[Next day: Morning]
Ace's POV
My surroundings were pure white, like an endless void. I blinked, trying to make sense of where I was. Then, I saw a man walking ahead of me. His figure was familiar, but I couldn't quite place him.
"Wait!" I called out, my voice echoing in the emptiness. I started to run after him, my footsteps silent against the white expanse.
Suddenly, the scenery shifted. The void melted away, replaced by the dense foliage of a forest. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the faint sound of a crying baby reached my ears. My heart clenched at the sound, a strange pull drawing me toward it.
The man ahead of me followed the sound, his steps quickening. I trailed behind him, my pulse quickening as we approached a large tree. Behind it, nestled in a basket, was a crying baby. The sight sent a jolt through me.
My head began to throb, a sharp pain shooting through my temples. I glanced to my side and saw my wolf, Fenrir, standing beside me. His silver fur glistened in the dappled moonlight filtering through the trees.
"This is our lost memory," Fenrir said, his voice low and gravelly, echoing in my mind.
Lost memory? I frowned, trying to piece together what was happening. I turned back to the man, and as he knelt beside the baby, I finally saw his face clearly. It was me—but from 20 years ago.
The man—my younger self—gently picked up the baby from the basket. As he did, a glowing red string began to form, connecting him to the baby. My breath hitched as I realized what I was witnessing.
Wait… that baby looks familiar. Blond hair, red eyes… Ovelia!
"So, I already found my mate 20 years ago, and that's Ovelia," I murmured, the realization sinking in. "That's why you kept rejecting Eliana."
Fenrir chuckled softly, his silver eyes glinting with amusement. "Hmm, yes. That's why, when we saw her at Timberline Village during the sacrifice, she drew us in like a moth to a flame."
The man—my younger self—gently rocked the baby in his arms, and her cries subsided. She began to laugh, her tiny hands reaching up toward his face. Her red eyes glowed faintly, and a voice, soft but commanding, emanated from her.
"Run. Save her. Don't let her fall into the hands of the werewolves."
A sense of danger prickled at the edges of my consciousness. I turned and saw a group of humans approaching in the distance. My younger self quickly placed the baby back in the basket and began to run, clutching it tightly. I followed him, my heart pounding as we reached a river.
Wait, this river… it's familiar. This is where I first saw Ovelia during the sacrifice, collecting water.
The man hid the basket behind a tree near the river, his movements hurried but careful. The baby's red eyes glowed again, and she began to chant in a soft, melodic voice.
"By the power of the moon and stars above, I call upon the magic of this night. Let the memory of this evening fade away, Like a shadow in the morning light."
Suddenly, I woke up, my head throbbing with pain. I sat up in bed, my breathing ragged as the dream.
So, that's the memory I forgot. Someone inside Ovelia cast a spell on me. But why does it want me to forget that memory?"
I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling up inside me. Who is the other person inside her? Why can't Fenrir sense it? And why does Ovelia smell like a human?
Fenrir growled softly in my mind, his irritation mirroring my own.
I don't think Ovelia knows that someone is inside her. Back then, she was just a baby. Talking to her about this now would be pointless. I just need to keep an eye on her.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. "Sir Ace, the king has summoned you to the throne room," a maid's voice called from the other side. I heard her footsteps retreating as she left.
I got out of bed, dressed quickly, and made my way to the throne room, my mind still reeling from the memory.
•Throne Room•
As I entered the throne room, I saw my father, King Raymond, seated on his throne, his expression stern. Ray was kneeling before him, his head bowed. I walked over and knelt beside Ray, my heart heavy with anticipation.
Suddenly, a falcon named Milo landed on my shoulder, his talons gripping lightly. I reached up to steady him, noticing the letter tied to his leg.
"Ace, read the letter attached to Milo's leg," my father commanded, his voice echoing in the grand hall.
I carefully untied the letter and unfolded it, my eyes scanning the words. "Dear Prince Ace, it is true that there are bandits near Thunoa Village. However, we have apprehended some of them. If you are still planning to send reinforcements, I suggest you do not waste your time bringing too many. Sincerely, Chief Gareth." I paused, noting the official seal at the bottom. "There's also a seal here," I added before retying the letter to Milo's leg.
So, the letter I sent to Thunoa Village finally received a reply.
"Ray and Ace," my father began, his voice commanding attention. "Today, I want you to go to Thunoa Village. Ensure you capture the remaining bandits and retrieve the stolen goods. Complete this mission before the upcoming Lantern Festival."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ray and I replied in unison.
"Also," my father continued, his gaze shifting to me, "take Ovelia and Ann with you. According to my informants in Timberline Village, your mate has been treated like a slave by her non-biological parents."
