Chapter 6: On the road

The rush of wind against her face was exhilarating. Melina closed her eyes, letting the sensation of freedom wash over her. When she opened them again, she was greeted by the breathtaking view of the sun piercing through the clouds, its golden rays scattering across the landscape.

"So beautiful," she whispered, her heart swelling with awe. She spread her wings—delicate yet powerful, their white feathers shimmering in the sunlight—and soared through the sky. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she felt truly alive.

Back at the castle, a commotion broke out as a group of butlers and maids rushed toward a grand chamber. "Master Eric!" one of the butlers exclaimed, his face pale with worry.

Eric looked up from the ancient tome he had been studying, his golden eyes narrowing as he sensed the urgency in their demeanor. "What's happened?" he demanded, setting the book aside and rising from his chair.

"It's the young mistress!" one of the maids stammered, wringing her hands. "She... she's gone!"

"What do you mean, gone?" Eric's voice was calm.

"She left this letter, Master," another maid said, stepping forward and placing the paper on his desk.

Eric picked up the letter, his brows furrowing as he read the hurried, scrawled handwriting.

"Grandpa, I'm sorry, but I can't stay cooped up here any longer. I want to see the world for myself. Don't worry, I'll be safe! I'll come back soon, I promise.

Love, Melina"

The letter trembled slightly in his hands as he finished reading. His jaw tightened, and a heavy sigh escaped his lips. "That reckless girl…"

"Master, what are your orders?" asked one of the butlers, standing at attention.

Eric closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts. "Activate the perimeter search runes and inform the shadow guards to track her discreetly. I don't want her harmed, but she must be monitored at all times. Do not let her realize she's being followed."

"Yes, Master!" they replied in unison, bowing before swiftly leaving the room

"So, nobody saw her?" Eric asked, his voice laced with curiosity as he leaned back in his chair, fingers idly drumming against the armrest.

"No one saw her, Master," the butler replied, bowing slightly, his tone betraying a hint of unease.

"Oh, she's grown quite skilled!" Eric said with a grin, his eyes shining. "A lot more than I imagined her to be! Hahahahaha!" His laughter echoed through the grand hall, but it made his people uneasy.

'He's laughing,' the gathered servants thought, their faces pale. Their ruthless master, the one who had destroyed nations and killed millions over his years is laughing so heartily at his granddaughter's antics.

"It's time I let her be free," Eric declared, his tone shifting to one of pride. "After all, I trained her so that no one would ever dare bully her again—not even for the time being."

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"Hmmm… so where am I anyway?" Melina muttered, her voice carrying a touch of frustration as she wandered aimlessly through a dense forest. The golden rays of the sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on her path. She heaved a dramatic sigh, brushing her purple hair streaked with gold out of her face. "I just flew for the sake of flying. Ugh, now I'm lost."

Then, her sharp ears caught the distant hum of voices. Melina's eyes lit up. "Oh! People! That must be a city!" she exclaimed, her confusion replaced by excitement as she broke into a sprint.

As she neared a clearing, a rhythmic thundering reached her ears. She slowed, tilting her head curiously. "What's that sound?" she murmured. Her eyes widened as a group of riders on horseback emerged, galloping down the dirt path towards her.

"Oh, crap!" she yelped, diving to the side of the road just in time. Heart pounding, she exhaled in relief—until she sensed it. A sharp intent aimed at her. Instincts honed through countless battles flared, and she spun just as a whip lashed towards her. With a deft movement, she grabbed the whip mid-air and yanked it hard.

The owner—a woman dressed in fine riding clothes—was pulled clean off her horse, landing in an undignified heap on the ground.

"You wench!" the woman spat, her face twisted in fury as she scrambled to her feet. The horses skidded to a stop, their riders turning to assess the commotion.

"How dare you stop my whip, you commoner!" she shrieked, her voice trembling with rage, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.