It's Too Late to Runaway from The Devil Alpha

Lyca's point of view.

I look in the mirror with a smile and a glint in my eyes. Today is my eighteenth birthday, but I can't help but feel sad because my mother isn't here to celebrate with me.

My mother passed away three years ago. Despite the fact that we were royalty, the Queen died of a disease that doctors couldn't figure out. I signed because just thinking about my mother made me feel better.

[I turned around when I heard knocks on the door.]

"Your Majesty, Queen Annabelle," I said quietly as my stepmother opened the door.

King Wilbert, my father, married a year after my mother died. I never got the chance to question my father about why he married so quickly.

Because the king left shortly after my mother died, and queen Annabelle was by his side when he returned.

"You look lovely tonight, Lyca Celestine," Queen Annabelle said as she looked at me in the mirror. I can't put into words how happy her eyes were as she stared at me from head to toe.

I gave her a shy smile and thanked her for throwing me a birthday party.

I gave her a shy smile and thanked her for throwing me a birthday party. "Queen Annabelle," I said. "I appreciate you organizing this party."

"My beautiful daughter, you don't have to say thank you..." Annabelle replied, gently brushing my lustrous hair, which was hanging loose at my back. "I wanted to give you a grand celebration, but because of your father's condition..." sighed the queen.

"This is too much... with my father's condition" I couldn't finish my sentence because I was squinting.

My father is also in critical condition. He had a sudden onset of weakness a few months ago, but the doctors, like my mother, were unable to diagnose his illness.

"Shh... it's your father's request; he wanted you to feel extra special on your birthday," queen Annabelle calmly responded. "We should celebrate because you're at the right age; your eighteenth birthday marks both the beginning and the end of a long journey..."

Queen Annabelle helped me to my feet while weaving a strand of my hair that had become entangled around my face. "You're so beautiful... The shine and sleekness of your jetblack hair complement your porcelain skin," she said as she tied the red ribbon to my hair.

"Will you let me see my father?" I inquired eagerly. Since my father became ill, I no longer have the opportunity to see him. Queen Annabelle forbade me from visiting him.

Annabelle's smile faded away gradually. "No!" The rage in her eyes rendered me completely speechless.

"We already know my father's disease isn't contagious because you've been caring for him since he got sick and you're still in good health," I reasoned.

"Your father would prefer not to have any contact with you!" the queen said firmly, then let go of my hand. "Put an end to this squabbling because I will not allow you to visit your father; now, go out! Your guests are waiting."

I couldn't stop the tears from falling from my eyes. "I don't believe you... I'm sure my father wanted to see me," I mutter, wiping away my tears.

While trying to calm myself down, I tell myself, "I will see my father tonight, and nothing will stop me." Before leaving my room, I check my face for any traces of tears.

————

"Oh, our debutante has finally arrived..." Queen Annabelle remarks as soon as she sees me at the top of the stairs.

I gave a tittering smile as I looked down the hall. As Queen Annabelle stated, the reception was simple, with only a few guests invited.

"Princess Lyca Celestine," says the title.

"Prince Matthew," I say, smiling as I look up at the owner of the voice.

"I'm glad to see you're well, and please accept my apologies for not visiting you after your queen mother was buried," prince Matthew said as we walked down the stairs.

"I know you're busy... Your father has been preparing you to take the throne; that's why I understand," I said as I took Matthew's hand in mine.

"You're right... But before I become king, I'd like to ask for your hand as my future Queen... Just like the promise I made to you when we were kids," Matthew said happily.

The prince's remarks surprised me, but given how long we've known each other, I still consider him a friend.

Queen Annabelle interrupted our conversation and stated. "Prince Matthew, I appreciate your desire to make our princess queen, but this is not the time to discuss it, especially since our king is not doing well," I said, interrupting our conversation.

"I wish to make this known so that other princes who want Princess Lyca to be their Queen will be unable to approach her," Prince Matthew explained while looking at me with a warm smile on his face.

"We should start the celebration," Queen Annabelle said as she led me to the center of the hall, smiling and gently moving me away from Matthew.

