BLUE eyes stared as starlight gleamed through the window. The night sky was like a painting as a dusty river of stars that shimmered with dark blues and pale pinks cut through the deep purple background. Hanna's soft snores bounced off the hut walls, the white noise a droning comfort. Faline rolled uncomfortably to her side. With a sleepy yawn, the Knight closed her hidden eyes and focused inward.
Her Auræ stretched before her like the open ocean bathed in moonlight. It was her inner core, the place were her power was reserved and renewed. Faline delved deeper, searching for some sort of tell. But the only not-her that she could sense was the flickering fragments of her own white Auræ that identified her as the bearer of the Blood Star's ice element. Chapped lips frowned in contemplation. If Hanna was correct about her having a Telekinetic Kryst, then she would have seen it within her inner core while the child was still unborn. However, Faline couldn’t determine if that was t
FALINE had seen the troops wearing the uniform of Colton's tribe off in the distance as she walked the dusty street through the village. It was a little unusual but the Knights didn’t put too much thought into it. It wasn’t until she was inside, resting her swollen feet and blue eyes that switches to white starting through thatched roof to the cloudless blue sky, that Faline realized they were marching toward the village. The unit was small; a quick estimate of only eighty Krysts. The majority stopped in formation a decent distance from the village, bows and quivers on their backs. The officer leading them – highly ranked based on his uniform and seeming vaguely familiar – continued forward with just a small guard, meeting a nervous Hade at the village entrance. The confused villagers paused from their daily tasks to stare uncertainly at the tribe, while others fearfully peaked out from doors and windows.Faline didn’t know the details, didn’t know what exactly they wanted wit
DUSK descended on the village, the shimmering sky a periwinkle purple as the waxing moon rose. The moon-glow coated the thatched roofs and browning grass like a pale morning frost of early winter. Inside one of those small stone houses, the elders and relevant adults crowded together with bumping shoulders. Hade and Hanna were standing beside Faline as the village leader and local healer, respectively. Kenneth and Lanie had a spot by the table, while Porcia hovered near the door with back pressed against the wall. There were others as well, such as the head goat herder and the senior farmers. They all murmured with nervous energy, low voices filling the room. Faline stretched her back with rounded belly sticking out farther, relieved that the paralysis backfire of her power had finally worn off. She then met each of their curious stares, the glint of blue and white eyes quickly stilling the crowd.“Thank you all for your understanding and acceptance these past few months," Fal
FALINE practically bounced on the balls of her heels with impatient energy. She stood near the edge of the budding village, another two huts and shelter for the farm animals completed since Faline had sensed Ailene and Hunter's approaching presence. Her gaze focused in the distance, across the forest blanketed in a dense white fog. Faline casually wondered if Ailene had somehow brought the mist down from the mountains with them.With her ability to see through the mist, she could see them now, walking at a steady pace and trailed after by a familiar man and a few followers. It was Hēdin, she realized. He probably went to get Ailene and Hunter when Faline sent him a message a three days ago through the Faerie.Ailene was stylish in pure white as ever. The fur coat that hugged her thin curves peeking out from her travel cloak. She moved like the wind, her wavy armpit length black hair was fanning behind her. She looked younger than Faline, although Ailene was much older th
WITH a single swipe of the hand, the tree trunk was cut cleanly into two like a knife cutting through the meat. It bounced on the ground before falling backwards, away from them. Another tree leaned to one side, splintered bark cracking and groaning without anyone touching it. Ailene and Hunter stepped back as the tree slowly toppled over, air gusting through quaking branches before it slammed into the ground with a thundering thud. Hunter then wiped the sweat from his forehead with his hand while Ailene blew a black hair out of her face as the two of them surveyed their work. This was not the first two downed tree. Logs baring clean cuts and uprooted trees were being cut up and harvested by the villagers, Hēding and a few of the Liu Tribe servants. The plan was to clear this area near the settlement for grazing and gardening once spring comes. The lumber would be used to for building material and firewood.A younger man with dirty blond hair – Kenneth, if Hunter was rememberi
