“Mother, it hurts… please save me.”
“Mother… I want my mother…”
“Aah!”
Catherine Mansfield jerked awake from the nightmare, clutching her aching chest and gasping for air.
This dream had haunted her since her previous life began—a tender little girl writhing in flames of Samadhi Fire, her voice shrill with pain. Every time she saw that face, her heart felt like it was being torn apart.
But who was that child? Why did she call her mother? Catherine had never seen her before, yet the girl felt painfully familiar.
“Master, danger approaching. Prepare to engage,” came the voice of her system from within her consciousness.
Catherine sat up, eyes scanning beyond the thick canopy. She spotted a black rhino stampeding through the woods, an elite squad following close behind.
“They’re here.” A flicker of excitement ignited in her gaze as a confident smile curved her lips.
She leapt silently from the branch—over twenty meters high—and landed with ease. With a twist of her wrist, she summoned a basket full of herbs. Settling down, she leaned back against the tree and closed her eyes as if nothing was happening.
Soon enough, the black rhino came into view. The dense trees slowed it down significantly. Behind it, a black-armored man drew his bow, ready to shoot.
Whoosh!
The arrow missed the beast and instead flew straight at Catherine’s face.
“Aah!”
She rolled aside just in time. The arrow embedded deep into the tree behind her. Her face drained of color in fear.
The unexpected scream drew the attention of everyone ahead.
Archie Mansfield squinted at the figure half-hidden by branches. He couldn’t see her clearly. “How did a woman end up in the hunting grounds?”
Victor King stepped up with a frown and bowed. “It’s my fault, General. I’ll send someone to escort her out.”
That made no sense. They’d scouted the area multiple times and warned nearby villagers to stay away. Why was someone still here?
With the black rhino just meters away, Archie gave a hearty laugh and rode forward. “If we take down this beast, the title of today’s hunting king belongs to the General’s Manor! Victor, circle it from the front with your men.”
Triggered by the chaos and threats from behind, the rhino began to charge madly.
Catherine had just stood up with her herb basket when the furious beast charged straight at her, snorting aggressively.
“No!” she cried out, dropping her basket.
From afar, Archie caught a glimpse of the petite girl. His sharp gaze froze in shock. In that moment, it felt like time rewound itself to fifteen years ago.
The rhino barreled forward, on the verge of tossing her like a rag doll.
Snapping back to the present, Archie launched into the air. With a swift movement, he summoned his energy and slammed it into the beast, bringing it crashing to the ground.
Immediately, his attention turned to Catherine. Catching her as she collapsed, he held her tightly and whispered, “Helena…”
“General, what happened? Who’s—”
Victor rushed over with his men, stunned into silence at the sight of the unconscious girl in Archie’s arms.
At General's Manor, the carved wooden bed was surrounded by concerned family members. Their gazes mixed with doubt, ridicule, and curiosity.
As Catherine blinked her eyes open, her gaze was met with a room full of strangers. Confused, she asked, “Who are you people? Where am I?”
Sitting by her side, Archie trembled slightly as he gripped her hand. “Child, you’re finally awake. I need to ask you something, and you must answer honestly.”
She paused, then nodded. “Go ahead.”
