Chapter 31

Chapter 31: Shocking Revelation

Annalise couldn’t help but feel as tired as the wings of a bird as she came to a stop against an old tree, the fatigue of this unfruitful journey was starting to get to her system and the heat of the sun weren’t helping her situation in a positive way as her heartbeat increased.

She had been walking all day and barely gave herself even the tiniest of breaks along the way until now. Her energy was completely drained and dried up, knowing that if she dared to continue further without getting even if it’s a little bit of rest, she might end up passing out again.

Sighing at the thought of what might happen, the idea of giving up on this journey was starting to creep into her head, not until a tiny flash of light shun directly into her eyes, gaining her attention immediately as she looked up.

“Huh?”

Not too far from where she stood, a running river could be seen up ahead and it made Anna blink in full surprise, stunned that she didn’t notice it earlier and she doubts she would have if it wasn’t for the reflection of light that came from the water itself.

The tiredness in her chocolate brown eyes immediately dissipated, only to glint in relief at the mere sight of a running river that she couldn’t stop her lips from curving into a wide grin. She suddenly looked as excited as a little brown puppy about to get their favorite snacks, feeling a bit of her energy return with the thought that she can finally drink some water.

The turquoise blue stream gently flowed in a serene manner as it ran down the path, looking fresh and clean while glinting with little sparkles that she suddenly felt enchanted by the sight.

.....

Already thirsty from before, the water only seemed to pull Anna even closer, to the point she didn’t even realize when she had bent down, scooping both hands through the water and drinking her fill.

It was thirst quenching and super refreshing as it went down her dry throat, freeing her from its terrible aches and uncomfortable feeling. Splashing the cool water on her burning face and washing them up, a satisfied sigh fell from her lips as she’s never felt more refreshed as she did now. Indeed, water is life and she has learned to appreciate nature’s gift now.

Laying flat with her back to the ground, she stared up at the heated sky, the blueness of the sky looked calm and yet so still, she couldn’t resist squinting her eyes a bit as the yellow sun mercilessly sent it’s heated sun rays at her direction but still, she didn’t look away.

The thought of how she even ended up in this unfortunate position made its way into her head, she got accused of something she never did, she had to run away from the only place she considered home, she had no family and all those related to her parents abandoned her as well, she was a lonely being who has to fight for herself despite how severe her situation might get, that is the story of her life.

Swallowing the disturbing lump in her throat, her hands reached for the golden badge the physician had given to her, unhooking it from her waist and raising it up to the sun so she could look at it more properly.

Her fingers gently caressed the Euphrasian logo that was beautifully crafted on it and a sharp pain stung her already weak heart. Did she reek with that much bad luck to the point she lost both parents in this unforgiving world?? Instead of her life being limited like this, why was she even born in the first place? To suffer and then die without experiencing what true happiness felt like?

She never met her father by the time they gave birth to her, but she felt more attached to him by heart than she did with her mother. Her mother would always talk about him all day and she was more than happy to listen to them. It got to a point when she wondered what receiving a fatherly hug felt like and she’d always go into her parents room to hug his shirt which her mother has refused to get rid of.

They missed him that much.

Everyday under the moonlight, she’d listen to the sweet tales her mother had to give and the successful stories of her father’s war which she was always so eager to hear. Despite not having enough, life felt much better then, they were contented and happy.

A lone tear slowly escaped from her eyes but a smile which held a thousand emotions still lingered on her lips, she missed the both of them so much and still wondered if her life would turn out to be the way it was if she still had them with her.

‘No, things would have been different’ she concluded in her mind.

“I say I’m okay but..... I don’t think I can keep faking it for much long.” She admitted to the badge in her hand before a certain idea crossed her mind.

As risky as it was, she plans on going back to that forest to get the things Calista had given to her when she left for the journey, apparently those were the only source of shelter she had so letting it slip from her grip just like that was unquestionable no.

Recovering herself a bit at the thought of it, she quickly wiped the lone tear from her face and kept the badge back on her waist.

What was she doing? Grieving won’t help her situation at this moment, she has to keep moving so she can make it to the forest on time before those Demon’s show up.

Taking a deep breath to calm her emotions and feeling she’s rested enough, she got to her feet and continued once again.

It was nearing midday when she finally made it to the forest and to her great relief, the bushes where she had hid her stuff and the pine trees which helped to shelter it from the rain made her heart mellow down in great relief. Although her horse was nowhere to be seen, she felt grateful that what she needed most was still intact, now she has to get out of here.

Getting to her feet and wanting to leave the bushes where she was hiding, a familiar figure ahead caught her attention and she stopped. Her pupils dilated and her heartbeat increased at the sight of Adryan, standing before the dark woods as though he was studying it.

He was dressed in royal armor as though he came prepared for a fight and his good-looks equally stood out, making him no different from a charming prince, strangely the sight of him made her think back to Roshan and her heartbeat increased further.

She wondered if he had made it back to his kingdom or if it was another long journey ahead of him. His hazel-green eyes were still stuck to her memory and his looks was another whole level of temptation, a complete contrast to the prince.

Roshan was clearly not a prince charming, but a dark prince whose presence affected her soul, a perfect balance of danger and charm.

Wait.... What has Adryan’s presence got to do with Roshan??? Why was she thinking about someone she might never see again??

Cascading Roshan from her mind with hope returning to her heart once again, her mind immediately wandered to Adryan and why is he suddenly standing in front of the dark woods? Did he come here to find her or...

Happy about the fact he was here, she wanted to call out to him but immediately held her tongue at the nick of time when Sir Arlow and more royal guards approached him, equally carrying the seriousness in Adryan’s gaze.

“Is it possible that the tale is true? Is there really a demon who has escaped from the dark woods?” Adryan candidly asked but Sir Arlow excused the guards from their presence, leaving only him and Adryan standing in front of the dark woods.

“It’s bound to be true your highness, cause this time around, I had nothing to do with it.” He informed but his response left Anna who quietly hid in the bushes to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Her brows furrowed into a half frown and half curiosity, what did he mean by he has nothing to do with it??

“Your highness,” he alarmingly looked around to make sure no guards was close by before continuing, “framing Anna and forcing one of the victims to say her name to his majesty was a success, but right now, we have an even bigger issue to deal with.” He critically informed while Adryan’s gaze darkened slowly.

Meanwhile, time seemed to slow down for Anna as she heard the most shocking revelation of her life, a revelation that made her heart stop and her eyes turning round as it replayed in her head.

‘framing Anna and forcing one of the victims to say her name was a success’

That...That means...Sir....Sir Arlow killed those people! And Adryan’s aware of it???