33. I'm not the monster they say I am.

"Who's there?" The male, who introduced himself as Arex, called out. His eyes scanned the surroundings, unlike Deimos, he appeared to act frightened. While one of them kept looking around, turning in circles, the other watched in silence.

No one replied to his question, just as sudden as the voice appeared, it faded. Deimos did felt like something went wrong as if there was pure evil luring from the forest. It was waiting until both males split their ways and attack. Arex yelled out again; his body started trembling as if the air temperature dropped by a few dozen degrees.

"Back away from there, try to stay close. If you don't move now- you'll freeze to death. Arex, if you really did knew me as good as you told me before, trust me on this one. We're not alone, and whatever is out there, it's nothing we could face alone. Stay close, we're in the dark, and it's getting late- one watching us won't hesitate." Deimos sniffed the air, extending his hand for Arex to get closer.

If there was one thing everyone knew about him, it was that Deimos was a great warrior. The thing most didn't realize was that Deimos was a better tracker than a fighter; the male could scent and find almost everyone. His eyes fell upon a small mound; the only thing that seemed out of place was the pile of rocks. The male sniffed the air once again, his facial expression instantly turning into disgust.

"Can you scent that? It's the smell of sulfur, a creature of Undwerorld is near. I sure do hope you didn't piss anyone off around there because if you did- no one will save our asses from that creep." Deimos nudged on the male's side, silently encouraging him to back off.

Arex probably had no idea how serious the situation might become. Playing with the ones coming from the Underworld was a dangerous game. Especially with those who were powerful enough to visit the lands of humans. Deimos had read many tales of old and even heard bits about curses; thankfully, it was a memory that didn't leave him. Yet, the more he tried to recall the current night, there shouldn't be anyone near them. Creatures of the Underworld, Hell, and some regular types of demons couldn't leave their caves unless told to. Everyone knew that their ruler wasn't a vengeful man; the ruler knew how dangerous the possibility of worlds colliding might be.
So, either the creature was out on a mission, either it arrived because of personal reasons. If it was the latter, both males were in deep trouble- only a few could come and go as they please. And those few were much more stronger than any shifter alive.

"Why would one arrive here? Isn't this your mother's property? I heard that she was a shifter witch; no one with impure intentions could step their foot on this land. Listen, I did catch the scent, but do you really think that the creature is here? It might be some stupid kids, playing with the matches elsewhere. And that voice? I'd assume it was a trick of my imagination if I was alone, but I'm pretty sure someone is playing with us. It can't be as severe as you think; they haven't visited the face of Earth in years, and shouldn't come back this early as well. Let's calm down and think; I'm sure we're acting like the high school girls out on campings. Let's not imagine things or search for problems where there are none." Arex stopped on the spot and let his eyes roam around the forest once again. Under the bright moonlight, nearly every little detail could be readily noticeable. His eyes, same as Deimos, landed on the small pile of rocks, which indeed seemed to be something new. But, unlike Deimos- Arex wouldn't allow himself to panic if he didn't have proof that someone did watch them, at least unless someone does jump out of the specks of shadows and attacks both of them without warning.

"I'm sure you're not as stupid as you pretend to be. Oddly the memory I didn't lose is one about books I read and some research I did. I've always felt fascinated by the creatures of shadows and the beasts that live in Underworld. We might be facing a bleeder, and I'm pretty damn sure you have no idea how to handle one. Not that we could since only full-blood Lychanatropes can kill those nasty bloodsuckers, but still. Then again, it could be a very powerful demon; some of those do visit us pretty often, but rarely appear next to someone alive. Unless they're hungry and ready to feed- so we can always end up like their next meal. The two options I mentioned so far would lead both of us straight into the grave. But the possibilities are endless; even a demon, coming out to find their mate, can't be forgotten. In short, we're fucked big time if we don't stay together. We're all alone here already; calling for any kind of help is nearly impossible. Did I make myself clear, or should I tell you more about those crawling creatures, to get the point to you?" Deimos pulled Arex closer and turned around to make their backs meet. Maybe they wouldn't see everything completely, but two pairs of eyes worked better than one.

Arex let out a deep sigh, placing a hand over his heart. Of course, he did assume that they were safe as soon the scent faded a little, and nothing seemed to move in the darkness of the forest. Unlike Deimos, the young male never felt the need for knowledge; it doesn't matter what kind of one he would need. Studying about Underworld, its leaders, and all hundreds of different species living there seemed like a useless effort. Now, Arex would understand that some knowledge could save his life, probably it was about the time to look for books, open them, and actually read those rather than pretend. The only thing that nearly pushed him over the edge was how tense Deimos still acted and how reserved and quiet the male was.

