[Next day: Morning]
[Ovelia's POV]
The forest loomed around me, its towering trees casting long, jagged shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine, and the faint rustle of leaves whispered secrets I couldn't quite grasp.
Then, I saw it—a red, glowing orb hovering in the air, pulsing like a heartbeat. Lady Firera. My breath hitched as I recognized her. Beside her stood three shadowy figures: Viana, Oliver, and the baby in the basket. My stomach twisted. This was a dream—the continuation of the one I'd had before.
"There's a fire in the village. We don't have more time," Oliver said, his voice strained, his hands clenched into fists.
I tried to speak, to move, but my body refused to obey. It was as if an invisible force had pinned me in place, leaving me to watch helplessly.
"Lady Firera, forgive our haste. The sealing must happen now." Viana's voice trembled, not with fear, but with the ferocity of a mother's last, desperate act. Her hands began to emit a faint, silver-white glow. Her eyes, when she looked at the orb, were pools of profound sorrow layered over unshakable determination.
The orb pulsed gently, and Firera's voice filled the clearing, calm as deep, still water amidst the impending storm. "I have already woven a shroud of concealment around my essence. No werewolf's nose, no witch's spell, no elf's magic, no fairy's sight will detect me within the child. But the price of this haste… my memories will fracture. They will fade. I cannot say when they will return. And in that void, while I sleep… my instinct will be to survive. My dormant soul may whisper to hers. It may urge her to open the seal, to relinquish control… to set me free, even at the cost of her own life."
Viana gave a sharp, acknowledging nod, her jaw a hard line. "I understand the risk. And I trust in my daughter's strength to withstand it." She placed a protective hand over the basket. "I have also cast a ward upon her. To any outside perception, she will radiate only as a human. Her own latent energy, her true nature… it is locked away, hidden beneath the seal."
The red orb—Lady Firera—floated toward the baby, hovering above its tiny form. Viana placed her hand gently on the baby's chest, her voice steady as she began to chant.
"By the power of the ancient ones, I call upon the forces of light and darkness. Let the essence of the goddess be contained, within this innocent child, now bound."
A golden glow emanated from Viana's hands, and specks of light danced around her like fireflies. The air grew heavy, charged with magic.
"The secret shall remain, Hidden from sight, until the time is right. When the child grows and wisdom dawns, the truth shall be revealed, and all will be known."
The golden light began to weave itself into threads, intricate and shimmering, forming a delicate web around the red orb.
"With this spell, fate is sealed, goddess and child, one destiny revealed. Let it be so, by my will and breath, in this life, and beyond the gate of death."
The golden threads connected with the red orb. Then, with a flash, the orb was drawn into the baby's chest. A faint circle with a star crest glowed on the baby's stomach before fading away. The baby let out a piercing cry, its tiny fists flailing.
I felt a presence beside me, watching. My heart raced as I turned my head slightly, only to see a shadowy figure standing there—the same one from my first dream. Its glowing red eyes locked onto mine, and I froze, unable to breathe. The air grew colder, and I felt as if I were drowning in its gaze.
Wait, I thought, my mind reeling, Lady Firera was just sealed inside the baby. Who is this?
As if reading my mind, the shadow leaned closer, its voice a venomous whisper only I could hear. "A fragment… left behind. A sliver of will. My promise… to whisper in the dark… until you are strong enough… to break the seal."
Its breath was icy against my skin. I tried to scream, but no sound came out. My chest tightened, and I gasped for air, my vision blurring.
I woke up drenched in sweat, my heart pounding. The room was quiet, save for the sound of my ragged breathing. "Why do I keep dreaming about them?" I whispered to myself, my voice trembling.
A gentle knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I opened it to find Ann standing there, carrying a mini fridge and a medical kit. Her smile was warm, but her eyes held a hint of concern.
"Lady Ovelia, it's time to treat your wounds and bruises. And here's the mini fridge you requested yesterday," she said, her voice cheerful but soft.
I grinned, trying to shake off the lingering unease from my dream. "We finally have a mini fridge in my room!"
Ann's face lit up, her joy infectious. She set up the fridge and plugged it in, then turned to me, her hands gentle as she began tending to my wounds.
"Ovelia, your wounds are healing too quickly." Ann's voice dropped, her fingers pausing over the bandages. "I've seen human injuries before. This rate of healing is not normal."
I looked at her, a small smile tugging at my lips. There was something comforting about her presence, something that made the weight of my dreams feel a little lighter.
"Why are you staring and smiling like that?" Ann asked, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"You don't call me 'Lady' when we're alone," I said, grinning. "You know what that means, right? We're friends now. You can't escape me."
Ann's blush deepened, but a soft smile tugged at her lips. "You said I shouldn't call you 'Lady' when we're alone. We've already become friends, haven't we?"
My heart swelled, warmth spreading through my chest like sunlight breaking through clouds. "Really, Ann?" My voice lifted with excitement. "We're officially friends?"
