Chapter 13: Whispers in the Wind

[Next day: Morning]

Ovelia's POV

The forest loomed around me, its towering trees casting long, jagged shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine, and the faint rustle of leaves whispered secrets I couldn't quite grasp.

Then, I saw it—a red, glowing orb hovering in the air, pulsing like a heartbeat. Lady Firera. My breath hitched as I recognized her. Beside her stood three shadowy figures: Viana, Oliver, and the baby in the basket. My stomach twisted. This was a dream—the continuation of the one I'd had before.

"There's a fire in the village. We don't have more time," Oliver said, his voice strained, his hands clenched into fists. His usually calm demeanor was gone, replaced by urgency and fear.

I tried to speak, to move, but my body refused to obey. It was as if an invisible force had pinned me in place, leaving me to watch helplessly.

"Lady Firera, I'm sorry, but we're out of time. I need to seal you inside her now," Viana said, her voice trembling. Her hands glowed faintly, and her eyes were filled with a mixture of determination and sorrow.

Lady Firera's voice was calm, almost soothing, despite the chaos. "I've already cast a spell on myself so that werewolves and witches can't detect me inside her. But when you seal me within her, I'll lose my memory temporarily. I'm not sure when it will return. During that time, when your daughter starts to grow my soul will encourage her to release me, to let me take over her body."

Viana nodded, her jaw tight. "I understand. And I believe in my daughter's strength. I've already cast a spell on her so the werewolves and witches can't detect her true nature. She'll still appear human."

The red orb—Lady Firera—floated toward the baby, hovering above its tiny form. Viana placed her hand gently on the baby's chest, her voice steady as she began to chant.

"By the power of the ancient ones, I call upon the forces of light and darkness. Let the essence of the goddess be contained, within this innocent child, now bound."

A golden glow emanated from Viana's hands, and specks of light danced around her like fireflies. The air grew heavy, charged with magic.

"For twenty years, the secret shall remain, Hidden from sight, until the time is right. When the child grows and wisdom dawns, the truth shall be revealed, and all will be known."

The golden light began to weave itself into threads, intricate and shimmering, forming a delicate web around the red orb.

"With this spell, I seal the fate, of the goddess and the child, intertwined. Let it be done, by my will and might, in this world and beyond, for all to see."

The golden threads connected with the red orb. Then, with a flash, the orb was drawn into the baby's chest. A faint circle with a star crest glowed on the baby's stomach before fading away. The baby let out a piercing cry, its tiny fists flailing.

I felt a presence beside me, watching. My heart raced as I turned my head slightly, only to see a shadowy figure standing there. Its glowing red eyes locked onto mine, and I froze, unable to breathe. The air grew colder, and I felt as if I were drowning in its gaze.

Wait, Lady Firera was sealed inside the baby. Who is this shadow beside me?

The figure leaned closer, its breath icy against my skin. I tried to scream, but no sound came out. My chest tightened, and I gasped for air, my vision blurring.

I woke up drenched in sweat, my heart pounding. The room was quiet, save for the sound of my ragged breathing. "Why do I keep dreaming about those four figures—Viana, Oliver, the baby, and Lady Firera?" I whispered to myself, my voice trembling.

A gentle knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I opened it to find Ann standing there, carrying a mini fridge and a medical kit. Her smile was warm, but her eyes held a hint of concern.

"Lady Ovelia, it's time to treat your wounds and bruises. And here's the mini fridge you requested yesterday," she said, her voice cheerful but soft.

I grinned, trying to shake off the lingering unease from my dream. "Wow, we finally have a mini fridge in my room!"

Ann's face lit up, her joy infectious. She set up the fridge and plugged it in, then turned to me, her hands gentle as she began tending to my wounds.

"Ovelia, some of your bruises are fading," she said, her brow furrowing. "But it's strange… why are your wounds healing so quickly? Werewolves heal faster than humans, don't they?"

I looked at her, a small smile tugging at my lips. There was something comforting about her presence, something that made the weight of my dreams feel a little lighter.

"Why are you staring and smiling like that?" Ann asked, her cheeks flushing slightly.

I couldn't help but laugh. "You don't call me 'Lady' when it's just us. It's like we've become friends," I teased.

Ann's blush deepened, but she smiled. "You said I shouldn't call you 'Lady' when we're alone. We've already become friends, haven't we?"

My heart swelled with warmth. "Really, Ann? We're officially friends?" I asked, my voice filled with excitement.

"Yes, Ovelia. Even if I call you 'Lady' outside this room, we're still friends," she said, her voice soft but sincere.

I reached out and took her hands, ignoring the twinge of pain in my left arm. "Thank you, Ann. That means your my first friend," I said, my voice trembling with emotion.

