CHAPTER FOUR — A Day in the Forest and the visitors

“I’ll go gather herbs,” Ivan said one crisp morning, securing his satchel. “Some of the old supplies are running low.”

Elen nodded.“Don’t stay too long.”He gave her a soft smile.“I’ll be fine.”Ivan ventured into the forest, moving with practiced precision. He gathered rare herbs, marked locations in his journal, and analyzed footprints—some of which were disturbingly large.Back at home, Elen worked quietly, but her gaze drifted often toward the forest path.A small, lingering fear twisted in her chest.---Late afternoon.Ivan returned home, carrying a satchel full of herbs. He expected Elen’s smile, her voice, her warmth.Instead—He heard voices inside the house.He stepped through the doorway—and froze.Three strangers stood in the room.A tall, authoritative man. A quiet, watchful man. A calm woman with sharp eyes.Elen stood trembling in the corner.The tall man spoke first.“We finally found you.”Elen’s voice cracked.“B-Brother…?”Ivan immediately stepped in front of her, hand hovering near his sword.“Who are you? And why are you in my house?”The leader bowed slightly.“My name is Eiden Riedmann. This girl is my sister—Eleonora Riedmann.”Ivan’s breath caught.Eleonora… her real name.The second man stepped forward.“Adrien Morell.”The woman bowed.“Elara Violette. We do not seek conflict. But Eleonora must return with us.”Elen shook her head, tears gathering.“I won’t go. I won’t leave!”Eiden’s voice hardened.“Your relationship means nothing. Resistance will only make this worse.”Ivan’s voice was low, steady, unshaken.“She is my wife. I won’t hand her over.”Eiden stared coldly.“Then you will face the consequences.”Ivan’s fingers closed around a small orb at his belt.Eiden took a step forward—Ivan threw the orb to the ground.HISSSS—!A thick cloud of black smoke exploded across the room.By the time it faded—Ivan and Elen were gone.---