"Yes, Ovelia." Her voice was soft, but steady with certainty. "Even if I call you 'Lady' outside this room, we're still friends. That will never change."
I looked at her—really looked at her—and felt a warmth I had never known. "Ann." My voice caught, fragile and raw. "You're my first friend. My first." The words felt strange and wonderful on my tongue. I reached for her hands, then pulled her into a hug, ignoring the twinge of pain in my left arm. "Thank you, Ann."
I paused, letting the thought settle deep in my chest. Ann was my first friend. And Ace… Ace was my second. I had never had a friend before. Now I had two. It felt like a gift I had not earned, but one I would hold onto.
Ann laughed, her eyes bright with affection. "I'm happy to hear that, Ovelia." She gasped playfully. "But I can't breathe—your chest is squishing me!"
I laughed and released her, my cheeks burning. "Sorry, Ann!" I was still grinning, unable to stop. "By the way… what should I do to make Ace fall for me?"
Ann tilted her head, her expression turning thoughtful. She considered my question carefully before answering. "Be yourself, Ovelia—but be yourself intentionally. Notice what makes him smile. Remember the small things he does for you." She paused, meeting my eyes. "Love is not a spell you cast. It is a garden you tend. Water it, and it will grow."
Despite her words, a fog of confusion hung over me. I had tried being myself with my so-called parents, yet I never felt their love in return. The memory of their cold indifference lingered, a shadow that refused to fade.
Ann started carefully applying a bandage to my back, her touch gentle but firm. I winced as the pain flared, but I bit my lip. I had endured worse. I could endure this.
As I sat there, my thoughts drifted to Ace. He's different, I realized. He's a prince, my husband, and my second friend after all. Maybe I can just do what I usually do. Like in the books I've read, friendship is where it all begins before love blossoms.
Once Ann finished bandaging my wounds, she lowered my dress and turned to face me, her hands resting on her hips. "All done," she said, her smile brightening the room. "But it looks like it's time for breakfast. Let's head to the dining area."
I smiled back at Ann, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within me. Together, we made our way to the dining room, each step feeling a little lighter, as if the warmth of her encouragement had chased away the lingering shadows of my dreams.
•Palace Dining Room•
The dining room was as silent as a tomb, save for the faint clinking of silverware against porcelain. The maids stood in perfect formation, their eyes downcast, their hands clasped neatly in front of them. The table before me was a feast for the eyes—plates piled high with vibrant dishes, their colors and aromas mingling in the air. Yet, the opulence of the spread did little to ease the heaviness in my chest. Once again, I found myself dining alone, the emptiness of the room pressing in on me like a weight.
I took my seat, the chair creaking softly beneath me, and began to eat. The food was delicious, as always, but the flavors seemed muted, as if the silence had dulled my senses. The quiet wrapped around me like a familiar blanket, yet it felt heavier each day, suffocating in its constancy. I ate mechanically, my thoughts drifting to the dream that had haunted me earlier. The shadowy images of Viana, Oliver, the baby, and Lady Firera lingered in my mind, their shadow figures etched into my memory like ghosts.
When I finished, Ann and I exited the dining room, the sound of our footsteps echoing down the long, marble hallway. The palace felt vast and cold, its grandeur doing little to dispel the loneliness that clung to me.
"Ann, have you eaten?" I asked, my voice lingering between curiosity and concern.
"Yes, Lady Ovelia," she replied, her tone cheerful yet respectful. "My breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedule is set earlier than yours so I can keep you company and ensure you eat and are safe."
A wave of sadness washed over me as she called me "Lady" again. It stung a little, reminding me of the boundaries between us that we couldn't easily cross. We were still outside my room, and I understood why she needed such formal language. Anyone could overhear her, and I feared someone might get angry or even report her for being too familiar. But it was okay. Even if she called me "Lady Ovelia" or "Ovelia" in private or public, we were still friends. That was what mattered.
"Ann, can we go to the garden instead? I'd love to inhale some fresh air," I suggested, my voice light, though the weight of my thoughts still lingered.
"Of course! That sounds wonderful," she answered, her smile brightening as she nodded eagerly. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment, the heaviness in my chest lifted.
Together, we made our way to the garden.
•Palace's Outer Garden•
As we stepped outside, the warmth of the sun embraced us, its golden rays filtering through the leaves of the towering trees. The garden was alive with color—vivid blooms of every shade imaginable stretched out before us, their petals glistening with dew. The air was thick with the scent of flowers, sweet and intoxicating, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze was like a soothing melody.
I gazed at the radiant blooms, sunlight dancing upon them, transforming the flowers into a breathtaking sight—more beautiful than I could have imagined.
Suddenly, a delightful idea popped into my mind: to whip up a snack for Ace. The thought brought a smile to my face, a small spark of joy amidst the lingering unease.
"Ann, do you know if there's a cookbook around?" I asked, turning to her with curiosity brightening my voice.
"Yes, my lady!" Ann's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "It's in the kitchen." She turned to face me fully, her smile widening. "Are we going to make a snack for Sir Ace?"
