How did you get in?

After dinner, I slept like a baby and didn't even hear from Gerard. Not that I wanted to see him though.

In the middle of the night, I heard the howling sounds of wolves and this freaked me out and made me wake up from my beauty sleep.

I wasn't always scared of wolves but hearing that sound in the dark was a different thing. Just like every other person, I had fears as well and I was very terrified of the dark and to crown it all up, the sound of thunder was enough to make me faint.

I tossed and turned in the room waiting for these sounds to stop so that I could sleep but it didn't stop.

I was completely covered from head to toe with my blanket and could hear myself saying the rosary which I only remember when I'm terrified.

Suddenly, my windows opened and the wind rushed in like it had been waiting for the window to open.

Quickly, I stood up and rushed to close the window but something caught my attention.

It was him, the monster back at Salem. It was just as the villagers explained him to be. His horrendous look, walking on two legs and sometimes running on four... And so many more.

Suddenly, it turned and looked at the place where I stood. I was terrified and ran back to my bed forgetting to lock the window. This was like watching a horror movie at night.

I covered my head with the blanket but I could hear the sound of something on the wall.

Remembering that I trained a few hours ago, I reached for the dagger by my waist but damn... It wasn't there. I had changed into these pyjamas and forgotten.

The sound got louder and louder until I heard someone jump into my room through the window. I had already thought about the best way to take him down. My martial art skill might not be as good as my marksmanship but it was still very effective.

I inhaled and exhaled slowly to focus but after the person or thing jumped in, I didn't hear any other footstep so I guessed it was surveying the environment since it wasn't moving.

My heart was beating erratically but I tried to keep calm. Then, I heard my name.

"Why are you still awake Ayla?" when I heard Gerard's voice, I peeked from the blanket and saw that it was truly Gerard.

I sighed and quickly got out of bed and ran towards the window. "Did you see it? I just saw the monster...the monster that was frequently talked about in Salem. I just saw him. He was standing outside and I think he saw me as well."

Gerard said nothing and just looked at me like I was losing my mind.

"You... Saw a monster..." he raised his brow and asked to get confirmation.

I nodded again and pointed at the spot where the monster was standing a few seconds ago.

"He was standing there and I ran to take my blanket because he was so terrifying." I completed my sentence when I realized that that monster was the one I was supposed to be married to the thought of it gave me goosebumps.

Did he come here because of me? Did he come here to take me by force? What if Gerard gets injured? What if he has come for Gerard because Gerard took me away? Oh no, Gerard is in trouble.

'Wait, why is it only Gerard I'm thinking about?' I thought to myself but shook my head and pushed it to the back of my mind.

'He... He was the one from Salem. What if he came to get me? That means this whole mansion would be torn down and people will die. You need to run... quick, hide. Run...'

I pushed Gerard trying to find a safe place for him to stay but unfortunately, there was no place to hide.

I was frustrated and scared. But then, I thought about something and turned to look at Gerard sceptically.

Gerard had his brow furrowed and his eyes dark. His hand which I held until dropped as I let go.

"How did you get in?"

I remembered locking the door so something doesn't add up.