Chapter 13. Slithering Snake

AURELIA

For many days, I had been confined to one of General Claudius’ tents, fed, and bathed in the most prestigious ways for a reason I could not decipher. At least, not yet. Despite enjoying the luxuries I wasn’t used to, peace had been an elusive factor inside me. It had run very far away from me, even to this day.

I had been rolling over and purring restlessly on my furry mattress despite the cold and cozy ambiance within the tent. When the situation seemed to be getting unbearable, I pulled myself up, opting for the warm fire of the bonfire outside.

Looking up, the sight of the full moon gliding past minor clouds greeted me. Its surface looked like it wanted to weep for Earth. Perhaps it was another sign of the looming doom. I kissed my teeth and shook my head in dismay while finding my way to a bonfire not very far from the crimson tent.

On reaching there, I found a log of wood to sit on. And as I began to revel in the ethereal quietude, voices in my h