Zolan and Luc saw how the determination was showing on Evie's face. They guessed that the thoughts currently occupying the princess' mind would somehow be related to her unique abilities and what she had planned for this journey to the heart of the forbidden lands.

Zolan recovered first before Luc. "Now get out of there and go get dressed!" Zolan yelled at the other vampire who was still standing in the stream when he just stood there and looked as though he was still trying to pull himself out from a certain magical experience.

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Embarrassed, Luc immediately stepped out of the waters and left Zolan and Evie by the flowing stream.

"By the way, Zolan…" Evie started as she dipped her hand into the water again. "That… giant orc… I heard someone saying that it was nothing like what you have encountered before. Does this mean that this is the first time you are seeing such creature here?"

"It's not the first time, Princess. There were orcs here before. But that one a while ago was the largest we have ever encountered and is even much more powerful than the last one we manage to kill."

"Is it because that orc's eyes were the same colour as that dark fae?" Evie asked, having an inkling that it was the reason for the difference in the orc.

Zolan could not respond immediately. Alarm flashed in his eyes. "Are you saying that you felt the presence of that dark fae in that savage orc as well?!" Zolan did not think that the princess would have had observed closely enough to be able to pick that detail out as well.

"I don't think I felt the dark fae's presence in that orc." She answered and Zolan drew out a deep sigh of relief. Just the thought of that dark fae actually possessing orcs and following them made him panic for a moment. It would be such disaster if that was true!

"But, for some reason, just like that dark fae, I feel like the orc is after me as well. Like it too, wants something from me. But unlike the dark fae, that beast doesn't seem to want to capture me… it seemed more intent on wanting to kill me."

Her words made Zolan swallow hard. He had noticed it already. He was just surprised that the princess could actually tell the orc's real intent too.

Normally, orcs will go after whoever they see. But that orc actually had its eyes focussed on the princess and was determined to chase after her instead of focusing against the ones attacking him, like what a beast normally would have done.

"Or maybe these beasts behave differently sometimes, I guess?" Evie threw out her thoughts as she did not know the normal behaviours of these beasts in the forbidden land. She then tilted her head as she scooped water and washed her face.

"I'm not sure, princess. But maybe, we could find the answer as we go along on our journey. Though, I am hoping we won't be meeting such a beast again. That would be too dangerous for you, especially."

"Someone… a light fae…" Evie started suddenly, "when I stopped that dragon, a light fae showed up in front of me. She told me… or perhaps I should say that she had insisted quite persistently that I must go to the heart of the forbidden land as soon as possible for me to find all the answers to my questions."

Zolan had his eyes wide. So, this was what had happened and the reason behind the princess' dangerous undertaking on travelling to the heart of the forbidden land!

"She said that she was the presence outside my door… not the dark fae… and that she was waiting for my awakening before being able to approach me." She continued. "I didn't manage to ask her anything though, because she vanished once she told me to go to the forbidden land. Do you think my decision of following through on what she said was the right thing to do?" Evie was hesitant as she asked Zolan, a little afraid that he would say no.

"Absolutely, princess. I strongly believe that deciding to go on a journey immediately is the best thing you did, princess. I am certain you have so many questions about yourself, and this journey would be the only way for you to find all the answers you are seeking. So don't worry, you did the right thing. Never doubt that princess." Zolan stated and Evie flashed him a slight smile. On the inside, only Evie knew just how relieved she was after hearing Zolan's reply. His confirmation on her actions gave her the boost of confidence that she had made the right choices. She was initially confident, but as they travelled further into the heart of the land, doubts sometimes assailed her mind, especially at those times when she was seeing these men risking their lives to protect her. Thus, it was heart warming to know that Zolan too, approved of her decision.

"Thank you. I think I was just feeling a little worried that I'm putting you all to harm by following along with me on this journey." She laughed shortly.

"Don't worry, princess. We will make sure to take care of ourselves while protecting you." He smiled encouragingly and Evie nodded. "Alright, why don't you take your bath for now, Princess?" Zolan changed the topic as he stared at the filthy greenish coloured goop that were staining her hair and clothes.

"Ah, yes…" Evie looked at her clothes and she finally realized how filthy she was.

"I'll have Elias bring you your clothes," he said, and Evie nodded as she stepped into the water.

The water again turned into a bright golden liquid that the men could not help but notice the change of colour in their surroundings. It was as if that there was a bigger flame that had been miraculously sparked in the stream.

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A/N: follow me on instagram @kazzenlx.x