Heron yawned, resting his head against the bark of the tree as his eyes watched the stars in the inky black skies, twinkling constantly, as if it was fulfilling a wish. His eyes drifted away, focusing on Auretta, who was fast asleep, resting her head on his rumpled cloak.

She protested using it as a pillow but he insisted. He didn’t want to face any obstacles just because she lacked sleep from the discomfort or from night watching with him.

As his eyes lingered on her frame with pale pink strands hanging across her face, his hands reached out to her, but he didn’t dare touch her. Heron just thought he felt something strange surrounding her—some familiar aura he recognized when he was just a boy.

“Who are you—really?” he muttered, furrowing his brows as he pulled his hand back. Heron assumed Auretta had no knowledge of what kind of aura she was carrying. She gave the impression of being naive.

Whatever she had, or who she was—he can’t let the wrong people take her—such as the imperial family of Pyralis.

They were nearing the same forest where Auretta fled from Truce and his comrade. It looked more peaceful in the daytime, watching birds, variegating with different colored feathers, swarming over the branches of the wilted trees.

Auretta straightened her position, glancing at Heron who was leading away with the horse reins, through the dried leaves.

“Are we heading to Melione?” she asked, earning a subtle nod from Heron.

She sighed, puffing as she pulled a strand bothering her face. He was going to send her to Melione and Jaemi, wasn’t he?

“I hate it here.” she murmured to herself, gathering the strength to finally speak up. “Could you stop for a moment?” she requested. Heron halted the stallion, glancing at Auretta as she got off the horse, steadying herself as she landed. “Is there something wrong?” Auretta shook her head, locking eye contact with Heron.

She took a deep breath, gripping her skirts behind her as she formed a smile at Heron. “Look—I’m grateful because you saved me and I owe you but-” “I simply had to do the right thing. You don’t owe me anything.” Auretta clenched her jaw, giving Heron a dead pan expression.

She shook head again, crossing her arms. “No, no—I mean thank you but I can’t go back with you.” she said. “Why not?” he asked, raising his brows. “If I’m supposed to stay with Melione and Jaemi from now on—I’d simply just be a burden to them. I also have other plans.” Auretta still wanted to find her parents as well.

Surprisingly, Heron stared at her with amusement as he looked away, marching forward. “You’re not staying with them, there’s nothing to worry about.” he stated, confusing Auretta.

She quickened her pace, walking next to him with perplexity written all over her face, then she clenched her jaw. “You don’t get it,” she retorted. “What is it I don’t understand?” Heron asked, tilting his head.

“I have other plans, I can’t stay here.” Auretta replied.

Heron scratched the back of his head, glancing at Auretta again as he let out a sigh. “I’m sorry if it’s against your wishes. It just happens you don’t know why you’re being chased.” he stated.

Auretta raised her brows at him as she tugged his arm, making him halt. “You didn’t answer my question yesterday—how did you know I was being followed?” she asked. “I merely saw those men holding a portrait with the sketch of your face as you left,” he replied.

“Ah…” Auretta gaped. “Yea that makes a lot of sense—but why do you think they’re chasing me?”

Heron palmed his face, gazing at Auretta. “This,” he grabbed Auretta’s hand, channeling mana through her as golden rays of light burst forth surrounding her. She could barely hear anything but pressure against her ears. “What are you doing?!” she panicked, yanking her hand away.

“Elaborating on why you’re being followed.” Heron replied, patting the horse on its mane. “You carry this ancient aura—it seems you have no idea about it. The imperial family wants to get their hands on your soul’s core.”

Auretta was just left more confused. She rubbed her chin, delving deep into her thoughts, glancing at Heron who was already walking away. “Heron—wait!” she yelled, running towards him.

“So you recognize it?” Auretta asked. Heron nodded, leaving more questions. “Then—you probably have some leads to my parents then—?” “No—I believe your aura has no connection to your parents.” he stated.

A frown formed on Auretta’s face. “Well—how did I even end up with this? It’s not making any sense.” she sighed, gripping her hair. “That’s something I’d like to find out as well.” Heron murmured, earning a quick glance from Auretta.

“Perhaps you knew about my ‘soul’s core’ or whatever it’s called when you first met then?” he nodded. “I didn’t think it was that valuable however back then.” Heron replied.

“You were a kid, of course you realize things later.” Auretta grinned, tiptoeing to get a better view of Melione’s cottage. “Oh look—we’re here!” she chimed, pointing towards the cottage.

Melione just finished cleaning the interior. She went to get some fresh air outside, cooling herself off until she saw two familiar figures from afar.

“Heron and Arya?” she muttered, furrowing her brows.

The two had arrived at the cottage. Melione crossed her arms, raising her brows at Heron. “Why is she back here and where’s the wagon?” she asked.

Auretta stepped backward, keeping a soft smile as Melione was glaring daggers at Heron—she could feel the atmosphere getting heavier just with Melione’s gaze, though it wasn’t directed towards her.

“Look—I’ll explain everything later. I just need to get back to the village.” he responded, reaching out for something in his pocket, pulling out a stone similar to Melione’s necklace. “Whatever Heron…” she muttered, heading back inside her cottage as a bright dome formed next to them.

Heron stepped in, dragging in the stallion. “Come,” he said. Auretta followed him in haste, squinting her eyes again due to the brightness. “Wait where are you taking me?!” she screamed.