Chapter Two.

The crescent moon lit up the compound. Its elusive glow touched every blade of grass with its light. Stars twinkled in the night sky and the gentle breeze whispered through the branches of the trees.

Inside the cottage, Neith sat on her armchair, staring at the ceiling. The curtains danced with the gentle breeze that came in through the windows. While the atmosphere outside was serene, the interior was anything but. Sira, sitting on the sofa, stared at the flickering candle flame lost in thoughts.

This story... Why did it have such a grip on her? Sira had heard it a billion times. Still, It felt like she was missing something important. She knew it wasn't just some old tale, it actually happened. But there was this nagging feeling that something was missing.

"Our world, Elamenta, is divided into four regions, each representing an elemental power: Cillicia, the water region. Sirion, fire. Tirion, earth. And Luton, air." Neith began.

Sira nodded, "And the rulers of these regions are the Founding Elements," she added.

"Precisely. They are descendants of the supreme beings that ruled when Elamenta was young and nurturing. They guide the destiny of our world." Neith affirmed.

Sira nodded again.

"However, there was one city, a lost city, Rieti." Neith mentioned.

Sira saw her smile for a second. Rieti used to be their home and Neith missed it. Even though she was a Rieti, Sira only knew about her history and her people from the stories Neith told her.

"Rieti was an enigmatic city, lost in the shadows of history. Back when things were happier, We thrived deep inside the heart of Lla'ana. A vast forest that kept us hidden from the world." Neith continued while Sira listened.

Sira found herself drowning in Neith's words. She could almost smell the dampness of the woods and the warmth of the sun on her skin. She closed her eyes, she could hear the cadence of voices carried on the gentle breeze.

Lla'ana was a mystical forest, where towering trees with silver-tinged leaves stretched towards the heavens. Flowers the size of dinner plates bloomed, their petals glowing. Creatures with iridescent wings flew about- some resembled fireflies, others like a miniature dragon. The air was alive with melodious chirping and soft hum of unseen insects. Bioluminescent mushrooms glowed on the forest's floor under the verdant canopy.

Concealed in a curtain of leaves, Rieti rested in splendor. Its narrow streets were paved with rough-hewn cobblestones that meander through the city, lined with stalls laden with exotic fruits and vibrant textiles. Bridges woven from luminous vines connected different sections, while water channels glittered with golden fishes. Ancient runes beautified walls and archways.

Some homes were nestled within the trunks of ancient trees, their walls and branches intertwined, while others were constructed from a combination of stone and wood. The roofs, curved and undulated, mimicked the forms of the surrounding trees and hills. As dawn broke, the city stirred to life. Elders adorned with feathers and beads gathered under the shade of tall trees, sharing stories of ages past.

Children with laughter in their soul chased after winged creatures. Women dressed in gowns of leaves and embroidered fabrics gathered in clusters, washing clothes or cooking food. Men, donning leather and woven textiles engageed in lovely conversations as they sipped from carved wooden cups with exotic brews. In the open spaces, children braided flowers into each other's hair.

Neith let out a raspy cough, bringing Sira back to the present,

"Lla'ana was beautiful, but Rieti...Rieti was extraordinary." She exhaled hoarsely, her cough breaking the words. Sira swiftly got up, disappeared into the kitchen, and returned with a glass of water.

"Here, take this," She said, handing it over.

Neith took the glass. "Thank you." Sira moved back to her sofa.

Neith sipped the water and sighed in relief.

"That was some good water" She croaked, placing the glass back on the table. Sira grinned in response. "We had a queen. Queen Leysa," Neith continued.

"She was more than just a ruler. She had a heart that was pure gold."

Blu, curled in her bed in the corner, let out a loud meow, disrupting the moment.

Sira glanced at Blu and then back at Neith, her thoughts drifting back to the hidden city in Lla'ana.

At the edge of Rieti, Queen Leysa's castle stood majestic, surrounded by lush gardens of exotic flora- flowers that glowed at night and emit soothing melodies. Tall turrets crowned with fluttering banners rose against the horizon, the stone walls adorned with vines and flowers. The air carried the distant calls of mystical creatures echoing across the courtyard.

The throne room occupied the heart of the castle- A grand open space with a high, vaulted ceiling, supported by marble columns etched with symbols of their history. Sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors. The massive throne, carved from an ancient tree, stood at the far end. The air was heavy with the scent of beeswax candles.