Before the music began, my stepmother made a brief speech that everyone in the hall could hear, and, as I had expected, Prince Matthew invited me to dance, which I gladly accepted.

"What's the problem? "You appear concerned..."

"Huh?" I was caught off guard by Prince Matthew's question, which is why I couldn't think of a response ahead of time.

(Do I appear worried?) I think to myself.

I didn't notice the change in my face because I was going to my father's room.

"I'm curious about your relationship with your stepmother, but you appear to be very reflective right now..." Matthew added.

"I apologize; I'm just worried about my father... But, to answer your question, my stepmother has been wonderful to me, so don't worry." I smiled at Matthew to make him feel better.

"How does your father feel? Is it true that he has the same disease as your mother?" Matthew asked, gently squeezing my hand.

"To be honest, I have no idea how my father's health is... Since he's been sick, the Queen hasn't let me get close to him," I mumbled, holding back tears.

Matthew's expression changed, and he turned to look at my stepmother, who was also watching us.

You are his daughter, so please go see the king! Matthew's words were feeble but persistent, and he continued, "Do you want me to talk to Queen Annabelle?"

I smile and shake my head gently. I no longer want to involve Prince Matthew in the current situation. "Don't worry, I've figured out how to see my father," she says.

Matthew's gaze was fixed on me the entire time. "I understand you don't want me to get involved in this, but"

"Stop worrying about me... I'm at the right age, so I can solve my problem," I cut Matthew off in the middle of what he was about to say.

Because the music had stopped, I let go of Matymthew's grip and walked to the far corner of the hall.

"Princess Lyca" I could hear Matthew calling, but he couldn't follow me because he had been interrupted.

Everyone was having a good time while holding a glass of wine a few minutes later.

"This is my chance..." I hushed when I saw the Queen conversing with the other guests.

I didn't want to waste any more time, so I hurried out of the hall while remaining cautious. Despite my faith in my stepmother's goodness, I still want to know how my father is doing.

To get to the king's bedroom on the other side of the castle, I had to walk down a long corridor and up a tall staircase. When my father fell ill, the Queen decided to confine him to a room that only she could enter.

"This is it," I muttered as I ran out of breath. I sighed and pushed open the large door in front of me. But what happened next took me by surprise...

"Did I walk into the wrong room?" I wondered.

I had no choice but to press my hand to my nose due to the dim lighting and strong odor in the room.

"My father isn't here..." I said as I turned to leave.

[cough! cough! ]

I came to a halt as I walked out of the room. "That's my father," I muttered as I stormed into the room. My eyes widened as I looked at the man on the bed.

"By the grace of God... what in the world happened to you?" I murmured to my father. The man standing in front of me is not the father I expected... The man in front of me has sagging skin and cheek humps. His skin tone is pale.

"Father...me, it's your daughter Lyca Celestine..."

Chapter 2

Lyca's eyes welled up with tears as she stroked her father's delicate hand. She didn't expect his condition to deteriorate so quickly.

"Father, what happened to you? Queen Annabelle said your condition isn't serious... but" Lyca couldn't finish the sentence because her voice broke.

After slowly opening his eyes, King Wilbert let out a weak growl.

Lyca quickly wiped her tears away and forced a smile. "How are you, Father?" she inquired cheerfully.

Lyca doesn't want to worry about her father because they haven't seen each other in a long time.

"My princess... you shouldn't be here," King Wilbert said, raising his body to better see Lyca.

Lyca quickly attended to her father, allowing him to lean on the bed's headboard. "Today is my birthday, and I'd like to spend it with you on this special day..." she explained, holding her father's cheek.

[cough! cough! ]

Lyca's face was concerned as King Wilbert coughed one after the other, and when he was done, a lot of blood came out of his mouth.

"Please forgive me, my princess... I wanted to give you a grand celebration, but given my circumstances—"

"Sssh... more than the lavish celebration, the most important thing is being with my dearest father..." Lyca responded quickly while holding her father's hand.

Despite the difficulty, King Wilbert smiled before closing his eyes to sleep.

Lyca remained silent, content to hold her father's hand as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Lyca is perplexed by her father's behavior. King Wilbert, her father, is a Knight... He is a skilled fighter and swordsman in the Kingdom.