That also means that Ace is my second friend. 

Ann laughed, her eyes sparkling. "I'm happy to hear that, Ovelia. But I can't breathe—your chest is squishing me!"

I laughed and released her, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Sorry, Ann," I said, still grinning. "By the way, what should I do to make Ace fall for me?"

Ann tilted her head, her expression thoughtful as she considered my question. "Just be yourself. Show him how much you care. Do the things you love for him."

Despite her words, a fog of confusion hung over me. I had tried being myself with my non-biological parents, yet I never felt their love in return. The memory of their cold indifference lingered, a shadow that refused to fade.

Ann started carefully applying a bandage to my back, her touch gentle but firm. I winced as the pain flared, but I bit my lip, refusing to cry out. I need to endure this, I thought, the words a silent mantra in my mind.

As I sat there, my thoughts drifted to Ace. He's different, I realized. He's a prince, my husband, and my second friend after all. Maybe I can just do what I usually do. Like in the books I've read, friendship is where it all begins before love blossoms.

Once Ann finished bandaging my wounds, she lowered my shirt and turned to face me, her hands resting on her hips. "All done," she said, her smile brightening the room. "But it looks like it's time for breakfast. Let's head to the dining area."

I smiled back at Ann, feeling a flicker of hope ignite within me. Together, we made our way to the dining area, each step feeling a little lighter, as if the warmth of her encouragement had chased away the lingering shadows of my dreams.

•Palace Dining Area•

The dining area was as silent as a tomb, save for the faint clinking of silverware against porcelain. The maids stood in perfect formation, their eyes downcast, their hands clasped neatly in front of them. The table before me was a feast for the eyes—plates piled high with vibrant dishes, their colors and aromas mingling in the air. Yet, the opulence of the spread did little to ease the heaviness in my chest. Once again, I found myself dining alone, the emptiness of the room pressing in on me like a weight.

I took my seat, the chair creaking softly beneath me, and began to eat. The food was delicious, as always, but the flavors seemed muted, as if the silence had dulled my senses. The quiet wrapped around me like a familiar blanket, yet it felt heavier each day, suffocating in its constancy. I ate mechanically, my thoughts drifting to the dream that had haunted me earlier. The images of Viana, Oliver, the baby, and Lady Firera lingered in my mind, their shadow figures etched into my memory like ghosts.

When I finished, Ann and I exited the dining area, the sound of our footsteps echoing down the long, marble hallway. The palace felt vast and cold, its grandeur doing little to dispel the loneliness that clung to me.

"Ann, have you had lunch yet?" I asked, my voice lingering between curiosity and concern.

"Yes, lady Ovelia," she replied, her tone cheerful yet respectful. "My breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedule is set earlier than yours so I can keep you company and ensure you eat."

A wave of sadness washed over me as she called me "Lady" again. It stung a little, reminding me of the boundaries between us that we couldn't easily cross. We were still outside my room, and I understood why she needed such formal language. Anyone could overhear her, and I feared someone might get angry or even report her for being too familiar. But it was okay. Even if she called me "Lady Ovelia" or "Ovelia" in private or public, we were still friends. That was what mattered.

"Ann, can we go to the garden instead? I'd love to inhale some fresh air," I suggested, my voice light, though the weight of my thoughts still lingered.

"Of course! That sounds wonderful," she answered, her smile brightening as she nodded eagerly. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment, the heaviness in my chest lifted.

Together, we made our way to the garden.

•Palace's Outer Garden•

As we stepped outside, the warmth of the sun embraced us, its golden rays filtering through the leaves of the towering trees. The garden was alive with color—vivid blooms of every shade imaginable stretched out before us, their petals glistening with dew. The air was thick with the scent of flowers, sweet and intoxicating, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze was like a soothing melody.

I gazed at the radiant blooms, sunlight dancing upon them, transforming the flowers into a breathtaking sight—more beautiful than I could have imagined. 

Suddenly, a delightful idea popped into my mind: to whip up a snack for Ace. The thought brought a smile to my face, a small spark of joy amidst the lingering unease.

"Ann, do you know if there's a cookbook around?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as I turned to her..

"Yes, my lady! It's in the kitchen," Ann replied eagerly, her eyes sparkling enthusiastically. She turned to me, her smile infectious as she added, "Are we going to make a snack for Sir Ace?"

"Absolutely! I'll grab it, and I was hoping to read it here to relax a bit," I shared with a hint of excitement, my heart lifting at the thought of doing something kind for Ace.

"Oh no, Lady Ovelia! Let me get it for you. Just sit on the bench and wait for me, okay?" she insisted cheerfully, her spirit lifting mine as she gestured toward a nearby bench.

