The forest remained calm, drowned in deep silence—until a thunderous crash shook everything around it.

  “I’ve got it—now!” a voice shouted.

  Moments later, a beast burst out from between the trees, desperately trying to escape. Its legs buckled as multiple blows struck its body, forcing it to stagger.

  “I’ve got it too!” Rurhy shouted as she leaped between the branches, drawing her bow with flawless precision.

  “I’m ready!” Jack yelled, appearing on another branch and hurling several daggers that embedded themselves into the creature’s face.

  Rurhy released the string. The arrow pierced the beast’s neck, drawing out a roar of pain.

  “Velt, now!” she called.

  Velt leapt down from the treetops. His body transformed as he entered his combat form, and with a brutal swing of his fists, he crushed the monster’s head, leaving it completely motionless.

  “We did it,” Rurhy said as she jumped down, followed by Jack.

  “Yeah, but who was the idiot who struck first?” Jack complained.

  “I can answer that,” Luke said, approaching with Dash and Rosa. “The idiot standing next to me hit first,” he added, pointing at Dash.

  “Hey! But the signal was given!” Dash protested.

  “No one gave the signal,” Jack replied. “Besides, Velt told us to wait.”

  “That’s enough. We hunted it, and that’s what matters,” Velt intervened, trying to calm things down.

  “Fine. I’m just saying stuff like that will cause problems in the future,” Jack warned, glancing at Dash.

  Velt looked down at the monster’s lifeless body.

  “Alright. Let’s go,” he murmured.

  His body expanded and enveloped the corpse, devouring it completely without leaving a trace behind.

  “DNA successfully registered: Grok,” Zero reported.

  “I guess that’s it for today,” Velt said as he returned to his human form.

  “I still can’t get used to seeing you do that,” Dash commented.

  “I think it’s a pretty interesting ability,” Jack said.

  “I agree,” Luke added.

  “Velt, why did you need a grok’s DNA?” Rosa asked.

  “Rurhy told me groks have claws that secrete poison. It’ll be useful in combat,” he explained.

  “You’re planning to use it in battle, right?” Jack asked.

  “Not exactly… more like tonight.”

  “Tonight?” Dash repeated, concerned. “I know it’s been days and nothing’s happened, but striking first could be a trap.”

  “I know. But I’m not planning to attack the castle or Eivan directly,” Velt replied.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  “Then what are you going to do?” Rosa asked.

  “I’ve been thinking about bringing everyone’s families here—to keep them safe.”

  The others stared at him in surprise.

  “Are you serious, Velt?” Luke asked.

  “You didn’t mention that to me,” Rurhy said, clearly displeased.

  “I know. I’m sorry I didn’t bring it up earlier,” Velt said, looking at her. “But if we can prevent them from taking hostages, this is the best move. Don’t you think?”

  They exchanged glances until Jack spoke.

  “I’ll go with you.”

  “I was planning to go alone,” Velt replied.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’ll need someone who knows the streets well.”

  “I was thinking of using my vampire form and forcing a guard to guide me,” Velt admitted.

  “It’s a solid plan, but it’d draw too much attention if someone sees you,” Jack countered.

  “You’ve got a point,” Velt said, reconsidering.

  “Besides, getting my father out will be easier. He lives near the outer walls, on the edge of the city,” Jack added.

  “Then I’ll count on you,” Velt said.

  “I’m coming too,” Rosa said, raising her hand.

  “I don’t think that’s safe,” Velt began, but Rosa cut him off.

  “I want to prove I can be useful too. Until now, I’ve only healed people. I want to do more.”

  “Rosa, you’re Eivan’s daughter. They’ll recognize you instantly,” Luke warned.

  “That’s exactly why!” she exclaimed. “I’m Eivan’s daughter and Sarha’s sister. I wanted to run away and leave everything behind—but I can’t anymore. These people are mine too, even if I’m not the queen’s daughter.”

  She tightened her grip on her staff. The group fell silent.

  “Then I’m going as well. I’ll protect Rosa,” Rurhy said.

  “I can help if someone needs healing,” Jack added.

  “We could create a distraction,” Luke proposed.

  “Great idea,” Dash agreed.

  “Are you even listening to me?” Velt protested. “Fantastic. Just what I needed.”

  “Hey,” Rurhy said. “If Eivan and Sarha lose their power… wouldn’t Rosa become the next in line for the throne?”

  Everyone froze, thinking.

  “Y-you’re right…” Rosa murmured.

  “This is perfect,” Luke said.

  “If Rosa becomes princess, we could form an alliance with the dark elves,” Jack added.

  “Exactly. Not just a strategic alliance for the war, but also trade and cultural exchange between races,” Luke explained.

  “That makes sense,” Rurhy admitted.

  “We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves,” Velt said. “Rosa, what do you think?”

  Rosa thought for a few seconds longer, then lifted her gaze with determination.

  “I’ll do it. If this is how I can help the people, I’ll accept the throne. But I’ll need your help.”

  Rurhy stepped forward and hugged her like an old friend.

  “We’ll help you. Count on it.”

  “So tonight we go for the families, right?” Jack asked, changing the subject.

  “Yes. Everyone be ready,” Velt ordered.

  “Understood,” they replied in unison as they began heading back to the village.

  “Velt, I need to talk to Rosa in private. Can you give us a few minutes?” Rurhy asked.

  “Alright… but in private?” Velt said, confused.

  “Girl talk. Don’t listen,” Rurhy replied.

  “I wasn’t planning to,” Velt said as he walked ahead.

  “What did you want to talk about?” Rosa asked nervously.

  “You still haven’t confessed your feelings to Velt, have you?” Rurhy asked bluntly.

  “Well… we’ve been busy these past few days, and I didn’t want to be a burden,” Rosa stammered.

  “Listen,” Rurhy interrupted. “I won’t force you into anything, but you’re going to be a princess, right? And a princess must marry.”

  “You’re… not wrong.”

  “If you want to marry someone else, that’s your choice. But if what you feel for Velt is real, I suggest you don’t wait too long. I don’t want you to live with regret.”

  Rurhy walked away, leaving Rosa deep in thought.

  Live with regret… she repeated in her mind.

  Back in the village, Rosa sat quietly, reflecting on those words.

  Do I really feel something for Velt… or am I just drawn to his looks? Rurhy truly loves him… Is she better than me?

  “Are you okay?” a childish voice asked.

  Rosa opened her eyes to see a small dark elf standing in front of her.

  “H-hello… your name was Karshen, right?” she asked.

  “Yes! You’re Rosa, right? The new member of Brother Velt’s harem?” the girl said innocently.

  “W-what?! N-no, we’re just friends!” Rosa replied, her face turning bright red.

  “Really? Sorry—my brother says I jump to conclusions too fast,” Karshen apologized.

  “It’s fine… can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “When did Velt and Rurhy start going out?”

  “I don’t know all the details, but I think it was after Velt freed us from the orcs.”

  “And who made the first move?”

  “The adults say it was Sister Rurhy.”

  “I see… thank you,” Rosa said with a small smile.

  “I’m going to play now. If my brother asks, you didn’t see me,” Karshen said before running off.

  Rosa looked up at the sky, a faint smile forming on her lips.

  “It doesn’t matter if he rejects me… the only thing I don’t want is to live with the regret of never saying it.”