Chapter 4

Prince Kealen's Pov

The first thing I felt is pain. But— given the last thing I remember is a serpent beast trying to eat me, it's something of a miracle to even breathe.

The ground beneath me feels cold and damp, my fingers twitching against the moss, and when I try to move, my joint protests.

"Great," I groan under my breath.

My vision blurs for a moment before settling, the fog still hanging thick, curling low and pale around the trees. And then I see it— what's left of the serpent. Its body lies twisted a few feet away, its scales glinting faintly gold in the dim light. There is a charred mark on its head, like something seared straight through it.

I blink at it. "I don't remember doing that."

Something soft rustles nearby. My hand instantly goes to my sword despite the joint ache— well, it would, if my sword isn't lying a few feet away from my reach. I grunt, dragging myself toward it.

And that's when I see it… an owl.

A small, black  and white owl, laying motionless near the serpent's carcass. Her feathers are ruffled, and she's breathing shallowly, like she had just run a thousand miles on her little wings. I remember seeing her before I lost consciousness except that it now looks like she's been through hell.

Wait… don't tell me she killed… it? Wow!

"Well," I murmur, staring at her. "You look worse than I do."

She breaths down— weakly and slowly, like she heard me. Then she gives a weak hoot, rolling face-first into the ground.

"Perfect," I sigh. "You save me from a serpent beast just to die on me?"

I push myself up my feet, wincing, my ribs screaming in protest. I limp forward anyway, crouching beside the tiny creature.

Up close, she's… pretty, in an odd way. Her feathers shimmer faintly when the fog shifts, catching bits of gold and gray.

"Guess you're coming with me," I mutter, reaching carefully beneath her. She's a bit warm. Feverish, maybe, her head hanging loosely against my dirty glove. I pulled it off and tuck her gently against my chest. "I'm so hungry. You're lucky I'm not the kind of prince who eats exotic birds," I mumble, then smirk to myself. "Though that idiot probably would have roasted you just for fun."

As I start the slow trek out of the forest, I pull the chain around my neck, smiling at the slight familiarity oozing from the necklace that once belonged to my mother. The pendant glows faintly pink, the same color as the stone it had led me here for.

“Meeting you soon mate, hopefully!” I muttered.

******

By the time I stagger out of the forest, it was already evening, the moon peeking out. My guards, who I had told to wait at the border of the mist, rushed toward me the moment they felt some movement.

"Your Highness!" Kelvin, my self-named best-friend and chief of army yells. "By the gods, did you find it?”

"Barely," I rasp. "Where were you when a snake the size of a carriage tried to eat me?"

"Your orders, sire," he replied, rolling his eyes. "You said to stay back."

"Next time," I grunt, "ignore my orders."

The others exchanged looks but did not argue.

"Is that… a bird, sire?" One of them said, noticing the owl in my arms.

"No, it's my new royal advisor," I deadpan. "Of course it's a bird. She saved me."

"Saved you, sire?" Kelvin laughed. "Did you hit your head on some… COUGH COUGH" he coughed, hitting his chest dramatically after noticing my gaze.

"I believe this bird saved me, long story, yeah. But she's earned a night in the palace. Maybe even a title. Since she saved a royal."

"But she looks ordinary."

"Which is a surprise that she single-handedly killed such a huge beast." I shake my head and climb into the carriage.

"Collect and have the beast sent to Cecile, she might find something mysterious and useful." I ordered.

The owl stirs weakly against my chest. Her feathers twitch, and she gives a small, sleepy hoot. I glance down.

"Yeah," I murmur softly. "Rest. I've got you."

*****

By the time we reach the palace, my thighs are throbbing and my ribs are on fire. The healers rush forward before the carriage had even ride through the gates.

"Get the prince to the east wing!" someone shouts.

"I'm fine," I insist, limping down the corridor. "Save your potions for a life dying."

"You're bleeding, Your Highness," one healer points out.

"Barely. I've had worse situations."

They don't believe me, obviously. Hell, I don't even believe myself. But there's something more urgent to me right now. I glance down at the owl in my arms. She's still limp, her breathing shallow.

"Treat her first," I ordered.

The healers blink. "Sire… the bird?"

"Yes, the bird. Her wing's bent. Probably bruised ribs, too. She saved my life."

"Sire, we don't usually—"

"She saved me." I raise a brow, and the man shuts up immediately.

"Yes, Your Highness. We'll… tend to the owl."

"Good," I say, handing her over gently. "Be careful with her."

They take her away, and I collapse on the nearest seat.

I pull the pink rock from my pocket. It glows faintly and I tighten my grip on it.

I twisted it around my fingers, "what am I supposed to do with you?"