Erin was suppressing her aura while following Vaeri. Even though she had the urge to spread it and wait for more of the werewolves to come, she was sure they would turn away and run once they felt her presence.

She looked at Vaeri, the dark elf was moving at a fast pace, not making any sound. She felt like if she didn't look at Vaeri, she would lose her presence. Though, that wasn't possible since she could feel Vaeri through their connection.

Most of the creatures they encountered on the way were ignored as they passed like shadows around them. Erin was amazed by the skills the dark-elf showed so far. If the dark elf decided to attack someone, she would be like a silent killer. That reminded Erin of Seth. He was the same, silent and deadly.

Vaeri, on the other hand, was amazed by her new powers. She could navigate through the forest even easier. What's more, she felt that she could move her body even better than before. Her hearing and vision were better. Her reflexes were faster. She felt like a new person.

Though they skipped fighting anything on their way, that allowed Vaeri to get used to her new abilities. She put her body through more and more stress, as she accelerated forward. She looked back, only to see Erin following her closely, not strained at all. That only made her respect for her new master grow even bigger.

After a whole day of moving, Vaeri felt exhausted. Though she could continue, it would be better for her to rest. So, she stopped and turned to look at Erin.

"Master, I suggest for us to rest. There is a stream nearby that we can use, too." She said. Even though she was used not to bathe for days because of her job, she preferred to bathe more often. After all, it was uncomfortable with all the dry blood and dirt on her clothes.

"Alright, let's go to the stream." Erin smiled. She could see what Vaeri was thinking even without asking. A bath wasn't a bad idea. After all, she, too, went through a battle. They both moved at a brisk pace and soon reached the spring.

Vaeri looked at her master and hesitated. Should she help her with the clothes and washing or not? After all, she was a slave now. It would be normal if the princess wanted her help.

"Master, let me help you with the washing." She suggested. Though that was new for her, she would try to help as much as she could.

"No need, I can wash myself. You can enjoy the water, don't mind me. I already told you, I don't see you as a slave or follower." Erin waved her hands, refusing her help. She started to undress with a bit of difficulty, as the clothes she wore were already stuck to her skin.

Vaeri looked at that and wasn't sure how to react. It was obvious that Erin could use some help. Finally unable to watch, she moved towards her and helped. Erin glared at Vaeri for a moment but gave up at the end. They both undressed and submerged into the stream.

There were a few scars on Vaeri, that showed her past. Still, those scars made her even more beautiful. Erin was mesmerized with her for a moment but collected herself fast enough.

They enjoyed their baths and went to a nearby tree. Though Erin wanted to make a camp, Vaeri suggested to just use the top of the trees as temporary shelters. That way, they would be safer and wouldn't have to create a shelter every night, which for Vaeri was a waste of their time.

In the following days, they stopped only to hunt and rest. There weren't any werewolves following them, which made Erin disappointed. She found herself changing her way of thinking, as killing for her was more natural now. Though she still had some struggles with it, it wasn't like in the past.

The period in the forest, while she was alone, cleared her mind of many things. She had time to organize all the events that passed so far and make a decision. She wouldn't be soft-hearted against her opponents anymore. Richard was right that she had to harden her heart to an extent. But she still cared a lot for her companions.

On their way to the castle, she became familiar with Vaeri. The dark elf was part of a tribe that was expelled from the depths of the forest. They had to struggle for survival while they were looking for a new home. Finally, they reached Richard's castle and he accepted them all.

Vaeri was still a child at that point, but she wanted to express her gratitude for her new home. That was how she became a spy for their new lord. Her struggles as a child and her encounters as a spy later were interesting to Erin. She enjoyed the tales, but she could feel Vaeri's sadness from time to time. It seemed that Elion was someone important to her.

Two weeks passed fast, as they enjoyed each other's company. Finally, the castle was visible to them. Erin had mixed feelings regarding her return, but braced herself and continued forward. This time, she was in front, while Vaeri followed her as a subordinate.

The gates were opened like always as she made her way forward. But before she could reach them, a silhouette emerged and hugged her tightly.

"Master, you are finally back! Please, don't leave me like that anymore!" Anna's tears flowed like a river once she hugged her master. The days in the castle without Erin felt like torture to her.

Erin struggled in that hug. Her face was burrowed in Anna's chest. That feeling wasn't good at all, as she felt like suffocating. She was just about to separate herself from Anna when she heard her words and stopped. It would be better if she allowed Anna to let her feelings out for now. Still, she moved her face away from Anna's chest, so that she could breathe.

Vaeri watched from the side, a bit overwhelmed. Though she had to say that her master was an easy-going person. She too opened to Erin in the past two weeks. Now she wasn't so formal around her anymore. She could understand Anna's feelings to some extent.

A few minutes passed until Anna stopped crying. Erin sighed in relief and looked at Vaeri.

"Anna, you should arrange a room for Vaeri, she is now part of our family." She said. Anna cast a glance at Vaeri and nodded, but was still hugging Erin.

"Master, I have to report my findings to the Lord." Vaeri finally had the chance to speak. She had to finish her last mission, after all. When she finished it, she wouldn't be a spy anymore, but Erin's follower.

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"Anna, go send Vaeri to Richard and arrange her room afterward," Erin suggested, trying to escape from that hug.

"Seth! You heard master, go and help our new sister with her tasks!" Anna only tightened her hug, calling for Seth. He showed himself, only a few meters from them. Vaeri was shocked, as she wasn't able to sense his presence at all until now.

"This way." Seth gestured for her to follow and turned around, leaving at a brisk pace. Vaeri was standing still, not moving. Only when Seth took a few dozen steps forward did she snap out of her shock and followed after him.

"Anna, could you please stop hugging me? I can't go back to my room like that." Erin asked helplessly.

"If you promise to not leave me behind anymore!" Anna said in a pleading voice. Erin sighed. It looked like Anna was too attached to her.

"Fine, I will take you with me the next time." She finally agreed, making Anna grin and release her.

Erin finally entered the castle after being away from it for close to two months. For her, it was like returning home after a long trip.