FALINE was lying against the spare bedding, slightly supported by itchy blankets and a few straw pillows. Hanna’s warmed hands pressed against Faline’s bloated belly. The civilian medic's hands moved up and around Faline's stomach in almost message-like motions. It felt awkward and uncomfortable and a little invasive. Faline lightly bit her lower lip, forcing herself to stay still and not to shift away. Finally, Hanna lifted her hands and backed away.“The child is in a good position," Hanna said as a flickering frown vanished behind a professional expression.Next she checked to see whether or not Faline was dilating yet. That was even more awkward and uncomfortable and much more invasive than Hanna checking the baby’s positions.“You’ve started dilating," the woman declared. “It’s not a false call.”At those words, there was a sudden flurry of movement from Lanie and Porcis as they began gathering together all the necessarily supplies. Water was set to boil
FALINE woke to the sound of displeased baby gurgles, her heavy eyelids reluctantly fluttering open. Eyes that were a reflection of her own stared intently at her as Lucian’s hungry whimpers loudened. Faline went to move but Iwaoka's weight stopped her. His arm was locked tight around her waist, and he was laying half on top of her. It was almost like he was worried she might vanish while he slept. After a few tries, Faline managed to loosen his grip and shift free; Iwaoka rolling slightly to the side at her absence. She sat up and glanced down at her lover’s sleeping form. Her hand lightly brushed twilight bangs from his face, which even in sleep was lined with exhaustion. Usually Faline was a light sleeper but he remained unconscious despite the infant’s noise and her touch. Iwaoka had truly overextended his power to arrive as quickly as he had. Faline didn’t expect him to stir back into the realm of waking for many hours.Lucian’s hungry garble
THE sound of pen strokes on parchment filtered across the room and mingled with the crackling noise of the fire. Faline was seated at the table, writing out a list with a steady hand. She took a deep breath, the smells of ink and green tea from her still steaming cup drifting in the warmed air.“Up you go," Iwaoka's voice sounded from behind as he lightly tossed Lucian from his cradled hold and up an inch or so into the air. Happy baby gurgles, an almost laughter, chimed from the infant as he safely caught him again.“Iwaoka, he’s too young for a game like that," Faline stated as she wrote down another item on the list.“Lucian likes it," he replied instantly but soon settled his down on the futon next to her. Lucian gurgled again as he flailed his feet, while his tiny mouth formed an o-shape. Both Iwaoka’s hands reached down, a thumb brushing Lucian’s cheek as a rare warm and gentle smile lit his lips. “Do you want to fly again, Lucian?”“Iwaoka," Faline war
THE forest canopy was lush with new leaves and the first tiny buds of spring, a few patches of snow still lingering in shadowed spots. Birdsong weaved through the branches as colorful birds flew in the cool breeze. The small village hidden within the foliage was hectic with activity. Some villagers were out foraging, while some were herding the sheep and goats. Others were doing laundry, and some were working on expanding a few of the huts. Even more villagers were in the midst of preparing enough food for a feast.At the edge of all the activity, Faline shifted impatiently on the balls of her feet. Lucian was held in her arms, his little hands gripping at the pendant dangling from his mother’s neck as his blue eyes glanced at the passing villagers. Hēdin was on her left side while Iwaoka stood on her right, his boot tapping with excited energy on the fresh grass and his expression even more impatient than hers. It wasn’t too surprising; Faline had seen Hunter and Ailene a lit
The ceremony was short and rushed as everyone were exhausted and distraught. They paid tribute to every single fallen Kryst and then buried the Knights of Shaula in their own monuments. Neptos was buried in the cemetery for the Rein Tribe while Vivien Li in her own tribe. Kieran Lornn was brought to the Lornn Tribe in a closed casket, never to be opened.Those who led in the war were given rewards. Barbie Lewelyn, Lucian Liu, Zabdiel Lewelyn, Clive Travis, and Jared Dale were hailed as the new Knights of Bellatrix."I know it's late. But this is how I wanted to honor her," Queen Elisa told them in a hushed voice.Barbie regained her strength two months after and it was enough for Zephrain to make some sentiments with the Krystalline Palace.Zephrain was standing right in the middle of the vast graveyard, the horizon looming ahead and the Mountain Ranges surrounded him, as if looking over on what he had been gazing at for many times in a day... everyday.He heard a rus
When the Knights positioned outside the barrier, Chloe removed her armor from her body. She wore a plain red shirt with gray pants. The young Blood Star sat on the ground, her legs crossed under her.Lucian positioned behind her, standing with his right palm pressed behind her head. "Are you sure about this, Chlo'?" he asked."I must be asking you that, Lulu-chi." Chloe smiled. "I never had the chance to thank Demetrius for this."Lucian gritted his teeth to control his tears. He didn't say anything at all, afraid that his voice might give away his sorrow.Jucel brought the Bellatrix sword to Chloe. The latter shook her head. "You must do it."The freckled woman let out a deep breath. "You're cruel."Chloe just smiled. She stared at the back of a familiar duo. "Mē, Zē." She swallowed. "Thank you."Outside the barrier, Faline Liu and Iwaoka were trying their best not to cry. They neither answered her nor looked back. The three inside wouldn't hear them, anyway.