Slave? My blood boiled at the thought. That's why she had those bruises.
"Furthermore," my father added, "she has never been allowed to leave her village. I want you to take her outside the palace to broaden her perspective of the world and prepare her to become queen. Protect her at all costs."
So, starting today, I'll be spending more time with her. Her wish to see the world beyond the palace walls will finally come true.
"Yes, Your Majesty," I said, bowing my head.
My father's gaze shifted to Ray. "Ray, I want you to rely on Ace's decisions during this mission. But if things grow dire, protect all of them and retreat. Understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ray replied, his voice steady and resolute.
"Ace and Ray, you may take your leave," my father dismissed us.
We rose to our feet, the weight of the mission settling heavily on our shoulders. As we turned to leave, the sound of our footsteps echoed through the grand hall, each step a reminder of the responsibility we now carried. Ray glanced at me, his expression unreadable, but I could see the flicker of determination in his eyes.
Outside the throne room, the cool air of the corridor hit my face, a stark contrast to the stifling tension we'd just left behind. I took a deep breath, my mind already racing with plans—plans to capture the bandits, to retrieve the stolen goods, and most importantly, to protect Ovelia by appointing Ann as her bodyguard.
•Ovelia's Room•
Ovelia's POV
I had just finished my shower, the steam still lingering in the air, wrapping the room in a warm, humid embrace. The water had been soothing, but my mind was anything but calm. Since I learned the truth about my parents and Lady Firera being sealed inside me, my dreams had stopped.
I opened the window, letting the crisp morning air flood the room. The sweet melodies of birdsong filled the space, a beautiful symphony that lifted my spirits, if only for a moment. The sunlight streamed in, casting golden rays across the floor, and I took a deep breath, trying to steady my thoughts.
Suddenly, a knock at the door pulled me from my reverie. I turned to see Ann standing there, her usual warm smile on her face.
"Ovelia, it's time to treat your wounds and bruises," she said, her voice firm yet gentle, carrying the tone of someone who cared deeply.
I smiled back, feeling a familiar warmth spread through me, and perched on the edge of the bed. Ann approached, sitting beside me as she began to carefully unwrap the bandage from my left arm. Her movements were precise, her touch light but reassuring.
"Ovelia, your arm is healing nicely. In about a week, it should just be a scar," Ann remarked, her eyes scanning the wound with a practiced gaze.
I nodded, though my mind wandered. It's probably because Lady Firera is inside me. That's why my wounds are healing faster than normal.
"Does it still hurt?" Ann asked, her voice soft with concern.
"Just a little," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. I hesitated for a moment, then decided to ask the question that had been lingering in my mind. "Ann, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Ovelia," she said, her focus still on applying ointment to my injury. Her touch was careful, almost tender, and it made me feel safe.
I hesitated, my curiosity mingling with a sense of unease. Yet, I couldn't hold back any longer. "Um... I just wanted to know where your mate is?" I asked carefully, my voice barely above a whisper. The moment the words escaped my lips, I noticed Ann freeze, shock washing over her face.
"I'm sorry," I stammered, feeling regret seep into my heart. "You showed me that mark on your neck before, and I... I was just curious."
Ann's smile was strained as she replied, "He passed away, Ovelia. It was due to an incurable illness."
The sadness in her voice wrapped around me like a cold breeze, and I felt a pang of guilt for bringing up such a painful memory.
"I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to pry. I should have known better," I said, lowering my gaze as sorrow washed over me.
"Don't feel bad about it, Ovelia," Ann reassured me, her voice soothing despite the evident weight of loss she carried. Though she tried to smile, I could see the glimmer of sadness in her eyes. I felt a deep sense of regret for my question, wishing I could erase the pain I had unintentionally reignited.
"Most of the maids here in the palace have lost their partners," Ann said softly, her eyes reflecting gratitude. "We're so thankful to King Raymond for hiring us as maids; it has given our lives a new purpose."
With a gentle determination, Ann continued, "Now, let me tend to the wounds and bruises on your back." She moved behind me, lifting my shirt and carefully removing the bandage. "Wow, Ovelia, the bruise is still there, but it's much smaller." Her voice was filled with genuine delight.
"Yes," I replied, my eyes lighting up. "I checked earlier while showering, and a lot of my bruises are gone! I can finally wear short dresses and sleeveless tops now." A sense of freedom surged within me, a rare feeling after everything.
"You heal so quickly, Ovelia. You're the most remarkable human I've ever known," Ann said with admiration, her smile warm and encouraging.
Human? I thought, a flicker of doubt crossing my mind. Why am I starting to doubt that I'm really human? Of course, I'm a human... with a goddess sealed inside of me.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and my heart raced as I saw Ace enter, his expression serious. He wore merchant attire, and I almost didn't recognize him in such a different outfit.
