chapter 11

Sierra pov...

I woke up drenched in sweat, my heart pounding in my chest. It took a moment for me to realize it was just a nightmare. Blinking my eyes open, I found myself in a place I didn't recognize.

Instinctively, I placed my hands over my chest, trying to calm the racing of my heart. I closed my eyes for a second, trying to piece together what had happened.

His face flashed in my mind, and fear washed over me. The sound of approaching footsteps sent my heart racing again.

"Has he found me?" I thought, panic tightening its grip on me.

But when the door opened, it wasn't him. Instead, a man entered, holding a glass of water, walking towards me.

I should have felt relief, but the fear was still etched deep inside me. I shrank back, not wanting anyone to come too close.

"Where am I?" I asked, my voice shaking, my whole body trembling with fear.

The man stepped closer, his expression soft with concern. I backed away again, unsure of who he was or what he wanted.

"It's alright. I'm just here to help. I found you outside my house and brought you in to make sure you were okay."

I stared at him, then glanced around, realizing I was no longer in the place I feared. I pressed a hand to my chest, trying to steady my breathing. I looked up at him again and saw that he was still holding the glass of water.

I slowly stood up, extending my shaky hand for the water. He smiled gently and handed it over.

I drank it quickly, feeling the coolness soothe my dry throat. After finishing, I handed the glass back, muttering a quiet, "Thank you."

I glanced around, taking in the room before turning my gaze back to him.

"Is this where you live?" I asked, needing to confirm. He nodded, and I gave a small nod in return, studying him carefully.

Before I could say anything more, loud voices echoed from outside. Curious and a bit alarmed, I moved to the window and opened it. I was met with a chaotic scene—people arguing in the street. My heart jumped, and I slammed the window shut. Fear gripped me again. Was I still in the village? Would they send me back?

I turned to the man who had helped me and walked towards him. He looked at me, confusion clear on his face.

"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Without a second thought, I dropped to my knees before him, desperate. "Please, may I stay here for a few days? I promise I'll leave as soon as I can find somewhere to go."

He stared at me for a long moment, then set the cup down on the table, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You seem better now. Why don't you go back to your family? They must be worried sick about you."

As he moved towards the door, I jumped up, rushing to close it, my fear bubbling up again. "Please, if I go back, they'll send me to him. I can't return. I beg you."

Silence stretched between us before he finally turned to look at me. He walked closer, and our eyes met.

"Are you… the beast's bride?"

Hearing the words, I quickly covered his mouth, terrified that someone else might hear. "Please, don't say that! If I go back, he'll kill me. He's a monster—there's nothing human left in him. I'm begging you, help me. I can't go back."

He studied me, his expression clouded with sadness. After what felt like an eternity, he spoke, his voice low. "Last night, five people died. We all heard that the beast's bride had run away, but no one thought you'd make it here. You've been chosen as the bride, so maybe it's best you fulfill your fate."

He reached out to take my hand, ready to drag me outside, but I pulled away, dropping to my knees again.

"As a woman, I will soon become a mother. Would you send your own sister to be the beast's bride?" My voice cracked with desperation.

He stared down at me, pacing the room in frustration. "The villagers are searching every house for you. What do you expect me to do? I'm just a poor farmer's son. I can't even feed myself properly, let alone help you."

His words hit hard, leaving me speechless. Returning to the beast would be a death sentence. But I had dreams I couldn't let go of.

Tears filled my eyes as I met his gaze. "You don't understand what it's like to have your life controlled like this. Ever since I passed through those gates, I've lived in fear. Please, I won't be a burden. Let me stay as a servant. I'll do whatever you need—chores, anything. Just don't send me back."

Before he could respond, a loud knock interrupted us. We both froze, hearts pounding.

"Open up! We're here to search your home!" The voices of the villagers echoed through the door.

My breath caught in my throat. I turned to him, silently begging with my eyes.