Chapter ElevenHumanity is the root of evil.“Are you going out?” Alterna asked as she noticed Elena’s outdoor clothes, she’s still wearing the same color, her black outfit and her black cloak.Elena looked at Alterna and smiled. “How did you know?” she asked, smiling, as she snapped her fingers and a chair from the terrace of the cabin moved and went in her direction. She sat quietly, as her gaze went to the child trying his best to continue to swing his sword.Alterna just side-eyed her and didn’t say anything, which made Elena laugh. “It’s been a while since I got to go outside, it won’t be bad to visit the village right?”“Mmm…” was all Alterna said, not really paying attention to Elena which made her chuckle. “Hey! Don’t blatantly show your favoritism! You don’t talk to me as much as you talk to that child.” her voice sounds accusing but there’s no weight on it.Which Alterna just returns a “yeah” on her. Elena stood up from her seat and picked up the basket. “I’ll be back later,
Chapter Twelve.Mother knows bestElena stood in the quaint shop, the soft fabrics in her hands now feeling heavy as the weight of history hung over her.“Madam?” Elena blinked as she came back to her senses after being called by the shopkeeper.“Are you alright? You seemed lost in thought there for a moment,” the shopkeeper asked, her voice tinged with concern. She took a step closer, her brows furrowing slightly. She has been calling her for the third time before this traveler responded, she seems to be at a loss.Elena forced a smile, shaking her head to clear the memories that flooded her mind. “Yes, I’m fine. Just… reminiscing. It’s been a while since I stepped into a place like this.” She gestured around the shop filled with vibrant fabrics and cheerful buttons. “It’s quite lovely.”The shopkeeper relaxed, her smile returning. “Thank you! I try my best to keep it welcoming. So, what do you think? Is the tunic and trousers suitable for your boy?”Elena glanced back at the clothin
Chapter ThirteenThe Four Horsemen of the ApocalypseThe Curdo Empire didn’t just crumble because of Kael; one man could only do so much. What led to its downfall was famine, plague, and war.As Elena walked through the bustling village market, the colors and laughter around her felt somehow marred by a shadow. The vibrancy of life seemed to pulse alongside an undercurrent of fear and despair, a sinister tune playing just beneath the surface of everyday existence. It was the way the air felt charged, thick with the promise of change—not the blessed kind, but a foreboding shift that hinted at the arrival of something far more dire.The very pillars of the Curdo Empire were crumbling from an insidious rot that began with famine. Crops once bountiful had begun to wither; blight swept through the fields, and nature echoed the suffering of its people. In a village like this, it was obvious that the livelihoods were threatened, and with them came desperation—a desperation that fueled socie
Hell is empty, and the devils are here.Elena stared at the ravaged landscape, the words echoing hollowly in her mind."So this is how it ends," she could help but whisper as she stared at her surroundings.The once-clear blue sky was now a violent tapestry of crimson and obsidian. Lush meadows were replaced by a macabre tapestry of scorched earth and countless corpses, a charnel ground fit for the damned. Buildings, the pride of a thousand-year reign, crumbled like sandcastles under an unseen assault.Would anyone believe that the Curdo Empire, a beautiful and powerful empire, has come into ruins?Everyone might laugh at her if she told people that.The once vibrant capital was a graveyard, the air thick with the stench of decay and the metallic tang of blood.Limping and weary, Elena searched for any sign of life in this apocalyptic wasteland. It was a futile effort. Even the scavengers, those morbid opportunists, were absent from this feast of death.'So why do I keep moving forwar
There ain’t no such thing as free lunch.Elena knew it more than anyone. There ain’t no such thing as free lunch. She had paid a hefty price for her victory over the demon, Andro. The exertion had drained her magic reserves to near depletion, how many days has it been when she had her rest? She actually could not remember. All she could think was to move forward and reach that place.There was no time for rest, the time was running out. And Elena is afraid that after that battle they will attract more attention. And she cannot afford to deal with them now, she won’t be lucky next time. It wouldn’t be a lower demon who would hunt them, if she is unlucky then it would be a Marquess or worse a Duke.With a deep breath, Elena smiled as she dropped her wand. She made up her mind and she knows she cannot afford to waste their time walking. The magicules used here would disperse and those demons would get a sniff of it like dogs.Elena walked towards Lucien and held his face. It was cold bu
Chapter One..Humans do not learn from history.The gentle lapping of water against stone stirred Elena from her slumber. Slowly, she opened her eyes, the sunlight filtering through the lush canopy above, dappling her vision with bands of golden light. A bit of confusion clouded her mind as she blinked away the remnants of sleep, taking a moment to orient herself. She was submerged in the cool embrace of the lake, surrounded by life teeming in every direction. The verdant greens of the Forbidden Forest enveloped her, a stark contrast to the desolate landscape she’d battled through just prior to her dark journey. Elena took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp, earthy scent of the forest, filled with the rustling leaves and the sweet melodies of birds. This was home, she realized. Her heart soared, wrapped in the warmth of nostalgia and tranquility. She recalled the feel of the dark energy that had threatened to consume her, leaving her changed and weary. But it was gone now, as if it h
