On his way back, Annan glanced from a distance at the "Demon Rat" outside the harbor. The cargo on her back was piled as high as a mountain, and she looked no different from any ordinary person working for a living. It was a sobering sight.
When he returned to the garden, Evelyn was fast asleep.
He crouched beside the lounge chair and studied her peaceful sleeping face.
He hadn't noticed it until Mr. Fast mentioned it, but the longer he looked at Evelyn, the prettier she seemed...
Then again, Annan had chosen her as his leading lady. Evelyn was only considered "pretty" in comparison with Eldest Sister, the Elf Mentor, and the others.
It was quiet beneath the tree, with dandelion seeds drifting on the breeze. A mischievous thought struck Annan. He caught one and used it to tickle Evelyn.
Evelyn wrinkled her nose but didn't wake. Annan whispered, "Time to finish your draft..."
"Mmm. Second drawer on the left. There are finished drafts inside. Use one in a pinch..." Evelyn woke as she spoke, opened her eyes, and found a pair of dark eyes inches from hers.
"How did you sleep?"
"The leering eyes in my dreams were gone."
Evelyn raised a finger and poked Annan.
"But now there's a pair in real life."
The difference was obvious. Evelyn had rested well this time.
They still didn't know who was watching Evelyn, but the Otherworld Tree really did help against this kind of Mental Spell.
"Until we find a solution, rest beneath the Otherworld Tree."
Mr. Fast had told him not to tell Evelyn, but the trouble she faced still had to be dealt with. Annan intended to handle it himself.
He had a responsibility to protect his friends from harm.
"Then I'll be counting on you at