Chapter 21

That very day, Amelia worked dutifully.

It was an immensely dull day.

She’d listened to all of Madame Collins instructions without any rebuke. The day had started on a bad note; a rumor had travelled the land on an alleged death of the king.

The country was in uproar—everyone was murmuring, they were whispering, and there was Amelia…

Slowly, she tacked the dress given to her, and Meredith and Sophia stared at her agape.

“You’re acting awfully strange,” Sophia highlighted for the fourth time that day, but Amelia carried on with her duty like a zombie.

“Know it all Amelia can be awfully annoying, but I sure do miss her!” Meredith exclaimed.

Amelia wished could tell her friends everything, but it was going to sound ridiculous, and maybe…unbelievable.

“You’ve decided to turn deaf ears,” Sophia said dejectedly, and Amelia raised her head. She recognized that emergency tone, “my parents found out about Henry,” she sighed. “I was expecting a battle with them, a chance to fight for my love, but you know what I got? An engagement with an alpha.”

Amelia widened her eyes. Once Sophia weds, they’d barely be able to meet again. “Asides from the shop, I’m locked up in my room, I’m not allowed to step out,” she said gloomily, “and I am to wed after the hunt.”

Amelia clenched her jaw. The hunt was practically in three days, and there was no way to save her friend.

Or what if there was…

She shut her mind from the silly idea that was springing.

“I’m so sorry,” Amelia heard herself say, clamping her hand on her shoulder.

“Surely, you must have an idea on how I can escape this gruesome fate.” Her eyes glittered as she waited for a response.

A drop of tear welled down her eye, “I’m sorry, my friend,” her very own words stinging her heart.

“I knew it was a forbidden love,” Sophia said, wiping her tears. Her words had reminded Amelia of her own fate. Her love for the human was equally impossible.

“What’s this rumor about the king’s death…” Sophia changed the topic, tilting her head in Meredith’s direction, “is it true?”

Meredith shook her head, “I do not know,”

“It has been strange, hasn’t it?” Sophia began, “the King hasn’t shown much of his face—”

“Like you said, Sophia,” Amelia cut her off, “it is just a rumor.”

Meredith cocked her head, “you would know, since you’re the prince’s favorite,” she chuckled, and Amelia twisted her mouth.

“It’s not funny,” she grimaced, and Meredith raised a brow.”

“What’s gotten into you, Mel? Why so heavy-hearted?” She questioned with irritation, and Amelia lowered her head. The issue with Lake was affecting her more than she imagined.

She couldn’t help but overthink, was she ever going to see her again?

Did he think she was a monster?

She heaved a frustrated sigh, and Sophia glanced at her closely, “my goodness, I know that look, you had a fight with the prince!” She said hypothetically, and Amelia gazed at her blandly. She was rather moody that day; it was better to play along. Plus, she could use a friend.

“He found out I lied to him,” she opened up, and her friends gazed at her intently; it was the first time she’d come clean to them in a while…well, kind of.

“Then what are you still doing here?” Sophia questioned, not really intending for an answer,” stand out and go meet your man!” She bellowed.

Sophia could be overly dramatic at times, but it was the reason she loved her so much.

Amelia rose up, her eyes glittering. Maybe Lake would listen to her. She gazed at her two friends, and flashed a smile, “and Madame Collins?” Amelia questioned, not that she cared, but her friends could be blamed.

“We’ll take care of her,” Meredith replied, “it’s a relief Beth isn’t here.”

Immediately, Amelia bolted through the door, and then…she paused, twirling around.

She wasn’t the only one that needed to be happy; Sophia deserved it, even more than she did.

“Sophia, come over here,” she whispered and gestured, watching as she limped to her side.

“I might know a way to help you and Henry,” she revealed. “I’ll visit you tomorrow, and we’ll discuss properly.”

Sophia’s face brightened up, and she whispered a thank you as she watched her friend zoom off.

***

Night in the human world wasn’t as different as she’d thought it’d be. Amelia scratched the back of her head, murmuring and whispering. It had been day in her country, how could she have forgotten it would be night in the human country. Although she’d been yearning to witness the human country in its dark state, but not in her miserable condition.

The city was more beautiful at night, the streetlights glittering the area. She strode on the desolate street with different thoughts clouding her mind.

Was she going crazy? She’d attempted a lot of stupid things in her lifetime, but this particular one stood out. She was visiting someone who probably wanted nothing to do with her, and most likely frightened of her.

She tightened her eyes as she arrived at the Lakes’ residence. It was going to be foolish of her to ring the doorbell so late at night.

She then decided to use the traditional method, the same method she was accustomed to using in her home.

Luckily for her, Lake’s room wasn’t so difficult to find, she climbed through the edge of the house, passing through the window. She landed on the wooden floor, and tip-toed to his bed. The room was extremely dark, preventing her from capturing his face.

For a moment, she gazed at him in his unconscious state, her heart racing, and her hands shaking.

Was he ever going to look at her? Left alone…forgive her.

She brushed his hair backwards, and suddenly felt his grip on her hand.

“Amelia…” he whispered in his sleep.

She didn’t realize her eyes were already wet with tears.

Carefully, she tried to release her hand from his grip, but he tightened it.

Panic.

He was waking up.

Her eyes widened, and her heart beat increased.

Instantly, she freed herself, and flew out through the open window. When she limped out of the lawn, she heard her name, but she was too frightened to go back, and she’d turn into a bolt of shadow.

It was the craziest thing she’d ever done.