Chapter 275 The Content Of The Letter

Chapter 275 The Content Of The Letter

Ella's POV

I tried to keep my expression as natural as possible.

"Owen, I slept really well."

"That's good," he said, nodding. His gaze shifted to Mason behind me, giving a slight nod in greeting.

It was polite but distant, like a host acknowledging a guest.

I could sense Mason's calm response. His demeanor was perfectly controlled, showing no hint of hostility or wariness, just an Alpha accompanying his partner.

"Owen," I began, "I've been here for a few days now, staying within the estate. I'd like to go out for a walk. The forest to the east is beautiful, and I'd like to see it."

Owen's face showed no surprise, just a look of approval.

"Of course." He stood up, his gaze moving between Mason and me before finally settling on Mason with a scrutinizing look.

I held my breath, nervous that he might sense something was off.

The few seconds of silence felt like an eternity.

Finally, Owen nodded. "The forest isn't as safe as the estate. For your safety, I'll have two guards follow you at a distance."

"Thank you, Owen." I breathed a sigh of relief. This was exactly what Mason had anticipated.

"Have fun," Owen said, his tone that of a concerned brother looking out for his sister.

Was Owen a perfect actor or an innocent victim? I didn't know, and that uncertainty was more terrifying than any known danger.

Mason and I left the estate, with two guards trailing us at a respectful distance.

We walked along the gravel path towards the eastern forest. Along the way, we encountered several clan members who greeted me warmly, their faces beaming with genuine smiles.

"Luna Ella, you're back!"

"Welcome home, Ms. Carter!"

Their kindness felt so real, making my heart waver once again.

These people seemed so simple and good-hearted. Could they be part of a conspiracy? Or were they, like Owen, deceived by a web of lies?

My steps slowed, and my mood grew heavier.

"Don't overthink it," Mason whispered beside me, naturally taking my hand in his warm grasp. "No matter the truth, these ordinary clan members are innocent."

His words were like a beam of light, clearing my chaotic thoughts.

Yes, no matter how dirty the power struggles above were, these ordinary people just wanted to live peacefully. They shouldn't be dragged into this turmoil.

This strengthened my resolve to uncover the truth. I couldn't let the schemers' ambitions destroy so many people's homes.

We soon entered the eastern forest.

The two guards were still about three hundred feet behind us, their presence steady and experienced.

"Now," Mason suddenly whispered in my ear.

Before I could react, he had his arm around my waist, guiding me down a steep slope. We moved so quickly that in the blink of an eye, we were hidden behind dense bushes.

I could hear the guards' startled shouts and hurried footsteps behind us.

But Mason didn't pause. He led me silently through the complex terrain.

Every move Mason made was precise and efficient, perfectly utilizing every shadow and obstacle.

Held in his arms, I felt the wind rushing past my ears and the scenery blurring as we sped through the forest.

In just a minute or two, the sounds behind us faded completely.

We stopped behind a concealed rock. I leaned against the stone, catching my breath, but more than anything, I felt exhilarated. It was like an exciting adventure.

"They won't find us," Mason said, his voice as steady as ever, as if the recent sprint had been just a warm-up for him.

He scanned our surroundings cautiously, ensuring our safety before turning his gaze back to me. "We need to hurry and find that tree before they report back."

I nodded, regulating my breathing and following his lead.

We moved even more carefully now. The deeper we went into the forest, the quieter it became. After about ten more minutes, Mason stopped.

"We're here."

Following his gaze, I saw a massive, awe-inspiring oak tree.

It was incredibly old, its thick trunk requiring seven or eight people to encircle it. Its gnarled roots sprawled across the ground, covered in moss.

Its lush branches stretched towards the sky, casting a shadow over the entire area.

An ancient and sacred aura emanated from it, inspiring a sense of reverence. This was the Prophet's Oak.

About six feet up the trunk, there was a large, dark hollow, its irregular opening shaped by time and the elements.

My heart began to race. The letter that could determine so many fates was inside.

Mason didn't approach immediately. He closed his eyes, standing still like a silent statue, his powerful presence spreading out like an invisible net. Even I could feel the subtle pressure of his Alpha aura.

After a moment, he opened his eyes and shook his head at me.

"No one's nearby."

I finally exhaled in relief.

He walked to the tree, looking up at the hollow.

Though tall, he still had to stretch to reach it.

He took a few steps back, crouched slightly, and then leaped up with incredible agility.

His movements were astonishingly light, his toes barely touching the rough bark as he grabbed the edge of the hollow.

I watched anxiously as he reached into the dark hollow, my palms sweating.

Finally, Mason's hand emerged, holding a small, oilcloth-wrapped package.

He landed softly, making no unnecessary noise. He approached me and handed me the package.

My fingers trembled slightly as I carefully untied the string and unwrapped the oilcloth.

Inside was a neatly folded letter. The envelope was plain parchment,  writing on it, only a wax seal imprint.

I looked at Mason, who nodded, indicating I should open it.

With a sense of reverence, I unfolded the letter.

The paper contained only a few hurried, scrawled words:

"The time has come. On the night of the full moon, the witch returns, the bloodline awakens, the master arrives."