Chapter 806

　　Derek dared not move, savoring the tender moment. 　　Soon, the child's hand retreated, and the sound of little footsteps headed toward Tabitha. 　　"Hungry?" Tabitha's voice was soft and gentle. "Alright, get the ingredients, and I'll make you candied hawthorn." 　　The bells jingled merrily as Hedwig ran off. 　　Suddenly, Derek sensed something near him—not human, but the sniff of an animal. 　　His heart raced. Was it a wild beast? 　　"Don't be afraid," Tabitha said. "It's just a fawn." 　　"Are there deer here?" 　　"Of course. The mountain spring attracts many animals." 　　"Any predators?" 　　Tabitha's mind flickered with a memory. "There used to be, but not anymore." 　　Ever since the leopard that had once protected her died, all the predators had fled into the deep mountains, never to return. 　　Derek, unaware of this, simply marveled at the magic of the moment—animals seemed to sense Tabitha's aura. Even the timid fawn nuzzled his fingers. 　　The sound of bells drew near again. Tabitha had alre