Under the Heiress' Facade novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1

It was late August in the deep mountains where Jadonia and Valdenland met. A young woman in a snug dress and an older lady stood before a nameless grave.

The young woman, Hera Youngworth, was born into the Everett family of Norburgh. However, she was given to the wrong family due to a mistake at the hospital 17 years ago.

Just a week ago, the Everetts located her. Today, they were here to bring her back to the city.

Catherine Youngworth shifted her gaze from the tombstone to Hera. “Let’s start heading downhill. The Everetts will arrive shortly. Once you’re back in the city, you’ll be recognized as an Everett. It’s time to leave the past behind.”

“Okay, Grandma. You go ahead. I’d like to stay a little longer,” Hera replied.

Catherine took one last glance at the tombstone, let out a sigh, and said, “Don’t keep them waiting.”

Hera stood alone, silently gazing at the nameless tombstone.

Suddenly, she heard rustling in the woods behind her and glanced up. Something was stirring among the trees and approaching her.

Turning around cautiously, she caught the glint of sunlight on her long eyelashes. A figure dressed in dark camouflage dashed out from the woods, stirring a heavy scent of blood into the air.

The tall man had camouflage paint on his face, making it hard for Hera to see his features. Yet, she spotted a flag on his right arm.

Meanwhile, Hera could still hear rustling sounds from the woods behind him.

Bernard Killian hadn’t expected to run into anyone in these desolate mountains. With a growl, he cautioned, “It’s dangerous here. You should go!”

Drained of energy, he stumbled and collapsed before Hera. He lay motionless, his blood staining the grass beneath him.

Hera frowned. The smell of blood was overpowering, leading her to believe that Bernard had likely lost consciousness due to excessive bleeding. He might not survive if she didn’t act fast to stop the bleeding.

Suddenly, two men dressed in light camouflage suits emerged from the woods.

The first man, Edwin Elrod, who had curly hair, spoke in Terranish, “There’s a woman over here!”

The second man, Albert Barlowe, had a crew cut and thick lips. He glanced at Hera and said, “Let’s take her with us.”

It seemed that Albert hadn’t seen a woman in a while. His gaze turned lustful as soon as he laid eyes on Hera.

Hera’s heart pounded. She had lived in this borderland for 11 years and was aware of its dangers, but this situation was new.

Despite her anxiety, she silently thanked her lucky stars that Catherine had gone down the mountain before her.

Hera calmly looked at the weapons they were holding, then spoke in standard Terranish, “Please don’t harm me. I’m just a villager.”

Albert stepped forward, using the barrel of his gun to lift Hera’s chin. Her face was beautiful and soft. He imagined that touching her would be pleasant.

He licked his lips and grinned. “Miss, you speak Terranish quite well. Come with us. I’ll take you everywhere and we’ll live a good life.”