Chapter 297: Farewells
Early the following morning, Evanna snuck out of the palace. Her heart still ached, even more so from the nostalgic feeling of sneaking around and trying to avoid Sir Hugh, who had now been replaced. Arawn was still asleep in her quarters, his long white hair blanketing the cushion to his side, his naked torso pointed towards where she had been lying. It took quite a lot of effort to slip from his greedy clutches without stirring him.
There was no way Evanna would miss this, though, and as though it really was like old times, Ger was already waiting at the edges of the forest to their village, his arms crossed, his leg resting against the tree trunk. The striking difference now was the slight change in Ger’s appearance. It was noticeable when he first returned before her quest for the gem, yet even now, whilst travelling with him, it was apparent his muscles had grown, going from lean to a more muscular physique; his right eye was one of a reptile, and his messy hair was pulled back into a bun.
It wasn’t only his looks but the aura surrounding him. Even if you couldn’t see him, his powerful presence made others turn around and search for him. Goosebumps flourished on their skin, and the hairs on the back of their necks stood on end. Ger was a warrior before, a monster hunter. Now, he was a predator. A beast in disguise.
He was still a monster hunter, but soon, it would be of his own kind lest he kill humans.
"I knew you would sneak out," Ger greeted, sounding amused, though his expression was not. There was a wariness to his gaze that moved from the princess and to their surroundings. "She will be here soon."
"How do you know?" Evanna questioned, stopping near him.
Ger tapped his ear. "Her footsteps."
Evanna’s brows rose at his answer, and true to his word, Maggie appeared with two guards behind her. A cart awaited her on the edges of the village, and she put her bags into it. Maggie paused the moment Evanna stepped out of the treeline. Her bottom lip wobbled, and tears sprung to her eyes; she looked down, ashamed.
Evanna rushed forward, glaring at the guards who started to go between them and embraced her former chambermaid.