"Hey, we're here," Mina said quickly, breaking the lively chatter in the carriage. She sensed the conversation was getting a bit too teasing and wanted to keep the mood light for Lucas and Amelia.
"We're here? Where are we?" Annie's curiosity sparked, her fox ears twitching as she pressed her face to the carriage window. Elisa joined her, both peering out eagerly.
The scenery outside was unfamiliar, a rugged landscape that hinted at the Forbidden Mountain Range. "Whoa..." Lucas let out a soft chuckle, exchanging a grateful glance with Mina for steering the group's attention. It had been a spirited ride, and he appreciated her knack for keeping things on track.
Clop, clop, clop…
The carriage came to a stop, and Chris's voice called from outside, "Lord, we've arrived."
"Mm," Lucas responded calmly, glancing down at Amelia, who was practically vibrating with excitement. Her green eyes sparkled, though she tried to maintain her usual composed demeanor. He smiled warmly, ruffling her hair. "Ready for the adventure, Amelia?"
"Always," Amelia replied, her voice cool but her small smile betraying her enthusiasm. She adjusted the small notebook in her pocket, where she'd been sketching their journey.
"Alright, let's go," Elisa said, hopping out of the carriage first, her leather armor creaking slightly as she adjusted her quiver.
"Okay!" Annie followed, her curiosity barely contained as she scanned the unfamiliar terrain. "This place looks wild!"
Mina lingered a moment, leaning toward Lucas with a playful grin. "Master, I packed extra cloaks in the box," She whispered, her cat tail swishing. "It might get chilly up here."
"Good thinking," Lucas said with a nod, appreciating Mina's thoughtfulness. He stood, offering a hand to Amelia. "Come on, let's see what's waiting for us."
Amelia took his hand, her grip firm but her cheeks slightly flushed with excitement. She hopped down from the carriage, landing lightly on her toes, and Lucas followed, his tall frame steady as he surveyed the group.
The War Wolf squad stood a short distance away, their disciplined formation a contrast to the lively energy of the girls. Lucas noticed their amused glances and shook his head with a wry smile. "Alright, everyone, let's move," He called, striding toward the squad. Amelia stayed close to his side, her green eyes scanning the rocky path ahead.
"Master," Mina said softly, catching up as her blue eyes shimmered with curiosity. "Is this the place you mentioned? The secret base?"
"Huh?" Annie's ears perked up, and she trotted to Lucas's other side. "Secret base? What's that? Why don't I know about it?"
Lucas chuckled, glancing at Amelia, who smirked back, sharing their little father-daughter secret. "You'll see soon enough," He said, his tone playful. "It's a special project, and we're almost there."
"Special project?" Elisa raised an eyebrow, adjusting her bow as she fell into step with the group. "Sounds like something big."
"It is," Amelia said confidently, her voice carrying a hint of pride as she glanced at her father. "Father's been planning it for a while."
"Planning, huh?" Mina teased, her cat tail brushing lightly against Lucas's leg as she walked beside him. "You and your secrets, Master."
Lucas laughed, giving Amelia's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Not secrets, just… surprises. Right, Amelia?"
"Right," Amelia agreed, her small smile growing as she leaned into his side for a moment.
"Ohh, I can't wait!" Annie said, her fox tail swishing as she bounced ahead, trying to get a better look at the path winding into the mountains. "Is it a fortress? A hidden workshop? Tell us something!"
"Patience, Annie," Lucas said, his voice warm but firm. "It's just a short walk from here. You'll know everything soon."
Elisa smirked, glancing at Amelia. "You're awfully calm about this, girl. Know something we don't?"
"I know enough," Amelia replied coolly, though her flushed cheeks gave away her excitement. She patted the notebook in her pocket, already imagining new sketches of whatever awaited them.
The group continued along the rocky trail at the foot of the Forbidden Mountain Range, about forty minutes from Sedona City by carriage. The air was crisp, and the distant peaks loomed majestically against the sky. Lucas led the way, the War Wolf squad trailing behind, their presence a quiet reassurance.
"Master, were the supplies we moved last month for this place?" Mina asked, her tone curious but knowing. She'd been to the secret base once before and had a vague idea of its purpose.
"Mm," Lucas confirmed with a smile. "It's been a month since I gave the initial instructions and left some plans behind. I'm curious to see how it's coming along."
"A whole month?" Annie's eyes widened. "You've been working on this for that long and didn't tell me?"
"Only a few people know," Lucas said, glancing at Mina and the War Wolf squad. "Mina's been there once, but I've only visited once myself. Today's about checking on progress."
"Progress on what?" Elisa pressed, her emerald eyes narrowing with interest.
"You'll see," Lucas said, echoing his earlier words with a grin. Amelia giggled softly—a rare sound that made the group pause for a moment, surprised by her unguarded joy.
"A giggle again?" Elisa teased, nudging Amelia lightly. "This place must be *really* special."
"It is," Amelia said, her voice soft but confident as she walked beside her father, her excitement barely contained.
Lucas looked down at her, his heart swelling with pride. "Let's go find out just how special," He said, leading the group toward the secret base hidden in the mountains.
.
.
.
.
You can read advance chapters and view R-18 images of the characters on pat reon page.
pat reon.com/GreenBlue17
300 Power Stones for 1 extra chapter.
5 New reviews for 1 extra chapter.