"I thought that maybe all my fear would claim me, I was wrong, now it is gone. All along, I was so damn wrong. Listen, I promise to read and do more digging on those creatures since now. Never did the thought of them getting anywhere near me crossed my mind. All this time, I thought that they would stay where their place is the same as we do. Why would they come here, anyway?" Arex felt how his voice trembled; speaking hurt him because of the dry throat. He wasn't a coward, never was, but he wasn't an idiot as well. Arex would rather live like a coward, always speaking the truth, than be a brave liar. If he was afraid, he never hid the feeling.

"First of all, your statement is pretty wrong. We, shifters, might stay where our place is, but we can't say the same about humans. They have no real territories or boundaries; they travel all around the globe and even in space. Just because some of us know what territories mean doesn't mean that others hold the same knowledge. Creatures of the Underworld come out for multiple reasons- some were chosen as weapons for mass destruction. Some are still used as tools for curses, bringing revenge upon the bloodlines. A few come out to feed; the bleeders, for example, actually have a couple of territories, but I don't recall one being near here. Demons come out to hunt or look for their mates, most of the time. Some of ours travel the globe in the hope of finding their one and only, so does they. See, the thing is that this particular creature might have the latter intention, but he or she might see us as an obstacle in their way. We must be as careful as we can be, and if you notice any movement nearby- tell me." Deimos sounded cold and distant. Arex noticed that the male he used to know wasn't the same after the sudden trip outside the town territory. It wasn't just the amnesia he mentioned; the whole aura around the man was completely new, more powerful, and demanding.

"Deimos, look, I see something!" Arex whisper yelled, pointing the finger at the treeline. The loud gasp, leaving his lips, made Deimos lose whatever bit of attention he was trying to keep on the lake.

Both males stared towards the place where Arex was still pointing his finger at. There was a mere movement, but for now, it was hard to understand if it was an animal, roaming around and looking for food. Or was it the said Underworld creature, or probably one of theirs. Whomever it was- it moved slowly, making barely any sound as it neared both males. The thoughts and scenarios in Deimos' mind ran wild; he silently hoped that it was an animal. A mountain lion or a lost puma, hopefully. He wouldn't need any help to beat those animals; Arex could rest assured that nothing would happen to both. Any other option was pushed back as if he was trying to protect himself from his own mind. Maybe, just maybe, if he believed in the less dangerous possibility, it might come true.

"It's coming closer. Be honest- if it's the creature... Do we fight or do we run? I still want to get back home in one fucking piece." Arex whispered, leaning closer to Deimos. His heartbeat fastened- a thing which happened way too many times to count, yet this was the first time ever it happened because of a bad feeling. Maybe he wouldn't feel as worried if Deimos wouldn't mention Underworld and those awful, bloodthirsty creatures.

"We won't stand a chance against one of theirs, even if we work in perfect sync, we would never. Running wouldn't do much, especially since we have no idea what exactly is that. If it was some of the lower-class demons, we might escape, but if someone covered in blood comes around- we're fucked. We can run, but there's no place to hide as soon as the target is on our backs, even the King wouldn't be able to stand against one of those. The thing you don't understand is that they were made to kill, there is a fucking reason why they were sent to the Underworld, nearly unable to come near our world. I wish many other shifters would have half as much knowledge about the topic as I do; maybe then we would avoid so many deaths of innocent. But right now, all we're left with is waiting. Brace yourself- hope for the best, yet expect the worst." Deimos threw his arms around Arex's shoulders in a weak attempt to show his support. No matter whom they face, even if it's the worst-case scenario- he would stay by his side.

A slim figure appeared within the trees. It had long hair; both men instantly understood that their late guest most likely is a female. The figure moved with grace, slowly, reminding an ancient Gods. Deimos let his eyes take in the woman, her curves, and as many details as he could notice under the moonlight. Whoever the woman was, she definitely suit the moon; he had never seen someone looking so good under the moonlight. His fear and tense atmosphere in the air faded; Deimos felt like he knew the stranger, but couldn't put his mind onto who was it. Even Arex relaxed, a small smile appeared on his lips as his eyes followed the nearing figure.

"What are you two lovers doing here at this time? Isn't it a bit too late for date nights? Especially in the middle of the forest. Gosh, if only you could see your faces, priceless, I tell you." The gentle feminine voice sent pleasurable shivers down Deimos' spine. He couldn't utter a word; all he could do was stare. She wore a long evening gown in red, paired with blood-red heels. He couldn't recall if he ever saw her wearing any makeup, but it sure did make her beauty stand out even more. Deimos couldn't remember much about her, but he would be a liar if he tried to say that she wasn't a stunning woman. Princess Ally was the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen.

