LYDIA'S POV

　　A flood of memories came rushing back—vague images of a kind farmer and his wife, the warmth of their home, the safety I felt there. "That was you?" I said, my voice trembling with emotion.

　　Dean nodded, his eyes reflecting a mixture of guilt and resolve. "I couldn't live with the blood of an innocent child on my hands. And now, I can't let Oleg destroy you, especially when I know that you mean no harm to the kingdom, you are truly your father's daughter."

　　"Why do you care so much? I know there must be a reason you are doing it," I asked, still confused by his unexpected compassion.

　　Dean hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Because someone once saved me, too. Rufus Carpenter, your father. He found me in the forests, I was a young rogue pup trying to save myself from the wild rogues. King Rufus caught me and took me in, gave me a chance when no one else would. I owe him everything. And when I saw you, I knew I couldn't let Oleg take another innocent life especially when your father was the one who saved me, I am who I am today, because of your father. In fact, I am breathing because of him. I have been working undercover for your father for years now. Your father needed a proper reason to kick Oleg out of this kingdom for good but Oleg is good at covering his tracks, it took me years to gather evidence against him."

　　"My father..." I murmured, the name stirring a distant memory. My father was indeed a figure of hope for so many.

　　Dean's expression softened, just for a moment. "Let's just say not all of us have forgotten what it means to be human," he said quietly. "Now go, before Oleg realizes what's happening. I don't have much time."

　　Grateful for his assistance, I nodded, trying to rise to my feet. My body screamed in protest, but I forced myself up, leaning on Dean for support. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.

　　"Don't thank me yet," Dean replied, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Just make sure you get to that cabin. Stay safe, Lydia. But before that, I want to tell you something."

　　"What?" I questioned, curiosity and apprehension warring within me.

　　"Like I said, I have been working undercover because your father had his doubts about Oleg. After losing you, he knew it was an inside job, so he stopped trusting everyone, including the queen. He was never the same. He asked a few of his men to keep an eye on certain people. It was a secret operation, and that's how I ended up with Oleg. For years, I have been following him, and I know where he keeps all the evidence you might need to expose him if…you want to expose him."

　　"What do you mean by if…?" I questioned again, feeling a spark of determination despite my fatigue.

　　"It's just that you almost lost your life trying to achieve what truly belongs to you, and if you decide to go back to a normal life, I won't blame you. But if you want to expose him and bring back justice to this kingdom, then you'll need that evidence."

　　"Where is that evidence?" I asked, without a doubt. There was no way I would sit idly. I would do what my father would if he were here. I would bring back justice to this kingdom. I wouldn't let Oleg win.

　　Dean looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and sadness. "Oleg keeps it hidden."

　　"Where? I know it must be somewhere normal people can't reach him."

　　"That's right. It is somewhere no one could have ever imagined, deep in the woods, about a day's journey from here. The location is known only to a few of his most trusted men, but I've been there. I can draw you a map."

　　I nodded, determination hardening my resolve. "Draw the map. I won't let my father's sacrifices be in vain. I will bring Oleg to justice."

　　Dean quickly drew a rough map on a piece of parchment he pulled from his pocket, handing it to me with a grave expression. "Be careful, Lydia. Trust no one. And may your father's spirit guide you."

　　With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me in the clearing. For a moment, I could only stand there, stunned by the unexpected turn of events. Then, gathering what little strength I had left, I stumbled toward the path Dean had indicated. The forest was still and silent, but I felt a glimmer of hope for the first time in what felt like an eternity.

　　I took the map, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. I turned and began my journey towards the hunting cabin, each step carrying me closer to justice, to reclaiming my strength, and to honour my father's legacy.