Queen Leysa sat on her throne, a vision of elegance and strength. Her auburn hair beautified with braids and jewels, caught the light. Her green eyes, like emeralds, held wisdom and compassion. Draped in a gown of forest green, designed with silver thread that glimmered as she moved. A crown of big feathers completed the ensemble. Young Neith, the queen's right hand, stood beside Leysa. Her attire, dark velvets and shimmering silks, shifted like shadows. Neith's proficiency in both sorcery and combat was unparalleled. Her staff, carved with ancient runes was never far from her side. Whispers in Rieti and beyond spoke of her as the strongest warrior in the land. The queen's subjects gathered in the throne room, bowing before her.

Turning away from the memories, Neith's attention shifted to the candle on the table, its wax burned low. The melted wax had pooled onto the wooden surface. She pointed the tip of her staff towards the flickering flame, and a new candle materialized, its wick already alight.

"The queen's desire was simple: peace with other realms. But no matter how hard she tried, they refused." Neith grimaced, her hands tightening in her laps.

"She knew this, yet she never gave up. She fought on."

"Her tenacity drove her to try uniting humans with the Founding Elements, right?" Sira asked, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers.

Neith nodded. "That's right."

Time took her to the moment where Queen Leysa stood facing the Founding Elements. The Council chamber stretched out expansively, its vastness embracing a central round table beautified with grand, towering seats. High above the table were four ethereal thrones, each carrying an emblem of the elements- Fire, Water, Earth and Air. They were reserved for the revered Founding Elements, the unequivocal sovereigns of Elamenta.

The rulers - Emperor Bayle of Sirion, Emperor Luke of Tirion, Empress Avena of Luton, and Empress Lorelai of Cillicia- fixed their gazes on Queen Leysa. Their expressions revealed a mix of fear, resentment and suspicion. Emperor Bayle wore a disdainful smirk, while Emperor Luke furrowed his brows in contemplation. Empress Lorelai forced a smile, and Empress Avena's piercing eyes held a cold and calculated edge.

In contrast, Queen Leysa remained composed, a mask of regal poise hiding her thoughts in the charged atmosphere. She addressed the room.

"We are all equal in the eyes of nature, without inferority or superiority."

Emperor Bayle snarled, narrowing his eyes.

"Let's create a realm symbolizing a place where peace, love and harmony thrive. We'll forge a bond among all beings and name this realm, Levaerûn, the city of freedom." Leysa concluded.

The room buzzed with hushed murmurs. Around the round table, humans and elemental elders leaned in closely. In a corner, Neith impatiently tapped her feet, observing the council's discussion. Queen Leysa's fingers clung tightly to her gown, nervousness evident as seconds stretched into minutes. The air grew heavy with expectation.

The council's discussion ended, but the murmurs persisted. A sudden thud echoed as the chamberlain slammed the mace onto the ground.

"Can we please have some order?" his voice cut through the whispers. "Let's proceed with the discussions." The room went silent.

Emperor Luke leaned forward, his glare sending shivers down each spine. "We, the council, have reached a unanimous decision" he declared, his gaze sweeping across the assembly. One after another, the council members nodded.

"We declare a harmonious coexistence between humans and elementals, paving the way for the establishment of Levaerûn as a symbol of unity and liberty." Empress Avena chimed in.

The room burst into uncontainable excitement. Humans exchanged heartfelt congratulations, their faces lit with joy. Among them, elemental elders displayed varying expressions - some beamed with approval while others wore disapproving frowns. Amidst the jubilation, Queen Leysa's heart swelled, finding release in a sigh of relief. Her vision had become a reality, a truth that brought a smile to Neith's lips. When the chamberlain's mace hit the floor again, the atmosphere gradually grew quiet.

Empress Lorelai's voice broke the silence. "It is our ruling that Queen Leysa and her people are granted the privilege of trade and engagement within Levaerûn's borders."

The room hung in silence. Queen Leysa stood paralyzed, her heart racing. The words that shattered the silence still echoed in her ears, and she glanced around, seeing incredulity mirrored on the faces around her.

