Chapter 03

Ava's eyes bore into Eryndor's, searching for any hint of deception. "Why should I

trust you?" she demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and betrayal.

"You've already deceived me once. What makes this any different?"

Eryndor met her gaze squarely, his expression serious. "I understand your

hesitation, Ava," he replied, his tone earnest. "But believe me when I say that I

never intended to deceive you. I needed your help, yes, but I also needed you to

trust me. And I'm sorry for the way things unfolded."

Ava remained skeptical, her mind wrestling with conflicting emotions. "How did you

escape?" she pressed, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Eryndor hesitated for a moment before answering, "It was... complicated. But I

managed to slip away when the opportunity arose." His words hung in the air,

leaving Ava with more questions than answers.

"I won't force you to help me," Eryndor continued, his voice softening with

sincerity. "But I need you to understand the gravity of the situation. The

commander, Lord Malakai, they are not just after the amulet. they wants your ability,

your connection to the animals. And if we don't stop them, they'll use it for her own

nefarious purposes."

Ava's heart raced as she processed Eryndor's words. Despite her doubts, she

couldn't shake the feeling that he was telling the truth. And deep down, she knew

that she couldn't stand by and let someone exploit her abilities for evil.

"I'll help you," she said finally, her voice resolute. "But only if you tell me

everything. Why do they want my ability? Why was the fairy in such condition? And what's so special about this amulet?"

Eryndor nodded, a grateful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thank you,

Ava. I'll explain everything. But first, we should leave for your place."

Ava hesitated, her skepticism evident. "And what if I refuse?"

Eryndor chuckled softly, his tone laced with mischief. " Well Ava, you possess powers beyond measure, do you not? Your animal allies await your beck and call, ready to spring to your aid at a mere whisper."

Eryndor's gaze remained steady, his expression tinged with urgency. "Ava, time is of the essence. Staying here only invites further danger. Trust me, interrogate me in the safety of your own domain, where your defenses are impassable."

I'm not convinced of my security in your presence, Eryndor. There's a lingering suspicion that you are somehow entangled in the turmoil that has befallen us. She kept her thoughts tightly bound within, unwilling to reveal her suspicions to Eryndor just yet. She gives him a reluctant nod. A wave of relief swept over Eryndor's features as he guided her towards the rear of the cottage, where their steeds awaited.

As they approached the horses, Ava couldn't shake the feeling that Eryndor was not merely a humble merchant as he claimed. Despite her reservations, she resolved to press him for answers once they reached the safety of her home.

As they rode through the dark woods, Ava's mind was a mess of feelings and memories. She couldn't sort through them; it felt like a storm inside her head, bringing up things she'd rather forget.

She never thought she'd go through so much in just one day. It reminded her of when she was younger, living in a village. Life was easy back then, until she found out about her powers. Ava recalled the fear that had gripped her heart when she first realized the extent of her abilities. The villagers, with their superstitious beliefs, would surely have accused her as a witch had they ever discovered her secret. The mere thought of being hunted down and burned at the stake sent shivers down her spine.

Driven by fear, Ava had fled into the welcoming embrace of the forest, where the moonlight guided her path and the stars made her feel less alone. Among the ancient trees, she found solace, her only companions the creatures of the wild who had come to accept her as one of their own.

But now, as she rode beside Eryndor, she couldn't help but wonder if her powers were truly a curse. They had kept her alive all these years, granted her the ability to survive in a world teeming with unseen dangers. Yet, with each passing moment, she couldn't shake the feeling that things were only going to get harder from here.

Eryndor couldn't help but steal glances behind him, checking on her. Did he truly believe she might attempt to flee? She wasn't foolish enough for such a reckless act. Besides, even if she did entertain the idea, where would she go? Would she stumble into fresh troubles, or could she truly return to her normal life?

This man carried an mysterious aura around him, one she had failed to notice at first. Amidst her initial impressions of him, his appearance stood out distinctly.

He was tall and lean, with a physique that hinted at strength. His eyes, a piercing blue similar to the sky, possessed a quiet depth that seemed to offer both protection and solace. Yet, beneath their surface, Ava sensed a storm waiting to unleash its fury upon anything in its path.

His dark brown hair, slightly long but impeccably kept, framed his face with an air of rugged charm. Despite his mysterious aura, Ava couldn't deny the appeal of his looks. Was it foolish to find him attractive, considering he was little more than a stranger? But why should she deny herself the simple pleasure of admiring the beauty that surrounded her, visible to her own two healthy eyes?

The only glimmer of hope Ava clung to was the prospect of finally obtaining the answers she sought.

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