Chapter 6: A New Identity

"Everybody get out now and get me Hazel, either dead or alive!" Madam Nora screamed, her voice echoing through the dimly lit chamber. As the guards scrambled to obey, Madam Nora sank into her chair, murmuring a calming spell to restrain her powers.

… .

Hazel awakened to the warm sunlight filtering through rustling leaves. Confusion washed over her. "I was at Madam Nora's… she wanted to kill me! Am I dead?" She stretched out her hands, staring at her pale skin. The forest hummed with life, thick with the scent of earth and foliage. Panic crept in. "I don't know where I am or even where to go. I'm not strong enough for the outside world. I can't even protect myself from Madam Nora's wrath, and how on earth did I appear in the middle of no where "

Just as Hazel murmured those words, the sound of galloping horses reached her ears. An ancient immortal observed her from a distance, intrigued. "Amoris has returned," he muttered, noting the seal upon her. Disguised as an old woman, he approached Hazel.

"Run, Hazel Arman! Don't let them catch you!" the old woman urged, striking Hazel in the stomach. A surge of electricity coursed through Hazel, heightening her senses. Instinctively, she dashed away.

The ancient immortal transformed back into his true form, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he watched Hazel flee. "Go on, child. Get stronger." In an instant, he vanished.

…

"Where is she? We've scoured this entire forest!" one guard grumbled, slumping against a tree, frustration evident in his voice.

Hazel's heart raced as she spotted one of the guards nearby. Remembering a sealing spell she'd glimpsed in Madam Nora's secret room, she whispered, "There's only one way." Quickly, she began chanting the spell to hide her aura.

"I thought I sensed a heartbeat here," the guard mused, scanning the area. "Maybe it was just an animal," he muttered, walking away.

Hazel stayed still in the tree, holding her breath until the guards were out of sight. Exhausted, she drifted off into a light sleep. When she awoke, the moon hung high in the sky, casting silver light through the leaves.

"Woah," she whispered, marveling at her heightened senses as she jumped down from the tree. Maintaining the seal, she moved with purpose, acutely aware of every rustle around her.

Eventually, she stumbled upon an inn, its ivy-covered walls and crooked chimneys exuding an inviting warmth. Pushing open the creaking door, the scent of roasted meat and wood smoke enveloped her, mingling with the whispers of untold stories hidden within its walls.

Hazel approached the front desk, attempting to mask her anxiety. "Excuse me, could you help me find a place to stay?"

"Of course! You can stay in our finest room for free. Your bath is already prepared," the innkeeper replied, a humble smile on his face, his eyes twinkling with kindness.

"Why is he treating me so well? Or maybe vampires aren't that cruel after all" she thought following the inn manager as he led her.

A shadow lingered at the edge of the inn, the ancient immortal watching Hazel disappear down the hallway. "Rest well, Master Amoris," he murmured.

After her bath, Hazel lay on the bed, her mind racing. "Madam Nora must be joking. How could I have a demon inside me? What does the prophecy have to do with me?" She turned restlessly, the image of the old woman flashing in her mind. "Who is she?" Sleep finally claimed her.

…

The next morning, Hazel awoke refreshed, quickly packing her belongings. As she reached the front door, she was startled by a voice.

"Wait!"

She turned to find the innkeeper approaching, a bundle of clothes in his arms. "An old woman left a message for you. She said you're being searched for across all of Astera. You should change your appearance," he explained, handing her the clothes and a small vial of hair dye.

"Was she an old woman with wrinkly skin and sea-blue eyes?" Hazel asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Exactly! You remember her!" the innkeeper replied, his eyes widening.

Hazel picked up the clothes, confusion deepening. "Men's clothes? Why would I need these?"

The innkeeper raised an eyebrow, his tone firm. "I believe you understand what she meant. Are you willing to follow her advice?"

Taking a deep breath, Hazel nodded. "Yes." She hurried to change.

Inside the room, she struggled with the outfit. Her curves still showed, prompting her to tear a strip from her dress to bind her chest. After a few moments, she stepped out, resembling a young man more than ever.

The innkeeper chuckled lightly. "You're quite the handsome young man now," he teased, a playful glint in his eye. Hazel felt a blush creeping to her cheeks.

"From now on, when you hear the name Hazel, you mustn't react. You are Hazen, a man," he instructed, his expression turning serious.

With a steady voice, he asked, "What is your name?"

"I am Hazen," Hazel replied, the weight of her new identity settling in.

…

Hazen dashed out of the inn, taking a deep breath as he looked back at the warm glow of the building. 

As Hazel left the inn manager went to to the ancient immortal "I've helped her change her identify. You're yet to pay for the night she spent" he said stretching forward his hands.

The ancient immortal casually threw a pouch of crystal stones staring at the inn manager with disgust.

The inn manager immediately dragged the money holding it tightly, greed evident in his eyes "Nice business" he said walking away.

.....

Ahead, Hazen spotted a group of men entering a large building adorned with banners. Curiosity piqued, she quickened her pace, feeling an inexplicable pull toward the place.

"Army," she murmured, the word resonating with her. She watched as bulky men filed in, their laughter echoing. 

Suddenly, she stopped one of the men, a tall guy with tousled blonde hair. "Excuse me, what's going on inside?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

"They're recruiting new members. You can come along if you wish," the blonde replied, shrugging nonchalantly.

"Recruiting? If I join the army, I might actually gain the strength to protect myself from Madam Nora," Hazen thought, determination filling her as she stepped inside, joining the throng of men.

"Hey you!" a sharp voice called out, halting Hazen in her tracks. 

Hazen's heart raced. "Did they find out I'm a girl?" She turned slowly, anxiety flooding her veins.