Free Web NovelChapter 233: Destinations
Wanda stood firm beside the sacred tree, her eyes fixed on the Shadowhunters who hesitated at the edge of the clearing. The majestic presence of the tree seemed to form an invisible barrier, a line the creatures dared not cross. But Wanda knew this protection wouldn’t last forever.
The golden canary in her hands trembled, emitting a faint golden glow that contrasted with the darkness around them.
Lucian, still panting from his frantic run, approached the tree and touched its silver trunk in silent reverence.
"The sacred tree... I never thought I’d see it up close," he murmured, his voice filled with wonder and awe. "But how do we get out of here? The others won’t give up so easily."
Wanda, still watching the movements of the shadows, thought for a moment before answering. "We have to think of something that can divert their attention. The tree will protect us for now, but if we move away, they’ll come after us again. We need to be quick and precise."
She looked at Lucian, who was now holding the net more tightly. "We need to find a way out of the forest without being followed. If we can get to the riverbank, we can use the current to our advantage."
Lucian nodded, understanding the plan. "The river is not far from here. We can use the current to escape, but the way there won’t be easy."
Wanda clutched the golden canary to her chest, feeling the lightness of its feathers in contrast to the gravity of the situation. "I know. But we have no choice. We must act quickly before the creatures decide to attack us again."
The clearing around the sacred tree seemed to be shrouded in a deceptive calm, but Wanda wasn’t fooled. The shadows surrounding the area seemed to grow restless, and the hunters’ eyes flashed with restrained fury. They couldn’t wait much longer.
"Come on," she said, stepping forward. "We have to go now."
Lucian agreed and followed her carefully. Wanda knew the journey to the river would be difficult, but she trusted her abilities and Lucian’s determination. Together they began to move through the clearing, always aware of the shadows that surrounded them.
As they advanced, Wanda began to hear the distant sound of running water, a gentle sound that indicated the river was close. But at the same time, she felt the presence of the hunters grow, as if they were waiting for the right moment to attack.
"We’re close," Lucian murmured, his eyes scanning the surrounding darkness. "But so are they. We have to be quick."
Wanda agreed and quickened her pace. Her eyes were fixed on the path ahead, searching for any sign of imminent danger. The surrounding forest seemed to breathe with a life of its own, and every sound, every movement seemed charged with meaning.
When they finally reached the riverbank, Wanda breathed a sigh of relief. The current was strong, and the water flowed with a force that seemed almost alive. But there was no time to hesitate. With a quick gesture, Lucian took a rope from his backpack and began to tie it around a nearby tree, preparing to descend into the water.
"I’ll climb down first and prepare the way," he said, tying the rope securely. "You follow soon after."
Wanda nodded and watched as Lucian carefully descended the rope, his feet touching the cold river water. As soon as he was safe, she began to descend as well, holding the golden canary safely in her arms. The surrounding shadows seemed to hesitate for a moment, but soon began to approach again, as if realizing that their prey was about to escape.
Once they were both safely in the water, Wanda felt the current push her forward with relentless force. She held on to the rope as the icy water enveloped her feet and legs, and Lucian began to paddle in one swift motion, using a piece of wood he had found on the bank.
The current carried them swiftly downstream, away from the shadows that had chased them through the forest. Wanda could see the dark figures fading into the distance, their glowing eyes still fixed on them, but powerless to follow. The Sacred Tree was getting farther and farther away, and with it the protection it offered.
As they made their way down the river, Wanda felt the tension in her muscles slowly ease. They had escaped, at least for now. The sound of the river rushing around them was almost soothing, a welcome contrast to the relentless pursuit they had faced.
"We’re safe for now," Lucian said, his voice low but relieved. "But we still have a long way to go."
Wanda nodded. "We must return to the capital as soon as possible. We can’t let the Golden Canary be in danger again. It’s the key to our victory in the Royal Selection."
Lucian agreed, and the two of them walked down the river in silence, the sound of the water accompanying their thoughts. Wanda knew that the way back would be difficult, but she also knew that they were not alone. Trawerr, Victor and Aluella were waiting for them, ready to support them in whatever challenge lay ahead. ƒreewebɳovel.com
At dawn, they finally reached a point where the river became shallower and they could get out of the water. Their bodies were exhausted, but their minds were still sharp, focused on the mission ahead.
They walked toward the city, the first rays of sunlight beginning to illuminate the horizon. As they approached the gates of the capital, Wanda felt a mixture of emotions. She had managed to capture the Golden Canary, but she knew that the real challenge was yet to come.
Victor was waiting for them at the entrance to the city, his posture rigid, but his eyes shining with a pride he rarely let on. "You did it," he said, his voice filled with approval.
Wanda smiled slightly, holding the golden canary carefully. "It was an uphill battle, but we did it."
Victor nodded, his expression softening slightly. "But remember, this was only the first test. The real test is yet to come."
Wanda looked to the horizon where the sun was slowly rising. "I’m ready," she said with conviction. "And I’ll do whatever it takes to prove my worth to the Royal Team."
Victor looked at her with admiration, seeing the determination in her eyes. "I would expect nothing less from you, Wanda. Now let’s get ready for what’s to come."
As they walked towards the city center, Wanda felt a new strength growing within her. The experience in the forest, facing the Shadowhunters and capturing the Golden Canary had shaped her spirit in ways she never thought possible. And now, with the support of Victor, Trawerr, Aluella, and all the others who believed in her, she was ready to face any challenge that came her way.
The fate of the elves, the future of the capital, and the Royal Selection itself were in her hands. And little did Wanda know that she was slowly preparing to become the queen of the elves who would lead her people with wisdom, courage, and strength.