Chapter Two.A butterfly's wings brings gentle breeze to some and calamity for others.Elena and Alterna returned to their place, with the blond child in her arms. She stood in her cabin, the warm glow of amber light flickering from the hearth, casting shadows that danced along the walls. The scent of burning wood mingled with the myriad of aromatic herbs drying from the rafters above—a heady mix of rosemary, sage, and thyme that often filled her with a sense of comfort. Yet today, an unsettling turmoil churned within her, threatening to unravel the peace she had fought so hard to protect.Her cabin was a small structure nestled at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, a place unknown and unfamiliar for the people outside, also away from the other residents of the forest.Rough-hewn wooden beams framed the walls, and the slanted roof was covered in dark shingles, each tile imperfect yet snug against the elements. The space was cluttered, not unlike her mind, with potion bottles lined u
Chapter Three.A child's dream is no dream at all.The world came alive in a symphony of unfamiliar sounds, weaving together the creaking of wood, the soft crackling of the hearth, and the rustle of leaves just beyond the cabin walls. Kael awoke with a gasp, his heart pounding as he bolted upright in the makeshift cot. Panic surged through him like a charged current, and he instinctively looked around, his mind struggling to piece together the fragmented remnants of his last memory."Where am I?" he asked himself, voice filled with confusion and fear.He remembered stepping into the forest, at first he was scared as there were many rumors and stories about it. And it was quite far from the estate and the village.But, he wanted to grow stronger. The maids and the servants from the mansion said that if can get the fruit of miracles in the middle of the Fo
Chapter ThirteenThe Four Horsemen of the ApocalypseThe Curdo Empire didn’t just crumble because of Kael; one man could only do so much. What led to its downfall was famine, plague, and war.As Elena walked through the bustling village market, the colors and laughter around her felt somehow marred by a shadow. The vibrancy of life seemed to pulse alongside an undercurrent of fear and despair, a sinister tune playing just beneath the surface of everyday existence. It was the way the air felt charged, thick with the promise of change—not the blessed kind, but a foreboding shift that hinted at the arrival of something far more dire.The very pillars of the Curdo Empire were crumbling from an insidious rot that began with famine. Crops once bountiful had begun to wither; blight swept through the fields, and nature echoed the suffering of its people. In a village like this, it was obvious that the livelihoods were threatened, and with them came desperation—a desperation that fueled socie
Chapter Twelve.Mother knows bestElena stood in the quaint shop, the soft fabrics in her hands now feeling heavy as the weight of history hung over her.“Madam?” Elena blinked as she came back to her senses after being called by the shopkeeper.“Are you alright? You seemed lost in thought there for a moment,” the shopkeeper asked, her voice tinged with concern. She took a step closer, her brows furrowing slightly. She has been calling her for the third time before this traveler responded, she seems to be at a loss.Elena forced a smile, shaking her head to clear the memories that flooded her mind. “Yes, I’m fine. Just… reminiscing. It’s been a while since I stepped into a place like this.” She gestured around the shop filled with vibrant fabrics and cheerful buttons. “It’s quite lovely.”The shopkeeper relaxed, her smile returning. “Thank you! I try my best to keep it welcoming. So, what do you think? Is the tunic and trousers suitable for your boy?”Elena glanced back at the clothin
Chapter ElevenHumanity is the root of evil.“Are you going out?” Alterna asked as she noticed Elena’s outdoor clothes, she’s still wearing the same color, her black outfit and her black cloak.Elena looked at Alterna and smiled. “How did you know?” she asked, smiling, as she snapped her fingers and a chair from the terrace of the cabin moved and went in her direction. She sat quietly, as her gaze went to the child trying his best to continue to swing his sword.Alterna just side-eyed her and didn’t say anything, which made Elena laugh. “It’s been a while since I got to go outside, it won’t be bad to visit the village right?”“Mmm…” was all Alterna said, not really paying attention to Elena which made her chuckle. “Hey! Don’t blatantly show your favoritism! You don’t talk to me as much as you talk to that child.” her voice sounds accusing but there’s no weight on it.Which Alterna just returns a “yeah” on her. Elena stood up from her seat and picked up the basket. “I’ll be back later,
