The Girl in the Woods

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

As the dawn rises, the crowds start to gather at the center of the Kingdom of Assimont where justice happens right in front of them. Their fears still lingering wildly within and from then on, they planted the happening on their heads that happened the day before the morrow that it was the bad omen that they had read from every book and ancient scrolls. The howling that happened that night sent them into fear and gathered in front of the King's palace to address their complaints. The King then let out a decree to send people to know the problem and where the howling came from. He commanded the Prince to lead their people to find the culprit of the disturbance to the kingdom. The King believes that it is not just a simple problem. The memories of the past then came to his mind. The howling never sends him to a peaceful sleep the previous night as the past brought him to be wide awake until morning.

“They are all gone, but if it was the scion of their race, I am hoping that this won't create chaos again between humans.” He said in his thoughts.

He thought while he saw his people were in turmoil after that howling that sent them a great disturbance and worries. Worries for their families especially children. Some warned their children not to get out of the house once day turned to dusk.

The King was called Prince Darvyn. He wanted to speak to him about all the tasks that he has given to him.

“I wanted you to lead the investigation if there is something that happened last night after that disturbing creature,” he said to Prince Darvyn. King Weston knows he has his well-trusted guards and people to do the investigation, but he knows that the Prince will be glad if he is the one to lead them. With his wit and intelligence, he knows he can do it.

“Yes, father!” Prince Darvyn kneeled in front of the King to show his respect and acceptance of his order.

They then discuss the mysterious woman in Lakeside Village, but Prince Darvyn has no certainty of the incident. After the woman and the man disappeared, there is no further event that will connect to them. They weren't able to get any clue of what their aim was, to come to the village. Even King Weston fell into a deep thought because he cannot think of the probable reason for them to give them to worry about. Their Kingdom has been peaceful for a few decades but he is asking, why? Why is there this type of event that he is not in control of? And why all of a sudden.

Prince Darvyn after the King spoke to him, prepared for their journey with Nicholaus and some of the knights and armies. Up to date, he cannot fathom why suddenly there is a series of strange incidents happening in the land. The illusion, the howling from the previous night, and he doesn't know if there are more to come. But, he is certain that he will do everything to save their kingdom from any destruction that the future might bring.

“Your Highness, we are ready!” Nicholaus came to inform him that everyone is ready. Their horses and carriages are well-checked and ready for the long journey. Prince Darvyn doesn't like to stay in the palace since then that is why when he reached a mature age, he told the King that he wanted to lead the orders he made especially during incidents that need thorough investigations. He loves doing it. He wanted to be the first to know everything. But despite being busy, he didn't forget about Suranne. He always thinks about her. Think that she might go to the river many times and get frustrated and he was guilty because he promised her that he will be there when she visits their meeting place.

“Did she even visit the place?” He asked in his thoughts. He doesn't know if she is also visiting because no one could tell him. Aside from his knights, no one knows that he is seeing Suranne nor his father. He can't pay a visit to her because he also doesn't know where exactly she lives. The thing that he didn't dare to ask. From the first day they meet, he finds her mysteriously and he respects her if she wants to hide her identity.

Nicholaus gestured to Prince Darvyn that they are about to set their journey. He looked around and everyone was already on their horses. Prince Darvyn then looked up. There, he saw King Weston looking at them. He knows how the King was worried about their journey because he doesn't know if there will be any stumbling blocks that will hinder them on their mission.

At the cave, Suranne is back to her human form since the sunrise is spreading its hue over the horizon. She is lying naked beside Montana on her wooden bed. She has a fever and trembles because she feels cold. Her body is sore and when she moves, she will wince in pain.

“It's just temporary. It's your first shift that is why you cannot control it. Once you can adjust to it, it will be better next time.” Montana explains to her why she has body aches. It is because of her transformation the previous night. She is aggressive and hyperactive, which made her tired with swollen muscles. Suranne understands it but still, she is suffering from body aches.

A woman in her 60's came and handed them clothes, most probably for Suranne.

“Thank you,” Montana said softly. She then helps Suranne to get dressed. The woman left after she handed the clothes to his mom. She is Elora Lowe's Mom, one of the families that joined the pack when humans chase them to live far away from the Kingdom.

“I'm cold!” Suranne trembles in fever.

“Wait for a few minutes, Gareth will come back soon with the medicines. You can rest while waiting for him.” Montana consoled her and covered her with her cloak.

Half an hour later, Gareth came back with some leaves in his hands. It's the leaves that they believed that has special healing power when boiled and drunk by a sick person. Can also use a warm bath to help lessen muscle pains and most of all, it is safe for the creatures like them. Gareth then quickly boils it. While waiting, Elora came to him.

“You show a lot of care for her,” she said while she sat next to Gareth facing the pot which was boiling.

“Elora, it's normal to take care of the members of our pack. If it's you, I will do the same,” Gareth replied.

“But you imprinted her, that's the difference,” she retorted.

Gareth shakes his head lightly. Since the day he saw Suranne, he knows she is destined to be her mate. He feels different when the first time he saw her, the first time Montana sent him to watch her that is why when he got the chance to meet her, he introduced himself and tried to make friends with her. The days passed that he continues to keep her on his watch, but it hurts him to see her getting close to the Prince.

Gareth heaved a sigh and looked at Elora intensely. “Can I teach this? If I could, I will teach this to imprint you but this is one thing we cannot control, Elora. You know that!” He said, pointing his chest where his heart is.

Pain flashed in Elora's face, she bent out of shape forming a ball of a fist. She gritted her teeth and turned her stares to the entrance of the cave where the person that caused her anger is lying and shivering. She remembered how happy she was with Gareth, from the day she found him. As they grew up, she became certain about her feelings towards him. She confessed but Gareth treated her like a sister that made her upset and frustrated.