A Damsel In Distress

Chapter Three: The Unravelled Secret

Throughout the dark night, Diana and Alex travelled as far north as they could, towards the distant outskirts of Lumaria, near the Lightengale Garden Forest.

Eventually, they arrived at a remarkable landscape of towering rocks, scattered woodlands, mist-covered streams, and dark blue clouds that seemed to hang low over the wilderness. Beyond the rocky terrain stretched an enormous open field, covered with tall elephant grasses, spear grasses, and thorny plants. It was a vast, untamed land that extended towards the Garden Forest of Lightengale.

They had finally crossed beyond Lumaria's borders.

Before them lay another kingdom, known as Darkdom Shadows, deep within the wilderness of Noctyra.

Throughout their journey, Alex had noticed how badly Diana was struggling against the cold. Without hesitation, he removed his long coat and placed it around her shoulders.

She glanced at him appreciatively but said nothing.

As they continued along the rocky path, Diana's foot unexpectedly struck a firm stone. She lost her balance and fell forward.

Alex immediately reached for her hand, but he was not quick enough.

To his surprise, Diana instinctively stretched out both hands towards the ground. Her fingers spread firmly against the earth, allowing her to balance herself without sustaining an injury.

Alex quickly bent down to help her up. However, he could not hide his amazement.

What she had just done was remarkably similar to one of the natural movements wolves used to maintain their balance and prevent themselves from getting hurt during a fall.

Diana stood up as though nothing unusual had happened.

Alex wanted to tell her how impressed he was, but he stopped himself. Such a remark could easily lead to questions and conversations that might expose the dangerous secrets he had spent so long concealing.

Those secrets haunted him whenever he came close to revealing too much.

I really need to be myself! he thought, pulling himself out of his troubled thoughts.

Instead, he asked, "Are you comfortable walking, or would you prefer that I carry you on my back? You look exhausted."

"No, don't worry. I'm perfectly fine," she replied.

Alex felt a slight pang of guilt. He wondered whether she had begun noticing something unusual about him. However, Diana's response had nothing to do with suspicion. She was simply concerned that he had already done more than enough for her.

"By the way, I'm quite surprised," she continued, examining her hands. "I don't understand how I managed to fall like that without hurting myself."

Alex immediately understood where the conversation was heading.

"Perhaps it's because of the nature of this land," he replied.

"What about it?" she asked.

They continued walking quietly. Diana looked around, admiring the extraordinary scenery. Her violet eyes wandered from the towering rocks to the beautiful wildflowers scattered across the landscape. Eventually, her gaze settled on the moon, partially concealed by the mist.

She smiled.

Some of the flowers reminded her of home and the peaceful moments she once spent exploring the forests in search of night wolves.

Alex noticed her admiration.

"If you look around carefully, you'll understand how different these lands are from everywhere else. It's almost like a place where dreams are made—or perhaps a place where one is unexpectedly fortunate."

He paused and gave her a gentle smile.

"My dear princess, it is my honour to welcome you to Darkdom Shadows, in the wilderness of Noctyra."

Diana smiled.

She had heard stories about the kingdom in the tales of Silvercrest, particularly from her mother.

And suddenly, memories of her mother came flooding back.

---

Diana remembered the comforting moments she had shared with her family. Her mother had always made her feel loved, especially during the times when she felt like an outsider.

Her father, on the other hand, had rarely made any effort to spend time with his family. His attention was almost entirely devoted to palace officials, royal affairs, and whatever else could keep him occupied. The dining hall was practically the only place where the entire family gathered.

But with her mother, everything seemed different.

Queen Talia was a woman of honour, virtue, and hope. She had a remarkable way of making life meaningful for Diana. Whenever her daughter felt unwanted, Talia reminded her that she belonged.

Her younger brothers, Allen and Harley, were equally important. They always made her feel welcomed and appreciated.

Diana could never forget the advice her mother had given her shortly before she turned twelve.

"My dear, there is one important piece of advice I want you to remember for the rest of your life. Never feel threatened by nature, for no fate is sealed forever. Even the strongest destiny can be as fragile as a weary thread, especially when you are yet to discover what you are truly capable of."

Diana had smiled at her mother, her rosy cheeks glowing with happiness. They embraced warmly, and her brothers soon joined them.

It was one of those moments she wished she could experience again.

---

As though she could feel her mother's presence beside her, Diana turned towards Alex with a wide, charming smile.

He was momentarily caught off guard.

However, beneath his own smile was a sadness he struggled to conceal. He had already begun developing a deep affection for the princess, but the secret he carried threatened to destroy whatever trust might grow between them.

There was no safer place for them to stay. Bringing Diana to Noctyra had been his best option—not only because he could protect her there, but because it was also where his own hidden world existed.

Suddenly, a cold breeze swept across the field, forcing the tall grasses to bend.

Alex's expression changed instantly.

His eyes sharpened, and he became completely alert, listening carefully for the faintest sound.

Diana noticed the sudden change.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

Alex narrowed his eyes.

"No, my princess. You're hungry, aren't you?" he whispered.

"Um... yes, I suppose. I don't understand why you're whispering, but I guess I'll have to do the same."

