Chapter 89
“We found the real soldier’s body abandoned in the forest,” Regor reported. “He probably died hours before the attack.”
“You’re saying that the fake soldier had been roaming around and no one noticed?” Elijah asked.
“Apparently, that soldier was a new one. He doesn’t belong in this village; he just finished training a month ago, Regor said. “When the attack luppened, many soldiers were reassigned to new places. They did some sort of reshufling, and he was one of those who got transferred. He’s single. His grandmother just died, parents were both dead. He had no one.
“So, no one
no one would notice even if he went missing,” Fiona added. She looked at Elijah, who seemed like he was about to erupt
Elijah clenched his fists, his gaze hardening as he looked at Fiona “This is enough. Fiona. You need to go back to the palace. It’s not safe here?
Fiona let out a small chuckle, her eyes sparking with a hint of defiance. “Elijah, haven’t you noticed Whoever’s behind all this wants me gone. They don’t want me here interfering. Don’t you see what that means? She leaned closer, keeping her gaze steady on his. “It means I’m onto something. If they want me out, it’s because I’m getting too close.”
Elijah’s expression darkened as he absorbed her words, but Fiona pressed on, hier voice unwavering. “Besides, I’m not worried.” She placed a hand lightly on his arm. “I have you. I know you’ll protect me.”
For a moment, Elijah said nothing, his jaw tightening as he looked at her. Finally, he turned to Regor, clearly resigned. “Regor, tell me the status of the poisoned villagers here.”
Regor straightened, glancing down at his notes before responding. “More than half of the villager’s Lady Fiona examined showed signs of poisoning. It’s not recent, either. Based on the symptoms and the buildup we detected, many have been poisoned for over a year–maybe longer.”
Fiona’s eyes narrowed as she listened, her mind working through the implications. “This camp is situated in the eastern part of the gates,” she said thoughtfully. “But the cases of poisoning they seem concentrated here. It’s almost as if…” She trailed off, the realization setting over her.
Elijah met her gaze, understanding dawning on his face just as a commotion rose outside the house. The sound of murmuring and a firm knock came at the door.
voices grew louder,
A man entered, bowing respectfully. He was missing his left forearm, and his presence carried the quiet authority of a leader. Fiona had met the man when they arrived at this village. “Your Highness,” he began. “My name is Jaren Tyree. I’m the chief of this village and also the owner of this house.” He inclined his head toward Fiona. “Lady Fiona, forgive the intrusion, but the villagers are asking after you. They’re.. concerned.”
Fiona tilted her head, curiosity flickering across her face. “Concerned? Why?” The villagers saw the attack and knew that she was
was safe.
Jaren’s expression grew grim. “After the attack on you, there’s been unrest. People are angry, frightened even. They’re wary, looking at one
another with suspicion. Many are convinced that someone within our own ranks has turned against us.”
Fiona’s gaze sharpened as she absorbed his words. She exchanged a quick glance with Elijah. “So, the people think someone here was responsible for the attack!!
Jaren nodded. “Yes, Lady Fiona. They believe someone was working with the Lycans or whoever’s behind this poisoning. For someone to attack you in broad daylight…” He paused, a troubled look in his eyes. “It’s caused many to doubt the safety of their own homes,”
Elijah crossed his arms, his expression tense as he looked between Fiona and Jaren. “This division could be exactly what our enemies want,” he said. “If they’re trying to turn us against each other, it means we’re doing something right. But it also means the danger here is growing”
Fiona nodded, glancing out the window at the worried faces gathered outside. “Then we need to calm them,” she said quietly. “The last thing we want is for them to start turning on one another. Chief Tyree, can you gather everyone in the square! I’ll speak to them myself.”
Jaren hesitated, then gave her a determined nod. “Of course, Lady Fiona. I’ll gather them right away” He turned and left without another word, his steps resolute
Elijah frowned. “Are you sure about
Frona mirt his gaze, her expression steady. “I have to reassure them. If fear spreads, it’ll only make things easier for whoever’s trying to Besides,” she added with a faint smile, Tim not exactly alone here. I have you? Slowly, a smile appeared on her face
us apart.
