared up at him whilst trying to calm my erratic breathing.

He looked dishevelled. His robe was hung loosely around his body and his hair seemed like he hadn't used a comb on it since yesterday.

Despite how messy he was, he managed to pull off the look. He was sexy, even with the scowl present on his face.

"What is going on? I came in when I heard you scream." He mumbled, coming close to me.

"I-I…" I trailed off whilst thinking of what had happened.

I doubted he would understand if I told him what I saw. It had become a recurring dream and I wondered what it meant.

Maybe, it meant I was dying soon at the hand of a merciless beast.

I shuddered as the several images of stinking remains of humans infiltrated my mind.

"It's only a nightmare." Sin asserted. He pulled me up and embraced me.

I hugged him tighter instead of pulling away. It seemed weird he was assuring me. He should be goading me and berating me for disturbing his sleep.

Yet, he was trying to pull me together.

Maybe, I had judged him too quickly by thinking he was a jerk. Or maybe, he was still the jerk and acted as if he cared.

"You should go back to sleep." He mumbled, pulling away.

I nodded, walking towards the bed. I knew I wouldn't be getting any more sleep until the morning came because I was frightened that if I closed my eyes, I would see the same thing again.

He walked towards the door and a knock sounded on it.

The door opened and Emma's head peeked into the room.

I hoisted my brows whilst staring at her.

"I heard you scream. Are you okay?" She asked.

Julie came soon after, asking the same thing.

"Oh gods," I muttered, glancing at Sin.

I must have woken everyone in the palace with the way I had shrieked.

"Well, you were very loud." He affirmed.

"Thank you," I mumbled.

He shrugged, stepping out of the room without acknowledging the appreciation.

Well, he was still a jerk even though he had assisted me.

As soon as he left, I clutched my phone, playing with it until the morning came.