Neith, with wide eyes, pinched herself. This wasn't a dream. The silence stretched until, abruptly, it shattered. The room erupted in an even louder chorus of cheers. Neith's heart raced as she rushed toward the still-stunned queen.

"Your Majesty, you're not dreaming," she said, gently shaking the queen.

Queen Leysa hugged her, blinking away tears.

"Your tears deserve solitude, Your Majesty." Neith whispered, wiping away a tear that had escaped.

Leysa's composure faltered, but she regained her balance and sank into her chair. A human beside her lowered his head and took her hand.

"Truly, you're a gift from the heavens," he said.

"Thank you, Your Highness, and congratulations. It seems the heavens have favoured you as well."

A bittersweet smile played on Leysa's lips as she squeezed his hands. "For so long, I've tried to sway them, to convince them," she confessed.

"But in the end, it was your presence that made the difference. The heavens have bestowed humanity as a gift, not me. "

The man chuckled softly.

"My heart rejoices for you."

"Gael," he introduced himself, shaking her hand. "An honor to meet you, Your Majesty."

Leysa's smile broadened. "The honor is mine, Mr. Gael. Please, call me Leysa."

The chamberlain raised his mace to strike once more, but Emperor Bayle stopped him with a wave of his hand. He cleared his throat, and a hush fell over the room. Arms crossed, he looked down at Queen Leysa, a smirk playing on his lips.

"However," his smile widened.

"That is where we draw the line. Queen Leysa and her people are still prohibited from residing within Levaerûn's borders. Let it be known that, the sovereign credit, dominion and authority over this city shall remain vested in the council, ensuring its integrity and the protection of all parties involved."

A ripple of whispers surged through the room.

"But," he went on.

"before we seal these decisions, we invite Queen Leysa to voice her thoughts." He extended a hand.

"Please, share your insights with us, Queen Leysa."

Silence enveloped the room. The atmosphere was so still, you could hear a pin drop. Neith's fist clenched, fighting the urge to voice her objections, but Queen Leysa quelled her with a gentle touch. Neith looked at her and was met with a subtle smile that appeared to murmur, "It's okay."

With a deep breath, Queen Leysa rose from her seat.

"Our goal isn't dominance, but unity," her voice rang out. Around the room, reactions varied--- some nodded in agreement, others exchanged doubtful glances.

"Humans and elementals, hand in hand, can build a realm where harmony takes root. The goal was to establish this together, but if the council believes my kind and i aren't welcome in this endeavour, so be it."

Emperor Bayle's eyes crackled with small flames. He leaned back and closed his eyes.

"Acknowledging Queen Leysa's input, we shall proceed in accordance with the resolution laid forth," he said, opening his eyes.

"This assembly is adjourned."

Immediately, everyone rose, bowing respectfully to the Founding Elements. Among the crowd of elementals, elders who opposed the idea of coexistence gave a resounding applause. Queen Leysa turned to Gael.

"Perhaps our paths will cross again," she smiled. Gael returned the smile, a nod passing between them. Leysa glanced across the assembly one last time, before she turned to depart. Neith followed behind her.

The chamberlain's voice carried across the chamber. "Your Imperial Majesties, elders and esteemed guests, Her Majesty Queen Leysa of Rieti now takes her leave."

As the memory faded, Sira cringed. The Founding Elements disgusted her.

"Those shitheads weren't satisfied with rejecting a coexistence with Rieti yet again, were they?" She asked, her brows furrowed. Neith hated it when Sira cursed, but she was too deep in the memories that she didn't react.

"No, not at all." Neith replied, pressing her lips firmly.

"They weren't satisfied at all. They got tired of rejection, so they decided to create a weapon instead. Vek'ran, an innocent-looking flower harboring a malevolent intent- to annihilate Rieti."

"Vek'ran," Sira shuddered.

"How could something so beautiful be such a disaster? It's hard to believe that the Founding Elements could be so extreme." She hissed.

"They were so obsessed with taking us out. It's incredibly fucked, and it makes me feel so disgusted."

Neith clasped her hands together on her lap and rested her chin on them.

"One night, I peacefully slumbered in my chambers, when suddenly, the clash of swords, echoes of war cries and desperate screams of our people reached my ears." her voice broke.

"I jolted awake and looked out the window." She dug her fingers into her palm.

