CHAPTER THIRTY

With that, Chief Cody reluctantly conceded, knowing that pressing further would only strain their relationship. He bid his son farewell and exited the room, leaving Chris to contemplate his own feelings and why his father had just come up with such a ridiculous idea.

As Chief Cody returned to his room, his mind was hardened with judgment. He vowed to find Nina and put an end to her once and for all, he was convinced that her presence posed a threat to his son's future and the stability of their pack. They don't need her anymore.

"I won't let her interfere any longer, she has to die and let my son be free." Chief Cody muttered to himself, his voice was filled up with hatred and malice as he plotted his next move. He would do anything possible to kill Nina.

“Nina, or whatever you call yourself, I don't know where you are, but I will find you and you will die in my hands. That's a promise.”

Making peace

In Yoma Clan……

Nina on her way back from her usual herb collection met with Han. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she sensed Han's hostile gaze burning into her back. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, and mustered the courage to approach him. This time she needed to be more polite and careful with her words maybe, just maybe he would talk to her this time.

"Hey, Han," she greeted him cautiously, sounding tense and anxious. As if she was scared to talk to him. "How are you doing? I noticed how you were staring at me and I came to know if all was well."

Han's expression remained cold and sterile as he glared at her, but Nina pressed on, even though she was scared but she was determined to know the truth at least it would give her some sort of peace.

"Please, Han. Don't be offended, I wanted to talk to you about something, I promise it's a harmless question," she continued, her tone gentle yet firm. "I can't shudder this feeling that there's some sort of misconception between us. Have I done something to upset you? If so, I'd like to know so we can clear the air, it bothers me a lot that he hates me so much."

Han’s steely gaze bore into her. But Nina waited anxiously for his response, her heart was pounding with suspense. She hoped that by reaching out to him, he would open up to her so they could resolve whatever issue existed between them and find a way to coexist peacefully in the village.

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As Han's attitude loosened up slightly, Nina couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief, though she remained cautious. From her observation, She could sense that Han's newfound character was merely an act, making her wonder what Han was up to and what he wanted from her. So, she braced herself for whatever questions he might throw her way.

"Tell me, Nina," Han began, his voice still filled with anger despite his attempt to act friendly, "what brings you to the Yoma clan? It's unusual for someone from a distant land to journey all this way alone. Tell me, why are you here?."

Nina's mind sprinted as she tried to decode Han's intentions. Why was he suddenly so interested in her background? She could feel that he had ulterior motives for asking such questions. It was clearly unusual and she couldn't fall for such a trap. She’s not that dumb.

"I... I came to visit my grandmother," Nina replied hesitantly, choosing her words carefully. "I felt alone and helpless after the death of my husband. And I was pregnant, it was a perfect opportunity to see Nana Sam again as it had been a long since I saw her. She's the closest family I have and I decided to come stay with her. It hadn't been easy but she had been so helpful, making me forget all about my past and also helping me be stronger for the future." She lied. It wasn't in her nature to lie but she couldn't let Han have the information he was looking for.

Han's eyes narrowed slightly at her response, and Nina's heart sank. She could tell that he wasn't buying her story, and she struggled to maintain her composure under his monitoring gaze.

"Your story seems plausible enough," Han remarked, though there was a hint of skepticism in his voice. "But I can't help but wonder if there's more to it than you're letting on. What really brings you to our village, Nina? And why are you so interested in the Yoma clan?"

Nina's pulse quickened as she searched for a convincing explanation. She knew that revealing the truth about her true identity and her connection to Chris could put her in danger, especially if Han was working against her. She had told him and yet he was still asking.

"I assure you, Han, there's nothing more to it," Nina insisted, her voice steady despite her inner disruption. "I'm simply here to spend time with my grandmother and find peace in the calmness of your village. I mean no harm to anyone."

Han regarded her skeptically for a moment longer before finally nodding, though the distrust still remained in his eyes. Nina breathed a sigh of relief and was grateful that she had managed to convince him not to be suspicious for the time being.

"Very well, Nina," Han said finally, his tone begrudgingly accepting. "But remember, I'll be keeping an eye on you. If I sense any trouble, I will throw you out immediately, and you won't even get a chance."

With that, Han turned and walked away, leaving Nina to mull over her encounter with Han. She couldn't stop feeling that Han knew more than he was letting on, and had his own plan. All she has to do is to be very careful and avoid Han in the best way possible.