Chapter 40

*First Person's POV*

The woods were covered with darkness and just like when we first entered this forest, we did not see even a single animal. Not even a chirp from a bird could be heard.

"It's getting creepier in here," Diane whispered to me while biting her nail. It's some kind of mannerism for her whenever she fell nervous.

"I know but we still have to travel to the North part of this forest. We need to find the white oracles as soon as possible," I told her. And with the tiny light from the moon, I saw her pout.

"Yeah but don't you think we need to rest a bit? Those dark spirit knights drained all my strength," she complained which made me chuckle.

"I think you're right. After all we're all exhausted after that intense fight ,we all deserve to rest," I agreed with her.

"Let's look for a safe place to camp," Lyndon suggested. We all agreed and look for a safe place to stay. Leanna walked farther from us so she could check if the area is safe.

"I think it's better to camp in here," we heard Leanna screamed so we hurriedly run towards her direction. We found her standing near a river.

"I agree, maybe I could go fishing to get us something to eat," Lyndon said and as if on cue we heard the sound of Diane's grumbling stomach.

"Oops! I haven't eaten anything since morning," she said shyly. We all laughed at her especially Lyndon.

"You're always hungry by the way," he said to piss Diane.

"What? Who on earth does not feel hunger huh?" Diane snapped which made me laugh even harder.

"You know what guys, I think you should stop arguing. We need to find something to eat for now, you can argue later," I told them while trying to stop myself from laughing harder.

They glared at each other one last time before Lyndon walked into the river to catch us something for dinner.

"I'm done with the fire!" Leanna announced. Wow, I did not notice that she's already putting up a fire earlier. She's too fast!

The three of us sat near the fire while patiently waiting for Lyndon.

"You know I'm wondering," Diane suddenly spoke.

"Wondering about what?" Leanna asked confusedly. While I stared at her with a puzzled expression.

"Earlier we saw Amira with those dark spirit knights, right?" she started.

"Uhmmm yes," I answered.

"I was wondering how on earth did she became one of Velion's pets." I thought for a second after hearing her words. She's right, how did my cousin entered this world in the first place?

"Maybe you're right, I was wondering about that too earlier when I saw her," Leanna uttered as well.

"I think Velion took her and corrupted her mind and heart, just like what he did with Alectrona," I told them. That was the first thing that came into my mind when I saw Amira earlier.

I know my cousin, she's a spoiled brat but she's not that bad. Yes I know she tried to kill me by putting a snake in my closet but I know she did not mean to do that. Probably she was just blinded by greed and jealousy. I know for a fact that there's still something good in her heart, cause I can feel it. But she was different earlier I could not see any sign of kindness in her. It's like a different soul lives inside her body now.

"I agree to that Ana, maybe she's also a victim here that needs to be saved," Diane stated. But Leanna just rolled her eyes.

"Amira is a witch since her day one on earth. So I don't believe that her heart and mind was corrupted by Velion, I think she willingly agreed to go with him to avenge her mom," Leanna explained.

"Well I think Leanna has a point. Maybe she wants revenge and you have to be careful with her Ana," Diane reminded me.

Whether she wants revenge or not, Amira is still my cousin. And I will save her from Velion no matter what. I won't let that evil king use her and to completely turn her soul in to a heartless one. I believe that I could still find a way to save her.

"Girls look, I caught a big fish!" We diverted our attentions to Lyndon who had just walked out of the river holding a big fish in his hands.

"Wow you're amazing Lyndon," Diane praised her while jumping like a child.

Leanna and I stared at each other and smiled. Well, I guess we are having the same thought.

"I will be the one to cook this," Leanna volunteered and we all agreed since we don't know how to grill a fish.

While waiting for the fish to be cooked, Diane, Lyndon and I sat nearer to the river while throwing some pebbles in it. We are relaxing ourselves when all of a sudden we heard a roaring voice. The wind blows so hard that it almost carried us to the water.

"What's that?" Diane asked nervously as she took out her weapons.

"IT'S A GRIFFIN!" Leanna screamed pointing at the creature flying above us.

"An eagle?" I asked in shock. But it's bigger than the usual size of it.

"No it's not! Look!" Lyndon pointed at the body of the creature. "It has an eagle's head and wings but it's body , it's a lion's body. What kind of creature is this?"

It's my first time to see such creature and I can't hide the fact that I'm nervous. I felt my heart beating so fast.

Leanna run towards us carrying her sword.

"It's a mythical beast called Griffin. I've never seen one before but according to the books I've read, it has the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. It's literally the same with this creature we're seeing now. So I'm sure it's a Griffin!" Leanna explained while panting.

"What shall we do? How are we going to fight a mythical creature?" Diane asked hopelessly.

"I don't know, but we can't just let that thing kill us. We have to do something," I told everyone.

The Griffin started shooting us with small spears coming out from it's wings.

And we used our swords as shields to protect ourselves from getting hurt.

"Ouch!" I yelped in pain when I felt a cut in my arms.

"Ana!/ Your highness!" the three shouted when they heard my scream.

"I'm fine, go and protect yourselves!" I told them not trying to distract them from protecting themselves from the Griffin's attack.

"Ouch!" I heard another scream and this time it's Diane's. She's holding her shoulders and I could see the blood dripping from it.

"Diane!" I shouted when I saw another spear hit her leg. She automatically fall on her knees.

"Diane!" Lyndon shouted as well.

And just as when I was about to run towards her I felt my body float in the air.

"What's going on?" I asked nervously. I need to save Diane!

"Princess!" I heard Leanna's scream and I could see the horror on their faces.

"Who the hell took me up here?"

My question was answered when I heard the Griffin's growl and the next thing I knew, I'm starting to feel dizzy.

"No! I need to save Diane," was the only words I was able to say before darkness enveloped me.