Chapter 13. Terrible news

Will they succeed in doing it?



DEVASTED toward Cayden, that was the feeling Scarlett had been holding when she witnessed the last scene between Hera and Cayden.

"Forgive me if I did nothing, Hera. I just thought it would be better if I let you handle that," Scarlett explained as she carefully did the hand stretch. It's been fifteen minutes since Scarlett and Hera started doing their usual routine, the exercise every Sunday at 5 am, to start their day off strong.

They'd done this together for almost fifteen years of friendship and knew how each other worked perfectly without needing words exchanged. Unfortunately, Hera couldn't unfurl the truth about Darth because he would surely get infuriated. Darth's identity is like a precious diamond that can never fall into the wrong hands or to anyone in this human world aside from her.

"Don't apologize; it's not your fault. We're all distracted by what happened. Besides, I won't let you intervene for something that wasn't your responsibility."

Scarlett smiled weakly and nodded as she understood her words. "But is the guy yesterday your friend? Where did you meet him? You didn't apprise me about that, and I don't remember seeing you with someone like him."

Hera sighed as she halted the exercise and sat on the Savonarola chair. "I didn't know either. I swear, I hadn't seen him before he came over, and I didn't expect to have a problem like the one that occurred last time."

"Problem? What do you mean?"

For a moment, Hera was muted. She seemed to be brooding deeply about the unimaginable occurrences she encountered with the werewolves who attempted to attack her and why Darth was being summoned by her whenever she was in danger. Her eyes stared deep into the distance, troubled and confused.

"I mean, yes. The problem is I was just pretending that Darth was my boyfriend."

Scarlett was surprised and a bit worried by what her friend confessed.

"Wasn't it risky? What if he asked you anything in return?"

"No. Trust me. I will believe full well that he's not." Hera bestowed her genuine smile and spoke earnestly. "Darth was the perfect gentleman, and I appreciate how he behaved himself, especially when he was near me. There was a point where I began having doubts about him. Still, after seeing his behavior toward me, I realized I was utterly wrong," she explained as she thought about how grateful she was toward that man who always protected her.

Scarlett was skeptical about the whole situation but decided to drop the subject. She may not be sure about everything, but she still knows that Hera is hiding something indescribable, and she believes her friend has her reasons for keeping everything hidden from her. However, she respected whatever it was.

"But, are you sure that Cayden won't pursue you anymore?"

"I need to be ready for a long wait, I guess."

Her words made Scarlett's mouth fall open in amusement. "Hey! Don't tell me you like him. Hmmm?" she teased while crossing her arms across her chest, which earned her an eye roll from Hera.

"Of course not. We're just friends," she replied, smiling, but her face hinted at something different, which Scarlett couldn't comprehend.

"I doubt."

"He's adorable; I won't deny it. So please, stop teasing me."

That last sentence made Scarlett laugh, and she shook her head. "Alright, alright, sorry for asking such an unnecessary question. But keep me apprised about it." she winked at Hera, making her laugh.

Hera was honestly a denial queen. She felt suffocated by all those questions owing to the fact that she was captivated by Darth. Still, she managed to resist the attraction until now and is trying very hard not to lose herself again in those beautiful memories of theirs. Their first encounter, those times she was being saved repeatedly by Darth, their intoxicating first kiss, and how Darth claimed he was the red wolgan. The thought of that nudged her entire soul to feel warm and content and finally give in to that longing. That was enough for a couple of minutes; she needed to break from those thoughts and emotions before they drove her into the abyss of lunacy.

While continuing their exercise at Haddon Park in front of the small cabin, Scarlett and Hera continued chatting and sharing funny stories. They both laughed at themselves and made snorting noises. This is their typical morning exercise every Sunday.

The time flew by, and the morning sun had already set down, casting an orange hue on the sky, which meant they had to rest. They halted and relaxed on their respective chairs, taking some breaths and drinking water from their bottles.

A sudden disturbance broke the stillness, compelling both Hera and Scarlett to jump in surprise and stand up immediately. A man was standing in front of them who suddenly appeared without warning in front of them.

"I'm sorry to be a bother, but would you care to hear me out?" the man inquired, panting heavily, showing signs of exhaustion.

Both Hera and Scarlett were slightly startled and unsure what to say because they were not expecting anyone to come here during their routine. They glanced at each other and then back to the stranger standing before they nodded in agreement.

"Ms. Hera, your father, was arrested earlier for stealing the emperor's jewel," the man retorted.

Scarlett widened her eyes in shock, wondering how this stranger could say such a nonsensical accusation about her best friend's father.

"Prithee, don't make any rubbish accusation. My father is a good man, so he won't do such a despicable thing as stealing something from the Castle."

She's not angry or sad; she's just baffled. How could people accuse her father of stealing a jewel? That's stupidity!

"This is nonsense. Mr. Gab is not a delinquent. Be careful of your words; we might accuse you of saying those lies," Scarlett retorted coldly, clearly irritated by the man's statement.

Hera felt mad, but she managed not to show any harsh behavior. She was about to speak, but the man clutched the opportunity, and the next thing he enunciated made the two women freeze completely.