Chapter TenBlood, sweat and tears are the foundation of perfection.As the morning sun stretched across the sky, casting a golden hue over the D’Aurelle Estate, the atmosphere was rife with anticipation. The servants bustled about, performing last-minute tasks in preparation for the Count's arrival. Dust was swept away, polished silver gleamed, and fragrant flowers were artfully arranged to display the estate's hospitality. The air was thick with both excitement and anxiety.Some were delighted at Counts’ arrival and some were not.Kael, blissfully unaware of the turmoil brewing at the estate, took a comfortable seat at the cabin's worn wooden table, enjoying the calming presence of Alterna and Elena. The bitter taste of matcha tea was forgotten, replaced by the creamy sweetness of milk filling his cup. He savored his breakfast porridge, cautiously embracing its warmth, while glancing at Elena who seemed to be in deep thought. "Is the porridge good?" Elena asked, noticing Kael's cont
Chapter Nine.There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.Alterna came back to the cabin with mostly empty thoughts, except, what breakfast should she make. One for her picky master and of course for the fawn.She just came back from the nearby village to buy some ingredients, and when she entered the cabin she was greeted by a peculiar atmosphere. Her master who was eerily smiling at her, and the child who looked horrified. She was confused but it didn’t bother her that much.“I will prepare breakfast.” She announced as she went to the kitchen, not bothering to ask what they were talking about.“Will that be okay?” Kael asked softly as he made sure Alterna was out of sight. Elena, who was reading her book, didn't bother to raise her head but asked, “why won’t it be okay?”Kael looked down as he played with his finger, not sure if it’s proper to say it. “Go on, tell me what’s in your mind.” Elene encourages, flipping the page of her book.“She doesn’t seem to like me…” Ka
Chapter Eight.If you are born weak, which god should you run for solace?Elena opened her eyes as she heard footsteps coming closer, she lifted her head backwards and saw Alterna, which looked upside down in her perspective.There was a soft white towel and a robe on her hand.“Is it breakfast time now?” Elena asked, smiling, greatly delighted as she pushed back her damp black hair away from her forehead.“You seemed happy,” Alterna commented, yet her voice was as cold as ever. Elena laughed as she looked at the lake, her back facing Alterna. “How could you tell?” she inquired as her eyes traveled through the calm lake that looks like sparkling diamonds under the sunlight.Alterna looked at her and didn’t bat an eye, “I just guessed.”Elena turned around, her purple eyes glowing under the sun. “What a scary intuition you have! You should try practicing witchcraft, I’m sure we will earn a lot by it.” Elena jokes, yet Alterna’s face remains the same.“You could say, I have a very good
Chapter Seven.The lines between life and death blur under the watchful eyes of the crows.The night stretched long and deep over the capital of the Curdo Empire, the streets devoid of life and wrapped in silence. The townsfolk had succumbed to slumber, yet a handful of figures remained vigilant at the D’Aurelle residence, where the Nighthawks kept their watch through the dark hours.Inside the grand yet shadowy estate, the flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls, a reflection of the quiet determination that filled the air. At the center of the room, Lucien D’Aurelle, the head of the D’Aurelle Household, is sitting quietly as he reviews some papers.Opposite to him was Thorne, who was looking at his captain with a wrapped face. It’s been six hours since the moment he stepped inside his office, and not even once he heard his captain talk. He was there to guard him, to be at his side as his right-hand. But he cannot fathom how his captain could work for six hours straig
Chapter Six.The darkest place is always right under the candle.“YOU ARE A WITCH!”The air reverberated with Kael's astonished exclamation, a shockwave that seemed to freeze time for a heartbeat. For a moment, everything fell silent—the distant crackling of the fire paused, the last echo of Alterna’s cherry-munching stilled, and even the flicker of the candle flames tapered into stillness. Elena smiled, amusement dancing in her eyes like the candlelight. “You shouldn’t be shouting loudly at night, child. You will wake the monsters here.” Her voice was layered with warning, but a playful glimmer betrayed her facade, lips curling into a strange smile.Alterna looks at her, face devoid of emotions before she stops eating the fruits.Kael’s hand flew to his mouth, wide eyes filled with panic. He glanced around, suddenly conscious of the fragile peace that enveloped them. “I-I’m sorry!” he whispered, the weight of his own words settling heavily in the air. “I just… can’t believe it!”“Yo
Chapter Five.Vena AmorisElena went upstairs as soon as she got out of the dining room, her steps were oddly calm despite the speed of her walk. echoing softly against the wooden planks. Despite the urgency in her stride, an odd calm surrounded her, as if this internal tempest were a storm contained within glass. When she reached the old brown door that marked the threshold to her office, she took a breath, steadying herself before entering.As the door creaked open, a familiar scent enveloped her: the rich aroma of aging parchment mingling with leather, unfurling like an ancient spell.The towering bookshelves lined the walls—each shelf crammed with tomes of various sizes and shapes, their spines adorned with an array of titles that whispered of worlds long forgotten, ancient spells, and secrets too dangerous to share. In this sanctuary of knowledge, she found solace. Here, she could lose herself in the pages of obscure histories or delve deep into the mysteries of magic.And at the