Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 157: Life and death (3)

Ophelia took a moment to grasp that Ester said she was going to die.

"Dante’s not going to kill me. I have no doubts in my mind that I am safe with him," Ophelia said, refusing to fall for Ester’s lie.

Ester struck Ophelia on her leg again. "That’s where you’re wrong. Man and beast aren’t the same. That’s why he loses control of himself when the beast takes over. The beast can desire to kill you, and Dante cannot stop it."

"Then, we only need to plan so that he cannot get to me. If Dante cannot control the beast, then I have no reason to get upset with him if the beast tries to kill me. We must try to find a cure before the full moon. Please," Ophelia pleaded.

"Little one, many others before you have been trying to find the answer and have not succeeded. I didn’t have the answer for them then, and I don’t have it for you now. Only the one that cursed them could give the answer, but we both know what happened to her," said Ester.

"I believe there is a way to cure him despite the one who cast the curse being dead. There has to be a way," Ophelia said, remaining positive.

"He got married not long ago, and there hasn’t been a full moon. That means you haven’t seen it," Ester realised. "Are you truly prepared for what is to come? It is easy to be supportive when you don’t know what you are up against."

"I don’t know what he will look like, but I made a promise to help him find an answer. Sure, I will be scared," Ophelia admitted, seeing no reason to hide it. "Who wouldn’t be scared seeing something out of this world, but I know Dante. I’ll get over my fear and try to help him."

Ester laughed, amused by Ophelia. "That’s a new one. Who do you think came up with the idea to chain the beasts?’

"I would assume it was the first Lord Hastings who was cursed. Since he couldn’t control himself, he wanted to be locked away. No?"

Ester shook her head. "Lord Hastings wanted to go far away from the castle, but it was his wife who suggested he be chained. At first, they were chained in their chambers, but as the Lord Hastings changed, they were taken to the dungeon where they would be out of sight."

"Why do you think that is?" Ester asked.

"For the safety of everyone around them? It wouldn’t be wise to just let a beast leave the castle to attack someone or go where he could be lost. Must we do this?" Ophelia asked, tired of Ester asking random questions. "Can’t you tell me what you want to say?"

"I am trying to get to know you, dear. Just as I have done with the other wives before you. I have given you the advice to run away before you die. Your fate is to die in that castle. Run before it is too late," said Ester.

"I don’t want to run-"

"Then die," Ester interjected. "Not around my home. Pick somewhere else to die."

"I am not going to die. I would prefer it if you would stop saying this because I know he can hear us, and all this will do is make him distance himself from me. Is there truly nothing we can do to help him? He simply has to live with this curse?" Ophelia asked, hoping it wasn’t so.

"Yes. It is unfortunate that he has to live with the consequences of someone’s actions, but since the others before him never found the answer, he must bear with it. If he doesn’t break it, then your child will have it. All the boys are cursed, and as you might have realised, the Hastings have only been getting boys," said Ester.

"We don’t want children," Ophelia spoke softly.

"Good. Then the curse will die with him, but is that truly enough for you? You’re both so young and partly beautiful. Surely, you will desire more as the years go on. Well, you must hope it is many years since you will die-"

"I have asked you not to repeat it," Ophelia sighed, and palmed her face. "You are going to make the ride back to the castle quite difficult for me. I imagine he is already changing our plans. What have you told the others? At least point me in the right direction, and I will be on my way."

"There is nowhere for me to point you to. I advise you to consider what the curse entails and to consider saving yourself. That is all I can share with you. You shouldn’t be like the wives before you," said Ester.

"I don’t understand. Cecilia is still alive when her husband has passed, and Dante never shared that his father tried to kill Cecilia. Why is it that I would have to die? What has changed for that to be my fate?" Ophelia wondered.

It didn’t sound fair to Ophelia.

Ester shrugged her shoulders. "I simply see death all around you. Your fate is to die, but now that you know, you can change it. I would get out of that castle right away. I have warned you."

Ophelia shook her head. "I feel as though you have not told me enough. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, but I think it is time we leave."

"Someone is going to die and quite soon. I don’t want it to be you since you’re the first wife I can bear to stand around. You’re welcome to come back if you want help with other troubles, but not with the curse and getting away from your fate," said Ester.

"Thank you," Ophelia replied, but at the moment she had no intention of returning.

Dante returned with the basket of flowers and handed it to Ester. "I’ll be back soon."

"I didn’t offer the invitation to you," Ester said, uninterested in speaking to Dante. "Go before your presence brings others to my home. They’ll die if they come here."

"I have told you not to kill anyone, Ester. I’ll have to imprison you," said Dante.

"Then I’ll take the little lady’s advice and turn you into a pig."

Ophelia looked back at Ester as she realised Ester had somehow heard what she told Dante. Her eyes were opening to a new side of the world, and she didn’t know how long she could keep acting as though it was all fine.

Ester watched as the couple returned to their horse. She sighed, relieved that the Hastings wouldn’t have to keep coming to her. ’They are so close to the answer,’ she thought.