Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 46

Chapter 46: The Wild (5)

Ahcehera couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off with Richard. He moved as if he were on autopilot, his usual sharp demeanor dulled and distant.

His vacant stares and slow responses were unlike anything she’d seen before.

Instead of confronting him, she quietly observed, hoping to piece together the reason behind his strange behavior.

The duo found another small cave to rest for the night. Ahcehera didn’t bother lighting a fire, the oppressive atmosphere didn’t call for it.

Instead, she focused on setting up a protective energy cover and scattering sensor bots throughout the area.

Their faint hum was the only sound in the otherwise still wilderness.

After a silent meal, they settled in for the night.

Sleep came uneasily for Ahcehera.

Her mind dragged her into a forgotten memory, one she had been trying to uncover for months.

The fragments of the villainess princess’s past swirled in her thoughts like a storm, demanding to be seen.

It was the night everything had gone wrong, the mission of the Night Owls Squad, which should have been a victory, turned into a disaster.

Why am I near the river?

Darkness surrounded her, pressing heavily against her chest. Then, a flicker of light illuminated a familiar figure.

Riezekiel Mors.

The man in the picture frame from her fragmented memories stood before her.

“It’s good that you’re awake,” Riezekiel said calmly, his deep voice grounding her. “The fever has subsided.”

“Where are we?” Ahcehera asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

“We’re up north, near the dragon’s lair,” he explained, crouching beside her. “The venom from the snake bite was neutralized when you drank the dragon’s egg.”

Her head swam. “How…how are the others?”

“Stephanie and Mia haven’t woken up yet,” Riezekiel replied gravely. “The poison still lingers in their systems. It’s not completely gone.”

“And the guys?”

“Adrian, Trevor, and Richmond are near the river. They’re focused on healing themselves.”

His gaze softened as he looked at her. “You were the worst off, Ahce. We didn’t think you’d make it.”

Her heart clenched. The pieces were falling into place, but the picture it painted was incomplete, a puzzle missing its edges.

Are they really this close?

Ahcehera’s chest tightened at the sight of Riezekiel’s warm smile as he gently brushed the fallen leaves from her hair. His touch was light, almost teasing.

“You should take better care of yourself,” he chided softly, his tone somewhere between scolding and affection.

She gave him a small smirk. “I always do.”

Riezekiel arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Barely. You’re the clumsiest person I’ve ever met. What would you do if I weren’t here to look out for you?”

Her expression softened. “I’ll take better care of myself. I promise.”

Before he could respond, frantic shouts shattered the quiet serenity of the forest. The cries came from the direction of the river, sharp and urgent.

“They’ve had an accident!” Ahcehera exclaimed, immediately pushing herself to her feet.

Riezekiel grabbed her arm, steadying her. “Stay here. You’re still weak.”

“But you can’t fight it alone!” she argued, her eyes filled with worry.

“Trust me, princess.” His voice was calm but firm, his usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by steely determination.

Ahcehera hesitated, torn between the need to obey his command and the instinct to fight alongside him.

They reached the riverbank just in time to see the source of the commotion, a massive, scaled beast towering over the water, its serpentine body coiled and ready to strike.

The creature’s eyes glinted like molten gold, and its roar shook the ground beneath them.

Riezekiel unsheathed his weapon, a sleek, silver blade that shimmered faintly in the moonlight.

“Stay back,” he ordered again, stepping between her and the beast.

Ahcehera clenched her fists. “Riezekiel, don’t you dare die on me.”

He glanced back at her with a faint smile, his confidence unwavering. “Not today, princess. Not today.”

And with that, he charged.

The beast’s ear-splitting scream reverberated through the forest, shaking the ground beneath their feet.

Ahcehera’s ears rang as the sound carried a terrible warning.

From the rippling surface of the river, dozens of small, grotesque creatures emerged, their slimy bodies glistening under the faint moonlight.

They were quick, too quick.

Riezekiel fought valiantly, his blade a blur of silver as he cut down the advancing creatures.

His movements were precise and calculated, and yet, the swarm was relentless.

No matter how many he struck down, more took their place, their claws and teeth tearing through the air.

Ahcehera’s heart raced as she fought her own battle, her weapon slashing through the writhing horde. But for every creature she struck, her gaze kept darting toward Riezekiel.

“I have to get to him,” she muttered under her breath, gritting her teeth as she pressed forward.

But the beasts blocked her path, their numbers overwhelming her.

She could see Riezekiel in the distance, surrounded. His strikes slowed, his posture faltering under the sheer weight of the attack.

“No…”

Ahcehera’s limbs felt heavier with every passing second, her desperation mounting.

She pushed herself harder, her sword slicing through the chaos, but it was futile. The creatures seemed endless.

And then, she saw it. The moment she dreaded.

Riezekiel stumbled.

“Riezekiel!” she screamed, her voice hoarse and filled with anguish.

He turned, his face pale but resolute. Even at that moment, he smiled at her, a fleeting, bittersweet expression that shattered her heart.

The creatures surged forward.

Ahcehera gasped, her chest tightening as the memory blurred into darkness.

“No… no…” she whispered, trying to claw her way back into the memory, desperate to see what happened next, to fight harder, to change the outcome.

A firm grip shook her awake, pulling her from the haunting vision. Her eyes snapped open to see Richard’s concerned face hovering above her.

“Ahce,” he said softly, his voice laced with worry. “Are you okay? You were thrashing in your sleep.”

She blinked rapidly, her breathing uneven. The memory’s shadow still loomed over her. “I… I’m fine.”

But as she sat up, her trembling hands betrayed her.

The team was injured. Riezekiel did not state his condition.

For them not to use hot weapons, they must have no supply.

It was a dead end and the captain sacrificed himself to save everyone!

“Wait… What did you call me?”