Revenge for the Fallen

Encounter

Autumn did not want to hold a conversation with Aaron, she felt like her brain cells might get destroyed after talking with such a two-faced person.

"Cool! I will inform you about the time and place of the date. Take care princess, love you a lot!' Aaron kissed Autumn's forehead and went away.

'It was not even five minutes since he came here. It feels like he is already in a dilemma about whom to choose. Rose or Stella? Earlier he used to stay with Stella for half a day and play video games. But now? What a shame!' Autumn thought while sighing. Her cold was much better compared to yesterday. After about half an hour, Autumn changed into her black wolf and ran towards the forest.

As soon as the forest started getting deeper, Autumn stopped and took a deep breath. She was about to go outside the pack's territory. She might get injuries if she encountered the rogue wolves. But having no other choice, she started sprinting towards a lake that was in the deep forest.

Within twenty minutes of running, she reached the location of the lake. Hidden deep within the heart of a dense forest, lied the breathtakingly beautiful lake, known only to those who have ventured far off the beaten path, outside their pack territory. Autumn would never have got to see such a beautiful place in her own world.

The lake was encircled by towering trees whose leaves created a dappled, emerald canopy that danced in the gentle caress of the wind. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting shimmering rays upon the water's surface, turning it into a canvas of liquid gold. Autumn did not imagine that such a poisonous substance would be found near this enchanting lake. She would have spent half a day admiring this beautiful scenery, if not for the danger around her. She had to be on constant alert.

Autumn changed back into her human form, changing into the clothes that she kept in her bag. She still felt uneasy being naked after changing back into her human form. She would never get over this. It was so embarrassing for her.

She quickly changed into a black T-shirt and trackpants to save herself from getting bitten by the bugs. She also applied some insect repellant to her face and hands. She moved with grace, her shoes making soft impressions on the damp moss and earth beneath her. Her sixth senses were telling her that something was about to happen.

Autumn started looking near the edge of the lake. According to the information in her mind, the plant named Arachnia would be somewhere around here. After some time, she came across a very weird looking plant. It had black flowers and was hidden behind other plants. No doubt, this was the Arachnia plant. After wearing gloves, she moved the other plants that surrounded the Arachnia and carefully started digging the soil around it. After fifteen minutes, she was able to dig it out, wrapped it in a plastic bag and kept it in her backpack. 'Finally! Found this plant. I could officially begin my revenge now.' Autumn was elated. As her brain started coming up with multiple scenarios of her face slapping those cheaters, a sense of unease suddenly crept over her.

Her senses screamed at her, warning her of an unseen presence. Her chestnut hair fell forward, partially veiling her determined expression, as her forest-colored eyes scanned the shadows for any sign of movement.

As her unease deepened, her senses honed in on a man who had emerged from the shadows of the forest. He was undeniably handsome, ten times more handsome than Aaron. Was he a God? He had chiseled features and a mysterious allure that seemed to draw her in even as it set her on edge. She felt like falling into a trance. His dark, brooding presence exuded an aura of power and danger that was impossible to ignore. Draped in a fur cape, the handsome man cut a striking figure against the backdrop of the forest. Autumn instantly thought of him as a Viking King.

The atmosphere around them crackled with tension as they locked eyes, neither willing to back down. Autumn was not sure whether this man meant harm or not.

'Hey 5435, what should I do? Do you think this man is dangerous? Should I run or not?' She felt like 5435 might help her in this situation. 'I did not feel this kind of aura from anyone in this place yet. He might be someone from the Royal Family. I am also not sure what should be done in this situation.' 5435 replied.

'Useless piece of code! You are so useless! I have guessed that much myself!' Autumn cursed 5435.

The enigmatic man finally broke the silence with a question that hung in the air like a weighty secret. He began, his voice a low, hypnotic cadence, "No pack is allowed in this territory, this land belongs to the Royal Family of Blackthorn. What is your purpose for coming to this place?" The man's dark eyes bore into hers.

'f**k! Royal Family's territory! How come Stella did not know about this?' Autumn started panicking. She could fight against the rogue wolves. But against the Royal Family? Not a chance! Still in an unyielding tone she replied, "I seek something of great importance. May I know who you are?"

"It is not necessary for you to know. Show what you are stealing from here. Maybe I will let you go." replied the God-like man. Autumn thought of the pros and cons of fighting with this man. But one thing was clear, that she could not afford to offend this man. It might be possible that he is from the Royal Family.

So, she decided to show him the Arachnia plant. Autumn stood in her place and showed him the plant from that distance. No matter how attractive that man was, she would never take the risk of going near him. She is not interested in digging her own grave.

On seeing the plant, the man chuckled. Autumn instantly got goosebumps. "And why do you want to take this plant away? You should know that it's extremely rare and it takes many years for this plant to start producing flowers. Do you really think you can take this rare species so easily?" asked the man haughtily.

"It is extremely important to me. Royal Mister, how about this? You take this plant and give me a few flowers only? I will put the plant back." Autumn did not disclose her purpose of having the plant and tried to haggle instead.

The man knew that Autumn did not recognize him. How can this girl be so dense and not recognize the Royal Prince? But he did not get offended and was intrigued by her interest in Arachnia plant. Afterall not everyone knew the existence and purpose of Arachnia. Instead of studying or playing around, she is busy hunting rare and poisonous plant species.

"That does not sound bad at all. But in return you will have to come to the Royal Palace of Blackthorn after whatever you plan to do with this plant is over. And this is not negotiable." The price ordered her.

At this point, Autumn was already covered in cold sweat. Royal Palace? This confirms that this royal mister is indeed part of the royal family. She did not think of visiting the Royal Palace in her wildest dreams. "Did I commit some crime? I am ready to give up this plant with flowers included. I will pretend nothing happened and go on my way!" Autumn answered anxiously.

"No, you can take the flowers and you did not commit any crime. But I am interested in your knowledge of plants. You need not worry, nothing will happen to you. I will give you the royal seal. After one year, come to the palace and show it. But if you do not come within one year, then you will definitely be punished for not obeying royalty." The prince warned Autumn. Saying this, he walked towards her.