I returned to my refuge in no time and immediately tended to Gideon's and Zulu's injuries. Once their wounds were fully healed, I made sure they rested while I addressed the beastfolk who had sought safety within my refuge. Many were injured from the stampede—scratches, broken limbs, panic-stricken wounds—and I moved from one to another, applying medicinal herbs and steadying frightened hands.
Hanna, Huntz, and Nori followed my instructions closely, helping where they could. When everything finally settled, I assured the beastfolk it was now safe for them to return to their homes.
Only then did exhaustion hit me.
I had just sat down to rest when a hawk descended into the clearing and shifted into human form mid-landing.
"Good day," he said quickly. "My name is Bero. Our king sent me to deliver urgent news—Bolivé is under attack and may need immediate aid."
The words hit me hard. But what surprised me even more was who sent the message.
So Talon still truly cares about Aron.
He might never admit it, but his actions always spoke louder than his words. Knowing Aron, he probably didn't want to put me in danger—that was why he never called for me himself.
"Tell Talon thank you for letting me know," I said. "I'll meet him there."
Bero nodded and took off at once.
⸻
I returned to the cabin to check on Zulu and Gideon. Zulu was still unconscious, breathing steadily. Gideon appeared asleep as well.
I hesitated.
Gideon had been gone from Juno for far too long, constantly helping me while neglecting his own kingdom. Even with Rommel holding things together, Juno needed its king. This decision wasn't mine to make—but it felt right.
I sat beside him, brushing my fingers against his cheek.
I was about to stand when his hand closed around mine, firm and warm, pulling me into his arms.
"Sienna," he murmured, voice low and soft. "I'm glad you're safe."
"Yes," I whispered. "Rocco defeated Bruno. Mariner's Bay is safe."
I traced my fingers along his arm. "You should rest. Your wounds were severe."
His breath brushed my ear, warm and slow. Then his lips found my neck—gentle, lingering. A soft moan slipped from me before I could stop it, sensation rushing through my body.
Then reality struck.
Zulu was nearby.
I wanted to ask Gideon to stop—but fear held me back. I'd already rejected him once. Another rejection might shatter what little balance he had left. And the truth was, my heart didn't want to resist him. He felt too familiar, too right.
His hands roamed, his fingers grazing—the swell of my breast, my curves, the most sensitive places I tried so hard to guard. My breathing grew uneven. I turned to face him and kissed him deeply, losing myself—
Then suddenly, movement. I pushed Gideon away, scrambling to my feet, my heart hammering against my ribs and stood.
If I hadn't, I would have gone right back into his arms.
Zulu.
"Sienna, you're back," he said casually.
"Yes— you just woke up?" I asked, flustered.
"Yes."
Liar.
He definitely heard me.
I forced a breath. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yes. Thank you for taking care of us," he said warmly.
I moved toward the door, fanning my flushed face. "It's hot in here. I'm getting some air. Also… I'm leaving for Bolivé."
Zulu stepped in front of me. "You don't have to lie to me."
I rested my forehead briefly against his arm. "I know. I'm sorry."
"I'll come with you," he said. "What about him?"
I glanced back at Gideon. "I'll send him home."
⸻
I packed quickly—ginza, medicinal herbs, anything I might need if my energy ran dry. Gideon was still asleep when I returned. That made it easier.
"I'm sorry," I whispered as I manifested him back to Juno.
Zulu was already waiting when I stepped outside.
Part of me wanted to leave him behind too—but I'd given my word. And he was the only one who knew where my heart truly lay.
⸻
Bolivé was eerily quiet.
My first thought was that Aron had evacuated everyone.
Then a goat burst past us at impossible speed. We followed it—and found the battlefield.
Blood-soaked grass. Fallen ducks, goats, pigs. A slaughterhouse.
Aron and his beastmen were locked in brutal combat with the coyotes. Zulu charged straight into the fray.
Aron spotted me and rushed over, grabbing my arm.
"Aron— I can fight too!"
"I won't risk your life," he snapped. "These aren't rats. They're far more dangerous."
He dragged me into a makeshift hideout filled with children and elders.
"Stay here. Protect them," he ordered. "If we lose—run."
He didn't wait for an answer.
The children were shaking, crying. I knelt, hugged them, whispered comfort. An elder told me the coyotes had always respected their borders—until now.
This was Vera.
It had to be.
The attack was too coordinated. Too sudden.
Outside, Aron and Zulu were being overwhelmed. Even they were tiring.
I stepped out.
"Stay here. Stay silent," I told the others.
I summoned my bow and positioned myself where I could fire—not to kill, but to slow the enemy, to give them space to breathe.
Then the sun dipped lower—and the coyotes didn't stop coming.
Impossible.
A powerful gust slammed into the field.
Talon landed beside me.
"Avion is under attack too," he said, "but we prepared this time. From the air, I noticed something wrong."
"What?"
"There aren't enough bodies."
Illusions.
Before I could respond, another voice joined us.
"Dogo is using illusion magic."
Vesper.
I jumped. "Where did you come from?"
"I was here," he said calmly, brushing my hair. "You need to be more aware."
Talon summoned hurricane winds. The battlefield distorted—flickering, breaking. The illusion shattered.
Then a thunderous howl shook the ground.
A blur tore through the field, destroying what remained.
Gideon.
He walked toward Aron—then straight toward us, fury written across his face.
"Aron can handle the rest," he said coolly.
"Why are you here?" I demanded.
"Why shouldn't I be?!" he snarled. "You don't get to decide whether I return to Juno."
"You were injured—your people need you!"
"Then why is Zulu here?" he shot back. "Don't treat me like I'm weak. I already lowered my pride. Don't trample it."
He stormed past me.
I lowered my head, stunned.
Then Talon and Vesper froze.
I followed their gaze.
Behind Dogo stood an illusion—
No.
A replica.
Kowra.
I ran forward without thinking.
"Aron!"