The Throne Room was very different at night. The waterfall was still there, beautiful and untouched, but little blue dots glowing like fireflies swirled like petals in the wind.A few butterflies whose wings were very reminiscent of those of the King himself are also circling the trees present. The flowers, fruits and leaves glow surreal.Sam and Julian are standing before the throne, waiting patiently for Solis to finish examining the landscape itself. The monarch's skin was also unusually bright.The guards take their positions, keeping their facial expressions neutral, but it is clear that they are curious about that last-minute summons.Solis finally looks at them. His previously calm and even somewhat arrogant expression is now rigid, serious."Do you guys believe in coincidences?"Neither Julian nor Sam answer. Was that a question to be answered? They didn't know.Solis takes two steps toward them, looking thoughtful and even distressed."Do you think things happen because they
The way to the portal in and out of the fairy world seemed longer than usual.Shandra could no longer feel enchanted or excited about anything around her. Not even the diverse flora or the fairies of various types and sizes could attract her attention. The young woman's mood was quite affected by the latest events.Beside her, Julian and Sam looked no better. Besides the standard expression of pure boredom with a hint of cynicism, there was something different in their eyes. Shandra might be delirious, but she could swear it could be fear, or even fear.At the head of the trio, equally silent and taciturn, was Oberon. He was not walking at a brisk pace like last time. Instead, he seemed more alert and purposely avoided the busiest streets.Shandra took courage and decided to find out for herself the reason for this. Slowly, she approached the white-haired fairy and huffed."SIm?" he asked."I couldn't help but notice that you're less... receptive today."Oberon just shrugged, not unde
The dark fairies were very beautiful, despite their expressions of hate, madness, hunger, and even fear. The women and men were more athletic, and in addition to their protruding fangs, you could see that instead of nails, they had sharp claws of various colors, such as blue and red.Sam immediately stood next to Shandra, but it was obvious that he was panicking. Due to his recent exhaustion, he could not use his powers; not without putting himself at great risk. Julian remained in demonic form; yellow sparks like embers flew around him.Oberon swallowed hard.In the midst of the fairies, one in particular appeared who seemed to be their leader: she wore heavy armor full of archaic symbols, a closed helmet, and dark boots. Her orange hair was loose, going down to her waist, and a terrible voice sounded in the clearing as the figure put her hands on her waist, triumphant."I have found you at last, Oberon," she said in a grave, menacing voice. "I am Vesper, the Lady of the Dark Kingdom
Shandra had never felt so distressed in her entire life.Even when she went to school and was disrespected by her classmates, or attacked for simply existing, she didn't get so nervous. Deep down, she knew they were just silly teasing and would end with time.The girl was in a small cave to the east, far from the original direction they were supposed to go, but safe enough for them to wait for Julian's return. Sam was leaning against the stony wall, paying attention to the sounds and smells around."Sam," she murmurs for the tenth time in that interval of time.The demon looks at her sternly."Sam, we can't leave the two of you alone there," she argues in a thread of voice.He looks to the horizon again, as if scanning the skies for more enemies and pursuers."By now, the First Scout should have summoned the kingdom's main defense forces. He wouldn't be a fool to try to stop the attack alone.""But-""And I've already said that we're not joining the battle. Gee, Shandra, how pushy you
Small flames begin to appear on and around Sam's back as he takes a step forward. His anger is gone. Instead, his expression is one of confidence, even authority.Shandra is still standing, though dizzy and nauseous, waiting for the response from the demon in front of her. Julian remains motionless, not saying a single word as he listens to the two discuss."I killed."Shandra gasps violently. Sam repeats:"I killed. And I would kill a million more times if I had to."Trembling, the young woman remains in the same place, listening to the words that hit her like poisoned arrows."I have been watching your parents long before I could communicate with you, Shandra. And I'm willing to bet big money that on the day you summoned me, the strong energy of anger, revenge, and resentment was the result of yet another abuse from them. Your father was a drunkard, your mother a conniving good-for-nothing, who would happily watch their destruction. And you know it."His black wings spread behind hi
As much as Shandra mentally repeated to herself that the fatigue was temporary, and that at the end of the trip, she would feel better and refreshed, her body did not think so.Besides the fact that they were taking minimal breaks along the way because of the days-long delay that visiting Dew caused in their plans, Shandra learned the hard way that she didn't do well with roots, bushes, and undergrowth in general.When she stumbled for the fourth time that afternoon, the young woman couldn't help but growl in frustration.Looking amused, Julian winked at her:"I think you're spending too much time with us, human.""How much longer until we get there? We've been walking for almost two days now.""We will get there in an hour or so," Sam reassured. "I know you are tired, but when we get there, I will see to it that you are as comfortable as possible."Gasping, the young woman stops for a few seconds to catch her breath, then rejoins the two demons."This Marcus...," mutters Shandra. "Ho
