Chapter 35: The Traitor

Ynah stared at the boy who had just saved her, her body still pinned by blades and blood dripping from her arm.

"It's my pleasure to help you, princess," he said with a crooked smile, already launching himself toward the hooded man.

Their clash was fast and brutal spells collided in the air like lightning tearing through the forest. The boy fought with speed and raw strength, but the hooded figure... he was something else. Each of his attacks carried a precision that hinted at experience far beyond their years.

The boy grunted as a slice cut across his shoulder, staining his cloak. Still, he pressed on.

"You're in luck, Alpha..." the hooded man sneered, dodging another strike, "...some prince charming came to save you."

Before Ynah could retort, the man vanished in a blur. Her eyes widened. She turned only to feel his presence behind her, the chill of his breath near her ear.

"I'll see you at the academy," he whispered with a smirk. Then, as quickly as he appeared, he vanished into the trees, leaving nothing but silence and the crackle of dying magic in the air.

The boy cursed under his breath, looking around, weapon raised, but it was too late.

Ynah winced and pulled one of the smaller blades from her side. Blood oozed from the wound, but she stood tall, teeth clenched.

"Are you ok princess" the boy asked

"Stop calling me princess... I'm not a damn princess," she snapped, glaring at her mysterious savior.

The boy paused. A small, amused smile touched his lips. "You are... my princess."

Ynah blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"

"I mean... you're the kind of princess I imagined since I was a kid," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "So, I prefer calling you that."

Ynah narrowed her eyes, unsure whether to be flattered or punch him. Instead, she sighed and turned away, her voice sharp but tired. "Tch... idiot."

The boy chuckled quietly and walked to her side. "Let's get you patched up, stubborn princess."

The sky above them brightened slightlymorning was coming. But the shadows in the forest hadn't lifted yet. Not entirely.

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The boy helped Ynah sit down carefully by the base of a tree, her breath uneven and stained with exhaustion. He pulled out a small pouch from his cloak, revealing bandages and a tiny vial of healing salve.

"This might sting," he said, dabbing the salve onto the deeper cuts.

Ynah winced but didn't make a sound. She watched him quietly for a moment before he broke the silence.

"Why are you here in the forest?" he asked, voice calm but curious.

Ynah glanced away. "We… we're lost," she muttered.

The boy raised a brow. "We? But you're all alone now."

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked toward the forest shadows. "I wasn't alone earlier… my friends were with me, but they left me behind. Not like I blame them though... it's not their fault," she said with a bitter smirk. "Stuff happens."

Sebastian didn't press further. Instead, he began wrapping her arm with practiced ease. "I'm here looking for someone," he said after a pause.

Ynah's curiosity sparked. "Your girlfriend?" she asked flatly, watching his expression.

He shook his head quickly, a soft laugh escaping his lips. "No. My teammate… Ayra. I lost her in the woods while we were training. I've been searching since then."

Ynah's eyes widened. Her lips parted in surprise. "Ayra?" she repeated. "The Ayra you're talking about… we saved her last night. She's with my friends now."

Sebastian's hands froze mid-wrap. He looked up at her, eyes wide. "Really?"

Ynah nodded. "Yeah… she was crying when we found her. But she's safe."

Sebastian let out a long, shaky breath and leaned back against the tree, eyes drifting up to the canopy. "I'm finally done searching…" he murmured.

Then he turned to look at her again, this time softer, more grateful. "Thank you… for saving her."

Ynah blinked, slightly caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice and the intensity in his gaze. "It's nothing," she muttered, suddenly flustered.

"What's your name?" she asked, trying to change the topic.

"Sebastian Carson," he replied with a half-smile. "You can call me Seb."

She groaned as soon as the next word came out of his mouth. "And you, princess?"

Ynah rolled her eyes hard enough to hurt. "Ynah Blair."

Sebastian extended his hand with a grin. "Nice to meet you, Ynah Blair."

She hesitated, then took his hand firmly. "Likewise… Sebastian Carson."

And for the first time since the chaos began, Ynah allowed herself the smallest smile.