“Can you stop moving so much? I can’t work properly like this!” Bethany’s grip tightened as I fidgeted. She had been braiding my hair for what felt like an eternity, or more realistically something like half an hour.

  “Ouch! Sorry... But how can you sit still for so long?” She was like grandma knitting. Maybe that’s what it meant to be a proper lady?

  “You’re the only one who can’t stay in place for more than five minutes,” she said flatly.

  Faced with the looming threat of going bald if I didn’t behave, I stared motionlessly at the trees before me. Matthew said we would watch the sunset from his favorite spot on the hill. “Hey, do you remember when our parents were freaking out when we were exploring in the forest?”

  “What do you mean by ‘we’? You were the one forcing me to join you.”

  “You were so easily scared back then. Hey Beth, what scares you the most now?”

  “Hmm… I don’t really know. I mean, I find a lot of things scary. I suppose spiders are. Some people say that if one bites you, you could die. There was that time we were both crying because I thought I was going to die after getting bitten.” She let out a small laugh, amused by our childhood silliness. Her mother had been so confused, trying to comfort both of us. “Maybe wolves? Don’t you think they are terrifying with their pointy teeth and their big mouth?”

  “Not really, dogs have pointy teeth and a big mouth too and they are even louder.”

  “If you think wolves are just uncivilized dogs, does that mean you would save me if I get attacked?” she was smirking, I could hear it.

  “You can be sure of this your highness! Should a fiend dare stand in your way, I would smite it with my mighty sword” I exclaimed loudly, fist thumbing on the chest, doing my best knight impersonation. If I were a boy, I was sure she would have fallen for me with this.

  “I’m so lucky that you are here for me my very valiant knight” She was giggling. “Did you hear about the castle without ramparts? Apparently there is a vampire living there! I already can’t stand blood and they feed on it. That’s horrendous! What kind of creepy monster would you have to be to do that? They’re like dangerous and perverted psychopaths. They are the worst!” I should have guessed. Whenever she looked at a scratch she was on the verge of fainting, so a monster licking them is probably her worst nightmare. “And you Eli?”

  “That’s a hard question. I don’t know. Vampires and such aren’t cute, but are they worse than a bull? At least you can speak with them.”

  “Don’t lie, everyone is scared of something. Even my dad fears something. He constantly repeats that the tax controller is the most terrifying monster in existence” Bethany interrupted my thought.

  “He is just afraid of going broke, it’s not like he hides in a closet whenever someone is collecting taxes.”

  “Okay, then what is your worst abstract fear, madam fearless?”

  I took a moment to ponder about it, but among anything, the discussion I had with father earlier was the most prominent one. “I think my worst fear is leaving one day and discovering that everything precious to me was destroyed in my absence… There is a rumor that a war is brewing and the village could be caught in it. My father asked me to leave, but I refuse. I don’t want to abandon everyone, and be left alone.” My voice lost in vigor, my fists were crumpling my dress.

  Bethany’s hands halted their work on my hair. “I’m sure nothing will happen. The last time the village was caught in a conflict we were not even born, why would that change now?”

  “Why wouldn’t this time be different? How can you be so sure?” I raised my voice at her nonchalance. I nearly turned to face her, but the hard pull on my hair reminded me to stay put.

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  “I’m sure of it, that’s all. You worry too much. Where’s the carefree Eli I know? Don’t tell me you turned into a vampire?!” She was laughing at me. I should really scratch her princess-like image off my head.

  I sighed. She always dodged serious matters, and this time was no exception. “Forget it. Anyway, how much time do you still need to get it done?”

  “Why are you so impatient, for once it receives proper care. Your hair is so pretty, it deserves some attention. I wish I had the same vibrant red hair as you. But to answer you, I’m nearly done, I just need to put some more flowers.” She seemed to enjoy herself very much. It would not have been a problem if her toy was not my head!

  “Flowers?! I’m just meeting Matthew, not getting married! I don’t need anything this showy!”

  She put the flowers in anyway. Apparently, I wasn’t in position to protest. “You are stunning like that, Matthew won’t stop stuttering looking at you. Just one more second… here, it is done! You can go, but don’t forget to tell me everything tomorrow.”

  Finally freed from our local princess, I left to join Matthew. "I hope I’m not too late. It should be fine, right? When Mom is late, Father always says she’s making herself desired." As I was justifying myself out loud, I reached the center of the village. It was nearly empty. Well, there were some neighbors, but not Matthew. However, I didn’t have to wait long before I saw him walking toward me. "I hope he has a good excuse".

  “Good afternoon pretty damsel! I promise the sunset is stunning there. I also brought us some ale.” He smiled, looking overjoyed. I couldn’t let him just brush over his tardiness.

