Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

Chapter 2

Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

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"You need to stop," Cater growled, his voice deep and distorted. His eyes glowed black, and his fangs were fully extended.

Zuko sneered, lightning crackling at his fingertips. "Stop? You're nothing, Cater. A hybrid doesn't scare me. I'll rip you apart, prophecy or not."

He hurled a bolt of electricity at Cater, who moved with inhuman speed, dodging it effortlessly. Cater lunged forward, swinging his sword, but Zuko vanished in a blur, reappearing behind him. Before Cater could react, Zuko struck, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Cater gritted his teeth and pushed himself up, his breathing heavy. His glowing eyes faded back to their normal hue as he glared at Zuko.

"You can't win," Zuko taunted, smirking as he stepped closer. "Even with your little hybrid tricks, you're no match for me. You don't have the strength or power to stop me." He paused, extending his hand mockingly. "One last chance, Cater. Join me. Together, we can crush the humans and rule over them. No more hiding, no more pretending."

Cater bent down, picking up his sword. He looked up at Zuko, his eyes shifting from normal to a blood-red hue, the anger in his voice barely restrained.

"Never."

Before Zuko could react, Cater moved, his speed blinding. In an instant, he struck Zuko from behind, sending him crashing to the ground. Zuko barely had time to rise before Cater delivered another blow, this time slamming him into the wall.

Cater strode forward, grabbing Zuko by the neck and lifting him off the ground. Their faces were inches apart, and Cater's voice was low and dangerous.

"You had your chance, Zuko. Now it's over."

Cater's fangs extended, and he sank them into Zuko's neck. Zuko screamed, his body convulsing violently before disintegrating into ash.

Cater stumbled back, breathing heavily as he stared at his trembling hands. For a moment, he felt the dark pull of his demon side trying to take over, and the realization sent a chill through him.

"No," he whispered to himself. "I won't let it happen."

"Cater!"

He turned to see Jane running toward him, her eyes wide with concern.

"You're okay!" she said, relief evident in her voice.

Cater nodded, opening his mouth to reply, but before he could say a word, the world around him faded, and he collapsed to the ground.

---

Cater felt someone tapping his shoulder, soft at first, then harder. He jolted awake, gasping as he sat up in his bed.

"Cater, it's nine in the morning. Are you going to get up and draw my bath, or should I do it myself?"

Cater blinked, rubbing his eyes as he looked up to see Prince Alric standing in the doorway, arms crossed, smirking at him.

He glanced out the window, noticing the bright sunlight streaming in. "Sorry, sir," Cater said, standing and stretching with a playful grin. "I think I drank too much at the party last night."

"Party?" Alric tilted his head. "Funny, I don't remember it at all."

Cater laughed but offered no reply as he grabbed a towel and stepped out of the room.

As he made his way to the bathhouse, he felt a hand on his arm. He turned to see Jane, her face a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

"You're awake," she said with a smirk.

Cater smiled faintly, rubbing the back of his neck. "What happened? Did I pass out last night?"

Jane nodded, chuckling. "You did. Don't worry, though. I covered for you." She gave him a wink before walking off.

Shaking his head, Cater continued toward Alric's chambers. When he opened the door, he froze in his tracks.

A woman was standing inside, her back to him. She turned slowly, her eyes sharp and her posture commanding.

"And who might you be?" she asked, her voice smooth but edged with disdain.

"I'm Cater, Prince Alric's servant," he replied cautiously.

She chuckled, walking to the bed and sitting down gracefully. "Well, Cater, be a dear and fetch your prince. Tell him his beloved bride has arrived."

Cater blinked, the words catching him off guard. "Bride?"

The woman smiled faintly, her tone dripping with condescension. "I am Princess Ava of the Earth Kingdom. I will soon marry Prince Alric, and when he becomes king, I'll be his queen. Which means, Cater, that you'll serve me as well. Now, fetch him."

Before Cater could respond, Alric walked in, his eyes lighting up as he saw her.

"Princess Ava," he said warmly, striding toward her and pulling her into a brief hug. "I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow. Why are you here so early?"

Ava smiled sweetly, sitting back on the bed. "I couldn't wait to see my future husband." Her gaze flicked to Cater, and her nose wrinkled slightly. "By the way, your servant smells terrible. Perhaps you should give him the bath he promised you."

Cater's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Self-consciously, he sniffed at his shirt.

Alric laughed lightly, shooting Cater a look of apology. "Cater's one of the best servants I've ever had, Ava. Trust me, if he smelled, I'd be the first to notice. Why don't you go to the royal chamber? My father will be thrilled to see you."

Cater caught the subtle nod Alric gave him and immediately stepped forward. "My princess, please allow me to escort you to see the king."

Ava's smile faltered slightly, but she stood and followed Cater out of the room. As they walked, she suddenly stopped, turning to face him.

"You're not just an ordinary servant, are you?"

Cater stiffened, caught off guard by the question. "I'm sorry, my lady. I don't know what you mean."

Ava studied him for a long moment, a faint smirk playing at her lips. "Interesting," she murmured before continuing to walk ahead.

Cater watched her carefully as they made their way to the royal chamber, unaware of the flicker of yellow in her eyes before they returned to their normal color.