Chapter 56

Royal's POV

I trudged through the dense woods, the weight of my bag digging into my weary shoulders. Hunger gnawed at my stomach, a constant reminder of my vulnerable state. The stranger's provisions had sustained me for a while, but now I yearned for a proper meal, a place where I could find solace and gather my thoughts.

The rustling of leaves underfoot and the distant chirping of birds provided a semblance of tranquility, but I remained on high alert. The world had turned against me, and I knew I couldn't afford to let my guard down. Every sound, every movement, was scrutinized for signs of danger.

As I ventured deeper into the woods, a clearing emerged before me, bathed in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the canopy above. The scent of moss and damp earth hung in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of wildflowers. It seemed like the perfect spot to rest and perhaps find a morsel to eat.

But as I approached the clearing, a group of figures emerged from the shadows, the