Chapter-10

Sitting on the surface, Auden had lost track of time. How much time has passed? She thought. While Auden was getting lost in her thoughts, out of the darkness emerged a male kitsune, who extended his hand to Auden in a gesture of assistance. Though initially bewildered by this sudden apparition, Auden accepts the offered aid. However, she doesn't extend her hand.

Auden felt his pair of eyes on her as she lay on the cold ground, clutching her bleeding arm. She looked up and saw the kitsune looming over her, his face an embodiment of concern and pity.

He reached for her arm with a gentle touch and spoke in a low, soothing voice that echoed in the dark pit. "Your Majesty, this might hurt." He didn't wait for her reply. He grabbed her arm firmly and twisted it in the opposite direction with a swift motion, forcing a sharp cry of pain from her lips.. The kitsune stepped back as Auden screamed in agony.

"Wha-what did you do?" Auden asks the kitsune as she still rasps for breath.

Auden was right now vulnerable, she knew she couldn't defend herself if the kitsune decided to attack her. She looked the kitsune right into his eyes and couldn't find a trace of emotions. For the first time in a while, Auden met someone who resembled her.

Bowing humbly he addresses Auden in a tone of deference: "Your Majesty, I have been awaiting your arrival. Please allow me to help you."

Auden knew well that the opinion of rejecting kitsune wasn't there. The Kitsune gently led her through the darkness, avoiding the debris and the cracks in the ground. Auden saw a faint light ahead, growing brighter as they approached. A gate materialises in front of her. Auden wished to open the door but her body didn't heed to her wishes. The kitsune reached the gate and pushed it open with his free hand. Auden felt a rush of air as they crossed the threshold. She blinked as she saw a new scene before her eyes. She finds herself at a grand entrance of a Carpe Diem.

"I am afraid my sister put you in quite a difficult situation." The Kitsune said as he looked at Auden.

Auden finally looks at the kistune. His hair is dark and vibrant even in low visibility.

"What shall I call you?" Auden asked, her voice still breaking.

"You can call me Azard. For the next time we meet, I hope you'll be in sound health." With that Azard disappeared in sheer darkness and all Auden was left with was a club behind her.

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The entrance to the establishment had been resplendent in hues of silver and blue, and upon her arrival, Auden had been promptly greeted by a bodyguard who had requested her to show her face. Auden hesitated yet reluctantly removed her hood.

Recognizing the esteemed personality in front of them, In a show of obeisance and deference, the guards had bowed before Auden and granted her permission to enter, addressing her as "Your Highness."

As Auden had proceeded inside the club, she had been greeted by a sign bearing the Latin phrase "Carpe Diem" - an invitation to seize the day and enjoy the pleasures that awaited her within. The grandeur and sophistication of the establishment had been evident from the outset, and Auden had been impressed by the opulence and splendour of her surroundings. But this impressive sight hadn't lasted long.

Auden felt her body breaking into pieces again. Misery loves company, for a moment Auden thought to ask for help yet she was paused by her suspicions. Hopelessly, Auden had tried to find a place to sit.

She had been greeted by a striking sight: werewolves serving as bartenders, waiters, chasers, and organizers throughout the establishment, evoking a sense of awe and intrigue within her. The walls of the club had been composed entirely of glass, offering a magnificent view of the boundless sea beyond, replete with all manner of aquatic life swimming gracefully in its depths. The club itself, situated within the very waters of the sea, had been a testament to its grandeur and opulence, a jewel amidst the vast expanse of the ocean.

As Auden had taken in her surroundings, she hadn't been able to help but be captivated by the sight of the marine life swimming by just beyond the glass, a wondrous display of nature's beauty that only served to heighten the majesty of the club's surroundings. The elegance and sophistication of the establishment had been evident at every turn, a testament to the exquisite taste and refinement of its patrons and proprietors alike.

Auden tried to maintain her composure although she couldn't. She felt cold sweat through her body, not wanting to draw suspicion from anyone, as she moved to a seat beside the bartender. She ordered a drink and began observing her surroundings. Suddenly, a timid voice had spoken from behind her

"Fascinating, right?"

When Auden had looked back, she had been mesmerized by the appearance of an elf, height not more than 5 feet, dressed in a long green shirt that covered the elf's knees and boots. Although the shirt seemed loose, there had been something acting as a belt - leaves that looked like it. The elf, without any introduction, had taken a seat beside Auden.

"It's Eaulita, the realm of water. This place is tranquil, yet it can turn into chaos in no time," the elf girl said with a huge smile on her face.

Auden wondered for a moment how this club was situated in another kingdom but remained quiet.

After some time, Auden finally spoke as she stared into the elf's green eyes. "And you are?" Auden asked as she tried to hide her injuries.

"Oh no! I'm sorry, I forgot you didn't remember me yet," the elf said.

"Mhm Mhm!" She cleared her throat.

"I am Erie, the elf crown princess! If you ask me about our relationship, we were good associates."

"Were?" Auden inquired.

Before Auden could answer, Erie noticed Auden's arm bleeding through her clothes. Auden recklessly tried to move away but was stopped by Erie.

"Oh heavens!" Erie grasped.

Erie held Auden back.

"I- I can treat you," said Erie.

Auden had looked at Erie with suspicions. She didn't want to have assistance from a stranger, yet she didn't have other options.

"Make it quick," Auden had cleared her throat.

Without any delay, Erie had taken Auden's hand and closed her eyes.

"O caeli, O arbores, audite preces meas. Iuvate, quaeso, hanc puellam." Erie sang a melody Auden haven't heard yet.

Without any warning, Auden felt a surge of energy inside her. She closed her eyes as she could feel something running through her veins that healed all her wounds.

"It's done," Erie said as she stopped singing.

Auden opened her eyes as she stared at Erie with suspicion. She checked her arm and noticed that it no longer bled. She could feel a little pain as she tried moving her arm, but her body wasn't as weak as before. All that remained were her clothes covered with mud and blood, and her forehead still bleeding.

Surprised by what lay ahead of her, Auden couldn't help but see the miracle in front of her.