Chapter 01

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the dense forest. Leaves rustled gently in the breeze as a woman and a man rode side by side on their horses, the rhythmic thud of hooves muffled by the thick carpet of pine needles and fallen leaves.

The woman, with her straight black hair pulled back in a loose braid, sat relaxed in her saddle, a carefree smile playing on her lips. Her brown eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she guided her sleek, chestnut mare through the twisting path. She wore a simple yet comfortable riding outfit, her boots were simple yet sturdy.

Beside her, the man rode a powerful black stallion. His dark hair was tousled by the wind, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the surroundings with a mixture of caution and determination. He wore a leather jacket over a plain shirt, the attire of someone accustomed to long journeys and serious missions.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air grew cooler, the light dimmer. The towering trees closed in around them. Birds chirped intermittently, and the occasional rustle of small animals added to the symphony of nature.

"Can you believe how beautiful it is out here?" Ava said, her voice breaking the serene silence. She glanced at the man, her expression one of genuine appreciation. "It's almost like an adventure out of a storybook."

The man nodded, his gaze never wavering from the path ahead. "Yes, but we must stay focused. The headquarters is just ahead, and we can't afford any distractions."

The woman chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Always so serious, aren't you? Sometimes, it's good to enjoy the journey, not just the destination."

She expressed her thoughts, expecting a response from him, but he remained silent.

She knew the amulet possessed healing powers and had been taken from him by a group of fairies. It didn't puzzle her that why the fairies would do such a thing. She knew that fairies take supernatural objects from their owners because it might have a hidden curse or dark side that the fairies are aware of, and they took it to prevent any harm from befalling the owner or others. But she knew for sure that a healing amulet could never be cursed, so perhaps the fairies needed its healing powers to save someone crucial to their community. But why didn't they return it to him afterward? That was why she was accompanying him to talk to the fairies and find out.

The reason he needed her help was that the path to the fairies' headquarters was always guarded by numerous animals with extraordinary abilities. Since she could communicate with any animal, she decided to assist him on this journey, something he couldn't manage without her help.

It wasn't something new for her. She has been aiding humans here and there without revealing her abilities, and only occasionally did people with supernatural powers come to her for help, which she gladly provided. Perhaps it was in her nature to help others.

They continued their journey, the path narrowing and becoming more uneven. Vines and undergrowth threatened to entangle the horses' legs, but both riders skillfully navigated the obstacles.

As they approached the clearing where the fairies' headquarters was hidden, the woman slowed her mare, her brows furrowing in confusion. "Something's not right," she murmured, her gaze sweeping the area.

The clearing, usually teeming with mystic animals guarding the entrance, was eerily quiet. Instead of the expected creatures, there were armed guards patrolling the perimeter. The woman felt a chill run down her spine; this was not what they had prepared for.

The man pulled his stallion to a halt beside her, his expression darkening. "This doesn't look good. We should turn back."

The woman shook her head, determination flashing in her eyes. "After all we've been through to get here? There's no way I'm turning back now." She glanced around, assessing the situation. "We'll have to find another way in, something they won't expect."

He frowned, clearly worried. "Are you sure about this? It's risky."

She gave him a reassuring smile. "I didn't come all this way just to give up. Besides, I have a feeling something bigger is going on here. We need to find out what."

With a nod, the man reluctantly agreed. "Alright, but we need to be careful. Stick close."|

They dismounted, leading their horses to a secluded spot where they would be hidden from view. As they approached the heavily guarded fairy headquarters, Ava closed her eyes and focused on her unique talent. She called upon the ancient language of the animals, whispering a gentle melody that echoed through the forest. Suddenly, a wise old owl perched on a nearby branch, watching the pair with wise eyes. Ava communicated with the owl, asking for its help in infiltrating the fairy stronghold. With a soft hoot, the owl flew off towards the headquarters, leading Ava and the stranger through a hidden entrance, unseen by the fairy guards.

Inside the headquarters, it was dark and cold. They were sneaking in very carefully when suddenly, they heard screams of pain echoing through the corridors. Ava's heart raced as the stranger's grip on her arm tightened. They froze, listening to the anguished cries. The owl, sensing their fear, flew closer, its soft hooting a gentle reassurance. Ava's eyes adjusted to the darkness, and she made out the faint glow of luminescent mushrooms growing on the walls. The screams grew louder, and Ava's compassion took over. She crept forward, the stranger and owl following closely, as they approached the source of the cries. As they turned a corner, a shocking sight halted them in their tracks.

Before them, a fairy lay tied, and her delicate wings torn and bloodied. Ava's heart clenched at the sight. The man's grip tightened on her arm as he urged her to leave.

"Ava, we need to go. Now," he whispered urgently, his eyes darting around for any signs of danger.

But Ava's compassion overruled her caution. "We can't just leave her like this," she replied, her voice filled with determination. Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor. Panic surged through them as the sound grew closer. The man grabbed her arm, pulling her into the shadows of a nearby alcove. They pressed against the cold stone wall, holding their breath as the footsteps approached.

Despite their efforts to stay hidden, the dim light revealed their presence. Guards, more alert and numerous than they had anticipated, emerged from the shadows. Ava and the man found themselves surrounded; their escape route cut off.

"Intruders!"

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