Princess Ava

Chapter 2

Hybrid's Secret: Protecting the Crowned Enemy

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"You need to stop," Cater growled, his voice low and distorted, carrying a dangerous edge. His glowing black eyes bore into Zuko, and his fangs were fully extended.

Zuko sneered, the faint crackle of lightning sparking at his fingertips. "Stop? You really think you can threaten me? You're nothing but a mutt. A hybrid doesn't scare me, Cater. Prophecy or not, I'll rip you apart."

He raised his hand, hurling a bolt of electricity. Cater moved in a blur, dodging it with ease. The ground where Cater had been standing exploded into shards of rock, but he paid it no mind. With inhuman speed, he closed the distance between them, his sword slashing toward Zuko in a deadly arc.

But Zuko vanished before the blade could connect, reappearing behind Cater in an instant. A sharp burst of energy slammed into Cater's back, sending him sprawling onto the soaked ground.

Cater grunted, his fingers digging into the dirt as he pushed himself back to his feet. His chest heaved, rain streaming down his face. The glow in his eyes dimmed slightly as he glared at Zuko, anger simmering beneath the surface.

"You can't win," Zuko said smugly, stepping forward with the confidence of a predator. "Even with your little hybrid tricks, you're no match for me. You're out of your depth, Cater. You don't have the power to stop me." He extended his hand, his smirk widening. "This is your last chance. Join me. Together, we'll crush these pathetic humans and take what's rightfully ours. No more hiding. No more pretending to be one of them."

Cater bent down, his hand finding his sword in the mud. He straightened slowly, his movements deliberate, and met Zuko's gaze. His eyes shifted again, turning a deep, blood-red hue. When he spoke, his voice was a quiet storm.

"Never."

Before Zuko could react, Cater disappeared in a blur of speed. He struck from behind, the force of his blow driving Zuko into the ground with a deafening crash. The stone beneath Zuko shattered from the impact. Cater didn't relent. Before Zuko could regain his footing, Cater was on him again, his sword slashing downward.

Zuko raised his arm just in time, a shield of crackling energy blocking the blade. But Cater's strength was relentless, pushing Zuko backward until his body slammed into a wall with enough force to crack the stone.

Cater closed the distance, grabbing Zuko by the neck and lifting him off the ground as though he weighed nothing. Their faces were inches apart, Zuko's sneer faltering for the first time as Cater's voice dropped to a deadly whisper.

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

Cater's fangs extended, and without hesitation, he sank them into Zuko's neck. Zuko screamed, a sound filled with fury and pain, as his body convulsed violently. The energy around him sparked wildly before fading. Within moments, his form crumbled into ash, scattering into the wind.

Staggering backward, Cater released the last remnants of Zuko's ashes, his breaths ragged. His hands trembled as he stared at them, the bloodlust from his demon side threatening to take hold. For a moment, he felt the pull—dark, cold, and endless.

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

"Cater!"

The sound of Jane's voice broke through his haze. He turned to see her running toward him, her expression a mix of relief and concern.

"You're okay!" she said, her voice breathless but full of emotion.

Cater nodded, trying to force a smile, but the exhaustion was catching up to him. He opened his mouth to speak, but before a word could escape, the world around him blurred. His knees buckled, and darkness consumed him.

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Cater jolted awake, gasping as he sat up in bed. For a moment, he blinked in confusion, his heart pounding.

A hand tapped his shoulder, startling him further. "Cater, it's nine in the morning. Are you going to get up and draw my bath, or should I do it myself?"

Prince Alric stood in the doorway, his arms crossed, smirking down at Cater.

Cater blinked, rubbing the back of his neck. The sunlight streaming through the window was harsh, making him squint. "Sorry, sir," he said with a sheepish grin. "Rough night. I think I overdid it at the party."

"Party?" Alric raised an eyebrow. "I don't recall any party."

Cater chuckled, offering no explanation as he climbed out of bed. He grabbed a towel and made his way out of the room, stretching as he went.

The quiet morning was interrupted by Jane, who caught him in the hall, her expression teasing. "So, you're awake," she said, leaning casually against the wall.

Cater gave her a lopsided smile. "What happened? Did I pass out last night?"

Jane nodded, crossing her arms. "You did. Don't worry, though—I covered for you. Again." She winked and walked away before he could respond.

Shaking his head, Cater continued toward the bathhouse. His mind was still fuzzy, fragments of his fight with Zuko flashing through his thoughts.

When he arrived at Prince Alric's chambers to announce the bath was ready, he was greeted by an unfamiliar sight. A woman stood inside the room, her back to him. She turned slowly, her movements precise and regal, her piercing gaze locking onto him.

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

Cater straightened, bowing slightly. "Cater, Prince Alric's servant."

Her lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Well then, Cater, be a dear and fetch your prince. Tell him his bride has arrived."

"Bride?" The word slipped out before he could stop himself.

The woman's smile grew sharper. "Yes. Princess Ava of the Earth Kingdom. Soon to be Queen Ava. Now fetch him."

Before Cater could respond, Alric entered the room, his face lighting up as he saw her.

"Princess Ava," he said warmly, moving to embrace her. "I wasn't expecting you so soon."

"I couldn't wait to see my future husband," Ava said sweetly, though her tone held an edge. Her eyes flicked to Cater, and her nose wrinkled slightly. "Your servant smells like sweat. Perhaps you should teach him better hygiene."

Cater's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain calm, even as Alric chuckled awkwardly.

"Ava, Cater is the best servant I've ever had. Don't judge him too harshly." He turned to Cater and nodded. "Escort her to the royal chamber. My father will want to see her."

Cater stepped forward. "My princess, please follow me."

As they walked down the corridor, Ava suddenly stopped, turning to face him. "You're not just an ordinary servant, are you?"

Cater stiffened. "I'm not sure what you mean, my lady."

Ava studied him for a moment, a faint smirk curling her lips. "Interesting," she murmured, turning away and continuing ahead.

Cater watched her closely, unease prickling at the back of his mind. He didn't notice the faint flicker of yellow in her eyes before it disappeared.

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