Meanwhile, Jaren stepped out of the house, his expression grim. The moment he appeared, shouts and questions erupted around him. Despite the soddiers” attempts to hold back the crowd, people pressed closer as Jaren stepped forward, his expression serious.
“Chief! Is Larly Fiona alright?”
“Chief, how is Lady Fiona holding up?“
1/2
11:31 AM
Chapter 59
“Chief, tell us what happened!”
Will Lady Fiona speak to
to us!”
Jaren raised a hand, signaling for the soldiers to let him approach the crowd. They complied, stepping aside as he moved forward.
“All right, settle down… settle down,” he called, lifting his hand for everyone to see. For nearly a decade, he’d served as chief of this village, earning the trust and respect of the people here. They were simple werewolves, living day to day, and the recent attack had shaken them to the core.
“Chief How is the lady?” someone pressed.
Jaren paused, his gaze sweeping over their anxious faces. He let out a slow sigh. “Lady Fiona is safe,” he assured them. “She asks that you gather in the square–shell be addressing you all very soon.”
Relief washed over the crowd, visible on every face. Jaren felt a quiet reassurance at their response, grateful for the calm settling back into his people.
“Now go to the square and wait for Lady Fiona. Do not worry. She will be there in a while,” Jaren added before letting out another sigh
“Father!” a small child called him.
“Nenita, what are you doing here?” Jaren immediately picked his daughter up, carrying her in his arms.
“Is Lady Fiona all right” she asked:
“Of course, she is. The Prince protected her.” Jaren faked a smile. The attack happened in front of everyone, so even children like five–year–old Nenita saw it. Jaren didn’t know who that soldier was, as he was new, but he was pretty certain that they targeted Lady Fiona because the Lady wanted to help them–the ordinary werewolves, the Omegas
Jaren held Nenita close, her small arms wrapped around his neck. As he glanced around, he noticed a few villagers lingering, watching him intently, dearly tuned in to his conversation with his daughter.
“Papa, is it true!” Nenita asked, her eyes wide and innocent. “Is Lady Fiona being attacked because she wants to heal us?”
Jaren hesitated, his gaze shifting to the villagers nearby, who were also waiting for his response. He took a steady breath, choosing his words carefully. “We don’t know that for certain, Nenita,” he said gently.
Nenita’s face scrunched up as she thought over
over his words, then looked at him with a solemn expression. “But that’s what everyone says,” she continued. They say Lady Fiona was attacked because she wanted to heal the people who got poisoned. And those people want us dead” Her words, so simple and matter–of–fact hit Jaren hard. They said Lady Fiona might leave the village now because it’s not safe. But she hasn’t checked everyone yet. Is she leaving?”
Jaren felt a pang in his chest, hearing such heavy thoughts from his young daughter. He glanced back at the villagers, their expressions mirroring the weight of the questions she’d raised. These weren’t idle fears. As a former soldier himself, he understood the need for assurance, especially for those whose lives had long been steeped in uncertainty.
He managed a small smile for Nenita, brushing a stray curl from her forehead. “Listen, liule one,” he said, lifting her higher in his arms, “Lady Fiona is safe. And everyone in this village will work together to protect her.
Nenita looked thoughtful, glancing at the villagers nearby as though gauging their reactions. “You promise, Papa
“I promise,” Jaren replied, glancing at the onlookers as well. “Lady Fiona came here to help us, and we’ll make sure nothing like this happens again. We’ll watch out for each other like a strong pack should. Jaren knew how lenient they had been. They never thought that someone would try to harm the Lady–especially not in broad daylight
actually
A murmur of agreement came from the few villagers who remained, Jaren nodded at them, his expression resolute. “We’ll support Lady Fiona’s elforts to heal this village,” he continued, looking each of them in the eye, “and if there are those who would harm her–or us–because of it, they’ll find we’re not so randy intimidated.”
The villagers nodded, visibly comforted, and gradually dispersed toward the square. Holding Nenita close, Jaren couldn’t help but feel worried. It seemed that a storm was brewing, and this kingdon would be the center of it all
SIND OFT
