Chapter 9

As I wander the vast area of greenery, I don't see any of the men. Did they travel deeper into the forest? It feels good to inhale the oxygen and feel the breeze amidst the trees. I haven't been anywhere other than the Hatter mansion and downtown so this is a treat.

Leaning against a tree, I sit down and close my eyes and relax. This seems to be a safe area. Just as I think that, I hear the heavy footsteps of a horse and hurriedly, stand up and climb up the tree. Fortunately, I learnt how to climb trees when I was younger in my previous life. I never knew I would need it now.

I hold my breath as I watch the familiar man glance around and listen carefully for any sounds of prey. His dark hair is like a nightmare I can't escape. If only I could shoot him down from here, I wouldn't have to worry so much about him killing me.

A rustling sound near the trees on the other side of him alerts me and I gasp as I see the arrow head towards him. Without thinking, I jump down from the tree and run over to him.

"Watch out!" I shout loudly and close my eyes as I stand in front of him, the arrow heading towards me.

The impact I expected never comes and as I slowly open my eyes, I breathe in relief when I don't see the arrow. Where did it disappear? As I walk forward, something crunches under my foot and my eyes widen. How did the arrow burn into a crisp?

Glancing behind me, I see Laurent Bunter, still sitting on his horse as he stares at me. I groan. What is this irony? Didn't I want to shoot him down too, so why did I protect him just now? My body moved on its own. Could that be Beatrice's instinct?

"H–How did you do that?" He says quietly as his chocolate brown eyes stare into me.

"What?" I ask in confusion.

"You burnt the arrow without touching it." Laurent says.

"What? I did that?" I ask in astonishment. A little hope sparks inside me. Could it be magic?

"Come up." He says, holding out his hand to me.

Uncertainly, I take it and slowly lift my leg. As Laurent pulls on my hand, I suddenly feel a sharp pain in my shoulder and fall down onto the ground.

"Ow." I wince as I touch my shoulder. Someone hit me with an arrow. Of course Beatrice would have enemies but to think they would attack whilst on the royal family's hunting grounds.

Why is there a strange expression on Laurent's face? Is he happy to see Beatrice get what she deserves?

I groan in pain as I lie on the ground. There's no way I can move with this arrow stuck inside my shoulder. I need to somehow pull it out. There must be another way. Didn't Laurent say I somehow burnt the first arrow? Would it work with this one too or would my body burn as well?

As I sweat profusely, I realise I don't have a choice at this point. I will either bleed to death or wait for death here. Closing my eyes, I try to concentrate on thinking about anything which could get the magic out again. I have read a few magic books in the Hatter mansion library so if I can recall how they mention the magic flows out, I might be able to burn the arrow.

I can't remember how I did it the first time. As I think over it, I hear Laurent's panicked voice. "Beatrice, can you hear me? Are you still conscious?"

Is this man really in the Royal Army?

I don't know how long I sit there in pain as I try to figure it out but the sky turns dark when I finally feel a warm sensation on my skin. The arrow successfully dissolves and I glance around in the darkness. I knew Laurent Bunter would leave me to die alone.

Shivering and bleeding, I stand up weakly and stumble across the forest. Has the hunt ended yet? I can't see clearly in the dark. All of a sudden, the rain starts falling. I laugh, I predicted it correctly to Francis.

I press onto my shoulder wound with my other hand and walk on. I need to find my way back to the palace or I will probably end up as a corpse for them to find in the morning.

Leaning against a tree, I slide down. It's best to wait it out until the rain stops. I have no idea which direction will lead me out of here. My cloak is now completely soaked through and I shiver as the cold seeps into me. I am only wearing a thin dress under the cloak. With my hand, I rub my arm and try to keep my body warm but it's useless. The rain is heavy. If I had control of my fire magic, I would be able to keep myself warm.

I find myself covered in something which feels suspiciously like fur. Glancing around in the dark, I can't see anyone around. My wound has been washed by the rain but it still hurts.

"You're finally awake." A voice says suddenly from behind the tree.

"Who is it?" I ask, craning my neck. "Show yourself!" I say loudly when I receive no response.

"Calm down Beatrice, it's only me."

As he holds out a candle in front of his face, fear runs through me. He won't give up this opportunity to end my life. Why did he return? As the many scenarios of various tortures and endings play inside my mind, he watches me silently before walking closer to where I am sat.

Forcing my numb legs to stand up, I back away from him. There is no one else here to stop him. I shake my head. Scarlet Mayer isn't a weak puppet. I won't just sit by and wait for him to kill me.

"Stay away from me." I say angrily. I won't hesitate to attack him.

"What are you so scared of?" He asks as he steps closer.

"I–I'm not scared." I say, staring straight into his eyes.

"It's a good thing we're here alone." He says quietly with a smirk.

"I am warning you." I say coldly, "Stay away."

"Oh? What will you do?" He asks mockingly. He has a weapon with him for the hunt but I have nothing to protect myself with besides my fists and I am wounded too. He clearly has an advantage in this situation. I already regret saving him earlier.

"What are you doing?!" I shout loudly as he abruptly pulls out a dagger and throws it towards me. I dodge and luckily don't get hit but I am certain now that he has come to kill me. Is this the place where I die? It came too soon. I didn't even get the chance to open my bakery.

Before I can attack him, he swiftly pulls me against him. Confused at his action, I stare at him speechlessly. His eyes are focused ahead where I was previously standing and my eyes widen when I see the dead serpent.

"You're lucky it didn't bite you." He says quietly, still holding me. My face heats up at how my thoughts were all about him killing me when he actually saved me just now by throwing the dagger. No, that's wrong. He could have just told me to move before he threw it. Did he intentionally try to frighten me?

"You wanted to hurt me too." I say with a glare. Roughly, I push against his chest but he doesn't move. "Let go of me."

"Didn't you always wish to be in my arms like this?" He says, not moving his arm.

With all my strength, I punch him, causing him to stagger back. "You're a disgusting pervert." I say as I walk away from him. "How did you manage to fall head over heels for him Beatrice?" I mutter, shaking my head.

The rain has finally stopped but the ground below my boots is wet. As long as I stay away from that jerk, I'll be fine. He seems to be more dangerous than the wild animals.