"I couldn't believe my eyes as I witnessed our people being mercilessly slaughtered. With my heart racing, I grabbed my sword and ran towards the queen's chambers."

The memories came flooding back, young Neith rushed to the queen's chambers and swung the door open.

"Your Majesty! The city, our people....they're dying!" she exclaimed, panting. Queen Leysa stood by the window, her hand outstretched toward the glass. Neith approached the queen and found her in a state of shock.

"What's happening, Neith?" Leysa's voice trembled. "W-why are my people being killed?"

Struggling to find the words, Neith hesitated. The color drained from the queen's face, leaving her frozen in fear. Neith extended her hand, holding the queen's trembling fingers.

"Your Majesty, we must leave immediately. Remaining here while our people's lives are being wasted is not an option." Neith's urgent tone snapped the queen out of her daze.

"Yes, you're right." she replied, her voice steadier as she brushed the tears from her cheek. She grabbed her sword and drew the blade from its sheath. Her pupils flared with a scarlet glow and in response, the blade pulsated with energy.

"Let's go." Queen Leysa said before storming out of the room. Neith followed.

Outside the castle walls, an assembly of Rieti's warriors awaited- some mounted steeds, while others stood grounded, their weapons glinting in the moonlight, shields at the ready. Neith and the queen emerged through the castle gates. With a gentle hand, Neith assisted the queen onto her horse before walking to the forefront of the assembled fighters.

"Warriors, heed the cries of our people," she yelled.

"The echoes of their anguish pierce the air. Though we do not know what we face yet, fear will not be our guide." She paced, staring across the warriors before her.

"We cannot falter, we march into battle to conquer, to defend and to honour the legacy of our ancestors."

An electrifying response surged through the ranks- a chorus of roars, the thud of hands against chests, and the rhythmic clanging of weapons against shields. The warriors' weapons crackled with their energies.

Neith dipped her fingers into a bowl of jet-black chalk positioned behind her. She traced intricate markings on her face and raised her sword high.

"Those who do not fear death, march with me!!" In response, the warrior unleashed fierce war cries.

******

In the city of Rieti, Elemental knights, under the command of the Founding Elements, marched through the streets. Their shiny armors sparkled in the moonlight. Humans with torches and pitchforks supported them. The local men stood against the invaders, determined to protect their families.

The clash of swords and sounds of battle filled the air as the men fought hard. But it was an uneven struggle. The humans started fires in homes, and the knights showed no mercy, mercilessly killing anyone in sight.

Admist the chaos, a child knelt beside his father's lifeless body, tears streaming down his face. His voice trembled as he whispered. "P-papa, please wake up...."

Smoke and the smell of burning wood mixed together, as the flames consumed everything. The child's cries blended with the crackling flames.

A knight approached the boy, staring coldly. The child held his father's cloth, whimpering as he looked up to the frightening figure before him. The knight raised his sword, and the child, paralyzed by fear, couldn't move.

"P-papa?" he cried.

Just as the knight was about to bring down his sword, an arrow zipped through the air, piercing his neck. He stumbled backward, hands clawing at the arrow protruding from his throat. The child's wide eyes shifted from the knight to the approaching warriors, led by Neith and Queen Leysa. One of the warriors replaced the arrow on her bow and aimed at the knight again.

The knight slumped, his blood seeping onto the ground. Queen Leysa came down from her horse. The child's grip on his father's cloth loosened, he took a shaky step forward, walking towards her. As the child ran to her, sobbing, Queen Leysa raised her arms to embrace him. She hugged the child tightly as he clung to her.

"I'm so sorry, my child." she said, gritting her teeth.

"Warriors, kill every enemy you encounter. Show no mercy and leave none standing". Queen Leysa commanded. Immediately, the warriors except Neith dispersed, fighting for their homes.

Neith's heart shattered as she surveyed the turmoil unfolding. Her heart bore the crushing weight of the losses surrounding her, and the streets, once familiar, now bore the scars of steel clashes and the acrid stench of burning homes. Her eyes darted between the elemental knights, who battled fiercely against her warriors. Then, her eyes locked onto a harrowing scene-- a human ruthlessly striking down one of her own.

She gasped and frowned, biting her lip until blood welled up.

"Your Majesty... humans," she growled.

At her side, the queen stood with the child. They bowed in reverence before his father's body, clasping their hands, and whispering a silent prayer.