Meanwhile, Barbie ducked under Kirsten's staff and swiped her leg under the latter. Kirsten lost her balance but regained herself, and flipped away before she could reach the hard ground.Barbie stood and twirled her sword while her dagger was positioned in front of her. The electricity from her body was back, recharging her energy through the wrath that she felt.Kirsten charged again and swung her sword before giving Barbie a side kick. The latter crossed her wrists to block another kick but grunted when Kirsten's high heel dug on her flesh. She gripped Kirsten's ankle, electricity ran through the Great Witch who screamed. Barbie hurled her away, the heel ripping her skin in the process.Blood oozed from Barbie's wrists and ran down her fingers then dripped to the ground. She could feel her nerves shaking on her right wrist where a hole from Kirsten's heel dug into. An open wound near her large vein."Tch," Barbie said as she wrapped her left hand around her righ
Snow endlessly falls down from the cloud-covered sky. But despite that, the whole land of Markus was not freezing in cold. The Fire Land was warmer below at the same time colder in the surface. Although the surroundings were frozen in ice crystals and covered with snow, it was not enough to freeze a Demetri.Chloe Liu walked for a few meters to the center and stopped under the tree. Her golden eyes roam around and saw that she was surrounded by Black Shaols.The young Blood Star smirked. "You really brought them out for your gain, Liege."A large man with a black armor emerged from the crowd of enemies, a triumphant smirk etched on his face. He had a golden crown with the symbol of Illinor at the center. He's holding a large sword with broad blade. Chloe thinks he could cut a large tree with it.But, not her.She figured out that the Southern Region has a tunnel underneath it, used by the same enemy fifty years ago to infiltrate the land of Markus. It doesn't fa
The time had been ticking that moment. It runs around the clock day and night. Not even the prince I served, Særi ust Trūx Ciaran, can stop the time all at once. There will be choices to make. There will be memories of pain.The Great Witch, with Kirsten Zūng as its vessel, has ordered a massive hunt for our deaths. The Kingdom of Demetrius, my home, experienced its biggest war in history.Once again, many shall lose their lives for the peace we so wanted. Witches from Illinor began to make their way to the Eastern Region where they will be able to invade the city of Markus.The whole population of the bloodlust witches and traitors of Demetrius bounded off around the Ahn Mountain Pass and made their way to the city of Markus, the city which the great General Dana Rein conquered. The Land rich of Fire Element. There's no mercy, no holding back.I haven't been into this kind of war. None of us have. Bellatrix of Orion, will you save us from sure death?Only I, a Mnemos
Jared landed on the ground face-first. He pushed himself up and sighed softly as he opened his now blazing dark green eyes. He pushed out of the way in time to avoid the axe of the enemy. Jared picked up the fallen soldier's sword and swung it blindly in front of him, cutting deeply on the skull of the enemy.He grimaced as he stood limply, his injury now bothering him than before."Red!" Clive's voice rang through the noise of the battle. He turned and raised his hand to catch his sword. Jared didn't waste time swinging his blade across the approaching enemy's chest.~O~O~O~"Damn it! Where the hell was Kirsten?" Tara asked as she kicked away an opponent and swung her spear to another Illinora.Vivien swung her two white silver swords across the Illinora's face and whirled around the enemy's side before bringing her blade down their injured necks. She put her blades together and ran the blades across each other. The blood was quickly wiped off the blades, clean
Clive and Celine stepped back as another explosion occured at the boundary.Huge dark brown ugly-looking beasts were roaming around; snarling and shaking their heads furiously as blood were oozing from their faces and body.Clive whirled at Celine who was standing calmly beside him. Celine began to bark orders in a calm voice. Fire began to float all around them, courtesy of the Fire Element Krysts."Archers!!" Celine shouted. Clive raised his hands and the fire enveloped him. It made him smile with joy. Being enveloped in fire made him think about the time he discovered his power as a boy.The archers notched their arrows and aimed at the borders. Clive brought his hands towards the arrows, the fire began to lick the tip of the arrow notched.Celine smirked at him and nodded. She looked at those beasts that managed to enter the borders. "Hold!!"Silence enveloped the whole area. Five kilomenters. Four. Three. The archers didn't move an inch.Celine pulled an ar
The Krysts began to follow Ciaran and Zephrain's instructions. The Travis Tribe and the other tribes from the Markus City vowed to help in the war against the Great Witch. They prepared traps everywhere. It took them a whole day to prepare.Lucian and his friends decided to get over the grief they had over Kieran. With Jucel and Celine's efforts, Zabdiel's consciousness came back.Upon hearing about Kieran's death, Zabdiel didn't know what to say. He started to blame himself, but there's no denying that no one wanted to lose Kieran Lornn."Where's his body?""Chloe said he's at the palace back in Vestia," Lucian murmured.Zabdiel could only nod his head and then he went back to his trance, mourning for his older friend. He clenched his jaws and his fists. Zabdiel vowed that he will seek revenge on Kieran's death.Three days came and no Kirsten Zūng appeared. Celine brought Lucian, Barbie, Zabdiel, and Clive to a storage room."What are we doing here?" Clive aske
Queen Elisa stood at the first steps outside the palace. She was covered with wool coat to prevent the freezing cold from seeping through her body. Her white hair cascaded on her shoulder and her crown sat atop her head.The soldiers are already positioned, all of them sitting on the Pegasi - another type of horses used for battle. These horses have the wings of eagles they can fly the soldiers towards Markus and pass the Dark Forest. Because of the vulnerability of the Pegasi under the sun, they had to wait under the weather was colder so they can use them for transportation.Chloe was sitting on her own Pegasi, a jet black horse with stronger, wider wings than the others. Her golden eyes looked up at the Queen and found her staring. Chloe just nodded at her which she answered a small smile and a nod. The Blood Star then took hold of the reins and bounded to the front lines.Jucel and Jared went out of the palace. Jared still looked emotionless as before. Ever since Jucel'