Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

Chapter 11

Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

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Alric's scream jolted Cater awake. Sitting up quickly, he saw the prince glaring at him from across the bed, his confusion evident.

"Cater! What are you doing in my room?" Alric demanded, his voice sharp.

Cater stretched lazily, trying to appear nonchalant. "You asked me to stay, remember? Begged me, actually—'Oh, Cater, please don't leave,'" he teased, imitating Alric's voice with a smirk.

Alric's face turned red as he grabbed a pillow and hurled it at Cater, who ducked just in time. "Get out!"

Cater chuckled, standing and brushing off his shirt. "You're welcome, Your Highness," he said, leaving the room.

Outside in the hallway, Cater bumped into Jane, nearly knocking her over.

"Hey," she said, eyeing him suspiciously. "I've been looking for you all night. Don't tell me you…"

Cater cut her off before she could finish the thought. "Don't start. I was just keeping an eye on the prince."

Jane raised an eyebrow but let it go. After a moment of silence, she leaned in closer. "Cater, have you heard the news? There's something in town—something dangerous."

Cater frowned. "What kind of danger?"

Jane crossed her arms, her expression grim. "A demon, I think. Five people were found dead yesterday. Half of their bodies were... missing. Eaten, maybe. It was gruesome."

Before Cater could respond, the door to Alric's room opened. The prince emerged, looking polished and ready for the day.

"You're still here?" Alric asked, his gaze bouncing between Cater and Jane. "What is this? A secret meeting with your girlfriend?"

Both Cater and Jane stepped back, startled. "No, Your Highness," Cater said quickly. "She's just a friend."

Alric smirked but didn't push the matter. "Come with me," he said, gesturing for Cater to follow. "Something's happening outside."

---

The three of them stepped into the courtyard, where a large crowd had gathered. People were whispering anxiously, their fear palpable. As Alric approached, the crowd parted, revealing the grisly scene at its center.

Five bodies lay on the cobblestones, their limbs twisted unnaturally. Blood pooled around them, and their faces were frozen in expressions of terror.

Alric froze, his stomach churning. "What… what could have done this?" he whispered.

King Arthur arrived moments later, his face dark with anger. "What happened here?" he bellowed, silencing the crowd.

Alric turned to him, still pale. "Father, do you think this was… one of them?"

The king's jaw tightened. "What else could it be? Some vile creature sent to terrorize us."

Turning to his guards, he barked orders. "Search every corner of this kingdom. I want the head of whatever did this brought to me by sundown."

The guards saluted and marched off, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight.

Cater watched silently, his fists clenched. He recognized the brutality—it was too familiar.

As the king stormed off, Alric remained rooted to the spot, staring at the carnage. "My father was right," he murmured. "I've tried to believe there could be peace between humans and creatures, but look at this. They keep proving him right."

He turned and walked away, his shoulders heavy with defeat.

Cater stayed behind, his anger simmering. He knew exactly who was responsible.

---

Cater left the castle grounds, his steps purposeful. As he reached the edge of the forest, Jane's voice called out behind him.

"Cater! Wait!"

He turned to see her running toward him, her expression a mix of worry and frustration.

"Where are you going?" she demanded. "Does Alric know you're leaving the castle? What if he looks for you or what if he ask me what should I say?"

Cater shook his head. "This has to end, Jane. I need to stop it before more people die."

Jane grabbed his arm, forcing him to face her. "What are you talking about? Stop what? We don't even know what kind of creature did this!"

"I do," Cater said firmly. "There's only one person who could have unleashed something like this."

Jane's eyes widened as realization dawned. "No. Cater, you can't mean—"

"I'm going to my father," Cater interrupted, his voice low and steady.

Jane stared at him, her horror evident. "Are you insane? You can't go back there. If you do, he'll kill you!"

Cater's eyes darkened, his tone unyielding. "I'm the Dark Lord's son, Jane. He can't kill me. I will be the next ruler of the underworld remember."

Jane's grip tightened on his arm. "You don't know that! Cater, please. There has to be another way."

Cater placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression softening. "I have to do this, Jane. If I don't, Alric and everyone else in this kingdom will suffer."

Jane's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she nodded reluctantly. "Just… be careful, okay?"

Cater gave her a small smile before turning and disappearing into the forest.

---

The air grew heavier as Cater entered the underworld, the flames of the abyss licking at his heels. His sword gleamed in his hand, its blade pulsing with a faint blue light.

As he approached the gates to his father's domain, a figure emerged from the shadows—a demon with massive wings and glowing red eyes.

"Well, well," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "Prince Cater. What are you doing here? Last I heard, your father disowned you. Have you come to apologize?."

Cater stepped closer, lifting his sword. "I'm here to see him, Vara. Step aside, or I'll make you."

Vara's eyes narrowed, and she spread her wings wide, blocking his path. "Bold words for someone who no longer belongs here. You think you can just waltz back into the underworld like nothing happened?"

Cater's grip on his sword tightened. "Move, Vara. I'm not asking twice."

Vara let out a low growl, but she stepped forward, her gaze following him as he stood. "why don't you move me," she muttered. "You'll never pass."

Cater growl as well, his resolve unwavering. He had one goal: to confront his father and put an end to the chaos.