I opened my mouth to protest, but before I could utter another word, she was already off, her lively energy filling the space like sunshine. I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I made my way to the bench. The wood was warm beneath my hands as I sat down, the sun casting dappled shadows across the ground.

As I waited, a sudden breeze swept past me, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers. It was gentle at first, but then it grew stronger, swirling around me like a playful dance.

"Thank goodness you're safe, Ovelia," said a voice that sent shivers down my spine.

It was the same voice I had heard in the forest when I narrowly escaped the jaws of a werewolf. My heart skipped a beat, and I glanced toward the trees, a wave of fear washing over me. The forest loomed in the distance, its dark, foreboding presence a stark contrast to the vibrant garden

"I have no name, but you can call me Wind," it said softly, almost playfully, its voice carried on the breeze.

I was baffled by how this wind could speak. It felt as if it was channeling its voice through the gentle gusts, as every time the breeze caressed me, I heard its words crystallize in the air.

"Wind, how did you know my name? And thank you for saving me that day. If you hadn't warned me to run, I'd be gone," I said, my heart racing with gratitude as I wrapped my arms around myself, the chill of the wind seeping into my skin.

Another gust flowed through, curling around me like a comforting embrace. "I overheard the whispers of other visitors in the garden as you were about to be wed. I simply guessed you were Ovelia—and I was right."

I should have felt apprehensive and afraid of conversing with a whispering wind. Yet, strangely enough, calmness enveloped me. Maybe it was because I sensed that Wind had no intention of causing me harm. I marveled at this ethereal connection that transcends fear, fostering an unspoken trust between us.

"So, you've been watching over me?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as I tilted my head, trying to catch another glimpse of the forest.

"Yes," Wind replied, its voice a soft caress. "I'm here whenever you need me,"

I smiled softly, feeling an undeniable bond forming in the air around us. The wind rustled softly, its presence comforting yet mysterious.

The wind rustled softly. "I can sense you have many questions for me. If you wish, come into the forest, and we shall talk there," it whispered, its voice carrying a hint of urgency.

Suddenly, the windswept inward towards the trees, beckoning me. I stared at the forest, that dark, foreboding place where I had encountered the enormous werewolf. Yet, deep down, I longed to speak to the wind. My mind raced with unformed questions, but my heart ached to connect.

"OVELIA, DO NOT ENTER THE FOREST ALONE!"

The shout jolted me awake. I glanced forward, horrified to realize I had already stepped into the forest, completely unaware. My heart pounded in my chest as I froze, the shadows of the trees closing in around me.

A strong gust blew, "Damn that werewolf!" I knew it was the wind, and fear gripped me suddenly, sending chills down my spine. The forest seemed to come alive, its whispers growing louder, more insistent.

I turned my gaze towards the garden and caught sight of Ace on the palace's second floor. The window was open, and without hesitation, he leaped down, seemingly unfazed by the height. His movements were swift and sure, his expression one of pure determination as he rushed toward me.

His hands tenderly cupping my face as concern etched across his features. "Ovelia! What's happening? Why are you heading into the forest? You look so pale!"

A wave of dread crashed over me as memories flooded back—the terror I once felt within those trees. I reached for Ace, enveloping him in a tight embrace, tears streaming down my cheeks despite the pain radiating from my injured arm.

"I don't know what's happening, but I'm here now. Please, don't cry," he whispered softly, wrapping his arms around me. His warmth was a balm to my frayed nerves, his presence grounding me in a way I hadn't realized I needed.

In his embrace, my anxiety began to dissolve. It was as if the weight of the forest, the wind, and my own fears melted away, leaving only the comfort of his arms. I clung to him, my tears soaking into his shirt, but he didn't seem to mind. His hand stroked my back gently, his touch soothing.

"Lady Ovelia! I found the cooking book!" Ann's cheerful voice broke through the moment, her excitement palpable as she approached. Her footsteps slowed as she took in the scene before her, her expression shifting from joy to concern.

I reluctantly released my hold on Ace, hastily wiping my tears away, and turned to Ann, startled by her sudden appearance and the shock on her face. My gaze was drawn back to the forest, its dark silhouette looming in the distance. Had the wind truly deceived me or enchanted me? But deep down, I sensed an unwavering intention—wasn't it the wind that sought to protect me when the werewolf nearly claimed my life? What, or who, truly was the wind?

Ace's hand found mine, his grip firm yet gentle. "Let's go back inside," he said, his voice steady but laced with concern.

I nodded, my heart still racing but calmer now. As we walked back to the palace, the wind whispered once more, its voice faint but clear. "I'll be here when you're ready."

I glanced over my shoulder, the forest now silent and still. Whatever secrets it held, I knew I would have to face them eventually. But for now, I had Ace and Ann by my side, and that was enough.