Cursed family

As Ava stood in the darkness, she heard the voice again, its tone menacing. "Get out now."

Ava didn't flinch. Instead, she stood tall, her voice firm. "Who are you?" she demanded. "Show your face. Let me see you."

Ava stood tall, her voice unwavering. "Don't be scared, show your face."

The room fell silent. The Beast had expected fear, but instead, Ava was offering him comfort. He was taken aback, and for a moment, he didn't know how to respond.

Then, a low, rumbling laugh filled the room. "Scared of you?" The Beast repeated, his voice dripping with amusement. "Who do you think you are?"

Ava's voice remained steady. "If you're not scared of me, then why are you hiding? Turn on the light, if you dare."

The Beast's laughter stopped, and he spoke in a calm, measured tone. "Hmm, you won't leave here in one piece if you continue to talk like that."

Ava's voice took on a hint of desperation. "Alright, I'll leave immediately. Just don't call me back."

As soon as the words left her lips, The Beast felt a pang in his chest. It was a feeling he couldn't quite explain, but it left him momentarily stunned.

Ava turned to leave, but the door was locked. "The door is locked," she said, her voice muffled. "Help me, please."

The Beast's voice was detached, almost bored. "There's a key close to the lock. Just turn it, open the door, and leave."

Ava's voice rose in frustration. "Why are you being so—"

But before she could finish, The Beast moved with lightning speed. One moment, Ava was standing by the door; the next, she was lifted off the ground, The Beast's hand closing around her neck like a vice.

Ava's eyes widened in shock, and she struggled to speak, but The Beast's grip was too tight. She was trapped, helpless, and at his mercy.

Ava's voice was barely audible, but her words cut deep. "You... I... Cared for you just now, but you planned to take my life as a reward..." Her words trailed off, and she looked up at The Beast with tears in her eyes.

The Beast's grip on her neck faltered, and he felt a pang of emotion he couldn't explain. It was as if Ava's words had awakened something within him, something he thought was long dead.

"Do... Do I look like I need your help?" he growled, trying to maintain his tough exterior. But his voice was laced with uncertainty, and he couldn't meet Ava's gaze.

Ava's tears fell like rain as she spoke. "Just kill me, my life has been miserable after all." Her words were laced with despair, and The Beast felt a pang of guilt. He didn't know why, but he couldn't bring himself to hurt her.

The Beast's eyes locked onto Ava's, and for a moment, he felt a spark of connection. It was as if he saw something in her that he couldn't quite explain. "You—" he began to say, but his words were cut short.

The mark on Ava's hand began to glow with an eerie blue light. The Beast's eyes widened in shock as he released Ava, letting her fall to the ground. He stumbled backward, his eyes fixed on the glowing mark.

"What is that?" he thundered, his voice echoing off the walls. "What kind of sorcery is this?" He took another step back, his eyes never leaving the mark. It was as if he was mesmerized by its power.

Ava slowly got to her feet, her eyes fixed on The Beast. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

But The Beast wasn't convinced. He took another step back, his eyes never leaving Ava's face. "You're not like the others," he said, his voice laced with suspicion. "What are you hiding?"