Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

Chapter 5

Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

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"You what?" Jane's voice echoed through the small alleyway, drawing the attention of several passersby. She immediately grabbed Cater's arm, pulling him into a secluded corner and lowering her voice to a sharp whisper.

"You love Alric? What is wrong with you? Do you have any idea what will happen if your father finds out that you've fallen for a human?"

Cater sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair before slumping against the stone wall behind him. "I don't know, Jane," he admitted quietly. "I just… I don't know. I can't get him out of my head. Whenever I think of him, I feel calm. It's like… my demon doesn't need to take over."

Jane stared at him for a long moment, then sighed as she sat down beside him, resting her elbows on her knees. "Cater," she began softly, "you need to understand something. Humans are different from us. You came here for one reason, and I came here to make sure you're safe. Don't let your feelings derail your mission."

Her voice hardened. "You're not just a servant boy. You're the son of the Demon King. If King Authur or Alric ever finds out, they'll hate you forever."

The weight of her words hung heavily in the air. Neither of them spoke until a voice suddenly interrupted their thoughts.

"Cater?"

They both looked up to see Alric and Ava standing nearby, staring at them with confused expressions.

"What are you doing here?" Alric asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Cater quickly stood, forcing a smile. "I came to check on how your walk with Princess Ava was going," he said, his tone light but slightly nervous.

"And you?" Alric asked, his attention shifting to Jane.

Jane stood as well, brushing dust off her dress. "Oh, me? I was just on my way to get breakfast when I bumped into Cater. Excuse me, Your Highness."

With that, she quickly walked away, leaving Cater standing alone with Alric and Ava.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I'll leave now," Cater said, bowing slightly and turning to go.

Before he could leave, Alric grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Cater, don't you remember? We have training with the knights before the wedding takes place."

Cater blinked in confusion but quickly caught on as he noticed the pleading look in Alric's eyes. "Oh, yes, Prince Alric. That's why I came—to remind you."

Alric turned to Ava with a polite smile. "I'm sorry, but I have to go."

Ava smiled sweetly, though her gaze lingered on Cater for a moment before returning to Alric. "Of course, love. I'll head back to the castle and get ready for tonight."

Cater watched as Ava walked away, her steps graceful but calculated. She glanced back at him briefly before continuing on.

Once she was gone, Alric let out a sigh of relief and chuckled, placing a hand on Cater's shoulder. "It's a good thing you came when you did. She's really… something else."

The two laughed lightly before heading off together.

---

The sun was setting by the time Cater finished helping with the wedding preparations. The castle was bustling with activity as servants hurried to ensure everything was perfect.

As he turned a corner in the hallway, Cater nearly bumped into Ava. He stepped back quickly, his expression guarded.

"Princess Ava," he said, bowing slightly. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the reception?"

Ava smiled, stepping closer. Her gaze seemed to pierce through him as she began to circle him slowly.

"Why so formal, Cater?" she asked, her tone light but laced with something darker.

Cater frowned, shifting uncomfortably. "Is everything all right, my lady?"

Ava stopped in front of him, her smile widening. "Hello, son of the Dark Lord."

Cater froze, his blood running cold. "I… I don't know what you're talking about. You should go," he said firmly, stepping past her.

But Ava's voice stopped him in his tracks. "You really think you're clever, don't you, Cater? Did you honestly believe I wouldn't notice you and that nosy friend of yours spying on me in the market this morning? I heard everything."

Cater turned back to her, his eyes narrowing. "Who are you?"

Ava chuckled, placing a hand on his shoulder. Her touch was ice-cold, and Cater felt a shiver run down his spine.

"It's funny," she said softly, almost mockingly. "You don't remember me, do you? I was wondering how long it would take for you to figure it out."

Her words sent a chill through Cater, but he kept his composure. "Who are you?" he repeated, his voice lower, more dangerous now.

Ava stepped back slightly, resting against the wall with a small smile. "What do you think your father will do when he finds out you've fallen for a human, Cater? Not just any human, but the enemy of all our kind. You're not like him, are you? So weak. So… different. No wonder he never let you near him."

At her words, Cater's eyes turned blood-red, and his sword materialized in his hands. He pointed it at her, his voice cold. "How do you know all this? Who are you?"

Ava turned her back to him, her laughter echoing through the hallway. "Do you really want to know who I am, Cater?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder. "Do you really think you can stop me? I have one goal, and I will achieve it—destroying the real monster. You won't stand in my way, will you?"

Cater's grip on his sword tightened as he glared at her. But the next words out of her mouth sent his weapon clattering to the floor.

"It's been a long time… nephew."

Cater's breath hitched as he stared at her, his face pale with shock. "Aunt… You're alive?"

Ava's smile widened as she stepped closer. "Of course. And I've been waiting a long time for this moment."