The walk home was quiet… and felt longer than usual.
I was still shaken by everything that happened at school.
I left Nora at her usual spot where we always go our separate ways, then continued alone.
My mind wouldn't stop replaying the scene.
The prince…
Why did he save me?
I shook my head, trying not to think too much about it.
When I got home, I felt tired and stressed.
I went straight to the farm to look for my father, but he wasn't there.
Then I heard his voice from inside the house.
"Akalya!"
"Father!" I answered quickly, walking in.
"My pretty little angel," he said with a warm smile.
I smiled back. "Father, how are you?"
"I'm fine, my angel. How was school today?" he asked.
"School was… fine," I said hesitantly.
He narrowed his eyes slightly. He noticed.
"What happened?" he asked.
I looked at him, then finally spoke.
"I… ran into the prince."
He didn't look surprised.
But he looked worried.
"I hit him and fell to the ground," I continued. "I apologized, but Kayla grabbed me by the neck…"
"What?!" he stepped forward immediately. "Are you okay, my baby?"
He checked me quickly, his hands moving over my shoulders.
"Does anywhere hurt?"
"No, Father. I'm fine," I said softly. "Prince Jaxon stopped her in time."
"Prince Jaxon…" he muttered. "That's new."
He sighed quietly.
"Isn't he the leader of those boys?"
I nodded.
"Well… I'm grateful to him," he said.
Then his expression changed.
"But I told you to stay hidden."
"I did, Father… it just happened," I said.
He looked at me for a moment, then sighed.
"Well… I'm glad you're safe," he said softly. "What would I do without you?"
"Be more careful next time."
"Yes, Father."
I tried to lighten the mood.
"What are you cooking?"
"I'm making your favorite… lasagna," he said.
My face brightened a little.
"Really? I can't wait!"
"Go freshen up," he said. "Food will be ready soon."
"Okay, Father."
I ran to my room and closed the door behind me.
LIVING ROOM
Elias stood quietly, his expression slowly turning serious.
"I knew this day would come…" he whispered.
"I tried to hide her for so long…"
He looked toward her room.
"But it seems no one can stop destiny."
He closed his eyes briefly.
"Please… Moon Goddess… protect my child."