21. Let's howl at the moon.

"Listen, dad; I don't think it's a great idea. Why don't you spend some time with Mary and Balthazar while I go for a run? You haven't met those two in ages, and I just need to clear my mind a little. Turn the car around and go back to their place, help Mary cook something nice, and I'll be back by the time when everything is ready. How does that sound?" Ally came up with an idea to get rid of her dad's sudden decision. She would rather run around and think while being alone, than go to see Deimos with her dad.

She couldn't understand how the King wasn't able to see the uncomfortable situation he was trying to put her in. For the first time in her life, Ally spoke about a boy to her dad, but he decided to react like a mad man.

"We might, as well, do that, but I don't think it's a good idea. I just arrived, and I want to spend more time with my baby girl. Is that really so bad to stay around your old man?" Eros raised an eyebrow, trying his best to pout like a child. When the Princess was younger, he always won her over with the pouty face, but the tables turned as soon as shd reached her teenage years. Not that he stopped trying to win her over, though.

"We have enough time to spend together, dad. Just this once, give me some privacy, please. I just have to think, that's all. We can't make rushed decisions if something goes a little wrong, mom will kill us both. Imagine sleeping on the couch for the rest of your life. You wouldn't want that, would you?" Ally's secret weapon had always been her mother's strict nature. She watcher how her father paled and a corner of her lip raised a little. It was, yet another victory.

"Alright, just don't tell your mother anything." Eros sighed, smiling at his daughter. He knew that Ally just played him to get whatever she wanted, but the male was partly proud. Instead of demanding something or sending her father off, the Princess gave him legitimate reasons to avoid his idea.

Ally got out of the car, waved at her dad and watched how the car lights faded. When she couldn't see it anymore, the young woman sighed, dropping down on the road. Her eyes roamed around her surroundings, soon enough realising that she didn't know where exactly she was. Going back using the same way would be stupid, Ally wanted to run through the forest. She got back on her feet and headed for the trees, installing the scent of rising mist. She loved the dark, more spooky alike forest parts, especially at nights. The Princess always tried to look for new adventures or challenges- unclaimed or unknown territories being the main target most of the time.
Ally walked around the unknown place with a smile on her lips. Her lazy walk went perfect until a scent hit her nostrils. If it was any other, pleasant kind of smell- Ally would ignore it. But she couldn't now since the Princess understood that the metallic smell of blood surrounded her. And to make matters worse- it was fresh. She hurried towards the scent, ignoring any obstacle in her way. Whatever was going on, there might be someone heavily injured or in great danger. If someone was alive around that place, Ally could try and help them.

The young woman didn't go far, running into a rock-hard chest of someone she didn't notice. Ally raised her eyes and apologised to the stranger, trying to get past him.

"It's not safe there, don't go." The male stated. His voice was incredibly low, making Ally shiver in delight. The way words left his lips newly swept the Princess off her feet.

"I know, but I have to go. If there is anyone alive but badly injured, I can help. Unfortunately, you're standing in my way, so if you don't mind- move your ass aside. Thank you." Ally tried to be as polite as ever. No matter who the stranger was, she had to show an example for everyone, even when others were not around. They're always watching, in the shadows, hidden within safe distance or just passing by. No matter where the Princess went, sooner or later, she met someone who saw her actions or observed her decisions.

"I'm the last one who survived. Everyone else there is dead, not even injured- just gone. I'm not trying to keep you away from any good deeds you want to do, only stating the facts. You can go, but don't say that I didn't warn you." The male spoke, his voice pained, full of fear. Ally couldn't understand how such an enormous male could be afraid of anything. She tilted her head to the side and raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms in front of her chest. 

"Listen, if you meant what you said, you'd move aside and let me go there. I have to check." She stood her ground, stomping foot as a toddler does.

"I did mean what I said, but I'm still trying to protect you, Princess." A wicked grin grew on his lips, making Ally roll her eyes in annoyance. Of course, he knew who she was; everyone did. It was too much to ask for Ally to meet someone who had no idea in whom she was. The aura of dominance and power radiating from her always gave it out.

"Great, now you know who am I. Of course, how could you not. If it's really that dangerous over there, at least tell me what happened before I have to use force." Ally eyed the comfortable looking rock and sat down on it seconds later. She didn't look up at the stranger, holding an eye contact made her feel weird most of the times. Especially when she did that with a person, she met for the first time.

"We were attacked by some creature. Nobody could explain what it was or why it came here, but the thing happened too fast for us to register. It came here, destroyed everything in its way, turning the peaceful town into a blood bath and left. Without saying a word." The stranger slid hands in the pockets of his pants and leaned against the nearest tree. His eyes never left Ally, nearly burning holes in her skin. That was one of the most intense stares the Princess had ever felt.

"Weird. Things don't happen without reason, especially this type of stuff. It does sound kinds crazy, one person appearing out of nowhere and slaying the whole town, don't you think?" Ally tried her best to think of whatever she knew about a particular area. It would be easier if the young woman would have any idea about where exactly she was.

"Mind if I sit down?" The male asked and sat down without waiting for Ally to answer. He was too close for her liking, but the young woman didn't care as much. She tried to understand what was happening and if the stranger didn't lie.

