The convoy continued riding deeper into unfamiliar lands.
Serenya turned in her saddle and watched as the warm, familiar fields of Ariathen slowly disappeared behind them. The bright green hills and golden sunlight she had known all her life gradually faded into the distance.
Little by little, the landscape began to change.
The colorful plains gave way to darker terrain. Thick thorny bushes spread across the land, and towering trees loomed ahead like silent sentinels guarding the forest beyond.
The warm air of Ariathen that she had always known was gone. In its place was a strange chill that crept through the wind, carrying with it an unsettling stillness.
'So this is what life outside Ariathen looks like…'
She let out a quiet sigh.
They had been riding for almost a day and a half now. Somewhere along the journey, she had finally changed out of her heavy wedding gown into something more suitable for travel. The long silver dress was gone, replaced by a simpler riding outfit, and she had braided her hair to keep it from whipping across her face as they rode.
Even so, the unfamiliar land ahead made her chest feel tight.
Everything beyond Ariathen felt… different.
Suddenly, Kaelen raised his hand into the air, bringing the entire convoy to a halt. The horses slowed before coming to a complete stop.
Without a word, he dismounted and walked toward the dark forest stretching out before them.
The towering trees stood thick and tangled, their twisted branches blocking most of the fading sunlight.
"We've reached the border between Ariathen and Veyr," Kaelen said calmly.
He paused before adding,
"Otherwise known as the Forbidden Woods."
Serenya felt her chest tighten.
The forbidden woods is said to be an ancient burial ground where possessed people and rebels had been laid to rest centuries ago. For over a hundred years, travelers had reported strange occurrences within its depths — evil spirits, wandering creatures, and voices that echoed through the trees at night.
Those who entered the forest rarely returned.
And those who did…
Were never the same again.
A tall pale figure stepped forward, moving past the horses toward the edge of the forest. His red eyes slowly scanned the dark woods, studying the shadows between the trees as if searching for something only he could see.
Serenya recognized him immediately.
The terrifying bodyguard who had appeared beside Kaelen earlier.
After a moment of silence, Kaelen spoke.
"What do you see, Zeke?"
So that was his name.
Zeke didn't turn around as he replied.
"The forest is too quiet."
His voice was calm, but something about it made the air feel colder.
"There are creatures in there," he continued. "And the carriages will only attract them."
Several Ariathen soldiers shifted uneasily.
Zeke finally turned back toward the convoy.
"If we continue with the carriages, the noise will carry deep into the forest. It will draw predators."
One of the Ariathen soldiers, a large bulky man with a thick beard, stepped forward angrily.
"We can't abandon the carriages," he snapped. "The princess's belongings are in there. Our weapons, supplies—everything."
He pointed toward the forest.
"We are humans, not mythical beasts like you Veyrs. If something attacks us in that cursed forest, we need our gear."
He paused, his gaze shifting suspiciously toward the Veyr soldiers.
"Or is that the point?"
The air grew tense.
"How do we know this isn't some trick to disarm us?" he continued sharply. "You could have taken another route… but instead you led us here."
His eyes narrowed.
"To a place where your kind clearly has the advantage."
Another Veyr soldier scoffed from behind
"Do you think we could go through all this stress if the plan was to ambush you??" He smirked, amused by the soldier's suspicions.
Serenya's eyes drifted to him for the first time.
He was striking—dangerously so. Tall, broad-shouldered, with pale skin that seemed to glow even in the dimming light. His black hair was slightly tousled, giving him an effortless, untamed look.
"Don't flatter yourself. If we wanted you dead, you wouldn't be standing here"
The Ariathen soldier frowned, instantly he drew out his sword
Before he could step forward, Kaelen moved.The world seemed to pause. Horses shifted nervously, soldiers froze mid-motion, and even the pale Veyr soldier straightened slightly under Kaelen's gaze.
"Enough," Kaelen said, his voice low and commanding. Calm, but sharp enough to cut through the tension like a blade.
Both soldiers hesitated, unwilling to oppose him. Even the Ariathen man's fury faltered under that single look.
Kaelen turned, walking toward the edge of the dark, tangled forest.
"We camp here for the night," Kaelen announced.
"We leave at dawn".
His words were final. No one dared to oppose
Serenya couldn't help but stare at him with curiosity in her eyes. Those two soldiers were about to fight and just one stare from him they backed down???!!
What exactly is he??!!
***
Nightfall,
Serenya is given her own tent, with all five of her soldiers standing guard outside. Kaelen camps alone on the opposite side. He sent all his soldiers to scout the forest and eliminate any creatures nearby before they reach camp.
She sank onto her cot and stretched.
'Finally some rest...' she sighed
Then her mind drifted to what happened earlier.
He ended that fight before it even happened.
Could it be that the rumours about him being a cursed prince is true??!. There's no other logical explanation as to why everyone is scared of him. Even her own father, the ruthless king didn't dare utter a word when he came close.
What exactly is he…?
A low, guttural snarl ripped through the forest.
The sound made her freeze. Her soldiers stiffened immediately. The camp held its breath.
The forest fell silent. Then the snarl came again—louder this time, closer, hungrier.
The commander's voice cut through the tension like a blade:
"Draw your swords! Protect the princess at all costs!"
In an instant, every soldier sprang into action. Swords were drawn, shields raised, and they formed a protective circle around her tent.
Serenya's heart pounded. She fumbled for the small dagger she had hidden in her trousers and clutched it tightly. She crouched into the corner, dagger pointed out, her whole body trembling.
The forest grew eerily quiet again, only the sound the faint rustle of leaves echoed across camp. Every soldier stood rigid, weapons ready, eyes scanning the darkness.
A low hiss roared from the treeline. One of the soldiers whispered, voice barely audible:
"It's… watching us…"
****
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