"Zala kuza kahle. Roho naon nija yako.( Rest in peace. May the spirits guide you)."

Queen Leysa lifted her head, her gaze unyielding as she watched the humans wreck havoc upon her people, her expression stoic.

"I'm well aware," she responded coldly. Her tone reflected the barely contained deep-seated anger. As Neith witnessed the humans' unforgivable brutality, her clenched fists at her sides, she seethed with anger.

"How could they dare?" she bellowed.

She extended her hand, and one of the humans began to levitate towards her, terrified screams piercing the air as he hovered above the ground. Neith raised her hand and elevated the human into the air.

"Please, p-please don't kill me." he shrieked.

"How dare you harm the one that provided you a home to live?" She shouted, curling her fingers into a tight fist.

The man's body compressed, bones cracking from his legs to his knee. He wailed in anguish. Neith's pupils turned scarlet as she unleashed her blood magic. She tightened her fingers further and the man's torso crumbled under the pressure. His weapon clattered to the ground as his cries of agony filled the air.

The queen voice shook with hurt and anger as she approached him, gripping the sword's hilt firmly. "Why? Why have you done this?" she demanded, pointing the blade at his quivering throat. "Tell me who commanded you to harm my people?" Her words carried a low, dangerous edge.

The man gulped, fear in his eyes as they met hers. His voice tremebled as he managed, "F-founding.... The Founding Elements. They forced us, threatened to enslave us if we dared refused."

A surge of anguish and fury erupted within Queen Leysa. Neith and the child observed with concern, their hearts heavy as they watched the turmoil gripping their queen. Her breaths were ragged, chest rising and falling as she struggled to contain the storm of emotions within her. Her heart ached, and her restraint slipped like sand through her fingers. Her knuckles turned white as she tightened her grip on the sword.

"You cost my people their lives", she hissed, lifting her sword higher.

"And now, you'll pay. You'll pay for every life you took".

In a swift swipe, Queen Leysa cleaved him in half. Shocked and disoriented, it took him a moment to feel the pain before blood gushed out. Neith lowered her hand, letting go of the man who fell to the ground, screaming and writhing in agony. Queen Leysa's chest heaved with fury. She lowered her sword, the blood-soaked blade staining the earth.

While the queen handed out punishment, an elemental knight struck down a family of three. Opening a bag at his side, he let it drop to the ground, revealing a deep-purple bloom within. With the bud in his palm, he used a short sword to dig a hole in the ground and carefully cradled the flower within. As it nestled into the soil, a soft hum resonated from the flower, causing its petals to radiate a soft glow. Slowly, the bud began to unfurl, revealing a mist of deep crimson. Sinuous tendrils spiraled outward, enshrouding the surroundings.

In that moment, Vek'ran was unleashed, its mist rapidly engulfing the city and suffocating the air. Amid the chaos, anguished cries of men, women and children pierced through. Veins protruded from their skin, and blood streamed from their eyes. Even the brave Rieti warriors were overcome by Vek'ran's attack, seemingly targeting only the people of Rieti. The elemental knights and humans advanced through the mist unharmed.

Neith and the queen were locked in fierce battle against the relentless elemental knights, their swords clashing amidst the chaos. Suddenly, the child who had been by their side collapsed to the ground, wracked by coughs that shook his body, his hands stained with blood. Queen Leysa's eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of the child's condition. She pulled out her sword from her opponent and rushed to his side, while Neith pressed on with the fight.

"Leto!!" she cried out, lifting him into her arms.

His eyes were bloodshot, and his veins pulsed beneath his skin. Covering her mouth, tears welled in her eyes as she assessed Leto's condition, realizing that he was beyond saving.

"Neith, please help." she sobbed, her voice breaking. However, Neith remained unresponsive, her body trembling as she collapsed to the ground, struggling to breathe after defeating the surrounding elemental knights.

"Neith, NO!" Queen Leysa's scream cut through the chaos. Gently laying the child down, she offered a brief bow, then hurried to Neith's side. With trembling hands, she tore a piece of her clothing and covered Neith's face.

"Stay with me, Neith. I beg you," she pleaded, tears flowing down her cheeks as she took off her helmet. Pressing her hand against the helmet, she closed her eyes, trying to summon her magic. Yet, her shaky hands thwarted her efforts.

