The morning sun filtered through the high windows of Joshua's chamber, casting golden light across the stone floor. A loud knock on the door snapped him from sleep, and he sprang upright, eyes blinking against the light.
(Oh, it's morning already? It felt like I only slept a few hours...) he thought groggily, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He pushed himself out of bed and turned toward the barricaded door.
Grunting softly, he lifted Lancelot's heavy bed from its place in front of the door and returned it to its original position. Then, still rubbing his eyes, he opened the door.
Tiffany stood in the hallway, smiling playfully.
"Hey there, handsome. You look tired. Was last night too much for you?" she asked with a flirtatious lilt.
Joshua blinked, the sight of her instantly souring his mood. "What are you doing here?" he asked sharply, irritation etched into his face.
"Relax, lover boy. I just came to inform you that the King is holding a conference. He wants you there."
Joshua's heart skipped a beat. "Did you tell him about what happened yesterday?"
Tiffany shook her head. "Not a soul. I'm a woman of honor," she said with a coy wink. "And I'm still looking into your… problem."
Joshua exhaled, nodding. "Thanks, Tiffany."
She turned to leave, blowing him a kiss over her shoulder. Joshua grimaced and waved it away.
(The conference… It's probably about what happened yesterday in the slums. The King must have heard about it.) With a sigh, Joshua dressed quickly and made his way to the grand dining room.
When he arrived, King William stood by the tall window, flanked by Captain Percival and the aging butler, Jonathan. Joshua walked forward and stood at attention before them.
King William turned. "Let the conference begin."
He faced Joshua directly. "Jonathan received information from civilians in the slums. A monster attacked, killed and ate two werewolves."
Captain Percival's gaze narrowed. "Where were you yesterday, Joshua?"
Joshua's pulse quickened. "You think that was me? Werewolves don't eat other werewolves. I was in my room… just relaxing," he replied, forcing his voice to remain steady despite the sweat forming on his brow.
The room fell quiet. The others studied him closely.
King William finally nodded. "That matches what Tiffany told us."
(Whew. Lucky guess… But why didn't she tell me what she said? I almost got caught.) Joshua breathed a silent sigh of relief.
The King continued, "We've also found a replacement for Amy, a low-class werewolf maid. Jonathan found her in the slums. He says she has potential. We chose a werewolf for the strength and to open the doors to low-class werewolves within the noble estate. What are your thoughts?"
Captain Percival frowned but remained silent.
Joshua nodded. "I understand. Most low-class werewolves aren't a threat to humans. I agree with your decision."
Percival scowled at Joshua's words, clearly displeased.
King William moved on. "A vampire noble will also be arriving soon to replace Jonathan as head butler. He's getting too old for the position."
Joshua frowned. "But why a noble vampire? Aren't they just as bad as noble werewolves?"
"They were," the King admitted. "But after the Great War, the old vampire king died. His son changed everything. Now, humans live peacefully in the vampire kingdom. They're paid for their blood through banks and live freely. The new king even signed a peace treaty with us. This young vampire noble will be helping us improve security."
Joshua nodded slowly. "If you believe it's right, I'll support it."
King William smiled briefly. "Good. Percival, Jonathan, please leave. I'd like to speak with Joshua alone."
The two older men left the room without protest. Once they were gone, the King's face grew serious.
"Joshua," he said, "what is your relationship with my daughter?"
Joshua's blood froze. His mouth opened and closed. "M-me and your daughter…?"
King William raised a hand. "Relax. I know the two of you are together. I just want to know, what are your intentions?"
Joshua took a deep breath. "I love her… more than anything. I plan to marry her one day."
The King's stern expression softened into a smile. "That's all I can ask as her father. But please, stop making her cry. She was in tears last night."
Joshua's chest tightened. "She was crying? There was a misunderstanding. I'll clear it up when I see her."
"I hope so. You may go now."
Joshua bowed respectfully and exited the room, only to find Jonathan waiting in the hall.
The butler stepped forward. "I have extra information about the monster. The eyewitness said it had glowing green eyes, a black bushy tail, and black wolf ears. That description… matches you, Joshua, except for the eyes."
Joshua's heart sank.
Jonathan's voice dropped. "I know it was you."
There was no use lying. "Yes… it was me," Joshua admitted, his shoulders sagging.
Jonathan looked at him gravely. "Why did you do it? Was it because of what happened to Amy?"
"Yes," Joshua whispered. "Because of Amy."
"I told you it wasn't your fault. It was mine…"
Joshua frowned. "No. I took her to the slums. I put her in danger..."
Jonathan cut him off. "No. I paid the werewolves to kill her."
Joshua's eyes widened in horror. A sharp pain shot through his head, and he clutched his temples, staggering.
"I gave them the location," Jonathan said coldly. "I told them there was a weak noble werewolf protecting her. I knew what they'd do."
Joshua collapsed to his knees, his vision blurring.
((THIS BASTARD… HE'S THE REAL MONSTER! KILL HIM, JOSHUA, DEVOUR HIM!!))
A voice snarled in his head, dark and primal. He gritted his teeth, but the pain worsened.
((LET ME TAKE OVER! HE'S JUST LIKE THE OTHERS! I'LL RIP HIS THROAT OUT!!))
Joshua's hands dropped from his head. A low growl escaped his throat. His eyes blazed bright green. His teeth elongated, and foam gathered at the corners of his mouth. He fell to all fours, claws digging into the stone floor as his ears and tail rose.
Jonathan took a step back, suddenly realizing the danger he'd unleashed.
Joshua wasn't himself anymore.
He had become the beast.