"I need to leave the castle to find a cure," Lyca said quietly.

"But how? The Queen forbade me from going out since my father got sick..." Because Lyca dislikes leaving the castle, she does not object to Queen Annabelle's order.

But she now has a reason. That's why Lyca made the decision to tell Queen Annabelle about her desire to leave the castle.

"Father, hang in there... I will find a cure for your illness," Lyca said quietly before rising to her feet. It won't be good if the queen discovers her presence in the room.

Lyca was about to open the door when someone shouted from outside the door, so she quickly looked for a place to hide.

[Lyca dashes into the thick curtain and hides.]

"It's all your fault! The girl you gave me the last time isn't pure! She's stained!"

The Queen has arrived! But what exactly are they discussing? Lyca cleaned the curtain partially out of curiosity in order to see who was with the Queen.

"Please forgive me, my Queen..."

What is his name? Lyca pondered this question. She hasn't seen the guy in the castle before, so she doesn't recognize him.

"I will forgive you this time, but I hope this mistake will never happen again!" Queen Annabelle turned around and faced King Wilbert's bed.

Queen Annabelle makes a calm remark, but the man is terrified.

"My Queen, to make amends for my error, I have a gift that you will undoubtedly enjoy," the man mumbled.

"Hmm, then show me your gift," Queen Annabelle said as she sat in front of the dresser.

Lyca noticed the man enter a room as Queen Annabelle looked in the mirror.

I'm going to go out and apologize to the Queen... Lyca said to herself.

(She deliberated in her mind for a few minutes before deciding to approach the queen and ask for forgiveness.)

"Ugh!"

(As a woman fell to the floor with her hands tied and a cloth covering her mouth, Lyca's hand that was about to open the curtain froze in the air.)

"She'll last until the next full moon," the man said.

"Hmm, she is not pure, but her youth is enough," Queen Annabelle said, staring intently at the woman who was crying on the floor.

(What are they talking about, and what will they do to the girl, Lyca wonders as she observes what is going on in the room.)

Queen Annabelle rose and approached the girl, her smile gradually widening. "Let me tell you a trivial fact about the next full moon..."

When Queen Anabelle firmly held her chin, the girl felt compelled to raise her face.

"On the next full moon, my longheld dream of having a beauty that does not fade even after hundreds of years will come true!" Queen Anabelle said, stroking her face.

Fear was reflected in the girl's eyes as she shivered as a result of Queen Annabelle's sudden change in appearance; her hand caressed the girl's face before landing on the neck.

"Hmm, I wish I had the time to tell you everything..."

The girl has no idea what is happening to her, and all she knows is that her energy is running low.

But it's not the same for Lyca... She could see the woman's body drying, and what surprised her was the queen's grimace.

"Albert, how do I look?" Queen Anabelle inquired after absorbing the energy of the girl.

"As always...unique— your beauty is unparalleled, my queen..." Albert responded, admiring and loving Annabelle.

When Queen Annabelle looked in the mirror, she noticed that her skin glowed, as Balmond had said.

"Then I'll leave everything to you... I still have to go back to the party to entertain the royalties..." Queen Annabelle said as she sat in her dressing room, adjusting her gown.

"My queen, regarding the princess..."

Albert did not pursue his opinions after seeing Annabelle's glum expression.

Meanwhile, Lyca's knees trembled as she covered her mouth with both hands in her hiding place.

What becomes of the girl? And the Queen...how could she do something like that? I mean, what— Lyca paused in the middle of her sentence because she couldn't put what she saw into words.

She returns her gaze to the man who is now carrying the woman's lifeless body out of the room.

"It appears that the answer to everything is in the castle..." Lyca observed.

Lyca's point of view

After that night, when I discovered the queen's true identity, I tried to avoid her, but I made sure she didn't find out. However, this has become a difficult task.

For now, I'm sitting in the garden with my afternoon tea, admiring the view.

"... There you are, my lovely princess."

I didn't have to look back to see who the owner was when a lively voice broke the silence. The queen's voice and face became my nightly nightmare after that night in my father's room.

Queen Annabelle sat across from me, smiled, and said. "... I noticed you're always out here and rarely come into your studio... do you have a problem? Or is something bothering you?"