"Absolutely!" I felt my own excitement rise. "I was hoping to read it here," I said, glancing around the garden. "The garden feels like a different world—quiet and safe. I want to savor it." My heart lifted at the thought of doing something kind for Ace, something that was entirely my own idea.
"Let me get it for you." Ann was already moving, her voice bright and cheerful. "Just sit on the bench and wait for me, okay?" She gestured toward a nearby wooden bench nestled beneath the shade of a sprawling tree.
I opened my mouth to protest—she had already done so much for me today—but before I could utter a word, she was off, her lively energy trailing behind her like sunshine. I chuckled softly as I made my way to the bench. The wood was warm beneath my hands as I sat down, the sun filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows across the ground.
As I waited, a sudden breeze swept past me, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers. It was gentle at first, but then it grew stronger, swirling around me like a playful dance.
"Thank the skies you are safe, Ovelia." said a voice that sent shivers down my spine.
It was the same voice I had heard in the forest when I narrowly escaped the jaws of a werewolf. My heart skipped a beat, and I glanced toward the trees, a wave of fear washing over me. The forest loomed in the distance, its dark, foreboding presence a stark contrast to the vibrant garden
"I have no name," it said, the words curling around me like a gentle current. "But you may call me Wind, if you wish. It is as close to what I am as any word can be."
I was baffled by how this wind could speak. It felt as if it was channeling its voice through the gentle gusts, as every time the breeze caressed me, I heard its words crystallize in the air.
"Wind, how did you know my name? And thank you for saving me that day. If you hadn't warned me to run, I'd be gone," I said, my heart racing with gratitude as I wrapped my arms around myself, the chill of the wind seeping into my skin.
Another gust flowed through, curling around me like a comforting embrace. "I listened. I heard the courtiers in this garden on the day of your wedding. They called you 'the human sacrifice,' 'the wolf's leash,' and 'the king's desperate peace offering.' They did not speak your name with respect—they spoke it with disdain."
The words hit me like a physical blow. My chest tightened, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe. The human sacrifice. The wolf's leash. A hot sting pricked at my eyes, but I blinked it away. I would not cry. Not here.
And yet—strangely, impossibly—I did not feel afraid. I should have been terrified, conversing with a whispering wind. But calmness enveloped me instead. Perhaps it was because I sensed that Wind meant me no harm.
"So, you've been watching over me?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as I tilted my head, trying to catch another glimpse of the forest.
"Your questions are heavy," the wind murmured. "The forest will hold them. The forest will answer them. Come. Before the sun sets."
Suddenly, the wind wrapped around me, not just whispering but gently tugging, as if pulling me toward the trees. My feet moved almost without my command.
"OVELIA—STOP!"
The shout jolted me awake. I glanced forward, horrified to realize I had already stepped into the forest, completely unaware. My heart pounded in my chest as I froze, the shadows of the trees closing in around me.
A strong gust blew, "Damn that mutt!" I knew it was the wind, and fear gripped me suddenly, sending chills down my spine. The forest seemed to come alive, its whispers growing louder, more insistent.
I turned my gaze towards the garden and caught sight of Ace on the palace's second floor. The window was open, and without hesitation, he leaped. His body twisted mid-air, and he landed in a crouch, his hands hitting the ground to absorb the shock. He rose without a pause, already running toward me
His hands tenderly cupping my face as concern etched across his features. "Ovelia! What's happening? Why are you heading into the forest? You look so pale!"
A wave of dread crashed over me as memories flooded back—the terror I once felt within those trees, the black werewolf. I reached for Ace, enveloping him in a tight embrace, tears streaming down my cheeks despite the pain radiating from my injured arm.
"I don't know what's happening," he whispered, pulling me into his arms. "But I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
I pressed my face into his chest, his heartbeat steady beneath my ear. "Thank you," I breathed. "For coming."
In his embrace, my anxiety began to dissolve. It was as if the weight of the forest, the wind, and my own fears melted away, leaving only the comfort of his arms. I clung to him, my tears soaking into his shirt, but he didn't seem to mind. His hand stroked my back gently, his touch soothing.
"Lady Ovelia! I found the cooking book!" Ann's cheerful voice broke through the moment, her excitement palpable as she approached. Her footsteps slowed as she took in the scene before her, her expression shifting from joy to concern.
I reluctantly released my hold on Ace, hastily wiping my tears away, and turned to Ann, startled by her sudden appearance and the shock on her face. My gaze was drawn back to the forest, its dark silhouette looming in the distance. Had the wind truly deceived me or enchanted me? But deep down, I sensed an unwavering intention—wasn't it the wind that sought to protect me when the black werewolf nearly claimed my life? What, or who, truly was the wind?
Ace's hand found mine, his grip firm yet gentle. "Let's go back inside," he said, his voice steady but laced with concern.
I nodded, my heart still racing but calmer now. As we walked back inside the palace, the wind whispered once more, its voice faint but clear. "I'll be here when you're ready."
I glanced over my shoulder, the forest now silent and still.