Transmigrated as the Crown Prince's Mate
Chapter 69: Just a deer...

Chapter 69: Just a deer...

Evelina stood by the cabin door, the cool night air carrying the fresh scent of the forest. She closed her eyes, letting the quiet of the woods calm her racing thoughts. The moonlight spilled over the trees, painting everything in shades of silver and white.

Just as she stepped into the clearing, Sophie appeared at the cabin door with a curious expression. "Where are you going, Lady Evelina?"

Evelina turned with a reassuring smile. "Just for a run," she said lightly. "Don’t worry; I’ll be back before you know it."

Sophie hesitated, clearly torn between letting her go and insisting on staying. Evelina raised a hand to stop her. "I’ll be fine. Go inside and rest."

Reluctantly, Sophie nodded, retreating back into the cabin as Evelina walked further into the forest.

When she reached the heart of the clearing, Evelina stopped, her gaze lifting to the moon. Its glow appeared to throb with a mysterious power, beckoning her to connect with her inner wolf.

"You ready?" Relia asked, her voice humming with excitement.

"I think so," Evelina replied hesitantly. "But what if I mess this up?"

Relia chuckled. "Trust me, Evie. Your body knows what to do—you just have to let go."

Taking a deep breath, Evelina closed her eyes and allowed Relia to take the lead.

A warm feeling spread through her body, quickly turning into a sharp, uncomfortable ache. Her bones cracked and shifted, while her muscles twisted in a way that felt both strange and natural.

Though the pain was strong, it was only temporary, soon replaced by a strange, thrilling rush.

Her fingers lengthened into claws, her skin sprouting soft ash fur with golden highlights. A moment later, Evelina opened her eyes—not with her human gaze but through the keen sight of her wolf.

She stood on four legs, Relia’s ash coat shimmering under the moonlight.

"That... was intense," Evelina said, her voice trembling in her mind.

Relia laughed warmly. "That was shifting. And you did great. Now, how about we run?"

Evelina hesitated, her paws sinking into the cool earth. It felt strange, moving in a body that wasn’t entirely her own yet somehow felt like home.

"Don’t overthink it," Relia encouraged. "Just move."

Carefully, Evelina took one step, then another, trying to see if she could keep her balance. With each step, it felt easier, and soon she was running, her strong legs helping her move easily through the trees.

The wind whipped around her ears, and the smells of the forest were strong and lively. Evelina felt more alive than ever before.

For the first time, she wasn’t just hearing or seeing the forest—she was feeling it.

Every rustle of leaves, every distant animal sound, and every change in the breeze was now a part of her.

Relia’s joy filled their shared mind. "See? This is what we’ve been missing. Let go, Evie. Enjoy it."

And Evelina did.

She allowed herself to run faster, jump higher, and experience the freedom that came with each step. For a short time, the worries about the palace, Damian, and her uncertain future disappeared, replaced by the pure joy of the moment.

************

They were deep into the forest when Relia suddenly slowed, her ears pricking forward. "Something’s out there," she said cautiously.

Evelina immediately tensed. "What do you mean? Is someone following us?"

Relia sniffed the air, her nose twitching. "I’m not sure. It doesn’t smell like a wolf... but it’s close."

They crouched down and moved quietly through the bushes. Evelina’s heart raced as they got closer to a thick area of plants. She prepared herself for whatever or whoever might be on the other side.

Relia pushed through the thicket, and they froze.

In the clear area stood a lone snag, its antlers shining like silver in the moonlight. The deer looked up and met their eyes, appearing calm and unafraid.

Evelina exhaled shakily, her body relaxing. "Just a deer," she murmured.

Relia huffed in amusement. "Jumpier than I thought. Maybe we should head back."

"Not a bad idea," Evelina agreed, and they turned to make their way back toward the cabin.

As they moved, she couldn’t help but think of how much she needed this—needed to feel strong and capable, even for just a little while.

When they returned to the cabin, Evelina shifted back, wrapping herself in the cloak she had left hanging on a rope. Relia’s voice was warm in her mind as Evelina stepped inside. "See? Told you a run would help. Now, get some rest. We’ll face tomorrow when it comes."

Evelina sat on the edge of her bed, feeling energized from her run. The moonlight seeped through the gaps in the wooden shutters of the cabin, creating gentle silvery lines on the floor. She pulled the blanket around her tightly, but her mind was still racing.

Relia’s presence was still strong in her thoughts. "You needed that," her wolf remarked gently. "We needed that. And now... you need to rest."

Evelina chuckled softly. "You’re starting to sound like a nagging older sister."

"Hey, if the fur fits," Relia teased, but her voice carried a note of warmth that Evelina found comforting.

Eve stretched her legs under the blanket, her body finally beginning to relax after the night’s exhilarating run. Relia’s playful voice piped up again.

"Admit it, you feel better," Relia teased. "Nothing like a midnight run under the moon to shake off all that brooding energy."

Evelina smiled faintly, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders. "I’ll admit it was nice," she said. "But don’t let it go to your head."

"Oh, it’s way too late for that," Relia quipped. "I’m practically glowing with smugness right now."

"Smugness doesn’t glow, Relia," Evelina replied, stifling a laugh. "And if it did, I’d probably be blind by now."

Relia huffed mock-indignantly. "You wound me, Evie. Truly."

Evelina rolled her eyes, her smile softening as she lay back against the pillow. "Goodnight, Relia."

"Goodnight, softie," Relia replied affectionately.

Evelina’s eyelids grew heavy, her thoughts drifting between the thrill of her shift and the ever-present weight of her worries.

Just as she began to slip into sleep, the door of the cabin flew open with a loud bang, startling her upright.

She bolted to her feet, her heart pounding. "Who’s there?"