The snake had bitten me, and I closed my eyes with a strange sense of calm.
Just then, a deep growl echoed close by. I opened my eyes and looked toward the sound — from behind a tree, I saw it.
A magnificent white lion stood under the moonlight. Its fur shimmered like a soft blanket woven from moonbeams. For a moment, I forgot everything — the pain, the poison, even the fear. The creature looked ethereal, as if born from the light of the night itself.
But then, it turned its head and met my gaze. Startled, I quickly hid behind the tree again. When I looked back, I saw that it was growling in pain. My eyes went to its leg — wounded and bleeding.
I knew I might not live much longer; the venom was already spreading through my veins.
But if I could still save one innocent life before I died — then that's what I must do.
I stood up and slowly walked toward the lion. It glared at me, its eyes sharp and fierce, yet I couldn't help but smile. It was too beautiful to be feared.
I knelt beside it and thought of using my stone. If the stone was holding a healing powers, maybe its wound could be healed.
I reached my hand toward the wound, but of course, a wild lion wouldn't easily allow a human's touch.
It swung its paw toward me, slashing through the air again and again, and the blows sent pain shooting through my body.
But I didn't pull away. I kept trying, inch by inch, to reach that wound.
Pain burned through me, but I thought — If I can save an innocent creature, then why should I stop?
At last, my hand touched the lion's wound. The lion roared and bit my wrist. Its sharp teeth sank into my flesh, but I didn't move. I simply closed my eyes and pressed my forehead gently against its head.
For a moment, everything went still.
Then the lion released me.
I opened my eyes, placed my trembling hand back over its wound, and whispered softly,
"Dear power, please heal this wound."
But nothing happened.
I tried again. And again. Still nothing.
Tears filled my eyes — the magic wasn't working.
Then, gathering all my strength, I closed my eyes one last time and whispered,
"If you cannot heal him… then take his pain into me. Let his wounds become mine."
A bright blue light burst from my hand — soft, warm, and filled with life. It spread beautifully, wrapping around the lion's leg. When the light faded, his wound was gone. But my other leg had become injured in its place.
The lion blinked, then stepped closer, lowering his great head and licking my face gently. I smiled through the pain.
"Thank you," I whispered, "because of you, I finally used the stone. Now I can die peacefully. You're healed — that's all that matters."
The lion sat beside me. I smiled again, realizing what he meant — he wanted me to rest on him, to sleep against his soft fur.
I lay down, resting my head on his warm body. His fur was smooth, and he kept licking my face as if trying to comfort me. I laughed faintly through my tears.
"At least now," I whispered, "I've experienced something that feels truly human. Stay with me… just until I die."
Tears slipped down my cheeks, and my voice broke as I cried into the night. The world around me began to blur. My time had come.
I closed my eyes and accepted the quiet touch of death.
And as I drifted into darkness, I saw them — Prince Phils, Prince Sam, Well, and Prince Jack.
Their faces shimmered before me, then faded into a soft, endless sleep.
---
"Master, it's been a week," Prince Jack said calmly. "Wellness still hasn't returned."
The Master turned to him with calm authority.
"Jack, take two people with you," he said. "Go to the forest and bring her back."
Jack's voice was steady but cold. "Master, no one wishes to come with me. I'll go alone. That's enough."
"If anyone refuses," the Master replied softly, "tell them it is my order."
"As you wish, Master," Jack bowed and left.
A moment later, he stood before the gathered students.
"Any two of you will come with me," he commanded. "The Master has ordered us to find one of our own."
Some girls stepped forward eagerly. "Prince Jack, we'll come with you!" they said in unison.
But then the Master appeared. Silence fell instantly. All students bowed low in respect.
"Agnus and Max," the Master said in a quiet but firm tone, "you two will go with Jack."
Prince Agnus frowned slightly. "Master, I have no interest in wasting my time on unnecessary tasks. You can send someone else."
The air grew tense. Jack turned and glared at Agnus; Agnus met his eyes with the same sharpness.
Before the silence could stretch further, a gentle voice rose from among the students.
"No problem, Master," said a girl softly. "I'll go instead of Prince Agnus."
The Master smiled faintly. "Princess Reana, I won't stop you. You may go."
Then his expression hardened.
"As for you two — Agnus and Jack — I know your kingdoms are enemies, but while you are my students, I won't tolerate such rivalry here. Remember that."
Both princes lowered their heads.
"We're sorry, Master," they said together.