Ella's mind raced as she journeyed home under the watchful eyes of the wolves. She couldn't shake off the worry about what would happen when they arrived. Her father, the only Vam left, might react fiercely upon learning of her return in the hands of the wolves.
The thought of a confrontation between Jason and her father filled her with dread. Her father was undeniably strong, but witnessing Jason's feats made her question the outcome of such a clash.
Amid her mounting anxiety, her thoughts turned to Badu again.Had he made it home safely and regained his strength. Did their father manage to send him away even though she was at the mercy of the wolves because of him?
Despite knowing Badu's unwavering loyalty, she hoped he had escaped. Yet, deep down, she understood that her brother would never abandon her, especially after she saved him.
Ella found herself lost in a whirlwind of thoughts as she pondered the impending return home. Suddenly, her reflections were interrupted by the unexpected touch of a hand on her shoulder. It was Jason. "It's time to go," he stated firmly. Taking a deep breath, Ella rode on steeling herself on the horse.
Jason's perceptive nature led him to recognize Ella's anxiety, prompting him to offer words of reassurance. "Don't worry. If your people truly love you, there will be no need for a battle—only a peaceful surrender. I will ensure that," he assured her. Ella met his gaze, briefly considering what Jason would do if she disclosed the truth about her father's solitary presence.
Ella stole a momentary glance at Jason, her mind racing with the potential consequences of her revelation. Before she could fully weigh the impact of her words, she found herself uttering, "There is no army, it's only my dad there."
Jason's reaction was immediate and intense. "What?!" he exclaimed, his eyes blazing with a mixture of shock and urgency. This unexpected response left Ella with a sense of unease as she braced herself for the repercussions of her disclosure.
Before she could explain further he rose his hands which had grown claws and slit her throat.
Ella blinked and suddenly held her throat just to realize it was her mind playing games on her,Jason wasn't even there,he was busy bringing the horse.Well from that illusion,she suspended any attempt to tell Jason the total truth.She was going to wait and see how everything panned out.
Jason finally got to her smiling,unaware the shock Ella went through."Are you okay,"he asked seeing she was a little shaken."Am..... okay,"she stammered as she replied him.
Staring at a distance was the princess Sara and if only looks could kill,Ella would be dead and Jason would be bleeding and begging for mercy.Well she could only dream,for now!.She had to make a plan to rid herself of that Vam once and for all.It would have to be the plan with the most painful homicidal act possible.
A moment later everyone was on the move and yes Ella was on the horse again.Yeah, Sara was over it or acting like she didn't care.She was still angry at Jason so the silent treatment was her last resort.It was affecting her more than it was hurting him.
They walked for what seemed like hours through the forest before they all saw a house at a distance.Ella rushed forward to see her home once more.She got the surprise of her life.
The gates of her beloved abode were broken.That was unusual,her dad would never destroy those gates.Something was wrong,she could feel it.She turned to the wolves to see them settling down.She walked to Jason,"We need to go now!, there's something wrong and strange there."
"Am sorry but we only move when it's night time,I can't risk my men's life," Jason said honestly feeling her anxiety.
Ella was left in turmoil,she needed to know what happened,why were the gates open.Why!,where the freaking gates broken.
The gang had established their base about a mile from the house. Jason's decision to keep a safe distance was driven by his reluctance to take any unnecessary risks, despite his trust in Ella. He was unwilling to engage in a conflict for which his men were unprepared.
They waited until sunset, knowing that the wolves would be at their strongest to fend off any potential attack from the vams. Meanwhile, Ella was feeling stressed and anxious, urging Jason and his wolves to move to her house immediately.
She couldn't shake off a strange feeling as she gazed at the broken-down gates from a distance. Those gates had always been intact for as long as she could remember. The pressing question was who or what had caused the damage. The only way to find out was to return to the place she considered home.
As the sun set, Jason and his men sat quietly, strategizing their plan of action. They agreed on a simple formation that would ensure Ella's safety as they escorted her to the house, while also preparing them to counter any potential assault. In this formation, Jason positioned himself in front of the gang, with the others encircling Ella. Surprisingly, Jason's decision not to restrain Ella was not met with opposition from Sara, which caught him off guard.
Sara remained largely silent during their conversation, simmering with anger towards Jason and harboring her own agenda. She envisioned confronting Ella and taking drastic action if she suspected any betrayal or if the vams gained the upper hand in a battle. She took grim satisfaction in imagining eliminating the vam, whom she deemed a pest and a worthless nuisance.
They eventually set off on the march toward the Onik house, with Ella surrounded by the marching wolves. Despite the circumstances, all Ella could think about was what she might uncover. She prayed that there would be no grim discoveries, such as finding her father's lifeless body inside.