Andrew's POV

Andrew took a step back. He was shocked. Nobody ever talked to him like this besides his sisters, but that was only when he was teasing them. But he wasn't teasing Anne. He was only trying to help.

"There is something wrong in this town. I came here to kill The Beast, but there is something else going on. If I could help you-"

"We don't need your help. I don't need your help."

"Do you hate everyone, or is it just me? You know, I may be a-"

"I don't have any time to stand here talking to you."

Anne went to the door.

What was the matter with her? Her anger was uncalled for. But nothing could stop him from going after her. He had to know what was going on in this town. And so did his father. If Andrew found out what was going on in the town, maybe his father would stop seeing him as the son who always did wrong.

He went out the door after Anne and followed her down the street.

She was walking fast and he stayed right behind her. He needed to wait until she was less angry before trying to convince her to trust him.

What was the reason behind Anne's anger? Andrew was pretty sure he hadn't done anything to upset her.

A group of snakes were slithering down the street. The people on the street avoided them and went on their way, used to the snakes. After he killed The Beast, he had to figure out a way to get rid of the snakes. 

Andrew watched the way the bow bounced on Anne's back. She was dressed the same way she was when he saw her for the first time. Her stepfather was the mayor of the town, yet she dressed in peasant clothes and went out hunting against her stepfather's wishes. She reminded Andrew of himself. The difference was, she had a good reason for defying her stepfather. She wanted to find out what was happening to the children and she wanted to protect her people from The Beast. He couldn't help but admire this girl. Even if she did hate him.

They were heading to the gate that led out of the town. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Robert still following them. 

Anne reached the gate and the guards greeted her and she greeted them back.

So she wasn't rude to everyone. Just him.

She walked through the gate and picked up her pace. Andrew walked faster to walk next to her.

"Good morning, Anne," he said in a joyful voice.

"I need you to be quiet or go away. I'm trying to hunt The Beast."

"So am I."

It was silent for a couple of seconds before he spoke up again.

"Don't we want to attract The Beast's attention. After all, he's hunting too, and if he hears us, he will come in our direction." Not a good plan, but he wanted to talk with her.

She ignored him, walking into the forest.

"Is this where you found Emma?"

"No one is supposed to know about that," she whispered. 

"I don't think you could keep something like that a secret for long."

She didn't reply.

"Robert is still following us. Do you want me to get rid of him?"

"I don't think you could."

"So you doubt my abilities. You do know that I'm a warrior, right?"

"Yes, you're a Engeler knight."

"Not officially, but I did fight with them."

"Wasn't in your plans?"

"God had other plans for me."

"Not surprising."

"What's not surprising?"

"How dishonorable men blame their failings on God."

"Why do you think I'm dishonorable?"

"You're a man, you're arrogant, and... I guess that's enough reasons."

Andrew knew that he could be arrogant at times, but he hated how she thought he was arrogant. "You're judging me wrongly."

She shrugged her shoulders.

"Maybe I'll stay in Pinecrest long enough for you to change your mind about me."

"Oh, please, don't stay on my account."

"And if do kill The Beast, we'll be knowing each other better, as husband and wife."

He only said that to tease her and make her laugh. Marriage was for people who wanted to settle down and have kids. And the thought of having a kid filled him with fear. He didn't like kids.

Anne suddenly turned around, making him almost losing his balance and falling on her.

"I will kill the man who tries to marry me. Do  you understand?"

"Perfectly." He held his hands up like he was surrendering. Her expression changed so much, and she didn't look like the person who spoke so kindly to Emma and her parents. How could he ever get him to look at him with that kind expression?

But it hit him suddenly that her hard look was fear.

"Did somebody hurt you? Is that why you'd rather kill a man than marry him?"

She spun around and started walking again. But just as quickly, she spun again to face him.

"How dare you assume anything about me? All you need to know is that I will kill a man if he lays a finger on me. Including you," she said, pointing a finger at him.

"I understand. You look very capable of protecting yourself, and I will never tough you, or any woman, without their permission, I promise you."

"And you will never have my permission."

"Understood. I'm sorry for teasing you about marriage. Sometimes I try too hard to make people laugh." He placed a hand over his heart.

Was it his imagination or did her eyes soften a little? He didn't have enough time to look because she turned around and started walking again. He followed.

When she didn't say anything, he asked, "So, do you forgive me?"

She sighed. "Are you always so annoying and talkative?"

"Not always." He couldn't help but smile. She was already softening towards him. He could be quite charming when he wanted to be. How could she resist him?

Maybe he was arrogant after all.

Anne's POV

Anne wanted to punch Andrew in the stomach. No doubt he was only having fun following her around. Soon he would get tired of the game and find someone else to play along.

She knew the type of woman who would play along. Those girls who laughed at her when she walked by with her bow. Whenever a handsome man was around, they blinked like there was something in their eyes, 'accidentally' touching their arms, and laughing at their jokes. Andrew was definitely used to women flirting with him, him flirting back, and... more than flirted.

Ignoring him, she grabbed her bow and loaded it with an arrow. 

"Has The Beast been seen in this area?" Lord Andrew whispered. 

"He attacked a man near here."

"How did he describe The Beast?"

"He said he looked like a wolf."

As they walked, Andrew was finally quiet, and she hadn't heard Robert behind them.

They were climbing a hill now. Very few people went this far, not since all the reports of The Beast and people going missing. And yet, she saw evidence of people who have recently climbed the hill. Fresh footprints, trampled leaves, and broken sticks. 

Andrew bent down and picked up a stick. "Who would be coming this far with The Beast on the loose?

Anne shrugged and took a few more steps. The trail was becoming more rockier as it went up, but a newer trail, less worn, was just visible, leading off to the left. Andrew seemed to notice it the same time she did. He looked at her and motioned his head towards the direction.

He was smarter than she thought. How annoying.

They turned on the path and started winding between tree branches and bushes. Anne was in the lead, but when a branch blocked her way, Andrew held it up to let her pass under it. She didn't say thank you and a tiny nudge of guilt pinched her chest. But why should she thank him? He didn't do anything heroic. And she didn't want him to think she wanted him here. He was an arrogant man and she didn't need his help.

They continued following the path, then, instead of going of continuing up, the path started going down.

Anne got a strange feeling as if someone was breathing on her neck. She turned, but only Andrew was there, walking next to her. behind him was dark, shadowy trees. The clouds seemed to move, hiding the sun and making the forest even darker.

She continued walking forward. How come she had never seen this path before? It must be a new path. A fallen tree lay up ahead. She vaguely remembered seeing it before, lying against a large boulder. but today, there were other fallen trees that seemed to have been piled around it, covering the boulder. 

The trees were still full of green leaves, as if they were freshly cut. 

A growl came from the other side of the pile of trees.

Anne's body tensed. She already had her bow ready, so she stopped and waited. Andrew stepped up besides her. he had already drew his sword without her hearing it.

An animal with long, skinny legs stepped out from the pile of trees. The creature bared its teeth and crouched, ready to pounce.

Andrew stepped forward as she raised her bow. Thankfully, he stayed to the side so she could have a clear shot.

Anne aimed the bow, and just as she loosed the arrow, the animal leapt.