Chapter 51: "Of Bonds and Sacrifice ( the beast's tribe)

In the heart of Ida's clan castle, a residence brimming with nobility and love, where the law was seen as a friend, Arẹwa found herself surrounded by a mixture of young commoners, nobles, and even royalty—all eager to hear the continuation of her story.

"I'll continue the story," she announced, and a hushed excitement settled over the gathering.

"Now, if you want me to continue, Prince Oye, tell me why you hit Olá earlier," she asked, singling out a young prince in the midst of the assembly.

The young prince, a tad arrogant, hesitated momentarily before reluctantly responding, "He stepped on me."

"Oh, Olá, come closer, and my prince, you both, give me your hands," she requested, urging them to join their hands together. "Forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give each other. Every man makes mistakes, and no one is perfect. Always forgive and accept each other's differences. Unity matters most. A hand alone can't carry a heavy load, but joined hands can. Love each other and accept each other. Always make friends, not enemies," she imparted her wisdom, a gentle smile gracing her face.

In a heartwarming display, the young prince hugged Olá, and a ripple of happiness spread through the onlookers.

"Attention, pupils," Arẹwa called to regain their focus. "Who can tell me where I stopped in our previous lesson?"

A brave student raised their hand. "I'll begin from the battle, where the human prince and his army marched out and were suddenly attacked. The human prince fought fiercely against the beasts until they started losing soldiers. The beasts held innocent women and children hostage, bargaining to let them all leave the town in exchange for the prince being imprisoned," the student recounted, capturing the attention of the audience.

"She is right. I'll continue," Arẹwa confirmed, seamlessly picking up the thread. "As per their promise, the prince was surrounded and captured the following morning. All the women and children were taken hostage, and their men were hanged, while some managed to escape. Those who escaped couldn't bear to leave the innocent women and children behind. They promised to use their last breath to save the children. They found a hideout, and the Beast King ordered the human prince out, along with the innocent people who were tied and nearly beheaded. The small human army couldn't bear witnessing this..."