"It should be here."
Standing at the edge of the dense forest, Melinda glanced around and gave a slight nod.
Behind her, ten soldiers in white armor stood at attention, swords hanging at their waists.
They were special guards Melinda had brought to accompany her in meeting her younger sister, Claire, whom she hadn't seen in a long time.
"Let's move. Stay alert. Understood?" Melinda's gaze swept over them, sharp and commanding.
"Understood, Concubine!" the soldiers replied in unison.
Melinda nodded slightly and stepped forward, the soldiers fanning out around her.
All they saw along the way were stretches of dense trees swaying in the wind.
Fifteen minutes later, they emerged at the forest's edge and found a row of neatly arranged wooden houses. Villagers chatted casually, and children ran around, laughing and playing.
Without hesitation, Melinda advanced with her guards.
Noticing their approach, the villagers turned, eyes wide with surprise.
