𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀

eight

【CHAPTER 8】

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"Sir... sir... quick! I found the princess unconscious in the water!" the student shouted, his face pale with terror."

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A heavy silence fell before the teacher reacted. "Show us where," he said firmly, trying to maintain his composure despite the urgency. They ran through the forest, hearts pounding. Minji felt her stomach knotting with fear at every step. After a few minutes of frantic running, they finally reached the water's edge, where Haerin lay motionless.

Minji froze at the sight. The teacher rushed to Haerin's side, checking for any signs of life. Haerin's body was pale, a striking contrast to her usual warmth. Blood trickled from a wound on her head, staining her black hair and the ground beneath her. Part of her shirt was torn, suggesting a struggle or a fall. How had this happened?

"She's breathing, but we need to get her to a doctor right away!" declared the teacher urgently, the urgency in her clear voice.

With the help of a few sturdy students, the teacher gently lifted Haerin, taking care to stabilize her head to avoid worsening her injury.

Minji watched Haerin being carried away by the teacher, her hands clenched in nervousness. "Please, be well, Haerin," she murmured, worry gnawing at her.

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Hours had passed since the incident, and the entire kingdom was in turmoil. News of what had happened to Haerin had spread quickly, and everyone was on edge. Hanni and Hyein sat on the grass in the academy's garden, silent and anxious. It had been hours since they had returned, and neither of them had moved.

Hanni sighed, looking around, trying to distract herself from her worry. Although she didn't know Haerin very well, she considered her a friend, and more importantly, Haerin was the princess of their country. The weight of the situation was overwhelming.

"How could this have happened?" Hanni muttered, mainly to herself. She picked at the grass, her mind racing with questions and fears.

Hyein, usually the most energetic of the group, was unusually quiet. She hugged her knees to her chest, staring at the ground. "I don't know, Hanni," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It doesn't make sense. Who would want to harm Haerin?"

Just then, Danielle appeared in a hurry. She walked towards them, and Hanni and Hyein immediately stood up, sensing the urgency. "Danielle, what's going on?" asked Hanni, grabbing Danielle's shoulders, noticing her agitation.

Danielle was speaking fast, almost breathlessly. "Breathe, unnie," said Hyein, trying to calm her comrade. Danielle took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

"Hanni, where is Minji?" asked Danielle, an intense fear shining in her eyes.

"Why?" asked Hyein, visibly worried by the urgency in Danielle's voice.

"Just tell me where she is, it's urgent," insisted Danielle, her voice trembling slightly.

"She left home a few hours ago, after recovering her mother," replied Hyein, confused by Danielle's insistence.

"Show me quickly where she lives," said Danielle, grabbing Hanni's shoulders urgently.

"Fuck, Danielle, you gonna tell me what's going on and why all the questions?" asked Hanni, slightly frustrated by the lack of explanations.

"You do not understand, Minji... Minji she..." Danielle began, tears in her eyes, her voice broken by emotion.

Hanni looked at Danielle, feeling a growing anguish. "Fuck, Danielle, go on! She is what?" she said with frustration and worry.