SYZYGY:The raise of the Monarch

Chapter IV

The wind howled incessantly. Eva, who had discovered a small cave, found herself starving within, hugging herself and cramping in an attempt to warm her body. The bleeding had ceased three days ago, but the pain persisted relentlessly.

She glanced at the cave's entrance, her stomach audibly protesting, as her body weakened from hunger. Over the past three days, nightmares of the hideous monster that had attacked her haunted her every sleep. Terrified that stepping outside would expose her to another attack, she feared she wouldn't survive this time.

After numerous attempts, she managed to stand, using the cave's wall for support as she walked cautiously towards the entrance. Her stomach growled relentlessly as she sought something to silence its protests.

After minutes of searching, she discovered some berries. Contemplating their safety for a moment, she closed her eyes and consumed them in one go. No rash, no pain—it was safe. She sat down, a little happier with her find, feeling a glimmer of hope that more edible treasures might await her.

Her intuition proved correct. She found something even more appetizing, but the discovery reignited her fear. It was a bag containing bread, cheese, and wine—clean and new, suggesting the owner was nearby. Her heart raced; she stood upright, her nails transforming into long, sharp claws, and her once white eyes turned black. Prepared to attack whoever the owner was, she prayed it wasn't the white, long-haired man.

Moving carefully, making no sound but hyper-aware of every noise, her ears attuned to the painful brush of the wind, she heard the breaking of branches and approaching footsteps.Hiding behind a tree, she observed a man with blonde hair and green emerald eyes.

He appeared to be a nobleman, adorned in fine clothes and accessories, with a pale complexion and a remarkably beautiful face. He sat by the bag, took a slice of bread, added cheese, and began eating.

Eva stared; his eating style was exquisite, with noble manners and perfect etiquette. It reminded her of those she tried to emulate after reading books she had snuck from the palace's library.

She couldn't take her eyes off him, never having seen such a beautiful human in her entire life.

Then her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl.

Gasping, he stood up after hearing her. She attempted to run, but as she turned, he was already in front of her. Shocked, she wondered how he closed the 20-foot distance so quickly.

Raising her claws defensively, he grabbed her arm and reassured her, "I won't hurt you! Calm down, my lady." She stopped, hypnotized by his eyes, then pushed him away cautiously.

"Who are you?" she asked with hostility.

"I-I'm Vernon," he replied, both hands raised to show he meant no harm. "I'm an outsider in this country. I came to enroll in their army practice."

Silence hung in the air. "You as well?" he asked, scanning her from head to toe. "Are you here to enroll too? Their offers are quite good."

"What do you mean?" she responded, retracting her claws.

"How about we sit down and talk?" he suggested, but she frowned, raising her claws again. He jumped in surprise."I have food. I'm happy to share," he said warmly, holding up a big slice of bread with cheese.

She looked at him, conflicted, observing his peaceful, angelic face.

"A man like that wouldn't hurt a bug, and he looks like a coward," she thought, but then hesitated. "The way he's gesturing is a little too charismatic for some coward."

Interrupting her thoughts, he said, "You want to eat?" holding out a slice of bread stuffed with cheese and smiling warmly. She took it and sat down next to him.