Chapter 25 - Second Trial: Greed

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the dry desert wind brush across her face, feeling the cool caress of the breeze against her cheeks.

She could almost see the weight of her own thoughts, as if her mind was painting vivid pictures in the space behind her eyelids. "The worst monsters are those that hide behind the mask of humanity," she thought, letting the phrase echo in her mind.

It wasn't just a simple saying but a deep truth she was starting to grasp. The people who had betrayed her, who had caused the fall of her kingdom, had likely believed they were acting for a good cause.

They might have thought they were fighting for justice, for a better future. But in reality, their actions had been driven by greed, jealousy, and a thirst for power.

"Are humans then also monsters?" Ravenna wondered to herself, her thoughts racing like a stream finding its course.

She realized that if being a monster meant being savage, ruthless, and destructive for personal gain, then perhaps the true monsters were not the creatures she had been taught to fear.

In her heart, she began to understand that monsters weren't just defined by their actions or appearances but by their intentions and their choices.

Her own kingdom's downfall was not the work of mythical beasts but of people who wore the guise of righteousness while acting out of self-interest and malice.

She thought of how humans had used the term "monster" to describe anything they didn't understand or feared.

The concept of a monster was not about who they were but what they did and why they did it. It was more about perception than reality, more about labels than truths.

Ravenna stood still, her mind racing with thoughts and memories. She couldn't piece together the exact moment or the exact reason for her kingdom's downfall.

The identity of the true culprit escaped her, buried deep in the shadows of the past.

The Lunar Kingdom had been the most powerful Kingdom, ruling over all the surrounding territories from the shadows.

The first queen had been a figure of such immense power and respect that no one had dared to challenge the kingdom during her rule.

The mere mention of the Lunar Kingdom sent shivers down the spines of those who might have considered rebellion.

After her death, the Lunar Kingdom remained strong, feared, and respected by all. It was inconceivable that anyone could bring it down, much less to the point where it crumbled like a sandcastle under a wave. This led Ravenna to a painful realization.

The downfall of her kingdom was not the result of a sudden attack but a carefully and meticulously planned scheme.

Someone had crafted a plan, woven over time, to bring down the kingdom from within. To destroy a fortress with walls of iron, you couldn't strike from the outside. The only way was to undermine it from the inside.

Ravenna's heart sank as she understood that the true monsters had been within her castle walls, not outside.

They could have been anyone - her father, the king, her brother, the prince, or even others she had trusted. Perhaps it was a conspiracy involving many, each playing a part in the grand scheme.

"But why? Why would insiders do this?" Ravenna asked herself aloud, her voice echoing in the still desert air. "What benefit would they gain by bringing their own kingdom down?"

Ravenna was lost in the maze of her thoughts, trying to comprehend the motives behind such a betrayal.

It didn't make sense. Why would anyone destroy their own home, their own source of power and security? What could drive someone to such lengths of treachery and deceit?

Lumina said to her as she understood Ravenna heart, "The scorpion kills its own with its sting." It suggested that sometimes, the greatest harm comes from within, from those who are supposed to protect and cherish.

"Sometime, the power of greed is more than the comfort of home, Ravenna," Lumina said, her voice soft but firm.

"When greed corrupts the mind, they forget what family and home mean," she continued. "The world can become dark, ruled by power and money, rather than the bonds of home or family."

"But I am very delighted and happy that you understand the meaning of my second trial," Lumina added, a warm glow surrounding her.

Ravenna realized that this second trial wasn't just about facing the Firehorns or testing her strength.

It was about understanding the deeper meanings behind words like "monster" and recognizing the real threats that lurked not in the wild, but within her own kingdom.

It was about seeing through the labels people use and understanding that true monsters can wear human faces. 

This trial was meant to challenge her to think critically about loyalty, betrayal, and the true nature of power.

It pushed her to reflect on her past, her family's legacy, and the importance of genuine connections over hollow ambitions.

With each realization, Ravenna felt herself growing stronger, more aware of the complexities of the world around her.

Lumina's light shone brighter, growing more intense with each passing moment. Ravenna had to shield her eyes with her hand, trying to protect herself from the blinding brilliance.

The light became so overwhelming that she could barely see anything at all.

Suddenly, the brightness faded, and Ravenna found herself in a new world.

This world was unlike anything she had ever seen. There was nothing but endless land beneath her feet and a sea of light all around.

The place felt both empty and full at the same time, a paradox of existence.

As Ravenna's eyes adjusted, she noticed Lumina standing before her, no longer just a floating light but in a human form.

Lumina's presence was calm and reassuring, her features soft and welcoming. She radiated a gentle glow that felt warm and comforting.