The Villainess's Oath: I'll Kill The Protagonists

132. Only hope

"Are you sure this is the right path?" Orlivan questioned, his purple eyes scanning the trees that all looked the same. It was confusing, and he was starting to think they were lost in the vast forest. A wave of anxiety churned in his stomach.

"I don't know," his brother murmured, annoyed. "This is my first time too, Orly," he replied matter-of-factly.

"Ugh! I shouldn't have listened to you," Orlivan groaned. "I think we're lost. There's no way out. We're going to die out here."

"Shut up!" Sullivan snapped, growing even more irritated with his younger brother. "I know how to get back. We're doing this for Grandma, remember? Just be patient and follow me."

"Ugh, fine, fine." Orlivan scratched his head in frustration and quickened his pace. "Let's keep searching."

Sullivan's gaze softened as he watched his brother's anxious movements. He felt a pang of guilt for dragging him into this, but he had no other choice. If their parents found out they were venturing into this dangerous human world, they'd kill them before the humans had a chance to. Yet, despite the risks, Sullivan pressed on, determined to explore East Ruvema Forest for the sake of his grandma's happiness.

"How old is she now?" After a while, Orlivan broke the silence.

Sullivan thought for a moment before answering, "Around five thousand nine hundred years, I think."

"And they say she's the youngest grandma in our kingdom." Orlivan sighed. "Will I live that long too?"

Sullivan nodded. "Maybe even longer. You're only forty-five. You've got a long way to go, so don't worry about that yet."

"Mmm. By the way, Sully..."

"Yes?"

"I'm not as young as you think. We could split up and keep looking for that fruit. You already explained how it looks, so I should be able to recognize it."

"Orly..." Sullivan bit his lip, hesitant. "...Are you sure?"

"Trust me, Sully. I'm not a kid anymore," Orlivan reassured him, resting a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"But you're still so young..." Sullivan hesitated again.

Orlivan held up their identical necklaces. "I'll signal you if I run into trouble. Does that make you feel better?"

Sullivan nodded and patted Orlivan's head affectionately. "Take care."

"You too."

He watched as Orlivan disappeared down a different path. Sighing softly, Sullivan continued on. The sky was beginning to darken; he knew he had to hurry.

"Wait, Sully," he muttered to himself as a sudden idea struck him. "Why not transform into a deer? It'd make things easier-and humans wouldn't recognize me!" He clicked his tongue in frustration. "Why didn't I think of that sooner?"

He closed his eyes, and when he opened them, he had taken the form of a large, white deer, looking like an albino creature.

"Your Highness, look at that creature! Isn't it the most beautiful and unique deer you've ever seen?" Darryl whispered, drawing his bow.

"Yes, my lord. He looks majestic. Thank you for bringing me here. I'm so happy," Princess Eliana said, her eyes lighting up.

"You'll be even more pleased. Just watch."

"Huh?" Eliana tilted her head. Before she realized what was happening, Darryl released the arrow, aiming for the deer.

Princess Eliana gasped in shock and horror. "Darryl! What have you done?!"