Ace's POV
"Good morning, Sir Ace," Ann greeted me, standing up straight, her respect evident in her tone.
I smiled warmly, my gaze shifting to Ovelia as I approached her. "Ann, make Ovelia look like a villager. You should change, too, as part of the disguise. We're going to Thunoa Village." I settled beside Ovelia, my eyes lingering on her for a moment.
Ann began to open the wardrobe, scanning its contents. "Sir Ace, Lady Ovelia has no villager clothes in her wardrobe. I'll check the storage room for something suitable," she said, her tone practical.
I nodded in agreement. Ann looked at me and Ovelia, flashed a 'fighting' sign, and then left the room, leaving us alone.
I took a deep breath, realizing that Ann had misunderstood the atmosphere. Now, it was just me and Ovelia in the room. I glanced at her and saw her gazing at me, her red eyes filled with curiosity. Is this woman really a human?
I leaned my head against Ovelia's shoulder, feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down on me.
"Ace?" she said, surprised.
"Please, can we stay like this for a while, until Ann comes back?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"Okay," Ovelia replied, her voice tinged with shyness.
Ovelia smelled like flowers—a scent I couldn't quite identify—but she still smelled like a human. I was certain she wasn't a witch like my mother. Yet, there was something about her that defied explanation.
I had only slept for an hour after locating the bandits' hideout. My eyes felt heavy, and I shut them, letting the fatigue wash over me.
Firera's POV
That werewolf prince... Twenty years ago, I cast a spell on him to make him forget that Ovelia was his mate. At that time, it simply wasn't the appropriate moment for him to claim her. Ovelia was but a helpless infant. The thought of a werewolf choosing a baby as his mate disgusted me. What a pervert.
However, fate had different intentions. They managed to find each other once more, although Ovelia had endured pain in the process.
The spell I cast on Ace twenty years ago has been broken, but why he hadn't asked Ovelia about it? Did he think she was too naive to understand, or did he simply not care?
My duty is to safeguard Ovelia and observe her growth until she is capable of bringing harmony among humans, werewolves, witches, and elves. But sitting in this white void, watching her from the inside, was unbearably boring. I didn't want to talk to her right now. It was all so frustrating.
Ovelia's POV
Ace's head rested on my shoulder, his weight gentle but grounding. I could sense his exhaustion, the way his breathing slowed and deepened. Before I knew it, he had drifted into a light sleep, his warmth seeping into me. The quiet of the room was comforting.
Minutes later, the door creaked open, and Ann stepped in, her smile bright and knowing. My cheeks flushed instantly, and my heart raced as I realized how this must look.
"No, Ann, it's not what you think!" I exclaimed, my voice a little too high-pitched, my hands flailing slightly in protest.
Ace stirred awake beside me, lifting his head from my shoulder. He blinked a few times, his eyes clearing as he focused on Ann.
"We only have a little time left," Ace said, his voice calm but firm. "Ovelia, please start changing your clothes."
I stood up from the bed, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness. "Ann, is it okay if I grab my clothes and change in the bathroom?" I asked, hoping to avoid any further embarrassment.
"No, you're changing here in front of me. You don't need to be embarrassed; I've seen your body completely. I know Ann has, too," Ace said, his tone a mix of reassurance and teasing. His words made my face burn even hotter, but I didn't argue. Ann stepped forward, her hands gentle as she began to help me out of my clothes.
Caught off guard, I glanced at Ace, who was watching me intently. It felt like he was searching for something, his gaze lingering on my body in a way that made me self-conscious.
"D-Don't look at me like that," I stammered, my voice trembling with a mix of shyness and unease.
"Some of your bruises have begun to disappear; only your back and arms have some scratches left. You heal so fast," he remarked, his gaze softening. His words echoed Ann's from earlier.
I looked at Ann, who was simply smiling, her hands busy helping me into my new outfit. She slipped a pair of vibrant orange boots onto my feet, and I sat down, letting her work. When I glanced in the mirror, I couldn't help but admire how I looked: a short-sleeved orange top paired with a teal skirt adorned with decorative orange and gold patterns at the hem.
"Great choice, Ann! That outfit suits Ovelia perfectly!" Ace remarked, his voice filled with genuine admiration. A wave of joy washed over me, and I felt a little more at ease.
"It's my pleasure, Sir Ace," Ann replied cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with pride.
As Ann started to style my hair, she paused, glancing at Ace. "Sir Ace, if you don't mind me asking, what are we planning to do in Thunoa Village?"
