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ISABELLA

Three months later…

he sun is setting as I make my way through the forest, a pencil and a sketchbook in my hand. After the battle with Sofia’s followers, when things settled, it did not take too much convincing to get Jorgan to agree to share the throne with me. The man gladly obliged. For now, I am playing the role as we transition into a new era. A treaty between the vampires and demons has already been made. Some did not like the idea, but I think the majority is glad. The fire Faries are slowly coming around as well.

Squatting in front of a green oval leaf, I inspect it and draw every little detail I notice. Since Jorgan is sharing the load of my duties – doing most of it – I hired a secret tutor for my studies of plants. It is only my second week and my first assignment in the woods. The professor's, Kaito’s, instructions were to find five different plants, draw them, and describe everything I notice. Not a hard task, but I am excited.

Jacob bought an old tavern on the beach, so it has been a few days since I last saw him. The building needs a lot of work, and I am sure he is enjoying creating his space with it. When he first saw it, his face lit up. I am thrilled he found something that makes him so happy, and I cannot wait to see the changes he will make.

There is nothing special about this little plant. Well, nothing special about its appearance, but if I am correct, this is Sanguinaria canadensis , also known as bloodroot. Some believe it to be medicinal.

My spine tingles, and I feel a presence – as if someone is watching. It’s the same sensation I had for the past few weeks when in the forest, but every time I look around, there is no one. Even when I use my vampire abilities, I can’t hear anyone. It’s as if it’s a force lingering and watching.

I don’t bother looking up, fully aware I won’t find anyone. Someday, I will catch whoever it may be. Enya says it’s the witches – they can invade the mind of a bird or an animal if they are powerful enough. The only witch I know in my country is Anna, but she wouldn’t do something like this. My spies do not suspect any witch activity as well.

Still, if the witches got the power of the burned followers, there will be more coming. Closing my eyes, I feel for any birds. As one might expect, there are a lot of them in the forest, but a hawk sitting a few feet above me catches my attention.

Maybe it’s the witches after all. The question is, what do they want from me? I do not have their princess.