24 - On the Road to 'The Red Riding Wolf' 1

*Nemesia's POV*

The soft hues of dawn crept across the horizon as we embarked on a journey shrouded in uncertainty. We had to move away from the camp, towards the place where the horses were held in a small stable on a road, which didn't look like a rebel's place, and yet... it was. A good way to hide horses in a visible place. After thinking I thought that it was indeed wise. How would they care for horses in our small encampment without making our position known to others? Yes. This was a good idea.

Orion and Jenna hoped on horses they already knew - both dark and a bit fluffy. Evar got a chestnut mare who looked very kind and he also seemed to know her. As for me. They have me a grey mare who - as they said - was previously a battle horse, and was very experienced. I liked her the moment I met her. Those beautiful blue eyes of hers were so wise. I felt I could count on her if I showed her the respect she deserved.

The rhythmic clopping of hooves against the forest path provided a steady, comforting beat as our small group navigated the less travelled routes, hoping to avoid unwanted attention.

Evar rode beside me, his posture relaxed yet alert, his eyes frequently scanning our surroundings for any signs of danger or disruption. Jenna and Orion followed closely behind, their murmured conversations occasionally punctuated by soft laughter, making me wonder if they really were partners ONLY on guard duty...

"How are you holding up?" Evar's voice pulled me from my thoughts, his tone gentle whenever he spoke to me. I realised he didn't treat others the same way.

"I'm alright," I replied, forcing a smile. "Just thinking about what we might find at the inn."

He nodded, his eyes reflecting a hidden worry.

"We'll handle it together," he reassured me, his hand briefly squeezing my arm.

It became a habit I guess? Him... making sure I feel and know that he's there for me.

"It's nice. I don't remember when I ever felt so cared for..." Athena's voice was calm and kind of happy. I didn't take her for a cuddly wolf. She was a powerful and mighty Lycan warrior. But I might've been wrong... maybe she also wants someone who will care for us so we can let our guard down.

As the day progressed, our conversations shifted from light-hearted exchanges to more serious discussions about our strategy upon reaching the inn. The beauty of the landscape around us—a tapestry of vibrant greens and earthy browns—made the conversation seem almost surreal.

"We should check our gear when we stop for a break," I suggested, trying to focus on the logistics instead of the gnawing anxiety about the upcoming meeting.

"Agreed," Evar replied. "It's best to be prepared for any scenario."

When we dismounted by a small brook for a brief rest, the sound of water flowing over rocks brought a sense of calm. Jenna and Orion wandered off to collect fresh water, leaving Evar and me alone with our provisions and horses.

I made sure the horses were comfortable and free of any weight, dried softly and placed in a shadow with water - making sure they wouldn't drink anything too cold and too much, so they wouldn't get sick. I liked taking care of those amazing animals.

As we unpacked the food, I caught Evar watching me with a concerned look.

"You've been quiet. More than usual," he observed.

"Weird... No one in the royal court seemed to pay attention to how quiet I was... and I used to talk even more than here unless it was for work..." I wondered, reaching to Athena.

"Told you... someone paying attention to you and caring for you... Good feeling, right?" I could feel smugness in her voice.

"Just weighing our options," I said, avoiding his gaze. "And thinking about the message... 'Beneath the crescent moon, the past seeks to amend.' It feels like walking into a trap laid with memories as bait."

Evar's expression softened.

"Whatever comes, I'm here... and we've got company. In the past you were alone... at least from what you often say. It's not the case now."

I nodded, grateful for his presence. We ate mostly in silence, the sound of the brook a soothing backdrop.

As the afternoon wore on, the terrain became rougher, the paths narrower. The occasional birdcall and rustle of leaves under our horses' hooves were the only sounds that accompanied us.

When we finally stopped to set up camp for the night, the sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows through the trees. Of course, we could move forward... but there was no need to be in a hurry - we had time, and I cared for the horses' well-being.

While Jenna and Orion set up the fire, Evar and I secured the horses and gathered extra firewood. The routine tasks helped distract me from the weight of what may await me. I was almost completely sure it was a trap... If this was THAT person... then it had to be a trap.