Despite my rage at the queen, I smiled and replied politely. "... The scenery here is beautiful, and it will help me with my painting."

Queen Annabelle nodded, her gaze fixed on the sprawling garden. "You are correct... the flower brings peace to my heart, while the cool breeze relieves my tension..."

If I hadn't seen the queen's true colors, I would have believed in her goodness. But, knowing her evilness, I know she can't appreciate nature's true beauty.

Hypocrite! I know that evil despises beautiful things! You did intend to destroy this place! I exclaimed to myself, but something else came out of my mouth.

"I'm glad this place makes you feel better... Though I'm sure it won't be enough to alleviate your sadness over my father's condition..."

Queen Annabelle's smile faded over time. "... You're right; it's difficult to see the dear king in pain, which is why I'm glad you don't have to... Your father wanted you to remember him as a strong and loving father, not the one lying on the bed."

I couldn't stop clenching my fists after hearing the queen's remark. So, to conceal my rage, I stand up and turn my back on the queen.

"... Thank you, my queen; I know everything you do is for me, and I hope my father's health improves so that we can meet again."

Queen Annabelle's lips curled into a devious smile as she looked behind me. "... With God's mercy, everything will be fine; as long as we keep praying, your father will be fine, and everything will hopefully be settled by the full moon."

Huh! Do you believe I'll let you succeed? My father and I were far away from here before the full moon appeared! I think to myself.

The queen eventually entered the castle, while I went to my chamber to plan my escape.

"I can't trust anyone from the castle, so I have to be careful," I muttered to myself.

I can escape because I know the secret tunnels in the castle that will lead me to the outside. My issue is my father; how can I get him out of the queen's chamber without being discovered?

"That's right! Prince Matthew promised to pay me a visit!" I exclaimed, recalling my last conversation with the prince.

I jumped to my desk and looked at the calendar. "... If I send a letter now, it will almost certainly reach prince Matthew, and he will arrive here before the full moon!" I grumble as I check the calendar.

I wasted no time and immediately wrote a letter for Prince Matthew; as soon as I finished the letter, I went to the castle guard to deliver it.

"... All I have to do now is wait."

—————

Prince Matthew arrived at the castle with his two knights the day before the full moon. I greeted him enthusiastically.

"It's good to see you again, Prince Matthew."

I did not explain the problem in the letter, but because I sent it, Prince Matthew was already aware of the situation.

"... Didn't I promise to pay you a visit?"

As we approached Queen Annabelle, who was standing at the bottom of the stairs, I gave him a thoughtful look.

"What a lovely surprise... But I would appreciate it even more if you told me before you came so that we could greet properly," Queen Annabelle smiled.

Matthew and I exchanged glances before exchanging smiles.

"Please forgive me, my queen, but I wanted to surprise my princess," Matthew replied, laughing.

"Oh, no need to apologize; you're always welcome in the castle," Queen Annabelle said, motioning for Matthew's luggage to be brought into his room.

Queen Annabelle did not abandon Prince Matthew and me. She came over for a snack and also joined in on our conversation.

What's the matter with her? Was she aware of my plan? Is that why she's keeping an eye on us? I murmur to myself.

I don't have time to waste because the full moon is tomorrow. I must flee tonight with my father, or else I will be sacrificed tomorrow night!

A soft knock on the door indicated that the Lord had heard my prayer. Albert, Queen Annabelle's righthand man, entered.

"... It appears that I will have to leave you guys," Queen Annabelle says. She stood up and walked away without waiting for our response. Albert followed her.

I approached Matthew quickly because Queen Annabelle had left. "I require your assistance because my father's unknown illness is the work of the queen, and she also intends to use me as an offering tomorrow night!"

Because there wasn't enough time, my explanation was brief, but I made certain that Matthew understood the situation.

"... Of course I'll help you! I wouldn't let anything bad happen to you or your father," Matthew says as he takes my hand in his.

The warmth from Matthew's hand gave me hope, which is why I couldn't stop crying. "I know the favor I'm asking is excessive, and I also know it's dangerous"

"... Shh, it's my duty as my future Queen to protect you," Prince Matthew cut off my sentence and hugged me.

