“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” said Nix. “He’ll be up against Heng. From what I hear, he’s unbeatable. He’s famous in Jade Mountain for his skill in the ring.”
“Lucas is unbeatable, too,” I said.
“He’s never lost a fight,” added Amador.
I knew I shouldn’t take sides, but it would be nice for Lucas to win in my honor. At least I’d be able to see him more, especially before my wedding. Any more time I could spend with him was worth it.
For once, even though I knew I was going to turn into a monster tonight, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I could look forward to nights after this without worrying about what I would become.
I wanted to believe this was a step in the right direction toward a brighter future for everyone. But that was the last thought I had before darkness overcame me.
That night when I dreamt, I was flying again. Soaring across the treetops. The chains dangled at my wrists. I was stronger than ever, stretching my wings so wide, it felt like I could eclipse the sky. I was starving, but all I could find was a wild pig. Its screams sounded so human as I tore it apart.
22
That morning,rumorsabout a monster were abundant again. Edgardo assured everyone it was likely another wakwak. All the staff in the house were talking about it. A pig had been found torn to pieces—what else could it be? Everyone thought Qian had killed the monster and its eggs. Little did they know, the real monster was standing with him, arm in arm.
I’d gotten loose in the night; my worst fear had come to life. Nix was such a deep sleeper, she didn’t notice or hear anything. The chains around the tree had snapped as easily as rubber bands. I must have pulled them so hard, they shattered.
I was getting stronger.
Qian wasn’t satisfied with killing one wakwak, and he instructed a few of his men to stay behind to find its mate—which had to be the source of the second attack—and kill it. I almost expected him to lead his people, but he was to escort us back to the city, to make sure we all arrived home safely. He had taken it upon himself to see that his betrothed was protected.
I hid all my uncertainty and fear as Qian and I rode together,leading the procession. I could sense his excitement and joy. He looked so regal, sitting atop his horse with his head held high, and he kept glancing at me with a smile so large, I was certain his cheeks would start to ache soon. But he genuinely seemed thrilled to be with me. And I was thrilled, too. I was going to get rid of this curse once and for all, and I believed we could start something great together. I had to.
By the time we made it through the gates of Biringan City, preparations for the wedding had already begun. My royal colors bedecked seemingly every surface in the city. My family’s flag hung from windows, banners had been strung across the roads, and purple and yellow sampaguita flowers, the colors of Sirena, blanketed the road.
Commoners flooded the streets to see us coming, and word spread fast, because the longer we journeyed toward the palace, the more people came. They cheered and smiled, calling our names, and Qian reached down from his horse to touch hands grasping toward him.
“The hero Qian!”
“My prince!”
“We love you!”
It was easy for people to like Qian. He had a magnetic charm about him that affirmed I’d made the right decision. He would make a great king, even if it wasn’t his aspiration. He was born for it. Merchants and sailors called my name, congratulating me and throwing flowers from their stalls. Qian caught a flower and slipped it behind my ear.
“They love you almost as much as I do,” he said, and kissed my knuckles.
Cheers erupted again, and I smiled. It truly felt like something out of a fairy tale.
I felt another pair of eyes on me, and when I looked over my shoulder, I saw Lucas watching me from atop his horse. He broke his gaze to survey the people around us, always on alert for anyone who would want to harm me. My heart felt like it was being torn in two, but I sat up higher on my saddle and waved to the crowd.
Everything was a blur. The moment we set foot inside the palace, Jinky appeared and beckoned to other attendants who would see to my pre-wedding preparations. They were going to turn me into not a bride but a vision.
The delegation from Jade Mountain was still traveling, so some of the other servants in my palace would make Qian presentable for the ceremony, and he gave me one last smile before we were both whisked away to our separate wings.
In the bathing rooms, I was passed between dozens of hands that scrubbed me down, oiled me up, lotioned, lathered, clipped, and trimmed every inch of me until it felt like my whole body had been microwaved. They rubbed my skin raw, brushed my hair so many times, I was amazed I had any left, and massaged my muscles to oblivion. I was getting the real royal treatment and should have been enjoying myself, but I couldn’t stop my thoughts from spiraling with worry.
I wanted to be happy. I was overjoyed that Qian had agreed to marry and that I could give Nix the freedom she so desperatelywanted, but I couldn’t help but wonder if this would really work. Would marriage be enough to fix me? I had two nights left until the full moon.
I had to think positively. It was the only thing I could do now.
From the window, I could see the arena was already being set up for the tournament. Flags billowed in the breeze, and excited voices rose into the air. Tomorrow, Lucas would compete in the tournament, fighting to be my champion. And then I would be wed.
Even though I was going to be married to Qian, I couldn’t stop thinking about Lucas.
What was he doing right now? What was he thinking? Did he think about me? Did he imagine himself in Qian’s shoes? What would our lives be like if we weren’t bound by duty?