Around the campfire, we shared a simple meal of dried meat and fruit. The fire crackled, casting warm light over our small circle. It was Orion who broke the quiet that had settled among us.

"Do you think we'll be back before the full moon?" he asked, poking at the fire with a stick.

"It's possible," Jenna responded, her tone optimistic. "Depends on what we find at the inn."

I didn't want to say that we may not return at all. That would be too sour.

"Why Orion? Got a date?" Evar asked winking at him which made the man cough and grumble something, while Jenna looked at her duty partner with sharp eyes of worry. Yes... there was definitely something between them...

The conversation drifted to lighter topics, and I found myself listening more than participating, the voices of my companions blending into a comforting hum. It wasn't until Evar nudged me gently that I realized I had been staring into the flames, lost in thought.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice low enough that only I could hear, his breath tickling my ear and neck, making me shiver a bit.

"Just thinking," I replied, then forced a smile, trying to cover a blush. "About the first time, I tried to ride a horse at the palace. Ended up in a hedge rather than impressing anyone."

Evar chuckled, the sound warm in the cool night air.

"I would have liked to see that."

"Trust me, it was anything but graceful," I said, a genuine smile tugging at my lips as the memory of my youthful misadventure lightened my mood.

"That's not possible. Everything you do, no matter how imperfect it may look, and every fail you take... is graceful and beautiful, coz they're yours," The words he uttered made me forget how to breathe for a moment.

There he was... a rouge wolf, with a wild look in his eyes, no royal charm, no luxury in his life, not even a handsome prince, with the rough manly looks of someone who had seen lots of bad things in life... So how was he able to make my heart beat faster? How was he able to say such things that no one ever had... that made me feel so important and beautiful and... wanted...

I had to quickly look away, afraid I'd get lost in his eyes and this feeling. I muttered some thanks under my breath and tried to change the topic.

As the night deepened, Jenna and Orion took the first watch, allowing Evar and me some time to rest. But sleep eluded me, the fire's warmth and the night's gentle sounds a stark contrast to the turmoil in my thoughts.

Athena's voice surfaced in my mind, her tone teasing.

"You're worried. About the meeting, or about how much Evar seems to care?"

I sighed inwardly.

"Both, perhaps. It's complicated."

"Isn't it always?" she mused. "But he's good for you. Even you can't deny that."

I couldn't, and part of me didn't want to. The simple truth was that Evar's presence had become a pillar of strength for me, in ways I hadn't anticipated. It also made it so much more scary... if I open up myself to him... what if he wounds me? Or abandons me? I don't want to feel what I felt coz of Marco for the second time.

When it was our turn to watch, Evar and I settled near the edge of the clearing, our eyes on the shadowy woods. We spoke little, the quiet a shared companion.

"Do you think what we're doing—this life—it's worth it?" I found myself asking, the question slipping out unbidden.

"You mean taking the revenge? And the rebels' fight?"

I nodded.

Evar considered it, his gaze on the dark shapes of the trees.

"I think so," he finally said. "Because even amid the chaos, there are moments like this—quiet, peaceful. It reminds me that there's more to fight for than just survival, change or revenge."

His words echoed in my heart, with my brain trying to shut it down. I shouldn't have peace and quiet... I should plan revenge... plot against the palace...

As dawn approached, with no sign of trouble, we doused the fire and prepared to continue our journey. The air was crisp, a hint of mist lingering as the sun began to rise.

With our gear packed and the campsite cleared, we roused Jenna and Orion, informing them it was time to move. As we mounted our horses and set off towards the outpost, the morning light filtered through the trees, casting a golden glow that seemed ignorant to what awaited us.

Today, we would reach the outpost, from where we would go to the inn, and see whatever awaited us there. But as we broke camp, I felt a resolve settling in, this time I will do it right... I will not use everything I have at my disposal... nor will I run. Whatever lay ahead, we were ready—or as ready as we could be—for it together... for whatever awaited us at 'The Red Riding Wolf.'