24. No, I won't.

"I don't understand, what did I do? It's not like I sold my soul to the Devil or anything. I met a stranger who managed to escape a great tragedy and spent some time with him. That man had to look into the eyes of death, and I'm sure he deserved some company. How is that shocking or bad? I don't see anything wrong about my doings." Ally tried to defend herself. Even though the young Princess knew that something must be wrong since part of her memory was erased as if it never exist- she still tried to think as positive as she could.

What was with everyone overprotecting her and shielding from everything? Being a Royal was one thing, but hiding from reality because her friends and family wanted so, was an utterly different story. The young woman wanted to enjoy her life, to learn new things and make mistakes. How was she supposed to learn, if nobody ever allowed her to trip and fall? Ally was a smart young woman, but she wouldn't get any life lesson if she wouldn't get burned in the first place.

"That's the problem, Ally, you don't understand!" Baka groaned, throwing cautious glances at the window. She had a feeling that the Princess and everyone surrounding them was in great danger. Something was lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to attack. Her greatest fear might come true tonight- the Princess might be taken. With or without their approval, it was way too late to ask for one anyway.

"I don't understand what? Everyone should stop treating me like a child; I'm growing up, and nobody can stop it! Sooner or later, I will make my mistakes and deal with consequences without my mom and dad, you, or Anto around. When will everyone understand that I'm not the innocent, four-year-old girl I was long ago?" Ally grabbed both sides of her head in frustration. The young woman nearly pulled out her hair, trying to prove a point. No matter how much she tried to resist the overprotective nature of her loved ones- it was a way too difficult task. Sometimes the young woman dreamed about being any other, regular shifter without powerful family behind her. Many people didn't understand that being a Princess wasn't easy; on some occasions, it was the reason why she would end up in great danger.

As Baka was about to speak- panting, frantic looking Anto rushed into Allys bedroom. His eyes scanned the room until they fell on Ally.

"I could hear you two talking from afar. To clarify- you did sell your soul to the Devil. No, not quite sold- more like gave on a silver plate. You promised your heart and soul without asking anything in return, so technically it isn't selling. Not sure how to explain all of this, should I call him the Devil or by his name." Anto walked around the room, stopping and starting out of the enormous windows. The Watchers eyes kept flickering colors, probably because he tried to reach others.

Ally rushed next to him to see what was happening outside. Anto was observing something, and if he ever did that- it was a big deal. The young Princes could see how hundreds of Watchers formed lines of defence around the house. Only now, she finally understood how big of a mistake she might have made. The Watchers didn't involve themselves if the situation wasn't too dangerous for Royals, yet now, every one of them stood so close, Ally could see every detail of their faces. For the first time in her life, the young woman faced the creatures other than Anto or Baka.

"Alright, I think I need someone to explain what is happening before I freak out. This is unreal." Ally gasped. She wasn't sure what was the reason for the state of shock- the Watchers or the situation itself. The young woman couldn't stop staring out of the window, wondering what was the thing she did wrong. In all honesty, Ally wanted to help out someone who was in a sorry state, yet ended up in a bigger mess than before.

"For this, you'll need to go sit down and listen. Don't interrupt me and don't speak up until I'm done. Just listen, okay?" Anto smiled down at Ally. He could barely contain himself; the Watcher had been around from days when she wasn't even born. He was near the Queen when the Princess came into this world, and he was the one who swore to keep her safe. It was truly sad to see how fast he broke the promise.

Ally nodded her head and sat next to Baka, grabbing the woman's hand for support. Despite the confusion, the Princess knew that Anto had nothing good to say.

"Long time ago, the Watchers were created by an awfully evil King. We all know the story and legends, but almost no one knows anything about what happened next. Not so far away from us a territory which used to be a part of King's castle. The one part where he spent most of his time. You see, King Magnus kidnapped unbelievable count of creatures of the shadows, those coming from the underground. He tortured them and used as his guinea pigs for vile experiments to create us. When he did, one of those he took was mated to a young, yet powerful witch. She swore to avenge her lover and cured the King. Unfortunately, she didn't have any idea about the consequences her actions might bring. The curse is still very much real, and it happens every other Blood Moon. The creature comes out of the shadows, seeking revenge and killing everyone on its way- no matter the age or gender. It doesn't stop until the town is wiped from the face of the Earth. And that's what happened tonight; you ended up in the wrong place, at the wrong time. It wasn't a shifter or human, whom you met. It was something extremely dangerous and disturbing. Ally, I'm sure you're familiar with the seven deadly sins, right?" Anto raised an eyebrow, giving her time to deny or agree with him. The Princess didn't speak; she just nodded her head and tilted it to the right, anxious to find out more.

"Great, since you're familiar with those, I'm sure you'll understand about what I'm talking. You met one of those tonight. The vilest, vengeful and disgusting creature ever stepping its feet on this planet. Ally, tonight you faced Wrath. And you didn't just meet him; you promised him your soul. He is to become your rightful mate." Auto sighed, trying his best to look away from Allys tear-filled eyes. He couldn't take her crying, it hurt him, even if he never spoke about it.

