Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 191

"Alright, Shanna, we need to find a way to release your mana." Mila said softly as she and Shanna sat alone in the quiet tavern room. The men in their group had left to see if they could gain entry into Gririth palace, hoping to gather information or perhaps even meet with the emperor in private.

Shanna looked puzzled. "What? I don't think I have any mana in me," she said, her voice filled with doubt. She was convinced that there was no magic within her, despite what Mila seemed to believe.

Mila looked at Shanna, her expression serious. "There is mana in you, Shanna. If there weren't, I wouldn't have found you buried in the sand that day. You wouldn't be here now if I hadn't sensed it. The only reason you survived was because the mana inside you gathered and released at the moment you were close to death." Mila spoke gently but firmly, wanting Shanna to understand the truth. "Have you never felt something calling to you?" she asked, hoping to spark some memory or feeling in Shanna, a clue that perhaps a beast was waiting for her.

Shanna shook her head slowly. "I don't know... Having a beast seems impossible for me," she said quietly. She couldn't understand why Mila was so determined to convince her. After all, in this world, beasts were usually only bonded to nobles or those of high status, and she didn't see herself as worthy.

Mila leaned forward, her voice soft but insistent. "You need to realize that you have mana within you. You just need to learn how to feel it, to listen to the voice that calls you. This is important, Shanna. Don't ignore it." Mila's gaze was steady, hoping that Shanna would not dismiss her words. "Kate," she called out, and her small fox companion appeared, landing gracefully on her feet.

'Mama! Why do Vivian and Skye always leave me out? It's like they don't want me around!' Kate complained, her voice filled with frustration. Mila could tell that the other two had been lecturing Kate, worried about her safety, and that Blizzard had chosen not to get involved.

Mila smiled gently, kneeling to be at eye level with Kate. "I don't blame them, Kate. They're just worried about you, like how Papa and I worry about you. We can't bear the thought of losing you." Mila's tone was warm and soothing as she petted Kate's head. "You still have two little sisters back home waiting to see you, to spend time with you. You're like a big sister to them, you know." Mila knew how important Kate was to her family, and she wanted to remind her of the love and connection they all shared, even if it seemed unusual for a beast and humans to be considered siblings. 'It doesn't matter,' Mila thought to herself. 'They are all my children, and I love them equally.'

'Hmph! They should try being nicer! If they were, maybe I'd think more carefully about my safety.' Kate huffed, sitting down and crossing her front legs over her chest in a show of stubbornness.

Mila chuckled softly, continuing to stroke Kate's fur. "Don't be too upset with them. Friends need to stick together, especially in tough times. They care about you, and that's why they're hard on you." Kate's ears drooped slightly, a sign that she was starting to understand Mila's point.

Shanna, who had been watching the interaction silently, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. "It must be nice to have them by your side. You're never really alone with them around," she said softly. The sight of Mila with her loyal companions made Shanna long for a bond like that, something or someone to always be there for her.

Mila noticed the look in Shanna's eyes, the longing for companionship. She stood up and smiled. "Hey, how about we go out tonight?" she suggested, her tone light and inviting. Shanna looked up at Mila in surprise, considering they had been cautious about going out for the past few days due to suspicious figures lurking around.

"Are you sure? It might not be safe," Shanna replied, concern evident in her voice. She knew how dangerous it could be, especially with the increasing number of unknown figures appearing at night.