————

That night, Prince Matthew and I sat around waiting for everyone to sleep. Even though fear began to consume me, I remained strong because that was our only chance. My father's and everyone else's lives are dependent on our success.

"I believe everyone in the castle is fast asleep," Prince Matthew said, looking at the grand clock on the side of my room.

I inhaled deeply and nodded. "Remember, if you think you're in danger, run," I reminded Matthew as I exited the room.

Chapter 4

Lyca POV.

As Prince Matthew and I quietly walked down the hall, we could hear a pin drop in the castle. Even though there was no one around, we did not relax our guard.

"There," I say to Matthew as I point to the right side of the castle, "is the secret door to the tunnel."

"You'll see a statue of a lion in the corner. To get to the hidden passage, you have to turn the head." Even though I need Matthew's help, the most important thing to me is still his safety.

"Use that passage if there's a problem. You are what the Queen wants, not me. So, nothing bad will ever happen to me because of this." Matthew was sure of everything he said, so I just nodded, but I still had doubts in my heart.

Matthew is right. Our country gets along well with their country. Because of this, the Queen will never think about killing him, but this doesn't mean he is safe. As we walked, I kept mumbling to myself.

We make it to the part of the castle where my father, King Wilbert, is.

Matthew said, "... Wait here for me," as he walked up to the door and listened for movement inside. A few seconds later, he opened the door and walked in.

I nodded and stood still. When Matthew said it was all right, I went in.

"Father," I ran over to where my dad was sleeping and said. "It's me, Lyca Celestine. I'm sorry, I had no idea you were going through this. Don't worry, though, because I'm with prince Matthew. We'll help you get out of this place." Even though my dad closed his eyes, I knew he could still hear me.

Matthew looked at me, and when I gave him the goahead, he set himself up to lift my dad.

When the king got on his back, he said, "Let's go." Matthew wanted to make me feel better, but he didn't because he knew it wasn't the right time.

I wiped the tears from my eyes as I led the way, but before we could open the door, the side door of the room opened, and the Queen's righthand man walked in.

"Who do you think you are, Prince Matthew? If you tell the Queen about this sin, she will be very angry "As Albert closes the door behind him, he says something.

The Queen did not think that this was why the prince came to see her so quickly. Although the queen had suspicions, that's why Albert didn't lower his guard down since Matthew arrived.

"You and your Queen! Do you think I don't know that it was you who caused my father's pain?" I answer angrily. I tried to stay calm, but I couldn't because of the hate.

As Albert got closer, he smiled. "Princess Lyca Celestine, you should stop doing that. You've been accusing the Queen since then, and you're hurting her feeling."

"That's wrong! I learned to be a good child! I never disobeyed his word!" After I got over being shocked by Albert's obvious lie, I said.

"Don't listen to him, Celestine. Let's go!" Prince Matthew says something when he sees how mad I am.

[All of a sudden, there was a strong wind, and then Queen Annabelle came out of nowhere.]

"What's going on here?" Queen Annabelle asked. She already knows what's going on, though.

In the meantime, Matthew and I moved back until we were trapped by the door.

This is a bad thing. Even if we leave this room, they can catch us easily. I say to myself as I look over our situation. "Prince Matthew,"

" Do you remember what I said?" Matthew said as he took a step forward.

"Do you want to be a brave prince who saves the princess when she's in trouble?" Queen Annabelle says something as she laughs at Matthew.

Matthew knows that the Queen's comment is meant to make us angry, so he smiles when she says it. "I'm a real prince, so I'm not playing a strong prince who will save a princess in trouble. As the next king, I can protect my princess. You understand what it means..."

Matthew's words made Queen Annabelle's smile go away in the end. "You're right, I can't kill you because your kingdom is behind you, but that doesn't mean I can't kill people who are important to her!"

After the Queen said something, the king's body flew away and split in two in an instant. "...King Wilbert has been dead for a long time, so my kingdom needs a new King!"

"No, Daddy!" I scream out of fear. I was shaking all over, and tears were coming out of my eyes. All I want to do is save my dad, but I didn't think it would kill him.