Alex smiled slightly, still watching the moving grasses.

"Well, I'm pleased to announce that we have some good news. My instincts tell me so."

Diana looked confused.

Is he really alright? she wondered.

Alex quietly moved behind a large rock, and Diana followed.

"The good news is that we have company," he whispered. "Or, as you might prefer to call it, a friend nearby."

Diana raised an eyebrow.

"Don't worry. Just prepare yourself to make good use of your appetite. Wait here."

Before she could ask another question, Alex lowered himself and crawled through the tall grasses towards the other side of the thorny plants.

Diana watched with growing curiosity.

He carefully unsheathed his sword, studied the movement ahead, and suddenly lunged into the grasses.

Diana gasped.

Something had been struck!

She watched anxiously as Alex struggled with whatever he had attacked. Moments later, he stood upright, holding a large lifeless wild pig.

Diana exhaled in relief and hurried towards him.

Alex smiled.

"I believe our friend was a rather generous wild pig."

Diana giggled.

She was impressed by his hunting skills, although she couldn't help wondering how he had acquired so many extraordinary abilities.

Alex led her towards a secluded cabin hidden deep within the mountains. He introduced it as his home and secret hideout.

The cabin was surprisingly spacious. Its simple wooden interior gave it a warm and welcoming atmosphere. To Diana, it felt even more comfortable than the palace she had left behind—a place that had gradually become a home filled with tension rather than affection.

They settled in, and Diana finally had the opportunity to rest.

Alex prepared their meal, roasting the meat over the fire. He made sure she had enough to eat and even attempted to feed her, but she politely declined.

Over the following days, Diana rested and gradually regained her strength.

Meanwhile, Alex continued hunting, gathering supplies, and ensuring that nobody had followed them.

As the days passed, their companionship grew stronger. Alex could have spent more time elsewhere, but he chose to remain close to her.

One evening, they sat beside the fireplace.

"You risked your life for someone you didn't even know," Diana remarked.

Alex stared into the dancing flames.

"Sometimes, helping the right person is worth the risk."

Diana smiled.

"You speak like a hero."

Alex laughed softly.

"I assure you, I'm no hero. Just a fellow who wanders around."

"Is that so? If I'm not mistaken, I remember hearing you tell those soldiers that..." She paused, trying to recall his exact words.

"Yes! You said, 'I'm the hero you've never seen!'"

Alex raised his eyebrows.

"Are you sure you heard that? You were practically unconscious."

"And even before I became unconscious, I heard you loud and clear!" she protested playfully.

Alex sighed, realising he had lost the argument.

"Alright, you win. Are you happy now?"

"Who wouldn't be happy with a hero?" Diana replied, her cheeks glowing.

Alex smiled, but once again, a feeling of guilt crept into his heart.

Despite their growing friendship, Diana had begun noticing unusual things about him. His hearing seemed far sharper than that of an ordinary man. His strength was extraordinary, and his movements were almost unbelievably quick.

Sometimes, she caught a strange sadness in his eyes—a sadness that suggested he was carrying secrets too dangerous to share.

One night, while Diana slept peacefully, Alex remained awake, keeping watch over her.

He admired her quiet presence and wondered how someone who had endured so much could still possess such warmth. He wished he could provide her with everything she needed, even proper dresses that would restore some of the dignity she had lost during her escape.

But whenever he thought about making her comfortable in his world, the secret he carried returned to trouble him.

Suddenly, a distant howl broke through the silence.

Alex froze.

His heart began pounding as he listened carefully.

Another howl followed.

He turned towards the sleeping princess.

"No... No, this cannot be happening," he muttered.

Without wasting another moment, he rushed outside and disappeared into the darkness.

He raced across the fields, leaping over thorny plants and navigating the rough, rocky terrain with remarkable ease. Eventually, he reached a clearing before an enormous rocky outcrop.

And there they were.

Several wolves had gathered around the rocky peak.

The moment they spotted Alex waving and signalling to them, they began rushing down towards him. There were approximately twelve of them.

They surrounded him excitedly, bumping against him and wagging their tails.

Alex laughed.

"Yes, you fellows! I've missed you too!"

The wolves eventually gave him some space, allowing him to stand upright. He affectionately patted their heads.

"I was signalling you to keep the howling down! You know I might have company. Who knows?"

The wolves stared at him, seemingly confused by his concern.

Meanwhile, back at the cabin, Diana had awakened.

The distant howls had disturbed her sleep. She sat up, looked around, and called Alex's name.

There was no response.

Concerned, she stepped outside and followed the direction of the sounds.

As she approached the clearing, she heard the howling again.

Then she saw something that made her stop in her tracks.

Under the bright moonlight stood Alex, surrounded by several wolves.

They appeared completely at ease around him, moving freely and peacefully as though he belonged among them.

Diana gasped.

Her hand instinctively rose towards her lips.

She could hardly believe what she was witnessing.

Alex suddenly turned.

The moment his eyes met hers, his expression changed.

"Diana..."

The wolves immediately retreated, disappearing into the surrounding darkness before another word could escape his lips.