“I will take care of her,” Chris said, rising to her feet. “I will keep her safe if you are worried about that. Letting her stay back isn’t the right thing to do. Bella has always been curious. She might step out after you leave and fall into the hands of -”
Fred and Blue exchanged uneasy glances, clearly caught off guard by Chris’ sudden support. “Which is why we need you here with her,” Fred interrupted, frowning at her. “With you here, we won’t be worried about anyone sneaking up on her. You can keep her in the room.”
“Is that what you think?” Chris looked towards me before focusing on my mates. “How do you suppose I can keep her still when you couldn’t do the same? We all know how stubborn Bella is. She won’t stay still.”
I smiled at that, looking at Chris in a new light. I didn’t think she would side with me since she had clarified it, by her actions that she didn’t want to stand between my mates and me.
“See? Chris knows me more than you realize you do.” I folded my arms, a mischievous smile on my lips as I watched my mates, knowing they were thinking of how to stop me from going out with them. I was ready to argue with them about this.
“Yeah, I know her more because I have been with her for a long time.” Chris’ response was dry.
“We didn’t expect you to agree with her, Chris,” Fred declared, his brow furrowed. “Don’t tell me she put you up to this?” Even as he said, I could tell he didn’t believe I did that. Chris and I have spent no time alone since she arrived at the house, so there was no way I could have communicated with her, even though they wanted to believe that.
Chris shrugged. “Someone has to keep her out of trouble. And honestly, leaving her behind isn’t an option. We all know Bella.”
Blue chuckled. “You’re right. She’d probably sneak out and end up in more danger. I don’t understand why she’s always stubborn, but I guess that’s what makes her, her.”
I grinned mischievously. “That’s me!”
Fred smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Alright, alright. You can come with us. But Bella, promise to stay close and follow orders.”
I nodded enthusiastically. “I promise! Scout’s honour!” I fist-pumped the air as I did a little dance before I turned to my lovely best friend. “I love you. Have I told you about it?”
Chris shot me a warning glance. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Bella.”
I winked at her. “Don’t worry, Chris. I’ll be good…ish.”
“I hope you do.”
With Chris and my mates by my side, we set out on our mission, ready to face whatever lay ahead. I was excited. This would be my first time seeing their kingdom, a place I’d heard so much about but hadn’t been to.
I leaned over to Chris. “Thanks for having my back,” I whispered.
Chris smiled, her eyes sparkling. “Someone has to keep you in line.”
As I left the palace with my mates and my best friend, the grand gates swung open, revealing the majestic bridge that stretched across the tranquil lake. It stood as a stark contrast to the chaos beyond. I could feel it deep within my bones that whatever we would find out there across the bridge would not be good. It would be worse compared to the dead bodies littered in the palace, which were getting discarded by the few guards who survived the attack.
We crossed the bridge, our footsteps echoing through the stillness. Below, the lake’s waters reflected the devastationcharred remains of wooden boats, shattered bridges, and the faint scent of smoke. Seeing it all depressed me. I felt so bad at the sight, one that made my stomach churn with the feeling of dread enveloping me.
Upon reaching the village, we were met with a scene of utter despair. Burnt houses stood as skeletal reminders of what once was, their thatched roofs reduced to smouldering embers. The air reeked of ash and char.
Wounded men, clinging to life, lay scattered on the ground. We rushed to their aid, providing what comfort we could. I bound wounds, offered words of solace, and helped the injured sit up.
As we made our way deeper into the village, the sounds of suffering intensified. Children wailed, their cries piercing the air. Tears welled up in my eyes at the devastation. Whoever did this deserved to rot in the last level of hell fire.
A tiny, soot-covered hand grasped my finger as I made to approach a house, and I looked down, my gaze softening when I saw her. “Mama?” she whispered, eyes brimming with tears as I knelt in front of her. “Mama?” Her little voice called out, her eyes blinking up at me with a helpless expression on her face.
My heart shattered. I pulled the child close, holding them tight. “We’re here, little one. We’ll help.”
My mates and friends continued to tend to the wounded, their faces set with determination. My gaze swept across the ruins, my mind racing with the enormity of the destruction.
How could this have happened? Who could have done this?
Tears streamed down my face, mourning the village, the innocent lives lost, and the shattered dreams.
“Mama!” The girl’s voice brought me back to the present. Patting her hair, I whispered soothing words to her as I looked around at the charred remains of the houses. My heart hurts. It ached for the children, scattered, screaming out for their parents, who might have either been caught in the fire or died trying to save them from those who torched the village.
The girl in my arms stopped crying as her eyes closed in sleep. She held me tight as if she were scared I would leave when she slept. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere,” I assured, placing a kiss on her hair. Seeing such a vulnerable kid reminded me of my childhood back when I got separated from my mother.