Chapter 60: A Gift for His Dainty Wife: Ogain, The Fledgling Griffin
"Where are we going, Your Highness?" Ren asked as she found herself at the far end of the castle’s stone wall. A bulky guard was already stationed by a small iron door.
"If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise anymore."
Ren looked over her shoulder. Arkilla just shrugged, pretending not to have any clue where they were going, but it was obvious she knew.
"Open the door!" Kai commanded. The guard obeyed, unlocking the door that led into the forest.
Ren’s excitement bubbled up. He had mentioned once before that he would give her a marriage gift. Could it be that they had to enter the forest to find it?
The path was clear, illuminated by fireflies drifting through the air like tiny lanterns. She admired their beauty but hated the thought of their brief existence. These creatures mated, laid eggs, and then died—a cycle that felt almost like a curse. Perhaps it was the same for humans. To give birth and perish soon after. A heavy sorrow gripped her chest at the thought of her mother. She had brought Reneira into the world only to die without the chance to hold or kiss her.
The rolling dirt road led to a breathtaking spring. Luminous water shimmered beneath the fireflies light and some glowing white water lilies floated gently on the surface.
"Oh, gods," she whispered. "This place is incredible."
Beyond the spring, a stony pathway led to a vast cavern, its entrance veiled by cascading wisteria flowers.
"Wow. What is this place?"
"Your magic training field."