The werewolf looks at the red-haired demon next to Shandra."And you're another ally too? A demon, right? Also exiled?"Julian crosses his arms."Not yet."Marcus laughs."Well, let's see how much time he has left, yet."Then, finally, Marcus faces the young woman, who remains motionless and contemplative as she stares at the creature's strong face and body.Marcus' smile wanes as he smells her. Apparently, then, that would be really recurring."That... I'm sure that's a first," are his words to her.The girl shrugs."My name is Shandra. Hello.""Hello, Shandra. I'm Marcus... But you already knew that." He tilts his head in a sign of curiosity, but doesn't look aggressive. "You... Are you human?""Yes. But I recently discovered a magical heritage.""Sorceress, then. But that doesn't explain the smell of-"The man's eyes widen as he understands the situation, staring at Sam. His expression is not one of happiness."I can't believe you did that."Sam doesn't seem to be shaken in the sli
Shandra and Julian are standing outside Marcus' cabin. Apparently there were things only the two of them could talk about: intimate secrets they had shared for almost half a century.As Sam said he had last seen him seven years ago, and as the werewolf seemed to be entering his thirties, Shandra knew instantly that Marcus was immortal... or at least lived much longer than a normal human being.That friendship seemed to be quite old, too. Could it be that they had met shortly after the exile of the Prince of Hell?"What's up, you nervous?" asks Julian, leaning against what should be a fence, but besides being extremely damaged, it was too low and anyone (or anything) could get over it."No," she lies, scratching her head as nonchalantly as she can. "Should I?""Actually, yes. You heard what he said. Do you think you can?""I had a choice all this time?!", Shandra rolls her eyes and starts kicking a loose pebble on the ground."There's always a choice, Shandra.""Funny, because it alway
The final walk along the last trail that would lead them to the Tenebris Mountains was much more tense and silent than Shandra had imagined it would be.Nervous, the girl was paying attention to the vegetation around her; the way the trees and plants looked now that she knew they were all interconnected with Gaia.And speaking of Gaia, the entity's words still rang in her ear constantly. She takes a deep breath as she gropes around in her pocket for the strange artifact she had been given as a gift.Would she need to use it that day?Sam's voice sounded in her mind:"Disturbed?"Shanda looks discreetly at him before answering mentally as well:"Evidently so. Don't you?"His fire-colored eyes, always so confident, were somewhat misty that morning. A few seconds later, he finally replies:"I'm more than disturbed. I'm terrified."The heartfelt answer takes the girl by surprise. He continues:"At some point, Shandra, everything... Everything will come to light. The fact that we are inter
Shandra was still absorbing the shock of Gaia's strange contact, as well as her sudden disappearance, when a low voice whispers behind her."Shandra."She turns around quickly. Julian is standing with a totally apathetic expression on his face."Did you see it?", she whispers.The redhead nods his head in confirmation."Was it an important errand?"Shandra bites her lip, thoughtful about what to say about Gaia's words. She decides to be subtle and direct:"Yes."Julian waits for the explanation, but the girl just holds the jewel tighter and starts walking back to the camp."Wait a minute."She stops. The demon approaches again and asks:"What's going on? Are you okay?""I am.""You don't know how to lie very well, you know that?"Shandra snorts."I just don't want to talk about it."Julian looks at the girl's closed hand and stares at her as if he is about to question her about it."Please, please, don't ask me questions," she pleads.Genuine anguish takes over his expression."Let me
Shandra knew she was awake.Therefore, what was in front of her could not be a dream. Considering all the stress she had been under in the past weeks, however, she thought she was suffering from a delirium.Everyone else was asleep, except, of course, the demons. Although they felt no sleep, both Sam and Julian liked to lie down, close their eyes and apparently rest. Caleb and Ezan are also immersed in a deep sleep.The girl keeps looking at what at first she thought was just a trick of light and shadow: the thin, unusual silhouette that strolled by as if it were a mere traveler.However, the energy of that silhouette, the way it moved... This was certainly no ordinary person. Then Shandra stood up to take a closer look.The person, creature or whatever it was didn't seem to be intimidated by being noticed. Its skin was transparent, almost ghostly, and a subtle blue light radiated from it.Strangely enough, Shandra did not fear it. No, there was nothing aggressive or strange coming fr