As the mist from Vek'ran thickened, its tendrils infiltrating every corner of the city, Queen Leysa donned her helmet onto Neith's face and desperately pressed her hand against it. Tears flowed down her cheeks as her unsteady hands hindered her efforts to summon her magic. She closed her eyes again and focused, her heart racing as her attempts yielded no results. Neith still lay sprawled on the ground, convulsive coughs wracking her body, accentuating her helplessness. Panic gripped the queen as she pressed her hand against the helmet again, but nothing happened. Her voice broke as she shouted, and she began taking deep breaths in an effort to regain control.

Veins bulged beneath Queen Leysa's skin, a visible sign of her worsening condition as she breathed in the thick mist. She placed both hands on Neith's helmet, and it finally hummed with energy. A sigh of relief escaped the queen's lips, followed by a trickle of blood. The helmet emitted a protective energy, wrapping around Neith's head like a gentle shield. Neith gasped, her eyes fluttering open. She met the queen's gaze, who was already succumbing to the mist's effects.

"You're alive. I'm so relieved," Leysa whispered weakly, then collapsed to the ground. Neith struggled to rise, her hand instinctively reaching for her face. The weight of the queen's sacrifice hit her, and she shifted her gaze to Queen Leysa, who began to cough. Neith felt too weak to use her magic, just when she needed it the most.

Elemental knights and humans ended the suffering of the afflicted. The battle took a grim turn, evolving into a ruthless massacre where the innocent were obliterated in moments. Swords clashed like thunder, the cacophony of metal against metal drowned beneath desperate cries for help.

Lost in reverie, Sira was abruptly snapped back to reality by the sound of Neith's soft sniffles.

Neith's voice quivered as she recounted her story.

"Tears streamed down Queen Leysa's face as she begged me to flee." Neith's voice trembled as she spoke.

"I couldn't..I couldn't abandon the queen. Leave her behind? I would have given my life for hers, without a second thought."

Her cheeks were drenched with tears.

"She sacrificed herself so i could live,"

Sira's heart ached as she watched Neith breakdown emotionally. Words eluded Sira, leaving her feeling utterly powerless in the face of Neith's grief.

As Neith recalled that day, a frown creased her forehead.

Blood stained Queen Leysa's face, her hands trembling as she clung to an amulet.

She pleaded, blood mixing with her coughs "Take this with you... Run..."

Neith clutched the pendant with shivering hands, torn between her duty to protect the queen and her deep affection for her bestfriend. Queen Leysa embraced her, and Neith could feel the tender warmth in the queen's touch. Overwhelmed, Neith began to weep.

With a lingering look, Neith turned away, assaulted by the nauseating scent of blood and burning flesh. Queen Leysa managed a weak smile, blood seeping from her eyes as she whispered,

"Live....for the future."

In a heart-rending scream that echoed through Rieti, the queen accepted her demise.

Neith rushed into the castle, racing through its twisting corridors. Amidst the chaos, the faint cry of an infant reached her ears, tugging at her soul. She paused, her hand instinctively moving to her chest, torn between hesitation and an undeniable calling.

"A baby!" Neith whispered under her breath. In the midst of the swirling mist, she entered a room where a small cradle stood enveloped in a protective barrier. The dampness clung to her as she stepped inside but she approached the cradle with care. Extending her hand, she let her fingers brush against the enchantment woven into its fibers, before gently transferring it upon the child's delicate form.

"Shh, there now, little one." She whispered as softly as a sigh. Neith coaxed the child, and in responses the infant cooed at the sight of her.

"You're safe now, we must leave." she murmured, securing the baby snugly against her back with a makeshift cloth sling.

Running through the empty halls, Neith burst out of the castle and sprinted toward the lush rainforest ahead. However, her escape didn't go unnoticed; several elemental knights spotted her and gave chase.

As leaves rustled and branches snapped, Neith's anxiety for the child's well-being intensified. She halted abruptly, turning to squarely confront the advancing pursuers. If fate demanded, she was ready to sacrifice one of the knights.

As the knights closed in, their scrutinizing gazes weighed heavily on her. She felt her hands tremble, fingers clutching the crimson blade that had materialized in her grip.

