Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 144

Nova

Silver moonlight spilled across the military camp as I peered through our tent window. Uncle Alexander's patrol sounds grew fainter—the perfect time for our escape. I turned to Pax, who clutched our hastily written note.

"Are you sure we should do this?" Pax whispered. "Uncle Alexander will be worried."

I nodded, taking the note to read once more:

*Dear Uncle Alexander,*

*Please don't worry about us. We're going to find Mama and Aunt Adelaide. We promise to be careful.*

*Nova and Pax*

"We have to go," I said firmly, placing the note on Pax's bedding. "You heard what Mama and Aunt Adelaide said—Papa is in danger. We can't just wait here."

Pax sighed, picking up our bundle of food and water. "I know. It just feels wrong to betray Uncle Alexander's trust."

I patted his shoulder. "He'll understand." Closing my eyes, I whispered a spell. A faint blue glow enveloped us both. "Stay quiet and follow me. This invisibility spell only lasts an hour."

We crept out carefully. My magical gift let me sense energies and dangers around us. The guards seemed oblivious to two invisible children slipping past.

At the forest's edge, I breathed relief as the magical glow faded. We watched the distant campfires shrink, hearts filled with excitement and fear.

"Which direction should we go?" Pax asked, surveying the dark forest.

I closed my eyes, trying to sense Mom's direction. Though my perception was immature, it worked well between blood relatives. But I could only feel vague energy.

"I can't sense them anymore," I said worriedly. "They might have gone too far."

Pax's eyes flickered with determination. "Then we'll go the direction we heard before. Aunt Adelaide said they were going to Lycandor Keep, right?"

We moved carefully through the forest, but Silverhowl's woodland proved more complex than expected. Soon, we realized we were lost. Moonlight through the leaves cast confusing shadows.

"Nova, I think we should go back," Pax said nervously, gripping my hand. "It's too dark here."

Just then, we heard gentle singing and caught the scent of herbs. Through the undergrowth, we saw a woman in pale purple robes gathering herbs in the moonlight, moving with ethereal grace.

We exchanged glances. This woman looked comforting rather than frightening.

"Let's ask her for directions," I whispered. "She doesn't look like a bad person."

"But what if she's a werewolf?" Pax hesitated.

I squeezed his hand. "Mama said not all werewolves are bad. Papa is a good werewolf, isn't he?"

We approached cautiously. When I stepped on a twig, the woman turned toward us alertly.

"Who's there?" she asked softly.

We emerged from behind the tree, holding hands tightly. "We're sorry, we're lost," I said, trying to sound brave. "I'm Nova, and this is my brother Pax."

Her expression shifted from wariness to surprise, then curiosity. She knelt to our eye level. "Hello, Nova and Pax. I'm Seraphina. How did you come to be alone in such a dangerous forest?"

"We're looking for the way to Lycandor Keep," Pax said, inexplicably trusting this woman. "We need to find our father."

"Your father?" Seraphina asked gently. "What is he doing at Lycandor Keep?"

We exchanged glances, deciding not to reveal too much. "We only know he's there, and we need to find him," I answered cautiously.

Seraphina studied us, then smiled. "I happen to be returning to Lycandor Keep. If you'd like, you can come with me. The forest isn't safe for two young children."

I felt a strange connection, an inexplicable kinship. Pax seemed to feel it too.

We both nodded. "Thank you, Lady Seraphina."

---

Seraphina

I looked at the children beside me, feeling unexpected warmth. Nova's black hair and Pax's light brown hair gleamed in moonlight, their features mysteriously familiar. Those eyes full of curiosity and courage reminded me of someone.

More striking was the weak werewolf lineage I sensed in them. Not pure-blooded strength, but more like... half-bloods. My heart raced at the thought.

It had been almost four years since Thalia had left, and she had been pregnant with twins at the time... could these children be...?

"What are your parents' names?" I asked tentatively.

The children became guarded. Nova gripped Pax's hand. "Mama said we shouldn't tell strangers too much about ourselves."

I nodded understandingly. "Your mother is very wise. In these times, staying vigilant is prudent."

I didn't press further, leading them along a hidden path. As we neared Lycandor Keep, I noticed unusual signs. The forest was too quiet—even nocturnal animals seemed to be hiding. The air carried dark energy that made my skin prickle.

When the fortress appeared in view, I stopped. My instincts screamed danger. Usually there would be patrols, but now not a single guard was visible.

"Wait," I said softly, raising my hand. I closed my eyes, sensing energy flows around us. When I opened them, my face showed alarm.

"We can't go directly to Lycandor Keep," I said firmly. "There's danger there. We need to go somewhere else first."

A figure emerged from behind trees. I took a defensive stance, shielding the children. But when I recognized him, my muscles relaxed slightly.

"Lorell!" I exclaimed, recognizing Vespera's aide. "What are you doing here?"

Lorell's expression was grim. "Seraphina, thank the Moon Goddess I found you. Lord Vespera sent me to find you. The situation is urgent."

"What's happened?" I asked, dreading the answer.

Lorell glanced behind him, ensuring no pursuit, then spoke quietly: "Garrick has allied with the vampire Morgana and launched a coup. He controls Lycandor Keep and has imprisoned Commander Draven. Lord Vespera rescued the Wolf King, but their whereabouts are unknown."

I felt dizzy at the shocking news. "Morgana is still alive?"

"Not only alive, but seemingly more powerful than before," Lorell said heavily. "Fenriswood Bastion has fallen, and many of our people are imprisoned or... dead."

Nova and Pax gripped my robe, eyes filled with fear.

"Draven," Nova said quietly. "You said Draven was imprisoned?"

Lorell looked surprised at the children. "Yes, Commander Draven was captured by Garrick's people."

Nova and Pax exchanged glances, then Nova looked up at me, tears glistening. "That's our father's name—Draven."

My heart nearly stopped. I knelt, looking directly into Nova's eyes. "Your father is Commander Draven? Then... your mother, is her name Thalia?"

Both children nodded, hope mixing with surprise in their eyes.

I couldn't help smiling despite the circumstances. "I knew I sensed something. You're Draven and Thalia's children! I'm your father's friend, and your mother's friend too."

Their faces lit up, and Pax stepped forward as if to hug me, then stopped shyly.

"Where is your mother?" I asked.

Nova answered worriedly: "Mama and Aunt Adelaide came too, but we got separated."

"They are both my dearest friends," I said gently. "If they're here, we still have hope."

I turned to Lorell, determination flickering in my eyes. "I must rescue Draven."

Lorell frowned. "But Lycandor Keep is controlled by Garrick's people—too dangerous."

"We can't abandon him," I said resolutely. Then I looked at the twins, an idea forming. "There's a connection between werewolf bloodlines, especially among relatives. You might be able to sense your father's location."

Nova's eyes widened. "Like how I can sense where Pax is?"

"Exactly," I nodded. "Especially in moments of danger, this connection grows stronger."

Lorell shook his head. "I can't come with you. I must return and report to my commander. Though Fenriswood Bastion is occupied, we still have secret supporters there."

I nodded understandingly. "Go, and be careful."

After Lorell disappeared into the forest, I turned to the twins with gentle determination. "Now, let's figure out how to rescue your father."