[Fairy In The Forest] By Minutestory017

part 61

As morning broke, the trio prepared to depart with the army, their hearts filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Blezi bid an emotional farewell to her grandmother, tears welling up in her eyes as she hugged her tight. Her grandmother's wise words and warm embrace lingered with her as she joined Mike and Lake on their journey.

The new companions who joined them on their travels brought a welcome respite from the tension. Their jokes and words of encouragement lifted everyone's spirits, making the journey feel less daunting. The group's camaraderie grew with each passing mile, their shared purpose forging a bond between them.

As they marched forward, Blezi found herself glancing at Mike, their eyes meeting in fleeting moments of connection. Lake's antics and the others' jests kept her smiling, but her thoughts often drifted back to Mike's heartfelt confession. The memory of his words and the tender touch of his lips lingered, leaving her wondering what the future held for them. It was a new journey with her lover on her side. But the innocent heart had never experienced this before.

As they arrived at Uncle Jake's place, Blezi turned to Mike with a understanding expressions she stopped her horse Infront of the door.

Mike: Is this the place?

Mike raised his eyebrows as he questioned and Blezi nobbed, then he took a deep breath and starts to come forward, soon the others also tried to follow him but he raised his hand, signaling the group to halt and remain silent. "I'm going in," he whispered, his eyes fixed on the entrance.

Blezi began to dismount her horse, but Mike's urgent gesture stopped her. "All of you, wait here till I come back," he instructed, his voice low and firm.

Lake and Blezi exchanged worried glances, their faces etched with concern. "But, Mike!" Lake protested, trying to reason with him, but Mike didn't flinch. He didn't turn back or acknowledge their fears, he simply disappeared into the unknown, leaving the group to watch the door with bated breath.

The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the soft rustling of leaves and the creaking of trees. The group's collective anxiety hung in the air, their eyes fixed on the door, waiting for Mike's return, wondering what lay ahead.

Sallah Kum rode up to Lake and Blezi, his horse's hooves echoing through the silence. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Lake's response was laced with worry. "He's gone inside...alone."

Sallah Kum's face darkened with frustration. "Why didn't you stop him?" he demanded, his eyes scanning the group's somber faces.

The group's silence was oppressive, their faces etched with worry. Sallah Kum stepped forward, his intention clear. "I am going in."

But Blezi's voice cut through the tension. "No! You can't go in!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with fear.

Sallah Kum turned to face her, but Blezi's next words halted him. "He said to wait here till he comes back...you can't go inside."

Mike's words, relayed by Blezi, were a clear order. Sallah Kum's face fell, his protest stifled by Mike's authority. He back off, now there was no excuses, Mike have said himself that he don't want anyone to follow him, and as his confirmed orders, Sallah kum had no choice but to stay silent and wait for his return. The group waited with bated breath, their eyes fixed on the door, as the minutes ticked by.

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As Mike entered the mansion, his foot came down on a small, dry branch, snapping it in two. The sudden cracking sound echoed through the silence, and Mike's eyes instinctively dropped to his feet. That's when he saw the broken branch, and his gaze slowly rose to meet a gleaming sword pointed directly at his neck.