Between Fear And Hope

Harmony lay on the ground, still dazed, while the prince Evander observed her with a slight tilt of his head. Her reddish hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her delicate face—indeed, everything about her—gave him the impression that she was not of feline nature. There was something different about her—neither dog nor cat—but still carrying a certain power, a light, that he could not quite explain.

The scouts retreated further, giving space, and Evander leaned closer to check if Harmony was injured. His gaze was cautious yet curious.

He carefully lifted Harmony into his arms; her body remained soft and unconscious. Her hair flowed like a crimson wave in the sunlight as he adjusted her gently, making sure it did not tangle.

Swiftly but safely, he moved them outside the city walls, entering the dog kingdom—a place more robust, with tall towers, wide streets, and an impression of strict order, yet warmth lingered in the air. The dog people stepped aside as Evander, calm but determined, carried Harmony toward the palace.

Inside the palace, creamy and earthy tones filled the rooms, with the aroma of fresh bread and mint herbs lingering. The atmosphere remained formal; all eyes followed them with curiosity and respect.

Evander laid her on a soft bed in a private chamber, covering her with a warm blanket while watching her quietly. His blue eyes reflected care, yet caution—Harmony was unlike anyone he had ever known.

Hours passed. Evander sat on the edge of the room, back straight, eyes fixed on Harmony. Silence stretched until Harmony slowly opened her eyes and whispered,

“Where… am I? What happened?”

Evander rose slowly, moving with calm precision. Harmony studied him carefully, weighing each motion, trying to discern if she could trust him—or if she needed to remain cautious. She sensed his careful, deliberate manner; he did not wish to harm her, yet trust did not come easily.

Finally, Evander spoke, calm yet with a hint of measured distance:

“Do not be afraid. I am not here to harm you. For now. But I cannot let you wander freely through my kingdom either.”

Harmony met his gaze, trying to maintain a steady tone, though a pulse of fear—and curiosity—beat within her:

“I understand… but I am not dangerous. Truly… I wish to help.”

Evander asked,

“What is your name?”

Still slightly wary, Harmony answered,

“Harmony.”

Evander studied her with careful, calculating eyes.

“I am Evander. Everyone who comes here brings consequences. But you, Harmony… you are unlike the other feline people. Your presence… it is different. I do not yet know what it means, but I feel it is no coincidence that you are here.”

Harmony felt a small calmness in his voice, honest and cautious. Yet her thoughts immediately turned to the children she had left behind:

“I am not from this world. I am only human, and if I am truly here for a reason… I am not here to harm anyone.”

Evander approached, still keeping distance as if testing her sincerity and heart:

“I will listen. But every decision you make carries weight, Harmony. In this world, you must be careful.”

“I don’t understand… why am I here? I am not part of your war. I do not wish to harm your people or the cat people,” she said, striving to keep her tone calm.

Evander looked away, then back at her.

“So… what were you doing in the feline kingdom? Are you the one connected to the prophecy?” he asked, his voice lowering slightly, cautious. “Most in my world believe the prophecy only benefits the dog kingdom… and that the cats will fall under it.”

Harmony drew a sharp breath, her heart racing.

“But… that’s not fair. If the prophecy is true, it doesn’t mean anyone must suffer. If people just took a little time to understand… dogs and cats could learn from one another. They could be friends, even if they are different.”

Evander furrowed his brow for a moment, contemplating.

“Do not be naive. Your words are kind, but the world we live in is different. The feline people… are dangerous.”

Harmony gazed toward the window, sunlight spilling across wooden beams.

“This is simply not right. If I am truly part of the prophecy, I will not allow these two worlds to destroy each other.”

The prince turned to her, eyes still cautious but tinged with curiosity.

“I will have to watch you. I will not risk my people for the words of a stranger.”

Harmony felt a faint spark of hope. Perhaps Evander’s carefulness was a bridge, a possibility. Though a prisoner in the Dog Kingdom, she knew that, in time, she could change his perspective—and maybe even the world around him.

Slowly, Harmony rose, feeling a slight dizziness but attempting to steady her thoughts. The sight of the room gave her a strange mixture of security and foreignness—everything here was different, yet somehow familiar. Memories of the cat children she had left behind pressed on her heart, making it beat faster at the thought that they could still be in danger.

Her thoughts drifted heavily, chest tightening with each beat of her heart:

Both sides… they’re the same. They hate each other, truly, deeply. But am I the only one who can see it—that this hatred, this war, this endless suffering… it doesn’t have to last?

If I really am the one spoken of in the prophecy… then I cannot belong to only one side. I cannot choose only one side. My path must be different. I must find a way… to end this.