  “Do you have any idea how much I waited after you?” Nailed it! The reproachful tone, the little head movement, look at how angry you made me! Beg for forgiveness! hehehe!

  “I would say less than five minutes. I saw you arriving” I didn’t know what was the most annoying, his mocking smile or that he caught me.

  We left the village together. I subtly brushed my hand against his, hinting him to hold hands. He didn’t notice, unfortunately. I tried once more, lingering longer, but it was still fruitless. I let out a long sigh without any effort of suppressing it. I gave up on small romantic gestures and settled into our usual banter. It was simple, ordinary, yet I couldn’t stop smiling.

  “Did you heard about that traveler that arrived this morning? He asked half the village if there was some work to do.”

  “At least he’s searching for works when you seek gossips”, I bumped my shoulder with his, staggering him lightly.

  He recovered his balance and prepared to retaliate when his attention shifted, “Here we are!” He spread his arms like he was showing me the greatest place in the world.

  I could only admit, the view was worth it. We could see the whole village, barely making out the shape of its inhabitants. Further away, there were fields surrounding the river. He had better taste than I expected. Yet, even if he had taken me to a mosquito-infested pond, I probably would have still agreed to follow him. Not that I would ever admit it.

  We sat on the bare ground, sharing a gourd of ale. The sun was already hung low, its light setting ablaze the river. The sky turned reddish, yet Matthew was still redder. This time I managed to hold his hand.

  …

  The sun was barely visible, I shuddered in the coldness of the night.I pushed my shoulder against his, and pressed his hand tighter. We were both tipsy, the mood was romantic and for some reason… Can’t you stop blabbering about hunting spots you idiot?!

  I cut him off, “Do you think I’m pretty?” Would he get the hint? At this point, I wasn’t sure anymore.

  His mouth hung open for a second, “Yes, you are beautiful.” Then his eyes brightened as if he had an epiphany. “Is it a new dress? It suits you very well!” I barely held back a groan. At least he tried… My apologies Bethany, your hairdressing skills are wasted on someone like him.

  “That’s how you recognize a true hunter! A truly keen sense of observation.” I widely smiled at him. Not mocking him was getting harder and harder.

  “That’s too much, hahaha! I’d say just a bit better than the average person.” He's a bit cute when he is all proud of himself.

  “Is that so?" I laughed, "Then I’m safe with you around, nothing will creep up on us.” I gently nudged him. If I ever need to rely on his perception I’m completely doomed.

  “Yes, I swear it.” There was no smile to water down his declaration. It was true that he was silly sometimes, but he had been hunting alone since he was barely ten. There was probably no safer place in the village than by his side. He took both of my hands in his, “Eli, would something happen to you it will make me sick. If I could I would always choose to be your shield.”

  I stiffened “I’m so lucky, because I will need an escort to cross this dangerous forest at night.” I was stuttering a bit, my heart was beating so quickly my hands were shaking. I couldn’t calm down; I was sure this night would be etched in my memory forever.

  “What do you mean night? It is still bright.”

  “That is just the moon, look at how big it is!” I tore my eyes away from him, for some reason the sky looked prettier than ever. Is there a more dreamy setting than this? We were alone in the woods, under the full moon. I don’t think there would be a more romantic scenery than now for a first kiss. I fidgeted, not daring to make the first step.

  When I looked back at him, he was staring intensely at the moon. Then, for some reasons I couldn’t understand, panic crept onto his face,“Please Elizabeth, go back home. Now!” His grip on my hands strengthened, his voice too loud for the quiet hill.

  “Why? Is there a problem?” I looked left and right, I scrutinized the shadows in the bushes, searching a movement or something justifying his change.

  "Elizabeth please listen to me…" He gritted his teeth, then relaxed after an uncomfortably long pause. His head hung low as he spoke again. "No... stay with me Elizabeth. Please close your eyes. Promise me you won’t open them.” I shifted uncomfortably but as he seemed to calm I forgot my unease and closed my eyes.

  Something was off. I couldn’t guess what was happening, until a realization struck me. I was sure, it was a trick to steal a kiss! “If you think I didn’t see through your plans…” As I opened my eyes, my throat tightened. What is happening?! What is this thing?! I was paralyzed, terrified of Matthew.

  Thick black fur was pushing itself out of the skin of his visage, his legs lengthened, his face extended, his nose flattening. However, the worst of all was his mouth. Just looking at it made me silently cry. His mouth hung open, wide... Too wide. He was smiling blissfully, a horribly distorted smile. And inside, his teeth were spreading apart, growing taller. They were like stakes planted in a mouth far too large for them.

  I don’t want to die… “Please…”