Bloodlines Unveiled

Chapter 5

 Bloodlines Unveiled

✴⋆⋄⋆✴

"You what?"

Jane's voice cut through the Market, loud enough to draw glances from a few curious passersby. Realizing her mistake, she grabbed Cater's arm and yanked him into a shadowed corner. Her voice dropped to a sharp whisper, though it was no less intense.

"You love Alric? Are you out of your mind? Do you have any idea what will happen if your father finds out you've fallen for a human?"

Cater leaned back against the cold stone wall, a heavy sigh escaping him. He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "I don't know, Jane," he admitted, his voice low and defeated. "I just… I don't know how to stop it. When I'm around him, it's like everything makes sense. I feel calm, like I don't have to fight my demon side."

Jane stared at him, her expression caught between concern and exasperation. After a moment, she sighed and sank to the ground beside him, resting her elbows on her knees.

"Cater," she said softly, "you need to get this under control. You're not just some servant. You're the son of the Demon King. If King Arthur—or worse, Alric—ever finds out who you really are, they'll turn on you. You know they will."

Her voice hardened, each word striking like a hammer. "You came here for one reason: to complete your mission. Falling for a human was never part of the plan. Don't let your feelings ruin everything."

The weight of her words pressed down on Cater, and guilt flickered across his face. Before he could respond, a familiar voice broke the heavy silence.

"Cater?"

Both turned sharply to see Alric and Ava standing at the entrance of the alley. Alric's expression was a mixture of confusion and curiosity, while Ava's sharp gaze flicked between them, her smile thin and unreadable.

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

Cater straightened immediately, masking his unease with a practiced smile. "I came to check on how your walk with Princess Ava was going," he said lightly, though his tone carried an edge of nervousness.

"And you?" Alric's gaze shifted to Jane, who stood quickly, brushing dirt off her dress.

"Oh, me?" Jane said, forcing a laugh. "I was just on my way to get breakfast when I ran into Cater. Excuse me, Your Highness."

Without waiting for a response, she hurried past them, disappearing into the crowded marketplace.

Cater cleared his throat, bowing slightly. "I'll leave you to your walk, Your Highness."

Before he could step away, Alric reached out, catching his arm. "Cater, don't you remember? We have training with the knights before the wedding preparations begin."

Cater blinked, momentarily confused, until he caught the subtle plea in Alric's eyes. "Oh, right," he said smoothly. "That's why I came—to remind you."

Alric turned to Ava, offering her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, but I have to go."

Ava's smile didn't falter, though her gaze lingered on Cater for a moment too long. "Of course, love. I'll head back to the castle and prepare for tonight."

As Ava walked away, her every step measured and graceful, she glanced back briefly. Her sharp eyes gleamed, and Cater felt a cold unease creep over him.

The moment she was out of sight, Alric let out a breath of relief, chuckling as he placed a hand on Cater's shoulder. "It's a good thing you came when you did. She's really… something else."

Cater gave him a faint smile, but the unease Ava left behind lingered.

✴⋆⋄⋆✴

By the time the sun began to set, the castle was filled with frenzied activity. Servants rushed through the halls carrying trays of food, flowers, and decorations, all in preparation for the wedding reception.

Cater, however, wandered the quieter corridors, lost in his own thoughts. The weight of his conversation with Jane—and his growing feelings for Alric—warred within him.

Rounding a corner, he nearly collided with Princess 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 faintly, stepping closer. There was something unsettling in her gaze, something that seemed to pierce straight through him.

"Why so formal, Cater?" she asked lightly, though her tone carried a darker edge.

Cater frowned, discomfort prickling at the back of his neck. "Is everything all right, my lady?"

Ava's smile widened as she began to circle him, her footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor.

"Hello, son of the Dark Lord."

Cater froze. His blood turned to ice, and his throat went dry. He stared at her, his mind racing.

"I… I don't know what you're talking about," he said, his voice steady despite the panic surging inside him. "You should go."

But Ava's calm, mocking laughter stopped him in his tracks.

"You really think you're clever, don't you?" she said, amusement lacing her voice. "Did you honestly believe I wouldn't notice you and your nosy little friend spying on me this morning? I heard everything."

Cater turned back to face her, his expression darkening. "Who are you?"

Ava's laughter softened, her lips curving into a cold smile as she stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. Her touch was icy, sending a shiver down Cater's spine.

"It's funny," she said, her voice low and almost playful. "You don't recognize me, do you? I was wondering how long it would take for you to figure it out."

Her words sent a wave of unease through him, but he kept his composure. His eyes began to glow faintly red, his demon instincts stirring. "Who are you?" he repeated, his voice sharper now, edged with danger.

Ava leaned back against the wall, her laughter echoing eerily through the hallway. "What do you think your father will do when he finds out about your little crush on a human?" she asked, her tone mocking. "Not just any human, but the heir to the very kingdom you're supposed to destroy."

Her words struck a nerve, and Cater's anger flared. His eyes burned red, and with a flash of power, his sword materialized in his hand. He pointed the blade at her, his voice cold and steady.

"How do you know all this? Tell me who you are."

Ava turned her back to him, her laughter growing darker. "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. And you? You won't stand in my way, will you?"

Cater's grip on his sword tightened, his glare unwavering. But her next words made his blood freeze, and the weapon slipped from his fingers, clattering to the floor.

"It's been a long time… nephew."

His breath hitched as he stared at her, his mind reeling.

"Aunt… You're alive?"

Ava's smile widened as she stepped toward him, her presence radiating menace and familiarity. "Of course. And I've been waiting a long time for this moment."

✴⋆⋄⋆✴