"No, this can't be true! I didn't promise him shit, besides a home. I did whatever any other grown person would do- I tried to help someone who had gotten into trouble." The young woman jumped back on her feet, nearing the Watcher. She wasn't sure what to do or how to explain things she felt, but if there was anything Ally was read set severe about- it was avoiding the stranger till the rest of her days.

"This is true, and you did. You're too young to understand, but at that exact moment, when you howled at the moon, you did. And don't come at me with your smart remarks, it won't change a thing. Howling at a full moon has never been so dangerous as it is whenever the Blood Moon appears. It is rare, but a powerful phenomenon of nature. It holds dark power within, and by doing whatever you did, you chained yourself to Wrath. I've made sure that all Watchers are here, they protect you with their lives, but if he ever comes near- you have to run. Your father won't stop him, its a completely different power they hold. To each their own, but quite sure that this isn't precisely the thing you wanted or needed to hear." If there were any emotions, Anto made sure to hide every little bit of them. He didn't want to worry Ally, hoping that he might be able to deal with the issue. The Watcher didn't say anything to King as well, thinking that it wasn't the right time.

But then again, when would the right time come? When Wrath returns to claim and take what is rightfully his? Or when the Princess speaks about the issue herself? Anto could only imagine how disappointed the King would be, finding out that his daughter had done something so reckless and stupid. They wouldn't blame her, though; she didn't know better. Taking a quick look at Ally, the Weather turned his attention to Baka. His best friend, a partner in crime and the best warrior was breaking down. Her facial expression was enough to see how much she was hurting. The Princess was like her child, her and both other crazies.

"Wow, I really did fucked up this time. To think that I thought of crying over a stranger for months was fucked up enough, now I overdo myself. Good job, dumbass, good job." Ally sighed, scolding herself like a child.

The room fell silent. A dull knife could easily cut the tension, yet everyone opted for getting lost in their thoughts. Ally couldn't think of the best way how to explain what she did to her parents. But who would? There was no way the King and Queen would easily accept her doings, even though she didn't know what exactly was she doing in the first place. Baka and Anto silently exchanged trails of thoughts, mainly about plans to save Ally from the claws of Wrath. He was a dangerous man to mention, let alone marry. The young Princess might kiss her life goodbye as soon as she comes face to face with the creature again. None of the Watchers could even assume that the being of the night would ever feel something for Ally. They had no feelings, no emotions and no morals. It didn't matter who would try to save her now, but someone had to do that.

"When is he coming?" Ally broke the silence. Even though the question seemed forced, she sounded calm and collected. Anto and Baka exchanged looks of confusion, both waiting for the moment when Ally would break down. She was strong, but there wasn't any training which might prepare a young woman for something so disastrous as her current future.
"Don't stand there like idiots and answer my question, please. This is my fault, and since it looks like there's no way out, I might, as well, deal with consequences. Even more, I was already promised to someone against my will, right? Technically, I'm going back to the same situation, but this time the only one to blame is myself. Oh, and my stupidity. Honestly, I just yelled at Baka about everyone treating me like a child, not an adult. I know that my behaviour isn't one of a grown person yer, but I could try to learn, starting with dealing with the decisions I make. I should tell this to my mom and dad before it's too late." Ally made both Watchers stand and stare, their jaws hanging lover than ever. The young woman smiled to herself, happy that she managed to say the rights things and leave them shocked. Her wolf wasn't quite supporting, silently reminding Ally that she tried to warn her. But she wasn't mad either, somewhat acting like a puppy just because of the thought of the stranger. Seraphima knew that promising soul to someone was basically choosing a simulate, and theirs was Wrath. No matter how many people might try to talk them out of making the decision, which was already made, none of both would stop.

Ally wanted to get to know the male better, sure that he was more than just the stories and legends about him. Seraphina wanted to see the power he held, dreaming about training sessions they would have together. Despite the tense and unpleasant outcome, both found themselves rather happy about the way how things went.

"I don't think that your parents should know before we come up with a plan of action. We can't just give you out to one of the most dangerous predators out there. He's a deadly sin, Ally, the Wrath himself! Can't you understand how dangerous he can get? Didn't the thought of why he's alone ever cross your mind? He assassinated the previous women; he murdered mates and potential life partners. What makes you think that it won't happen to you? Do you think you can change someone who's made by hate? His can you be so stubbornly clueless?" Baka whisper yelled. With each word leaving her lips, the woman stepped closer to Princess. She hovered over Allys flame as if she was just an insect.

"That's the thing; I don't know. But I'm willing to try. Why are we trying to fight the reality? It's done, I did the thing, and now I belong to him more or less. At least my soul does, and if you forgot- that's a pretty big thing for shifters. Let's just drop the topic and think about how to explain this to my dad." Ally groaned fighting back their allegations. No matter what, she would try and see at least a little bit of good in the male.

"Don't act like you're stupid, please don't be like this! He will kill you! Listen to me and mark my words- he will kill you!" Baka acted like she didn't hear a word Ally said. The woman didn't care either; all she had in her mind was the need to protect the Princess.

"No, I won't."