Chapter 157 CHAPTER 157
The motorcade slowed as it left the paved road behind and rolled onto a wide stretch of earth that looked like it had been shaped by time rather than machines. The hum of engines felt almost intrusive here, as if Red Valley itself was quietly tolerating their presence. Isabel pressed her face closer to the window, her breath fogging the glass as her eyes drank everything in.
There were gardens everywhere.
Not ornamental ones like those at the palace, trimmed and symmetrical, but living gardens. Rows of vegetables grew freely beside wooden homes. Wheat swayed gently in open fields. Fruit trees stood heavy with promise, their branches bending low as if offering themselves to anyone who passed. Children ran barefoot between houses, laughing, their voices carrying easily through the clean air.
“Wow,” Isabel breathed, barely aware she’d spoken out loud.
Celine leaned forward from her seat, just as transfixed forgetting that she had been pouting the whole ride there. “I told you,” she said, nudging Isabel lightly with her elbow. “Red Valley doesn’t just look alive. It feels alive.”
Isabel nodded. “Beautiful doesn’t even cover it. It’s like they let nature decide how things should be.”
Ahead, the village opened into a wide clearing. Wooden structures formed a natural circle, and at its center stood a large hall built from stone and timber, sturdy and welcoming. People had gathered already - men, women, elders, children - all standing together, waiting.
The vehicles came to a stop.
Guards exited first, their movements careful but respectful, as if even they understood that Red Valley wasn’t a place to dominate. Liam was already opening his door before anyone reached him. He moved quickly around the vehicle and held the door open for Lisa, offering her a smile that was soft and private.
“Ready?” he asked quietly.
Lisa stepped out, the sunlight catching in her hair. She looked around, eyes wide, taking it all in. “I think I’ve been ready for this place longer than I knew.”
Behind them, Isabel and Celine climbed out as well, both nearly forgetting their manners in their awe. Celine laughed softly when she realized she was staring.
“I told you,” she repeated, her voice full of pride, as if Red Valley belonged to her too.
Before anyone could say more, Alpha Reed stepped forward from the gathered crowd. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with silver threaded through his dark hair. His presence was calm but firm, the kind that didn’t need to demand attention to command it.
“Welcome to Red Valley,” he said, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty. Princess. Commander.”
Lisa stepped forward before Ethan could, her posture natural, unforced. “Thank you for welcoming us. This place is… incredible.”
A small stir moved through the crowd, and then a little girl broke free. She couldn’t have been more than seven. Her hair was braided unevenly, flowers tucked into it wherever she’d thought they fit. In her hands was a bouquet - wildflowers tied together with twine.
She stopped in front of Lisa, suddenly shy. “I made it myself,” she said, holding it out with both hands. “I heard the princess was coming for the first time.”
Lisa didn’t hesitate. She knelt so they were eye level and accepted the flowers with a smile that made the girl’s shoulders relax instantly. “These are the most beautiful flowers I’ve ever received,” Lisa said sincerely. “Thank you. I’ll treasure them.”
She hugged the girl gently, and the crowd seemed to soften all at once. Isabel watched the exchange with something warm swelling in her chest. Lisa didn’t look like royalty at that moment. She looked like she belonged here.
Liam noticed Isabel watching and smiled to himself.
“We prepared a meal for you,” Alpha Reed said once the greetings settled. “The whole village wanted to share it with you. But first…” His voice lowered slightly. “There are people who wished to see you.”
The crowd parted.
A woman stepped forward slowly, her steps unsteady. She looked like someone who had aged years in days, grief etched into every line of her face. A man walked beside her, his arm firm around her shoulders, anchoring her when her strength seemed ready to give out.
Ethan moved before anyone else could, realization dawning on him. He approached them with quiet respect, his voice gentle. “I am so sorry for your loss.”
The man nodded, his jaw tight. “Thank you for coming, Your Majesty.”
“I won’t pretend words can lessen this,” Ethan said. “But I promise you this - your son’s death will not be ignored. Justice will be found.”
The woman stared at him for a long moment, then nodded faintly.
“It means something,” the man said, “that you came yourself.”
Lisa stepped forward then, without ceremony. She wrapped her arms around the woman gently, offering no words at first. Just presence.
The woman broke.
A sob tore out of her, raw and painful, as she clutched Lisa’s shoulders. Lisa held her firmly, one hand rubbing slow circles into her back.
“It’s okay,” Lisa murmured. “You don’t have to hold it in here.”
Behind them, the man wiped his eyes and leaned closer to Ethan. “She hasn’t cried since the day we found him,” he whispered. “She hasn’t spoken much either. This… this helps.”
Ethan swallowed. “My sister has that effect on people,” he said quietly. “Just like our mother.”
Isabel watched, her throat tight. She had seen Lisa comfort people before, but this was different. This was a mother’s pain. And Lisa met it without fear.
Eventually, the woman pulled back, embarrassed. “I’m sorry,” she said, wiping her tears. “I ruined your clothes.”
Lisa shook her head immediately. “You didn’t ruin anything. You needed that. I’m glad I was here.”
The woman hesitated, then gave a small, fragile smile. “This was meant to be a celebration,” she said softly. “My husband said… said maybe if we celebrated with the village, it would help me remember how to breathe again. I’m sorry I ruined the mood for everyone.”
Lisa squeezed her hand. “You didn’t ruin anything,” she said gently. Then, with a small smile, she added, “Besides, my friend Isabel has been staring at the kitchens since we arrived. I think she’s ready to taste everything Red Valley has to offer.”
Isabel blinked. “I… what?” Then she laughed, the tension easing. “She’s not wrong.”
Laughter rippled softly through the crowd, even the woman smiling through her tears.
“Come,” Alpha Reed said warmly. “Let us eat together.”
Long wooden tables had been set beneath open skies. Food was passed freely, laughter growing as plates filled and emptied. Isabel tried everything, eyes lighting up with each bite.
Celine watched her with amusement. “You’re never leaving, are you?”
Isabel grinned. “I’d live here if they let me.”
As the sun dipped lower, Lisa stood quietly beside Liam, watching the village come alive around them.
“This place is special,” she said.
Liam nodded. “It reminds people what we’re protecting.”
Lisa leaned into him, the flowers still clutched in her hand, and for the first time in days, the world felt steady.
Red Valley breathed around them - alive, whole, and waiting.