The next thing Prince Matthew did was quick. When he saw me move toward my father's body, he grabbed my hand and said. "... We have to leave this place!"

"No! I can't leave my dad."

Matthew didn't stop pulling me out of the room, even though I said I didn't want to.

"I know you're sad, but we can't stay here any longer. You saw how powerful Queen Annabelle was! She would kill anyone without a second thought." Matthew said this as he let me rest for a moment against the wall.

In the room from which we escaped. As Queen Annabelle breaks the mirror, she no longer tries to hide her anger.

"I've been waiting decades for this moment, so I can't let it go so quickly! Because of this, you can't mess up! Bring me Lyca Celestine, or you will feel my anger."

Of course, when Queen Annabelle said this, Albert was scared to death. He has known her since they were kids, so he knows how cruel the queen is. "You can depend on my coming back. I'll be with the princess, "Before he left the room, he said he would find me. Albert told the soldiers right away to look for Prince Matthew and me all over the kingdom and the area around it. So, the calm night turns into a mess.

After looking for a few hours, the soldiers came back to report what they had found. "...We looked everywhere in the palace for the princess and prince, but we couldn't find them."

"That can't happen! Those two can't just disappear like that, so I'm sure they're close by. Make sure there are guards in all the tunnels that lead out of the castle. Find the hidden tunnel as well!" Albert order.

He is correct. We are still in the castle with Matthew. He decided to rest so I could be with my family after my father died.

"Father, why did this terrible thing happen to us?" I mumbled while I still cried. I forget about the time because I think about the times when I was happy with my parents.

"When I go back to my kingdom, I'll call my soldiers together, and we'll take back yours!" When Matthew saw that I had stopped crying, he said.

—————

After a few hours, we kept walking until we reached the end of the secret tunnel.

"Do you know where you are?" As he opened the iron door, Matthew asked.

"My father told me that the tunnel outside is a forest," I said. "But I don't know where it goes." Even though my heart was still beating fast, I decided to put it aside for now.

"We're far away from the palace, at least. Here, the queen can't get to you." Matthew replied as he helped me out of the room.

"Finally! Princess, I've been waiting for you!"

"Albert! How did you come across us?" I yelled out in fear.

Albert smiled as he fiddled with the hunting knife in his hand. "Do you believe you can fool me so easily? Even if you hide at the end of the world, I can find you."

Matthew quickly hid Lyca behind his back. "You and your Queen will not be able to atone for your sins! Surrender and repent now, or my father will not tolerate you! He will burn you until your bodies are reduced to ash!" He retorted, his teeth clenched.

"Oh, my goodness! Do you think you're in a position to warn the Queen and me, Prince Matthew?" Albert responded sarcastically.

"You can't go up against him... Let's take off; let's get out of here!" Lyca muttered under her breath, her body trembling. She didn't want to admit to Matthew that she was terrified, but she was struggling.

Matthew tightened his grip on Lyca's hand. "Don't be concerned. My guard has arrived in our kingdom. They'll arrive at our castle before sunrise"

"... I'm sorry to disappoint you, Prince Matthew, but your bodyguard has long since died! So don't expect assistance from your kingdom; no one will come!" Albert's grin reached his ears as he took a step.

Matthew was taken aback by these remarks. That's why he couldn't react right away. He had previously directed his soldier to return to their castle and inform his father.

"Now, if you don't want to get hurt, hand me the princess," Albert added.

"I will never give you Lyca!" Before turning to face Lyca, Matthew asserted. "... Pay attention to what I'm saying. I'll keep him busy, so you have time to flee. Understand?"

Lyca refused right away. "No! Albert is a formidable fighter! You can't beat him, so it's best if we flee!"

Matthew made a shaky motion with his head. "That guy can't possibly kill me... They may have stopped my soldier, but that doesn't mean they can stop my father from looking for me... The Queen is aware of this, which is why I am safe."

Matthew is certain of it. However, he is unsure whether Albert will be gentle with him.

"Don't be too naive, Prince Matthew... Princess Lyca cannot be saved because it is her fate! Give up because the Queen will never stop until she gets what she wants. "Albert's grin fades as his grip on the knife tightens.