"To capture the werewolf bandits who've been preying on merchants and food suppliers. That's why the ingredients ordered by the vendors aren't arriving in our kingdom," Ace explained, his tone serious and focused.
In the mirror's reflection, I noticed Ann's expression change. Her smile faltered, and her brows furrowed with concern. "But why do we have to involve Lady Ovelia? That mission is dangerous for her," she said, struggling to keep her voice steady.
I turned to Ace, seated on the bed, and saw the gravity in his expression. His jaw tightened, and his eyes held a determined glint.
"Because my father wants her to come with me. He wants Ovelia to broaden her perspective of the world and prepare her to become queen," Ace said, his voice firm but not unkind.
A queen? The thought made my stomach churn. The idea of ruling, of being responsible for so many lives, was overwhelming. It made me want to run away again, to escape the weight of expectations.
"Ovelia, during this mission, we can spend more time traveling and visiting different towns and villages. Also, isn't it your wish to go outside the kingdom?" Ace said, his smile returning, warm and reassuring.
So he hadn't forgotten about that. "Yes," I replied, my voice filled with genuine happiness.
"Ann, it's alright. I know you care for Ovelia just as much as my wolf cares for her. That's why I need you on this mission, to be her bodyguard," Ace said, his tone firm but kind.
"Understood, Sir Ace. Lady Ovelia, it's done," Ann said, and I saw her reflection in the mirror, smiling brightly.
"Wow, Ann! Thank you! Your hands are truly magical; you fixed my hair perfectly!" I exclaimed, my heart light with happiness.
"You're always welcome, Lady Ovelia," Ann responded warmly, her smile infectious.
Ann began to open a cabinet and pulled out a makeup kit, but before she could start, Ace spoke up.
"Ann, don't put makeup on Ovelia. She's beautiful just the way she is," Ace said, his voice firm.
I glanced at Ace, seeing that warm smile, and felt a blush creep across my cheeks. Ann leaned closer to me, her voice a playful whisper. "Your face is red, Lady Ovelia. I think it's love making you blush."
I covered my face with my hands, feeling utterly embarrassed. "Ann, please stop teasing me," I protested, though I couldn't help but chuckle.
I heard Ann chuckle softly, clearly enjoying my reaction.
"Sir Ace, Lady Ovelia," Ann said, turning to Ace with a bright grin, "I'm going to change my clothes and grab the food we'll take on the mission."
"That's a great idea," Ace replied, nodding. "We don't have time for breakfast now. Let's meet at the Palace Entrance; that's where the wagon will be."
I smiled at Ann, and she returned the gesture before stepping out of the room. As she left, a sudden thought invaded my mind.
"Ace, while we wait for Ann, could I talk to Wind at the forest entrance near the garden?" I asked hesitantly.
Ace's expression shifted; concern flickered in his eyes. "I don't know what you're planning, but I can't allow you to go there alone. I'll accompany you," he said firmly.
"Thank you, Ace," I replied, my pulse quickening, a smile breaking across my face.
We both stood and made our way toward the garden.
•Palace's Outer Garden•
As we stepped outside, the sun's warmth enveloped my skin, but the flutter of anxiety in my heart remained. The garden was alive with color, the flowers swaying gently in the breeze, but my focus was on the forest entrance ahead.
Ace and I made our way toward the forest, the air growing cooler as we approached the trees. I took a deep breath, gathering my courage.
"Wind!" I called out, the words escaping me with a mix of urgency and hope. "I'm leaving. I don't know when I'll be back, but when I return, I want to talk to you again!"
I held my breath, desperately waiting for a response. The forest was silent, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the breeze. My heart sank a little, but I refused to give up.
Suddenly, a voice broke through my thoughts. "What are you two doing here? We need to go now; we can't afford to delay our departure!"
We turned to see Ray standing there, dressed in a merchant outfit, a gleaming sword at his side, flanked by Ann.
"Ovelia, let's move. It seems Wind isn't in the mood to chat," Ace suggested, his voice steady but laced with concern.
I nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment, but I knew we couldn't delay any longer. We approached Ray and Ann.
"Ann, that outfit suits you beautifully," I said with genuine enthusiasm, trying to ease the tension.
Ann wore a charming dress: a white blouse paired with a green apron-like section embroidered with colorful designs, complemented by a reddish-brown skirt.
"Thank you, Lady Ovelia," she replied shyly, her cheeks tinged with pink—her delight palpable.
"Ace, here's your sword," Ray said, extending the weapon toward him.
Ace took the sword, securing it at his side, and glanced back at me. "Let's go," he urged gently, echoing my own unease.
As we began to walk away from the garden, I cast one last look at the forest. Still, Wind remained silent, and an unsettling feeling crept over me. I hoped our journey wouldn't be fraught with danger.