"How did you got out of there alive then? If everyone else died, how did you end up like the only survivor?" She suddenly asked, humming to herself.

The stranger sat in silence; it seemed as if he wasn't thinking of replying to any questions anytime soon. He started at a distance, hypnotised by nothing and everything hidden in the dark.
Ally didn't feel like talking either, despite thoughts rushing through her mind, she was partly happy to have someone around her. Some of her ideas travelled back to Deimos; some were stuck the mysterious attack in the nearest town. The Princess knew that too many things landed on her shoulders, yet she gladly took another, if it helped someone. And it did, it helped her, at least. The less she thought about Deimos and his doings, the easier her life became.

"You're prettier than I expected. Don't get me wrong; I've heard a lot of things about you, same as other shifters did. I've seen some of the older photos from the Royal family, but there was none with you for the last couple of years. Makes me wonder why. Is there a particular reason why you're hiding from the eye of society, or you just try to keep a low profile?" The male questioned Ally, genuinely interested in what her answer might be.

"So, the life you have known so far was destroyed just a little while ago, and instead of trying to figure something out, you decide to question me about media and photos? Have you lost a screw?" Ally busted out in laughed, holding onto her stomach. The situation became weirder with each minute passing, making the Princess wonder would her life become even stranger than it already was.

"I like your laugh. Aside from that- yes. I'm trying to keep my mind off from the things which just happened. Don't want to think about it right now, pretty sure anyone in my situation would do the same. Even you would. So, about those photos?" The male chuckled.

Deep inside, Ally felt curious about how he looked. When she bumped into him, the young woman couldn't get a proper glimpse at him, but his voice was somewhat pleasant. If so many deaths didn't surround the situation, she would stare at him and memorise the smallest details.

"Well, I'm not very happy about putting my life onto the display, as they say. I might be the Kings daughter, but I am more than just the Princess. I am me, a living shifter with thoughts, emotions, dreams and goals. I can appear on public events; I can easily interact with people, but I don't like to see my face all over the news. There must be some privacy, no matter how high or low they stand. Sometimes I envy those who live their lives without cameras flashing in their faces. Me, being here for such a long time, has been the best secret held. If someone would tell even one person from the press that I'm here- tomorrow the territory would be flooded with cars full of camera crews. Is this answer good enough or do you need to clarify any other details?" Ally smiled to herself, looking down at her feet. She wasn't sure why she wanted to share that part of the information with a complete stranger, but it did make her feel better. As if a rock had called off her chest.

"I get it, can be challenging at times. I assume, not that I'd know, " the male scratched the back of his neck and chuckled. Ally felt like he said a bit too much and instantly tried to cover himself. Instead of questioning his words, the Princess dropped the topic. She should move soon; her father would be worried if she didn't get back home in time.

"Listen, I have to go. If there's anything I can help you with, just tell me. My family is waiting for me to return for dinner if you want- you can come with me, and we will find you a new pack or place to live in. You've been through a lot tonight." Ally stood up as soon as the last word left her lips. The young woman didn't expect to get dizzy and fall back almost immediately.

She gasped when strong arms wrapped around her, saving the young woman from an awkward fall. She finally looked at the strangers face, her jaw dropped. Even though he was grinning like a Cheshire cat, it suited him. The dimples in his cheeks made him look kind and friendly. Sharp jawline and defined cheekbones added a masculine structure to his face. Went their eyes met, Ally couldn't look elsewhere. One of his eyes was dark hazel- a strange mix of unnoticeable colurs, unique. The Princess had met a lot of people with hazel eyes, but none reminded this one. The other one was bright green, reminding her of the color of grass shining in the sunlight. The male has slightly curly, yet short dark hair. Whoever he was, the Princess was sure- he never lacked any attention from the opposite sex, not with looks like these.

"There's no rush if you try to run, you might hurt yourself. And we don't want that, do we? As for your offer, I appreciate the kindness, but I'll have to refuse. This is my home; I'll build it up again, doesn't matter alone or someone to help with. I would love to spend a little more time with the Princess if she doesn't mind, though. This might be my first and last opportunity to sit so close to a real Royalty." He didn't let go of her, if anything, his hold only tightened around her delicate form.

"And if I do stay for a little more? What shall we do? Sit down and question each other as if this was our first date?" Ally giggled, still staring in the eyes of a male who was covered in blood. She didn't think much, nor she tried to notice any cuts on his skin. The male's touch was warm and comforting, making the Princess forget about any drama she cried over. For some odd reason, any thought about Deimos left her mind when the stranger held her.

"Let's howl at the moon." He suggested, looking up at the sky. The slightly red full moon still shined brightly upon them, illuminating the forest.

"You know what? Let's do it!"

*"Ally, don't do this, do.."* Seraphima tried to warn her human side, noticing how carried away and truly excited Ally was without reason. But the Princes wouldn't listen, she blocked her beast and looked up at the sky, howling louder than ever. She let out everything - pain, hurt, and anger. Her howls mixed with the ones from a stranger, which didn't sound hurt or full of rage. The man was trying to hold a straight face, but he couldn't. Ally watched how the wide grin, once again, appeared on his lips.