When Matthew saw Albert's preparations, he rushed forward and attacked him.

"I will defend Princess Lyca! And I will not let her die!" Mattew exclaimed while launching punches and kicks at Albert, but he easily avoided every attack.

"Awww! Awww!" A crow flew overhead and landed on a nearby tree. The aura that surrounds it is strange, especially the color of its jet eyes.

"It appears that the game is over...

The Queen has summoned me, "Albert shot back. His polish movement became more potent and lethal in the blink of an eye as he unleashed his knife.

"No! Matthew, Prince!" When she saw Matthew's blood splash in front of her, Lyca screamed in terror.

"Princess..." Matthew exclaimed before collapsing to the ground. Albert's most recent attack ripped into his stomach. Although it is not fatal, it does cause serious injury.

"Now, little princess... we must return to the castle because they are concerned about you," Albert stated as he began to walk toward Lyca.

Lyca took a step back, overcome with fear. "No! I'd rather die than participate in the Queen's evil plan! "She shot back. Although Lyca does not know the Queen's exact plan, she is certain that it is pure evil.

Albert hid the knife in his waistband because Matthew was lying down before continuing to approach Lyca.

"I don't want to hurt you, so follow me—" Albert came to a halt when he felt a hand stop his foot.

"Lyca! Run!" Matthew was the one. He did not let go of Albert with his remaining strength.

Albert, who had previously been unconcerned, was startled for a moment, but when he recovered, he immediately kicked Matthew. "Continuity will kill you!" he exclaimed.

Lyca, meanwhile, closed her eyes and turned away. "I'm sorry, Matthew," she sobbed as she dashed away.

Lyca didn't want to leave Matthew, but when she saw the pleading in his eyes while restraining Albert, she stood up and ran.

"No! Lyca! You can't get away from me!" Albert's scream rang out across the forest.

[The sudden noise drowned out the animals in the wilderness.

Albert immediately follows Lyca after killing Matthew, but he stops in the middle of his search.

"What the hell is going on? How can she possibly go in here?" Albert muttered angrily.

Concern flashed across his face, but it was not for Lyca but for himself. The Queen stated earlier that he could not return until he finds Lyca, but the forest she went to is dangerous.

Everyone in the territory and neighboring kingdoms avoids this place because no one ever leaves. The legend claims that monsters patrol the area, but no one can confirm or deny this because none of those who entered the forest are still alive.

"Oh, no!" Albert exclaimed as he made the decision to follow Lyca.

Lyca, on the other hand, did not stop. Instead, she accelerated without looking back, tearing through the dark, dense forest.

"Please, Matthew, don't die..." Lyca continued to whisper as tears reformed, causing her vision to blur.

She didn't mind the branches slicing her skin because, in comparison, what happened to her father and Albert to save her was more heartbreaking.

"Awwoh..." Lyca was brought back to reality by a terrifying howl.

Because of the startling howl, Lyca decided to come to a halt and lean against a tree. "...Wait, what was that? What exactly is this location?" She spoke with trepidation.

Lyca can't remember which direction she turned because of her fear and desire to get away from Albert.

Forests surround the castle, but she hasn't been able to see any since her mother died.

"Awwoh!" Lyca's entire body froze when she heard howling close to where she was standing.

"Oh, God, please assist me... I don't want to pass away..." Lyca muttered as she looked around her. She had just wanted to get away from Albert, so she ran without stopping, not considering the possibility that, in addition to the man chasing her, there was another risk she needed to consider.

"Ahooh..."

Lyca squeezes herself into the bush, her heavy breathing suppressed. "So, what should I do now? I can't stay here any longer..." She muttered as she wiped sweat beads from her brow. "—it's dangerous, but I need to find a safer place," Lyca said.

Her feet tremble as she hears the howl of an identified animal; however, she needs to strengthen her feeling in order to leave this place.

Lyca resumes her cautious walk after resting, but her mind is still preoccupied with the previous event.

"What are you, Queen Annabelle?" Lyca screamed in agony. "— I never imagined such a beautiful person as you could do such horrible things..."

[A distant crackling sound with a cold breeze...]

