Levi breathed heavily, her heart beating so fast as she looked around, trying to spot any danger.
“I told you we should rest,” Rish said, his hand on his chest.
“Yeah, and then we’ll have dinner with that animal. What do you think about that, Rish?” Levi snapped, glaring at her brother.
“Stop, both of you. We’re all fine, that’s what matters. Don’t get on each other’s nerves. We need to walk fast and reach there as soon as we can,” Maya sighed, seeing them fighting in the middle of the forest like this.
Priya was still shocked by what just happened. Maybe Maya, Rish, and Levi were used to it, living inside the forest in a cabin, but it was different for her.
She had never encountered anything like this, and it was shocking when Maya dragged her and she just ran like a mad person.
To be honest, she remembered this exact feeling of running when she escaped from the restroom three days before, trying to fly out and escape from the forced wedding she was so close to being trapped in.
“Mom is right, Rish. Because we keep being slow, the night won’t be safe to walk. We know how dangerous it is, so it’s better if we stand up and start tracking toward the pack.”
They all stood and started walking again.
Priya was more alert than before, scanning her surroundings. She didn’t want to face that again; her senses were on high alert.
“Don’t be scared, Priya. It’s a normal thing in the forest, but the wild species rule it. That’s why we have to be more alert and aware,” Maya reassured her.
She knew it was Priya’s first time facing something like this, and it was even scary for Maya herself, so she could imagine how Priya felt.
But she also knew one thing: even though Priya was cursed as a wolf, the wild couldn’t harm them because everyone had to bow down to the queen, no matter what.
Priya’s blood would surely attract more wild animals, and it wasn’t good. As they got closer to the pack, Maya thought about how they would face the guards who would be patrolling the territory.
It wouldn’t be simple. That’s why it was better if they got there before nightfall because that’s when it would be more dangerous. Security would increase tenfold at night.
And who knows, it had been 18 years since she left the pack, so maybe security would be even tighter now.
Maya’s mind raced with thoughts as they continued their journey. She knew they had to be cautious, especially with Priya’s presence.
Priya glanced at Maya, seeing the worry etched on her face. She could sense Maya’s concern, and it made her heart ache.
“Are you okay, Maya?” Priya asked softly, stepping closer to her.
Maya forced a smile. “I’m fine, Priya.”
Priya nodded, understanding. She knew Maya was carrying the weight of their safety on her shoulders.
As they walked, Priya’s mind wandered with tension.
Levi walked beside her, sensing her unease. “Hey, Priya, don’t worry too much.”
Priya managed a small smile, grateful for Levi’s reassurance. She knew she wasn’t alone in this.
Rish walked ahead, scouting the path for any signs of danger. Despite his earlier complaints, he was now focused and alert.
Suddenly, Maya held up her hand, signalling for them to stop. She motioned for them to crouch down behind some bushes.
Priya’s heart raced as she followed Maya’s lead, her senses on high alert. She strained to listen for any sounds of approaching danger.
Through the foliage, they spotted a group of figures moving through the trees ahead. Maya’s expression grew tense as she recognized them.
“It’s the guards,” Maya whispered, her voice barely audible. “We need to stay hidden until they pass.”
They huddled together, waiting anxiously as the guards patrolled the area. Priya’s heart pounded in her chest, fearing they would be discovered.
Priya’s heart pounded as they hid behind the bushes, her mind racing with questions. Why were there guards in the middle of the forest? It was so frightening; she felt like her heart was about to burst through her ribs.
“Why are we hiding like this, Maya?” Priya finally asked, her voice trembling with fear. “What are the guards doing here?”
Maya was taken aback by the sudden question. She knew it would come, but not this soon. For now, she couldn’t explain, nor did she think Priya would understand.
“They’re guards for wild animals, I think,” Maya replied, trying to sound convincing. “I thought it might be safer to hide, in case they’re dangerous, right?”
Priya frowned, trying to make sense of it all. “Like forest police?” she asked.
Maya hesitated, then nodded. “Yes, something like that,” she lied, wanting Priya to believe whatever made her feel safe.
“But Maya,” Priya whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves, “why would there be guards for wild animals? And why are they carrying guns?”
Maya paused, realising Priya wasn’t buying her story. She took a deep breath, trying to come up with a better explanation.
“Well, you see, Priya,” Maya began, her voice hushed, “Sometimes there are dangerous hunters in the forest. The guards are here to protect them from hunters.”
Priya’s eyes widened in realisation. “Oh, I see,” she whispered back.
“Mom, let’s walk, it’s only ten minutes away. We need to reach there as soon as possible because guards are already patrolling. We can’t be discovered,” Levi whispered in Maya’s ear, ensuring Priya couldn’t overhear.
Priya glanced at Maya and Levi as they whispered to each other, piquing her curiosity. She wanted to know what they were discussing, but she knew it was a private conversation between mother and daughter, so she refrained from asking.
Maya nodded silently in response to Levi’s urgency. She knew they had to move quickly to avoid any unwanted attention.
“Alright, let’s go,” Maya whispered back, gesturing for Priya, Rish and Levi to follow as they carefully emerged from their hiding spot behind the bushes.
As they started walking through the dense forest, Priya couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease. The presence of guards patrolling the area felt odd, especially considering the strict regulations against living in the forest.
But she can’t ask too.