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Mila's POV

What just happened? Did Adrian just say someone was killed in the forest last night? No. It couldn't possibly be me. The last time I transformed, I didn't hurt anyone. How could I have killed someone just like that? Yes, I felt angry after seeing him with that lady, but that wasn't enough for me to kill someone. Something isn't right. I strongly believe it wasn't me. Something tells me it wasn't me.

But what if it's me? What if I killed that girl? I didn't recall what had transpired in the forest, so I wasn't so cute about my innocence. My intuition told me I wasn't the one, but common sense was pointing it out to me. What should I do?

I walked out of the garden and into the courtyard. I could see a frightened-looking girl being led by a group of maids. Was she the sister? I hastily walked up to them but not too close.

"You'll be fine, okay?" I heard one of the maids assure her.

The girl shook her head in acceptance and walked on.

I must have been lost in my thoughts as I felt a hand on my shoulders. I jolted in fright and snapped my head. Max stared at me intently as if trying to read something from my actions.

"Max. You scared me," I panted.

"I did?" he asked, still giving me that look.

"Don't do that again," I warned, trying to keep my voice as cool as possible, even though many thoughts ran through my head all at once.

"What are you doing here? You seem to have taken interest in that," he said, gesturing to the girl who was almost out of sight.

"Yeah. She looked frightened. I was just wondering why she had to be escorted by so many maids," I asked.

"Her sister was killed," he said curtly.

I already knew that. But if Max notices that I already know, he might get suspicious.

"Oh, my goodness. How did that happen?" I feigned ignorance.

"They had gone into the forest for who knows what. According to her, they got attacked and her sister got killed by a monster. She escaped," Max shrugged his shoulders as he spoke.

"That's tragic," I gasped.

"I would advise you not to go into the forest till the monster is found," he warned.

"I haven't gone to the forest before," I defended

"I am just trying to teach you about the forest. We don't know who the monster is. From the way she described it, it wasn't a werewolf like us. It was something much more drastic," he explained.

"How was it?" I asked, trying to see reasons why it shouldn't be me.

"According to her, it was a creature with wings and horns. It also had fangs and long nails," he explained.

I felt a bile up my throat. Why does that sound like me?

"And no one has a clue who this might be?" I asked.

"Yes. It could be anyone. So be careful," he said and turned around.

"I will," I stated and watched him leave.

What was this unsettling feeling I had within my chest?

I sighed and walked over to the palace gates. I hadn't been outside the palace before and would love to see what this pack looks like. I wasn't too enthusiastic about it since my mood had already been ruined but I would give it a shot. I bet it would be more fun going around this kingdom than staying in this gloomy palace. I would be back before midnight.

I walked for quite a distance. I had forgotten how big the palace was, and I couldn't possibly ask Adrian for a ride. Besides, I was still feeling upset about what I saw in his office even though I didn't want to admit it. Now, I don't know what I should be feeling anymore. Adrian had decided not to lock me up and that was a relief. I felt a sense of gratitude but at the same time, despised him.

After about twenty minutes, I saw the big gate. I walked toward the gate and froze in anger when a smiling face waved toward me. It was my least favorite person and it would have been much better if I hadn't bumped into her here.

"Hey," Felicia said and walked toward me. She had that smile plastered all over her face. It was obvious she was faking it.

"Hey. Fancy meeting you here," I replied sarcastically

She rolled her eyes and ignited my remark with a smiling face.

"Have the palace been boring without me?" she asked

"You've only been gone for a day,'' I corrected her.

"A good way to ruin the day," she replied, pouting her lips.

"Now, if you'll excuse me," I said and tried to walk away.

"Where are you heading to?" she asked

"It would be none of your business," I snapped

"No need to be so snappy. It's not safe to go out there," she stated.

I stared at her, trying to look for a flaw that would disclose her lying.

"What do you mean?" I asked

"Nothing much. I mean, the people don't like you. I mean, you tried to poison one of their nobles. I mean, that's what they believe," she snickered

"You and I know who's responsible for that," I flared up.

"But do the people know? No need to be so angry. I can help you," she said

"Help me?" I questioned

"I could go with you and maybe show you around the kingdom. That way, people would know you're with me and it would boost your power rank," she offered

"Why would you do something like that for me?" I asked. It was unlike Felicia to do something nice for me at this point because she thought I stole her man. I just couldn't trust her.

Someone who had framed me, suddenly acting all nice to me! Something was wrong.

"Here's what you need to do for me," she smiled.