Lyca came to a halt and muttered, "Someone is watching me..." She says this in a panicked tone. Lyca, on the other hand, is unable to determine the location of her observer.

So Lyca decided to leave that place, but before she could, a creature jumped at her. It was too late for her to turn back.

"—Aww!" Lyca screamed and shook her arms as the attacker beat her.

Lyca does not have the luxury of checking her attacker due to the speed of the event. Her arms were also bothering her.

"Grr..."

Lyca heard the growl from behind her, so her alleged scream was carried away by the wind. Instead, she turns around and swallows her saliva.

"AwOooh!" From afar, a long howl. But that howl isn't her main concern right now because Lyca is staring at a massive wolf in front of her.

"... What the—?" Lyca is stuttering and shaking because she can't find the right word to describe the creature in front of her.

"Who the hell are you?" Lyca is taken aback. It's her first encounter with a massive wolf in her entire life.

Lyca's father hunted on occasion, so she had seen a variety of animals. The animal in front of her, on the other hand, is unusual...

The wolf with black fur started walking towards Lyca, exposing its fangs and glaring at her with fierce crimson eyes.

Lyca's last hope gradually faded "— Please, please... I won't die until I've avenged my father and mother... I also can't leave the entire kingdom in the hands of a wicked witch..." She is aware that the animal in front of her did not comprehend what she was saying. Nonetheless, Lyca desired to release the contents of her heart.

The black wolf focuses his attention on Lyca's eyes, and the tears streaming down her cheeks hypnotize the creature. Lyca just closed her eyes and waited for death as it approached. But after a few moments, she felt nothing... so Lyca opened her eyes and met the wolf's crimson gaze.

"Did you get what I was saying? Will you let me go?" Lyca inquired, raising her hand to caress the creature's head. Despite her trembling, she ignored it... Lyca wanted to make sure the massive beast in front of her wasn't dangerous.

When the black wolf felt Lyca's soft hand on his head, he howled and moved his head to lick Lyca on the cheek, but she fainted before he could stroke her.

"Aw Oooh!" ——— The black wolf growled loudly. It rang out throughout the forest.

Everyone in the woods heard it, including Albert, who is now cautiously walking through the dark. "Shit! This is terrible! It would be better to resume my search in the morning..." He uttered and decided to find a place to rest.

The Secret Forest is known for being home to many evil creatures, which is why everyone in the land avoids taking this path.

"You will not die here, Princess Lyca! I'll take you back to the castle!" Albert stated firmly. Then his attention was drawn to a cave not far away. Albert entered the cave without hesitation, leaning calmly against the cave's rough wall.

"I need to find you before tomorrow's eclipse! I will not let you destroy my Queen's dream!" Albert said this as he stabbed the blade into the ground.

——

Meanwhile, In The Castle, Prince Matthew attempted but failed to free himself from the grasp of two guards. When they arrived at the castle's receiving hall, he was easily pulled and pushed.

"Prince Matthew... Did they cause you any harm? I apologize if my soldier failed to respect you "Queen Annabelle said in a seductive tone.

Matthew directs his gaze at the queen. "You evil witch! Princess Lyca will not be found! Your evil scheme will never come to fruition!" He asserted while attempting to read the two guards.

Queen Annabelle approaches Matthew, leans in, and caresses his face before gripping his chin. "... My lovely princess can flee for the time being, but it won't last. She'll be in my hands soon... I've been waiting for this for decades, and I'm not going to let it go to waste!" Annabelle murmured, a sly smile on her face.

"Your true color will never be hidden by a beautiful face or immortal beauty! You will always be ugly because your heart is filled with evil!" Sneering, Prince Matthew retorted.

The cunning smile on Queen Annabelle's face fades gradually. "... Hmm, I can sense your resentment toward me, and I adore it!" The Queen turned around after this remark and said. "Bring Prince Matthew in here!"

"I'm not scared of you! You can kill me all you want, but you'll never find Princess Lyca "Matthew screamed as he fought the two guards who had started him.

A strange smile appears on Queen Annabelle's face. "Hmm... Let's see what happens to your innocent love for my beloved princess," she said as she followed her to the dungeon.