"Ally, what the hell!" Arex yelled, running straight at her and pulling her into a tight hug. Both of them laughed in happiness, leaving Deimos aside, still observing the scene.
"I was so fucking scary; this whole place reeks of the damn Underworld creatures, we thought one might attack us. What the fuck are you doing here? Anyway, it doesn't matter; we must leave before it comes back, and we get caught. I have no idea how the two of you feel, but I still want to live, so I'm out." The young male spoke faster than he did previously. Deimos noticed how drastically Arex changed as soon as the Princess appeared. Just a few minutes ago, he was ready to stand there and face a death sentence, but now he was trying to get away from there. Most likely to protect the Princess. But why would he? Ally was a Lychanatrope, a daughter of their King; she would be able to deal with one of them if it wasn't the bloodthirsty creature.

"Wait. What? Arex, calm down, and tell me how did it smelt? What the fuck was the scent you caught on, TELL ME!?" Deimos tilted his head in confusion. The way how fast Ally changed and how her behavior, the same as body language, switched to one of desperation made him curious.

"It doesn't matter; we must go, Ally! Come on, let's move the fuck away from here, and we will explain on the way!" Arex grabbed her wrist and tried to pull the Princess away from the spot.

Instead of following people she knew, Ally kept fighting against the male who held her and tried to help the young woman. Deimos understood that she didn't have any need to "be saved." She wanted to stay, and the desperate look on her face was yet another proof. He slowly looked at the same spot where she did; his eyes widened in shock. Deimos tried to talk, but instead of words leaving his lips- the male's mouth kept opening and closing as if he was a fish.

"Arex, let go of her!" Deimos yelled, his voice sounding dry and hoarse. The male felt how tears gathered in his eyes after pushing the words out with force. Whatever was happening- it felt as if someone tried to keep him quiet, against his will.

"Hell to the no! We have to save her!" Arex kept fighting, trying to drag Ally away, despite her constant pleads to let go of her.

"Let go of her! How dare you to touch what is mine! Do you wish to find out how getting skinned alive feels, boy? Be my guest; it's an invitation." The same mysterious, deep voice spoke up.

Everyone turned their attention towards the source of the sound and gasped. Both men froze on the spot; their worst fear just turned out to be true. An enormous, blood-covered male appeared next to them. He didn't take his eyes off of Arex's hand, holding the wrist of the Princess.

"Let go before I lose my patience. Touch a hair on her head, and I'm taking you down with me." The male looked straight into Arex's eyes. He did let go of the Princess, trembling in fear. The creature grinned, showing off rows of razor-sharp canine teeth, blood oozing over his lips.

"Wrath, don't do that, they're my friends. I'm begging you." Ally cried out, reaching her hand towards the monster.

Deimos wanted to jump in, despite the loss of memories, he knew that he had to protect the Princess. Instead, he couldn't move or talk- just watch in silence. He did notice a lot of things, perhaps too many. As threatening and dangerous the creature looked, his facial expression fastened as soon as his focus returned to Ally. He extended his hand and cupped her cheek with a weak yet genuine smile on his lips. The Princess leaned into the touch, closing her eyes and sighing. Whatever was happening between those two- it shouldn't be like that.

"You look like a Goddess; I did miss seeing that smile of yours. The dress is okay as well." The creature moved a bit closer to Princess, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her in. She didn't resist for a second; instead, Ally leaned her cheek against his chest.
It was an odd view to see- Princess of the shifters and one of the most dangerous demonic creatures together. Deimos couldn't remember if she mentioned his name, but the male will do some research on it if she will.

"Thank you, Wrath." Ally smiled.

Deimos and Arex gasped in disbelief. Did she really address the male as one of the seven deadly? Had she completely lost her mind? Going out with a deadly sin must be some sort of a crime; she shouldn't do that!

"Ally, that's Wrath? Get away from him; he's a monster!" Arex yelled from the top of his lungs. He didn't care if his words would be the end of him- they had to get Ally away from the creature.

Ally pushed Wrath away, looking up, straight into his eyes. It wasn't that she didn't know about his nature, crimes, and doings, but it didn't mean Ally didn't want to see him. The bond between both was growing tighter, making her miss the killer more each day.

Silence took over the whole scene until Wrath sighed and extended his hand for her. "Come on, sweetheart, I'm not the monster they say I am. I will never hurt you. I promise, baby. Let's go home."

He kept the hand close to Ally, hoping that she might accept it, but instead, the young Princess averted her gaze and shook her head no. "One year, you promised. Keep the first promise; I might believe in next." Ally whispered, squeezing her eyes tightly to open them a few moments later. When she did- Wrath was gone, and both men moved away from the lake as nothing had happened.