Julie Marven — The Truth.I nodded, still trembling. And I started to help.I grabbed a clean cloth, dampened it with hot water, and began to wipe the sweat from Megan's forehead. Marilyn took care of Michelle, cleaning her open wounds with a hand as steady as it was gentle.“We got her out of prison,”“She was going to be executed. They said she was the daughter of a traitor. That she tried to kill the Supreme Alpha. But it wasn't true. She was the real victim in all of this... from the very beginning.”My voice faltered for a moment, and Marilyn said nothing. She just continued cleaning Michelle's cuts with delicate movements, as if each touch restored a little of her stolen dignity.“They tortured her,” I continued. “She was already weak, wounded from the great hunt in the forest, the ambush they set up to kill our Alpha... and even so... they still wanted to kill her... without the right to defend herself, without the right to be heard.”Marilyn stopped, staring at me, her eyes fi
Julie Marven — Finally... We're Not Alone.“PLEASE!” I shouted, not knowing what else to do, my voice desperate, filled with tears I could no longer hold back. “They're hurt! I need help!”My body was shaking from head to toe. My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest.But then, the guards began to move.Those wearing palace uniforms. And the others... wearing an ancient coat of arms, sewn onto their garments with worn threads. I knew it... from somewhere. But my mind was spinning. I couldn't focus.They came towards me—quickly, in an organized manner. But they didn't seem to know about the prison break or anything like that. They looked lost. One of them, with dark hair and a serious expression, pulled on the horses' reins while the others approached the wagon, bending down to see who was there.Thanks to the gods... they were going to help.“There's blood...” one of them muttered.“This one's unconscious...” said another, looking at Megan.“And this one...” His voice
Julie Marven — Courage... That's all I need.We had been driving for a long time.The sun had risen hours ago, and yet the road was still there — endless, as if playing with our patience.I held Michelle close to my chest, trying to keep her body steady despite the jolts of the wagon. Sporadically, she moaned softly, and my heart always stopped. But she didn't wake up again.Megan was quiet. Her face was serious, determined. But I knew my friend. I knew when she was pretending to be strong.We continued north, as Michelle had whispered. However, that place... that village... Amari's Wood... it sounded like a name from a dream.And with every turn that led nowhere, every tree that repeated itself, the fear grew.We had already run out of food. All we had left were the leftovers from the meal we had taken to prison. And we knew—we couldn't risk eating that.So we decided to stop. There was a narrow stream nearby, with water running gently between the rocks. A hidden place. Quiet.Maybe
Anabelle Mixon— When Dreams Turn Into Nightmares.I was having the most wonderful dream of my life.The sky was clear. The breeze was gentle. And there she was... on her knees. Bleeding. Begging. Her dirty hands raised while Matthew, my Matthew, held my waist and said, “She never meant anything to me. Only you, Anabelle. My love.”It was perfect.Until... I woke up.Heavy footsteps.The clanking of armor.Soldiers were running through the palace in the middle of the night.For a second, I thought it was a continuation of the dream. But the sounds became too real, too loud. And, as always, too annoying.I threw the covers aside angrily and jumped out of bed. I was still wearing my soft, lacy nightgown, and over it I threw one of my most luxurious robes, wine-colored with gold detailing. I wasn't going to look like some peasant, even rushing.I put on my shoes and descended the stairs elegantly. The polished marble reflected my beautiful image, the cold of dawn licking my skin... and th
Edward Wood — Until My Last Breath, As Long As I Breathe.The light from the torches flooded the prison like an announcement of the end.I saw through the cracks in the half-open door — the wheels of the carts screeching to a halt, the horses' hooves scraping the dirt floor, soldiers rushing down with spears and swords in their hands. Hard faces, suspicious eyes.Damn.They had arrived.And with them... our time was up.I took a deep breath.And I knew.Now, all we could do was buy time.Enough time for Megan and Julie to get Michelle out of there. Time for the only chance of salvation for that kingdom... to escape.I looked at Roland.He nodded. No words were needed.We knew.We charged at the damn soldier like two hungry wolves. I felt the warm blood on my face, the cut on my eyebrow throbbing, my arm aching—but nothing mattered.We fought with more fury now.More purpose.It wasn't for us.It was for them, for the kingdom... For Matthew.I struck the soldier's face hard. He stagger
Julie Marven — Hope in the Form of a Whisper.I was crying.I couldn't hold it back.My arms trembled around Michelle's body, and my face was hidden in her chest, as if my warmth would be enough to bring her back.But she was still there... motionless.She looked so small.Cold.“Stay with me, please...” I whispered once more, my eyes burning. “We promised we'd save you... remember? So please... Hang on, just a little longer.”She didn't answer.She was just breathing. Shallow, irregular breaths.I held her tightly, praying she would get better soon. Megan was in front, silent. The reins were tight, her face wet with tears; she no longer tried to hide.The road was dark, and only the moonlight filtering through the clouds made the trees visible. The bushes passed us like ghosts. The cold wind cut through our skin.And yet... there, in that fleeing wagon, it seemed safer than anywhere else.“What now...?” I asked, my voice almost gone. “Where are we going, Megan?”She didn't answer.Bu