ENCHANTED - BY INNOCENCE (ongoing)

54.1

This is a big chapter with 4000+ words so make sure you read till the end.

Also, I reduced the target because I want to publish the next chapter sooner but there is a question in the end, for research purposeses so pls answer that :)

Target for next chapter: 1375 votes and 750 comments

*** Shanthi ***

"Shanthi..." I heard Vinod whisper while I was still half-asleep.

"Hmm," I mumbled, unsure if he was really calling me or if it was just a dream.

"Shanthi, my love, I need you to wake up," he whispered again, this time gently rubbing my forehead.

"Why?" I asked groggily, still clinging to sleep.

"Because General Sir wants to see you," he said, and I immediately shot up, wide awake and scared.

"WHY?" I asked, my voice filled with worry. "Am I in trouble?"

"No, no, sweetheart," Vinod quickly assured me, placing a reassuring hand on my cheek.

"Then why would he..." I trailed off, my gaze falling on his uniform.

Isn't it too early in the morning? Why is he in his uniform?

"What time is it? How long have I been sleeping?" I asked, glancing at the clock.

"Don't worry about it," Vinod said, gently turning my face back to him. "It's 4 in the morning. General Sir sent a notice asking to see me, and he wants you to come along too."

"W-why?" I stammered, still unsure if I'd done something wrong.

"I don't know either," Vinod replied honestly. "But if General Sir has asked, he must have a valid reason. We need to obey."

"But..." I hesitated, nervous about what lay ahead.

"You are not in trouble," he reassured, his voice confident and gentle. "And even if you are, I will protect you. That's a promise."

I smiled faintly, comforted by his words.

"Now go get ready, or we'll be late," he added, and I quickly got up, still unsure of the purpose behind the summons.

As we walked down the corridor, Vinod tried to educate me on how to get away with being alte. "And if nothing works, just tell him you're hungry. That should melt his heart," he said the fourth and last option to exploit.

"Got it?" Vinod paused to check as we neared the end of the corridor.

I nodded, trying to appear confident, though my heart was racing.

As we stepped into the General's meeting room, hoping to sneak in unnoticed, we were immediately met by him standing right at the door.

I braced myself for a scolding, but to my surprise, his demeanor was calm.

"Thangachi, did I wake you up too early?" he asked, his tone unusually gentle.

"N-no, Sir," I answered hesitantly.

"Are you scared?" he asked next.

I glanced at Vinod, unsure if the question was rhetorical or if he was being serious.

"The question was for you, Shanthi," the General reminded, his voice calm but firm.

"A little, Sir," I whispered, feeling small under his gaze.

"You have nothing to worry about," he assured, "You are safe. Need a little help that's all. Go in and you will find out soon," he said, stepping aside.