NovelAppChapter 95
"The Southern Gates are more dangerous?" Fiona asked, frowning. "What does that me: mean?"
Elijah shrugged in response. Then he leaned back. looking out at the landscape as the carriage bumped along
the rugged path. "The Southern Gates are different from what you've seen so far," he began. "They've always
been more dangerous. The land itself is isolated, surrounded by forests that stretch for miles, and these forests
make it easy for rogues to gather and launch attacks. Patrols are frequent, but the sheer size of the territory
makes it hard to cover everything" Fiona's frown deepened. "So, it's a constant threat?"
Elijah nodded. "The Southern Gates have been dealing with rogue incursions for years. They're more than just
outlaws. These rogues are organized, often led by the Rogue King himself, Romero," Fiona's eyes sharpened with
interest. "Romero?" She thought she'd heard that nbefore, but couldn't remember where or when.
Elijah's expression darkened as he continued. "Romero and | have... history. He despises the palace and anyone
associated with it. He wasn't always a rogue. His family was once part of the council-a respected lineage with
ties to the royal bloodline. But tragedy struck." Fiona leaned forward, listening intently. "What happened?
"Years ago." Elijah began. "His family was caught in a political conflict. It turned bloody. There were rumors that
his family was betrayed from within the council and that allies turned against them to push their influence out of
the palace. Romero lost nearly everyone he cared about in a single night. His parents, and his younger sister.. all
killed. Only he survived"
"So he turned against the kingdom?"
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"Exactly," Elijah said, his jaw tightening "Romero left and gathered other outcasts-those who felt abandoned or
betrayed by the council and the royal family. He built an army, more organized and ruthless than any rogue
faction before him. His grudge against the kingdom beca vendetta
"Is that why he's after your Fiona asked, raising an eyebrow. "Or am I here as bait?"
Elijah smirked slightly, shaking his head. "No. They may try to take you if they think it would weaken me, but
you're not the main carger"
"Then what is?" she asked, looking directly at him.
me.
"They want me." Elijah replied. "During one of their earlier attacks, Romero and | fought. | injured him badly
enough that he had to retreat, which only made his hatred grow. Since then, he's made it clear that his goal is to
eliminate anyone tied to the throne-starting with "And now that I'm n by your side, that makespart of the
target."
Elijah nodded. "The Southern Gates is where he'll likely try something. Romero knows the area well. He knows
how to blend into those forests, and his people know how to strike quickly. That's why you need to stay close to
She glanced our the window, watching as the scenery grew denser, the trees casting long shadows over the
path. "So we're going right into his territory.
d firmly. "But we're prepared. And
trust me, Fiona, you're safer withthan anywhere else
"Yes," Elijah said firmly.
Soon enough, they finally reached the southern gates. As the carriage rolled to a halt. Fiona took a deep breath
before stepping out, only to be greeted by the sights and sounds of the Southern Gates village.
It was vastly different from the other villages she had visited. The village square was nestled within the thick
forest, trees towering above, casting long shadows and creating a canopy that filtered the sunlight, leaving the
entire area in perpetual twilight Wooden houses and cabins doned the clearing spartially hidden by the
dense underbrush. The scent of earth and damp wood filled the air, mingling with the faint smell of smoke from
fires burning in metal braziers.
The villagers gathered around, whispering and exclaiming as they saw Fiona and Elijah step out. Children pointed
excitedly, and a few elderly villagers clasped their hands together in awe. Fiona scanned their faces, noticing a
mixture of hope and worry etched into their expressions
A tall, broad-shouldered man approached them, bowing his head slightly. "Welcome, Lady Fiona, Your Highness,"
he said, his gaze respectful but weary: "I am Aken Wolfe, the chief of this village. He gestured to a woman and
three children standing nearby. "This is my wife, Merra, my two daughters, Lyra and Illyria, and my son, Tomas"
Fiona smiled gently at each of them, inclining her head. The children stared at her with wide eyes, Illyria
clutching her mother's hand tightly.
"Please, follow me." Chief Aken said, turning toward a small path leading deeper into the forest. "I've prepared a
place for you to rest" 2:46 PM
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Chapter 95
They followed him through the winding path, finally arriving at a modest two-story cabin, partly concealed by ivy
and surrounded by tall pines. The cabin was simple, with a small porch and wooden steps that creaked
underfoot. Inside, it had a cozy living room, a plain dining area with a sturdy wooden table, and stairs that led to
three small rooms above.
Once they were settled in the living room, Elijah turned to Chief Aken, his gaze sharp. "What's the situation here,
Chief Aken! Any recent attacks?"
Aken folded his arms, his expression grim. "The rogues didn't attack this month. But we know that's only
because of what happened at the palace. Word travels fast, even here. The attack on the palace and against
Lady Fiona a couple of days ago as well as the unrest- it's bought us a bit of time. But it won't last. The Rogue
King intends to make this place his own and the palace already abandoned us. There is no help coming." Fiona
glanced between Aken and Elijah, her brow furrowing. "The palace abandoned the village?" she asked, "What do
you mean?"
Aken's mouth tightened. He looked down briefly, as if weighing his words, then met her gaze. "It's rumored that
the recent breach in the palace was orchestrated through this gate, Lady Fiona. They believe the rogues slipped
in through the Southern Gates, using spies and traitors. The palace thinks this whole area is crawling with
enemies... and possibly even Lycans."
Fiona's eyes widened slightly as she absorbed his words. "So they've turned their backs on you all because they
think you're compromised?"
"Yes. So, please. you have to understand that svillagers sull hold animosity against the Prince." Aken sighed.
"For the longest time, the palace never bothered with the people here, thinking we had been compromised a
long tago. That attack on the palace was the final straw."
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