Shandra feels her heart resounding inside her chest. A small shiver runs down her arms as she slowly takes a step towards the final trail; the one they would make before finally arriving in enemy territory.Everything could end well: Eluna would be rescued, and everyone could return to their respective homes.Or...She imagines the bodies of Sam, Julian, Ezan and Caleb lying on the ground like a sack of potatoes; their throats slit. Was cutting throats an easy method of execution for supernatural creatures?Shandra knew that killing a demon was too difficult a thing to do, so she doubted it very much. Werewolves, on the other hand, seemed weaker in that respect."Let's walk some more and get camp up," says Julian, who until then had been completely silent and immersed in his own thoughts.Shandra nods, trying to push away the dark misfortunes troubling her, but it is incredibly difficult. She knows she cannot let fear take over. Together, the group continues to advance along the narro
Shandra knew that she would never, ever be able to fully recover from this.As the small group headed towards the mountain range, the young woman barely opened her mouth to say anything and ate only what was necessary. The magic was dormant, still ready to spring into action, but she deliberately ignored the feeling.Looking up at the pale dawn sky, Shandra huffed audibly. It was very soon before they finally put the plan into action. There was still no word from Marcus and his group.Not that she didn't trust the abilities and strength of the pack. They could take good care of themselves.But would she, Julian, Sam, Caleb and Ezan be able to single-handedly accomplish a mission of that magnitude and not get screwed in the process?"It's going to be okay," Sam's voice breaks into her dark thoughts.Annoyed, the girl looks at him, and mentally communicates as well:"Are you reading my thoughts?""I don't need to. Your expression already says it all."Irritated, Shandra just keeps walki
As soon as Caleb's huge sharp teeth dig into Elara's unprotected torso, the vampire screams terribly in agony. The bite causes her a stabbing pain.Elara lets out another scream when, after having her skin torn apart by the wolf, her body is thrown backwards by the impact of this attack... Julian also approaches quickly, taking the opportunity to strike a powerful blow against Elara, hitting her full on.Sam once again looks at Shandra, obviously proud to see what had happened there. Ezan, Caleb and the yellow-eyed demon continue to attack relentlessly; Shandra stays focused on her task of neutralizing the vampire's artifacts. With the items weakened, Elara is no longer invincible, but still poses a danger.Sweating, the young woman realizes that she needs to keep her own energy connected to Elara's items. There was no way, or at least no easy way, to permanently deactivate them.Although she was obviously weaker, Elara was not vulnerable. Even though she is suspicious as to why her t
Shandra feels a mixture of relief and gratitude when, finally, Julian takes flight and attacks Elara, holding her by the neck and throwing her to the ground sharply."You really think you can take me, you pathetic demon?" she sneers, probably ready to use one of her many artifacts.And that is exactly what she does. One moment, Julian is strangling her without a shadow of mercy. The next, he is breathing hard, gasping like a smoker after climbing two flights of stairs.Sam, focused on destroying the vampire, casts more fire elemental magic energy, but at the last second the girl flinches, causing the flames to only burn the tip of her hair."You bastard!" she shouts, leaving Julian temporarily behind.Shandra quickly raises a shield to protect him, but the wall fails.Ezan's voice sounds behind the girl:"Beacon of Light!"She widens her eyes and addresses the older werewolf. The girl is surprised to see him in human form. Caleb, unlike him, remains as a wolf."Beacon of Light, we are
Shandra panics as she sees the werewolves advancing towards Elara, ready to attack. She knows that a fight between the werewolves and the vampire can be extremely dangerous and doesn’t want anyone to get hurt. With a mixture of despair and determination, she stands in the way, trying to prevent impending violence."No!" cries Shandra, her voice full of anguish. " Stop! It’s not worth it! Elara is not our enemy!"Useless. Completely useless, you know.The beautiful girl, seeing the two angry wolves coming towards her, drops her cloak, revealing pale skin like the moon and slender, thin and seemingly fragile arms and legs. Immediately Elara puts herself in a fighting posture, smiling as she feels the adrenaline taking over her body.Shandra can barely understand what happened when, out of nowhere, the vampire just disappears.But her energy was still there. Had she become invisible?The impact of a sharp blow to Ezan’s jaw, which makes him fly for a few meters, frightens the girl and gi
Shandra, Sam, Julian and the other members of the group stand on alert, watching for the approaching silhouette. Tension hangs in the air as everyone prepares for any eventuality.As the figure approaches, it becomes clear that it is a tall, elegant woman with long black hair and a piercing gaze. She seems to exude an aura of power and authority."Elara," Sam murmurs, with a mixture of surprise and apprehension in her voice.Shandra frowns from one to the other, wondering what could be happening, but doesn't have time to verbalize a single word.The werewolves transform into their lupine form and start growling loudly and menacingly. Elara doesn't seem to be upset or afraid of that sight."Interesting company you have arranged," are the first words she addresses to the coppery-eyed demon."Is that really serious?", Julian grumbles."Who are you?" asks Shandra.The questioning makes the woman laugh."Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends, Sam?"The prince from hell looks hes