A Baby For The Beast

22. The Ancient Book

“And yes, I did hear the news.”

All of a sudden, the images flashed right back in my head. Her blood shot eyes.

Caked with tears, staring at me.

Her jumping…

“Ava.”

Emily called out, snapping me out of my daze.

“Are you okay? You seem quite distracted.”

“She was from my district you know.” I painfully said, with tears forming around my eye lid.

“We were both tied together before we were taken here.”

I confessed.

Emily pulled me into a tight hug that instant. She patted my head, leading me to the room as I sobbed slowly.

Piper noticed from distance and drew nearer to me.

“A-Ava?”

She stammered, nervously nudging her hands together. I wipe my tears that instant.

“Yes Piper?”

What was I doing?

She shouldn’t be seeing me crying?

I was the one that gave her hope.

“You don’t have to feel bad, you know.”

She squatted beside me saying.

“Tabitha had it coming from the start. She was too much of a loner to begin with.”

“Piper!”

Emily cautioned.

“I-I am sorry…was just trying to help.” she apologized immediately.

“I didn’t mean those words, I promise.”

I stood up, taking her hands from where she sat on the floor, directing her to the bed.

“We know.”

“We both know,” Emily added.

While Emily was the angry child among us, Piper was more of someone who reacted to forces around.

Seemed like she gave whatever she got.

From the way she stole items in her village and picked locks, doing what normal girls weren’t permitted to do in society.

She was more of a rebel child.

“I need to go train now.” Emily said, standing up.

“Meet me after you eat, Ava.”

“Sure.” I replied as she walked away.

“Okay, Emily.” Piper remarked too.

I looked back at her little figure in my arms. Her small stature and big blue eyes.

She had really helped us a great deal. Picking various locks, to get items and meals we needed.

“Sing to me, would you, Ava?”

She muttered. My eyes widened at her words.

That key Caspian’s mum talked about…

How couldn’t I have realized she was right in front of me?

She was---

“Sure, I will but I need you to do something for me, Piper.”

“Really, what is it?”

“Quick though, so you can go practice. The battle is soon you know.”

She lay on my laps, saying. I raised her up instantly only to hear her groan.

“Listen to me seriously. This is kind of important for our future here. For the three of us…”

…

With Jaskier’s help, we were able to get the ancient book from the royal library. And just like the revelation, it was locked.

Piper picked the lock with her hairpin, making me gain access to the book.

I read through it, night and day wondering what Lady Archer was talking about.

What exactly did she mean by my answers where in it?

“Going for breakfast hunt today?”

Emily called out one day.

“Will skip.”

I remarked, so engrossed in the book. I needed to find answers but it seemed like I wasn’t finding anything.

If it made no sense, I asked Master Zu who interpreted some words talking about Lycanthrope.

Also trying to balance it all, discovering my chakra.

Not until one day…

“I have nothing more to train you, Ava.” he suddenly said.

“W-what?”

“I’ve taught you all you need to know. Now, the rest is up to you.”

He said, blindly dismissing all my attempts to get him to train me more. I remembered walking back dejectedly.

However, on my way to the castle, in the midst of the forests, something happened…

Some group of bandits in black surrounded me. One stepped forward, introducing their intentions.

“We were sent to bring your head, Ava.”

“By who?”

“The Rook of the castle.” he replied.

“N-no, you can’t do this? I’m the beast’s chosen. I bare his mark.”

“Figured.”

“However, she paid some gold for this.”

“This is the end, Lady Ava.”

Didn’t recall trembling in fear like I always did.

The last thing I recalled however, was stretching my sword forward with my paws elongating.

They were about 20…and I-I defeated them surprisingly.

With their blood coated all over me.

My wolf won’t leave anyone to survive it or tell the tale.

As I walked back, it made me realize that overtime… my training with Master Zu wasn’t in vain.

I-I had become stronger after all!

…

The moment I returned to the castle, I moved with my head up high, towards Knight Lydia’s quarters.

If I had improved, it would be wise to give it a shot.

I knew the beast won’t let me die in her hands, with his guards around.

I tore my piece of cloth, dropping my sword down at her with a determined look.

Since I already read that book, what was I waiting for?

“Ava…”

“Coming here unsummoned as usual. The stubbornness in your veins.” she remarked, drinking from her tea.

“Whatever it is, you better be quick.”

“Knight Lydia…”

“Oh, what now? You want another room’s occupant?”

“I--”

“Hope you’re aware that three can’t fit in that little bed of yours.”

“I mean--“

“You’re not in any way Mother Theresa so focus on surviving not saving other people.”

Now I discovered my new self and supposed chakra, I knew just what I had to do.

“I wish to fight you.”

Her tea cup shattered on the floor, from the amount of surprise.

***

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