Gina's POV
I woke up that morning with a strange sense of foreboding that I couldn't shake off. There was just this uncomfortable feeling I had that I really needed to get rid off.
It was still quite early, the sun had not even filtered its way through the curtains. I stood up from my bed and walked towards the window, shifting the curtains aside. It was relatively dark outside but I could tell Dawn was already breaking.
I went into the twin's room, going in silently so as not to rouse them from their sleep and patted their heads. After a while, I left there still feeling uneasy.
I decided to take a shower and after doing that I made breakfast and kept it in the larder so that by the time they woke up for breakfast, they would have something to eat and Aunt Halle would not have to stress herself. I had also made breakfast as a form of therapy to shake off the unease but it did not go away.
Despite the unease, I decided to visit the racetrack again, seeking comfort in the familiar routine. The walk was refreshing but at the same time unsettling. For some reason, I kept glancing backwards because I felt as though someone was following me.
I got to the racetracks quite early, David was just arriving as well on a horse. He had some workers on a horse behind him as well.
"Sunflower!" He exclaimed with a pleasant smile. "How nice to see you. Although I am concerned by how early you are."
"There is nothing to worry about David," I smiled. "I just woke up too early and after doing everything I have to do, it was still too early."
"Trouble sleeping?"
"I did sleep well, or at least I feel as though I did," I said, but my yawning betrayed me.
"You definitely did sleep well," he smirked. "How are the twins?" He said as he slowed his horse to a trot so they moved at the same place as they walked towards the stables.
"They are doing really well," I smiled at him.
"That is wonderful news." He swung off his horse and patted the back. "Would you be taking Bella out today? I do not have a clue what you did the other day but she has refused to let anyone ride her since then."
"I must say I do leave an impact," I grinned. "No one settles for less once they have had a taste of me."
David joined me in grinning. "Well, you do leave an impact. Do me a favour and take her out."
"Of course," I smiled. "I shall saddle her up for you."
"Oh, may the heavens bless you!" He sighed. "I was worried for a little bit I would have to worry about that."
He handed me the saddle and reins and once I got that all fixed up, I patted her nuzzle and she rubbed her nose against me. Then we pranced round the field about four times, the wind whipping through my hair.
After the fourth time we circled the field, I slowed her down to a trot and walked to where David stood taming the horse that looked like Tristan.
"Bella really needed that run," he smiled. "You two suit each other."
"I needed her too."
I approached the horse that looked exactly like Tristan, I reached out to pat his sleek, black coat, but a familiar voice behind me made me freeze.
"Gina," the voice called, firm and steady.
I turned around, my heart racing, and found myself face-to-face with Lord Edvin. His presence here was both surprising and unsettling. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?" I asked, my voice trembling.
Edvin’s eyes softened, but his expression remained serious. "I've never lost track of you and the twins."
My jaw dropped. "You know about the twins?"
"Yes," he replied, with a smirk. "You must know why I am here. Dagen's throne is being threatened. The twins must return as the rightful heirs."
"No," I said firmly, shaking my head. "My children are too young. I won’t let Nydia maltreat them."
"You need not worry about Nydia and I will make certain that Dagen does them no harm," Edvin assured me.
I crossed my arms, staring him down. "If Dagen wants the children, he will have to make an oath to keep us safe."
Edvin nodded. "I am aware that your life and the children's lives are in grave danger."
"Come back tomorrow," I told him, but he shook his head.
"I will walk you home," he insisted.
We walked in silence for a while, the tension between us palpable. "Is that horse really Tristan?" I asked, trying to distract myself from my anxiety.
"Yes," Edvin responded. "I had him stolen shortly after you left the Dark Moon pack."
When we reached my aunt's house, Edvin stayed outside while I went in. As soon as I stepped inside, my heart sank. The whole place was scattered, and then I saw her—Aunt Halle sprawled on the floor, bleeding profusely.
"Aunt Halle!" I screamed, rushing to her side. "No, no, no! Please, stay with me!"
She looked at me, struggling to speak. "Find them," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Tears streamed down my face as I realized what she meant. The twins were missing. I searched the whole house frantically, calling their names, but there was no sign of them. Desperation clawed at my chest as I rushed outside.
"Edvin!" I cried, my fingers shaking uncontrollably. "Did you take my twins?"
His eyes widened in shock. "No, Gina. I would never do that."
We ran back into the house together, tearing through every room, looking for any clue. Edvin suddenly stopped and picked up a crumpled note from the floor. He read it, his face turning pale.
"What does it say?" I demanded, my voice breaking.
He handed me the note, his eyes filled with fear for the first time. I read the words, my heart sinking further into despair.
You can search for them in the depths of hell.