A HALF-DOZEN MEN that hadn't been visible a moment before, appeared around them and blocked even the only exit. Chloe scanned the room, noting that they were in fact inside a dungeon. She raised Bellatrix at the ready until she found what she was looking for.
Drake Lornn and Theo Jōn were tied with heavy chains inside a single dungeon, looking half-dead. There was no sight of Marjien Zūng at all. Chloe turned her gaze upon the enemies that surrounded them. This time, the men of the Olaire Tribe were all accompanied by venomous monsters. Snakes, scorpions, even felines with their tribe's poison.
A man lunged at Tara. She took a step back, flipping her spear in her hand and driving the butt into another of the man's face. As the man stumbled back, she plunged the bladed end into the scorpion that had lunged at her, wrenching it out as the monster began to spurt out poison. Kieran was quick to raise an earthen shield for the three of them. No one could get bear Kieran Lornn
THE fire from the cave's torches flickered as Chloe stood protectively in front of the prison where Theo Jōn and Drake Lornn were bound with chains against the wall. Tara and Kieran had their shoulders tensed, their grip on their weapons were far tight than usual."Relax," Chloe said whispered to them. She focused her eyes through the dark, following the direction of the clapping noise. A man was walking in the narrow entrance to the deeper part of the cave. Chloe narrowed her golden eyes when she recognized him."Impressive!" a voice echoed across the place. "I wasn't sure if you would survive this, but it's a relief to know that the Blood Star could fight this good!""Sean Olaire, leader of the Olaire Tribe," Chloe emotionlessly said.The figure emerged from the dark, the fire only made Sean Olaire's sinister presence became even more evil. He was grinning at her, focusing only at her. "Hello, Chloe Rein. We met again.""You're the one who released th
"Halt!"The group paused from their steps and turned around to face the queen. She narrowed her eyes at them. "You were saying something before the Saranian arrived. What is it?"Chloe shifted on her feet. In all honesty, she was unconscious when Dana was taking over her body. She didn't know what had happen at the moment she encountered the Olaire member and his wild dogs. She glanced at Kieran. Sensing her gaze, Kieran just nodded. Her eyes went to Tara Jōn who was secretly yawning. The pink-haired woman waved her hand in a way telling her to go on before walking away, leading a few Krysts who were carrying the bodies of the Lou Brothers. Both signs that she will be fine.She sighed and trailed her gaze back to the queen. "The Olaire Tribe was behind the kidnapping and torture of the Drêy and the rest of the Five Leaf Clovers' members."Barbie clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. "That explained why they were absent for how many days in the Krystalline
THE moment Chloe and Blaise arrived at their residence shared by the group of friends and entered the house, a blur of silver threw itself against Chloe hurling them to the ground. Chloe grunted, shifting on her place with her two elbows leaning on the ground. "Jus, I can't breathe," she rasped. Jucel sat up, her face scrunched up in a cute frown. "I was worried about you!" Chloe frowned at her. "I was worried about you, too! Look at you. Getting all beat up because of that Hwā. Are you really a Saranian warrior?" she taunted with a raised eyebrow. Jucel blinked at her. The rest of the group were chuckling and sighing. All of their worries were wiped out, thanks to the two girls' antics. Lucian went to them and offered his two hands. "Come on now," Lucian gently said. Chloe and Jucel looked at each other before they smiled, taking one hand each and let Lucian pull them up. They were then taken aback when Lucian proceeded to engulf them in a hu
THERE were memories Prince Zephrain would want to bury in his mind. Memories that were a combination of bitter and sweet. He neither wanted it to be remembered nor he wanted it to be forgotten. The paradox of his wishes made it more bittersweet than any other past of his.He was only nineteen at that time, still considered as a young Kryst. He was naive, and he was in love of adventure. Not until he was introduce to a beautiful woman of his age. A woman of an entirely different world and power.~O~O~O~PRINCE ZEPHRAIN walked out of the throne room with a sigh of exhaustion and relief. He rubbed the side of his neck and rolled his left shoulder, grimacing when he felt the ache on his upper back. Really... he may be the first Prince but he's not the only one in line. There's still his younger brother, one who's intelligence was on par with him in a whole different level.Zephrain groaned to himself. That was the problem. That kid was not yet ready to become the
THE BLIZZARD whipped snow and ice across the mountain pass, threatening to send the two figures skidding off the side of the cliff. If their shoes hadn't been equipped with spikes and if they hadn't been used to such tough travel, they would've certainly been dead by that point.The winter weather was being awfully wicked.Zephrain dug his boots into the ground to get a firmer stance, one hand clinging to a bit of rock on the mountainside. This storm had come from nowhere. Nothing in the sky that morning had warned either him or Angelica that a blizzard was on the move, so they had thought it would be safe to go hunting and gathering on the mountainside.The two of them, along with the other members of the special squad, were on a mission in the northern land of Deirdre. Their comrades were left behind in a village near where they were right now.Bits of ice sliced at any bit of skin that was exposed, making him wish he had a full mask and not just his hood a
WARMTH.That was the first thing Vivien felt as she stirred into consciousness. She was warm again, and she could feel blankets and furs tucked in around her. A piece of soft fluff was tickling her exposed skin, but she realized that it was just Snow, who seemed to be laying on her chest. Snow was the small white bird she saved while in a travel with Marjien. Since then, Snow tagged along with the two of them.Someone touched her forehead; delicate, cool fingers resting against her skin. The hand traveled to her cheek, a thumb running across her cheekbone. Her hand snapped out and caught the three of the big fingers that were touching her. It was more of a reflex than anything. She opened her eyes, blinking in the dim candlelight, and saw a young man leaning over her. She recognized the big emerald eyes, but now she could see the face those kind eyes belonged to.The man, Zephrain, had auburn hair that looked like the leaves in the autumn season. It fell around his
AFTER all those days of simply laying in bed and recovering, Vivien was finally allowed to get up and move around Zephrain's quarters. She was under strict orders from Celine to stay inside if at all possible, since the days were bitterly cold up in the mountains. No one wanted her to get sick again.Snow was perched on Vivien's shoulder as she stepped out from the little room she had been sharing with Angelica, cautious in this strange house. It was different from any houses in Demetrius Kingdom, although the Cold Mountain was still within the territory. The house, particularly the huge quarters of Zephrain and his friends, was a large circular structure made entirely from thick wooden beams that held in the warmth, and the rooms were all arranged a central space.It was also seemingly full of people.The circular space in middle of the house was overflowing with circus members sitting around, working, chatting. There was a table where people were sewing and stitc
THEIR dance costumes waved around, creating a blur of silver and white, with Vivien laughing and trying to escape from the clutch of the girls of the village while Gisel held her down and Clara was torturing her. They wanted to know about her and Zephrain and all she could say was "shut up".The door to the building flew open, letting in the harsh frozen wind. It swirled inside, bringing snowflakes, ice, and Marjien. "Vivi!" she called, interrupting the laughing and the music.She was instantly on her feet, recognizing the urgency in her young friend's tone. She stepped over Gisel and Clara and rushed to her side. "Come on, Celine needs us. It's their two men, they were out in the snow too long," she said as grabbed her cloak and tossed it to her while she hurried to take off her dance slippers and put on her boots. "They seemed to be attacked," Marjien added in a whisper.Worry and frustration showed through her expression, and she knew there were multiple reasons
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'