Chapter 6

"Nothing," Zevko replied flatly. "Maybe you saw it wrong."

Clara fell silent, trying to remember what happened last night. Everything had been chaotic, with heavy rain and strong winds. Maybe she really had seen it wrong, especially since her head still felt heavy from sleep.

"Hmm, maybe," Clara mumbled. "But why did you go outside and into the garden?"

"Just checking for fallen trees."

"Oh."

Clara didn’t ask any more questions because it seemed Zevko didn’t want to talk about it. She also wasn’t sure about what she saw, since everything had been so chaotic. Maybe Zevko really just wanted to check for fallen trees so their car wouldn’t get blocked.

They both stayed quiet for a while, each lost in thought. Zevko’s Jeep kept moving, leaving the busy city behind. Soon, they were far outside the city, driving on rough, winding, and steep roads. At one point, they hit a bump so hard that Clara, still a bit sleepy, bumped her head against the window.

"Awww!" Clara yelped in surprise. Zevko quickly stopped the car, instinctively reaching for Clara’s face, brushing aside some hair that had fallen over her forehead.

"Does it hurt?" Zevko asked, checking Clara’s forehead and head. Clara just shook her head in confusion. Why was Zevko suddenly so caring? Wasn’t he harsh, barking at her and pressuring her at the office just yesterday?

Zevko quickly grabbed a bottle of water and handed it to Clara. "Are you hungry?" he asked, watching her drink. Clara just nodded softly.

"After the next turn, there’s the last village. There’s a small eatery that sells food and drinks. It’s not as fancy as the cafés or restaurants in the city, but their grilled fish is pretty good. We’ll stop there for a meal."

Clara just nodded. She really was hungry, since she had skipped breakfast. Zevko started the car again, and soon they entered a village. Even though it was remote, the scenery was beautiful. There weren’t many people, and the houses were far apart. Still, the villagers were close and worked together, especially for security, since their village was closest to the forest and often had trouble with wild animals at certain times.

Zevko’s car passed several houses. Every villager they met was very friendly, especially towards Zevko.

"Sir, it seems like they know you," Clara remarked.

"I come here often. You can see for yourself—the landscape is stunning. Many nature lovers visit this place," Zevko replied.

"Hmm, if a resort is built, this place will definitely change too," Clara mused.

Zevko only shrugged at Clara’s comment, and she didn’t say anything else. She could tell Zevko didn’t want to talk about it.

Their car stopped at an old eatery that sold food and drinks. A middle-aged man was cleaning a table. He looked calm, and his face was peaceful, as if he had deep wisdom.

The man quietly watched the car pull up in front of his place. His gaze was steady, as if he was trying to figure out who had arrived. Then, something surprising happened.

As soon as the Jeep’s door opened, the quiet at the edge of the forest was broken by the heavy sound of wings. A raven with shiny blue-black feathers swooped down from a branch of an old tree and landed right on the hood of the car, in front of Clara. The bird didn’t make a sound. It just tilted its head and stared at Clara with sharp black eyes.

Before Clara could recover from her surprise, a large black cat appeared from behind a pile of firewood on the porch. The cat walked over with its tail held high and, without hesitation, rubbed its head against Clara’s leg while purring softly.

Zevko, who had just gotten out of the driver’s seat, immediately tensed up. His eyes narrowed at the two animals. "Hush! Go away!" Zevko ordered in a low voice.

But the raven stayed on the hood, and the cat just meowed softly, as if greeting guests it had been waiting for.

"They… don’t usually greet humans like that." A hoarse voice called out from inside the eatery.

The middle-aged owner of the eatery stood to welcome them, leaning against the old door frame. He didn’t look at Zevko, but instead watched Clara, focusing on her fingers as she stroked the black cat’s soft fur.

"Animals have their own ways of recognizing light in the midst of darkness," the man said calmly, his eyes glinting with secrets.

Zevko and Clara stepped closer. The man greeted them warmly and even bowed respectfully to Zevko, which surprised Clara. The owner’s manner reminded her of the guide who had met Zevko the other day. It wasn’t just a polite gesture for regular guests, but the kind of respect given to someone important or powerful.

"Welcome, Mr. Volkov and Miss—"

"Clara Morgan," Clara quickly replied.

"Oh, yes. Miss Morgan. I’m Gideon Hallow. Please, come inside."

Clara and Zevko went inside and sat down on the chairs set out for them. The black cat kept following Clara and even jumped into her lap. Zevko looked annoyed, but Clara was happy. She giggled softly and gently petted the cat.

Zevko sighed and gave Gideon a sharp look, like he was giving an order. Gideon nodded and called his cat. The cat seemed to understand, glanced at Zevko, then jumped down.

Gideon quickly served them hot drinks. As he set a drink near Clara, his hand accidentally touched hers on the table. He jerked back, his hand shaking as if he’d just been shocked. The glass almost tipped over.

"What’s wrong, sir? Are you alright?" Clara asked in surprise.

"Oh, it’s nothing, miss. Just an old man’s quirks," the middle-aged man replied with a chuckle. "Are you going into the forest?"

"That’s right, sir. We’re continuing our survey in the western area."

"Oh, the western area?" Suddenly, Gideon’s face grew tense; unconsciously, he glanced at Zevko, who was also staring sharply at him, as if warning him.

"Um, Mr. Hallow, please prepare your tastiest grilled fish for us—two portions, and one more to go for our journey," Zevko said, placing their order.

"Of course, sir."

The man went inside right away to prepare their food. Clara was still surprised by what had just happened. Why was the owner acting so strangely?

"Clara, drink your milk. You’ll need your strength for the journey ahead."

Clara smiled and nodded, quickly sipping the warm milk that made her feel better. Suddenly, Zevko stood up and said he needed to use the restroom. At the same time, the black cat came back to Clara and played in her lap.

Zevko went inside, but instead of heading to the restroom, he went to see the owner. Gideon, who was preparing their food, stood up and bowed respectfully to him.

"Alpha."

"Gideon, tell me what you saw in Clara. Why are your cat and raven so stubborn, even ignoring me?"

"Forgive them, Alpha. They didn’t mean to defy you."

"Explain, Gideon. Don’t beat around the bush. You touched her earlier—what did you see?" Zevko grew impatient with the man’s behavior. He growled softly, his eyes flashing gold, enough to make the older man tremble slightly.

"Forgive me, Alpha. Because she’s your future mate, I have no right to explain. There is someone with more authority to do so, as this concerns the future of the pack."

"What do you mean? Don’t play games with me, Gideon!" There was restrained anger in Zevko’s trembling voice, and his gaze turned frightening.

The man let out a long sigh. "Alpha, she is not just your destined mate. She’s not just your companion. Take her to the pack elders at once. Let the elders decide and explain. Take her soon, Alpha, before the darkness finds her first."