I wondered if she was frightened of me. I wonder if she hated me.

I prayed she didn't, that perhaps there was still a chance. I wasn't scary, was I? I spoke politely, I tried not to frighten her I tried-

"Would you relax?" Lady Bastillion sighed, reading her book. I was pacing back and forth in front of the fire in the Manor's living area, trying to calm myself down but I couldn't. I was worried.

"She's been in her room for three days, three days since she's seen me. What if she's there because she hates me? What if she-"

"I said to relax, Nolan!" She sighed, putting the book down to her lap. "First of all, she didn't seem nearly as frightened as I expected her to be, especially coming from her world where they don't see beasts like. And secondly, she's in her room because I explained to her where she was."

I stopped pacing and stared at her. "Excuse me?"

"She didn't know where she was; she knew nothing of this world, or the clan that her brother was in. She didn't know magic existed until three days ago. So you best just calm down."

I slumped into my chair, right next to the fire place.

"I said calm down, not 'fall into depression.'" She muttered.

"It's hopeless. She...she's so beautiful...and I'm...well, look at me!" I cried.

"Stop that, Nolan!" Lady Bastillion growled, slapping her book on her lap. "She will love you, it's written in the stars! You're already off to a great start. She's scared of Lord Bastillion, so you should not even worry about him. And she was wondering about you."

My face shot up to her, and I almost jumped out of my seat. "She was?"

She nodded. "Don't get your hopes up, she didn't fall in love with you at first site. But, she did seem to recognize you, so that's a good sign."

"Recognize me? That was the first time she has ever seen me."

"Women with good hearts see better than you do, my dear." Lady Bastillion smiled. "You'll see."

It still felt so hopeless. The moment I laid eyes on her...I knew she was the one. I wanted to take her into my arms and hold and tell her everything was going to be okay...but then I remembered what I looked like. What I looked like to her.

"A monster..." I muttered.

"What was that, Dear?" She eyed me. I just stared at her, and then got up, heading towards the door. "Since you're leaving, Dear, you might as well give her her new change of clothes, and anything she needs you can deliver that to her. Don't forget your place here." She warned.

I nodded, staring at the door and not her, and then left.

Each step I took up the stairs, my heart raced faster and faster. I hoped I wouldn't be a bother to her. What if she refused to see me? A terrible beast, such as me? And then I approached her door, and I froze, my tongue stuck in my throat. Would she even realize it was me? What if she was expecting Carl and I walk in, the hideous beast?

I took a deep breath; I may be many things, but I am no coward. I knocked on her door.

"Who is it?"

I cleared my throat. "It's, um, me."

There was a pause, a silence that hurt my ears and squeezed my heart. A rush of disappointment but hope filled my spirit, the anticipation almost too much to bare.

"Come in."

I exhaled with relief, and slowly turned the knob.