CHAPTER 19

(SHEILA’S POV)

As Orion and I made our way back to the village, the scent of pine still lingering on our skin from our afternoon gathering of herbs and medicinal plants, we noticed a group of soldiers passing under the wooden beam of the haven's doorless gateway. Their presence immediately drew my attention, the emblem on their shields—a majestic werewolf head crowned by a crescent moon, entwined with vines and leaves—marked them unmistakably as soldiers of the Harvestia Monarchy.

"Why are the palace's soldiers here?" I couldn't help but voice my confusion, my brow furrowing as I watched them move.

"Is that a bad thing?" Orion's response was quick, his tone reflecting his own concern.

I exchanged a glance with him before admitting, "Honestly, I don't know." My gaze lingered on the soldiers in the distance, a sense of unease settling in. "It's just... unusual." My words trailed off, my thoughts swirling with questions and apprehension.

After waiting for what felt like an eternity unti