One knight lunged forward, his blade raised high. She dodged the strike, then struck back with a vicious slash that slashed across his chest. He grimaced and staggered, colliding into his companion behind him. Simultaneously, another knight, wearing a sinister grin, narrowed his eyes and wove intricate gestures in the air.

Sparks flew in the air as he conjured a binding spell. Ethereal vines, like serpents, slithered toward Neith, seeking to ensnare her. She twisted her body, narrowly evading the encroaching binds. Beads of sweat rolled down her temple, and her breath quickened as the vines wrapped around her left arm.

Seizing the opportunity, she used the vines to yank him closer, unleashing a forceful underhand slash. The blade sliced through the air, biting deep into the knight's shoulder and neck. His severed head tumbled to the ground, his face turning pale as blood flowed freely from his gaping wound.

With ruthless speed, a third knight charged forward, his blade piercing Neith's side. Agony exploded through her, a sharp gasp escaping her lips as her hand instinctively clutched the searing wound.

Despite the pain, Neith gritted her teeth and surged upright, propelling herself forward. Her sword cut through the air, aiming at the knight's exposed flank. He intercepted her strike with his blade. Their blades collided, the clash of steel echoing in the night.

Gathering her strength, Neith conjured a pulsating ball of electricity that crackled with intense energy. She hurled it at his shield, the impact creating a shockwave that rippled through the earth beneath them, sending debris flying and causing the ground to tremble.

He grunted, his defenses faltering against the force of the shockwave. Neith seized the opening. She thrust her blade, finding a gap between his armor plates. Blood splattered across her face as his defeated figure crumpled to the ground.

An unsettling tingling surged through Neith as the protective energy within her helmet weakened. Her heart raced like a war drum, echoing the child's frightened sobs. Her vision blurred as the energy flickered, the child's cries ringing in her ears. In the distance, a faint rustle of approaching armor amplified the urgency vibrating through her body.

Spinning on her heels, Neith's gaze locked onto the incoming threat. The clash of blades reverberated with a jarring impact as she deflected the weapon away from the child. The initial knight's strike ravaged Neith's left eye, eliciting a sharp cry. Staggering back, the world hazed before her. Her hand instinctively rose to parry another swing, but her grip on the sword slackened.

"No!" she cried out.

Defeat wasn't an option, especially when the child's safety depended on her strength. Gripping the hilt with both hands, she forcefully repelled the impending assault. The knight pressed forward, his blade poised to strike. Neith's breath caught in her throat.

The knight's sword aimed for a lethal stab at her abdomen. Neith blocked his strike, but the force made her sword tremble, causing her arm to shake. Conjuring darts, they whistled through the air as she sent them speeding into the knight's shoulders, forcing him crashing to the ground with a grunt. He quickly regained his footing, lunging forward once more with his sword drawn back.

Neith charged, summoning another dart.

He deflected her projectiles with echoing clangs. Capitalising on the knight's distraction, she slashed at him, compelling him to stagger backward again. Without delay, she conjured a fireball that engulfed him. The knight's agonized screams filled the air as he frantically tried to douse the flames. Gradually, he sank to his knees, his armor melding with his burning skin. Breathing heavily, Neith pivoted and sprinted deeper into the forest.

Tears welled up in her eyes as Neith refocused on the present. Gently using a small cloth, she wiped them away, mustering a smile for Sira.

"That's how i found you," she whispered. Outside the cottage, leaves rustled in the wind.

"I have protected you all these years, and i will continue to do so until my last breath," she concluded.

Sira stood up.

"I can't forgive myself for putting you in harm's way. I should've been more careful, more attentive," she said, gently kissing Neith's forehead. "Cross my heart, I'll be your protector, no matter what"

Then, Sira walked to the door, preparing to step outside.

Blu got up from her cushion, attempting to follow, but Sira gently restrained her. "Stay with Neith, sweetie," Sira requested.

"I'll be back."

Blu acquiesced and settled back onto her cushion.

"Where are you going?" Neith asked with a worried tone.

"Just grabbing a drink." Sira replied with a wink. Neith sighed.

"Make sure you're back before dinner," she said.

Sira waved dismissively. "Yeah, yeah. I got it."

Neith's heart skipped a beat as she watched Sira step outside. Her troubled expression lingered on the window.

"Leysa...." Neith whispered.