“Daciana…”Someone was calling my name. I slowly open my eyelids to see who it might be. The voice was soft, gentle, and welcoming. It’s like it came from a woman.“I’m glad you’re finally awake.”I mumbled unforeseeable words underneath my breath. My body feels light. Did I lose weight or something? What is happening? And who is this person that’s talking to me? The scent and voice wasn’t familiar to me.I massage my forehead, blinking repeatedly to see who is it. My vision was a little blurry but I could detect it’s a silhouette of a person.A person?“Daciana, come on. Get up…”I inhaled some breath then slowly sat up while holding my head. The person who’s calling me assist me by placing a hand on my back to balance my body. I groaned, rubbing my eyes.“W-who are you?”The person didn’t said a word. I removed my hands that’s covering my eyes then look at the person who’s been calling my name. My vision slowly started to get clear.“It’s me, Daciana.”My eyes widened as words could
“Man down!”I couldn’t believe what I am seeing. I covered my mouth with my hand, stopping my tears from falling. Others were looking down on the ground with their hands on their chest. Adolf, who’s standing in front of me, took a step forward while shaking his head.“Who would do such a thing?”Some people who’s blocking a little cleared their way. From here, a poor man who’s holding twigs and branches he’s collecting for the bonfire, drops on the ground.Lifeless.His body is intact. No injuries or wounds. However, his eyes were pure as white, as if his soul was sucked out of his body. Its flesh were turning colorless and scorched.You’re all probably wondering how did I manage to stand and got here when I was told to stay put in my place earlier? Well, I didn’t listen to Adolf.“Stay here. You’re not going anywhere Daciana!”He gave me a threatening look. For a moment, I was speechless. I couldn’t move while staring at him because of his eyes that are alarming. He probably noticed
The journey continues.After the incident last night, Stoic and I decided not to talk about it again. He clearly has no any idea what I was talking about. He’s probably thinking I am just hallucinating.However, that’s not the case here. I am sure that I saw a shadow. It was petrifying I could still feel a chill down my spine.“Stay close! We’re getting near!” Frode yelled, encouraging everyone.I don’t have any idea how long we’re walking. I was lost from the deep end of my thoughts when thanks to Frode’s scream that snap me back to reality.Stoic and the rest of us agreed not to cross the city where I was poisoned since it’s dangerous to go there again. And that’s the short cut. We have no choice but to go to the long route. Now what Frode said we’re near, we must have been hiking for miles now.“Seems like something’s bothering your mind.”I wasn’t surprised Adolf was beside me when he asked. I know he had been keeping an eye on me ever since last night they heard me screaming for
It was dark, cold and trembling. I could feel my body shivering severely. I tried opening my eyes to see what’s going on and where am I. I saw nothing put pure iniquity. The atmosphere is eerie and blood draining. I closed my eyes again, trying to move my body only to scream in pain. Where’s everyone? “Get up!” I groaned when someone kicked my stomach. I choked out my saliva from the impact. I was left crying and mumbling words under my breath. A light illuminated the place all of a sudden. Even if my eyes are still closed, the agleam of light-colored coming from the torch is burning. It was followed by a series of voices coming from those who’s unfamiliar with me. “Princess Daciana! What a pleasant surprise!” I open my eyes when I was rolled on my back. Someone step on my stomach and when I get to stare at the suspect, I couldn’t believe what I am seeing. It was a person. “Yeah, it was a total jackpot to meet her.” Frode step to the side, leaning his head a little so he coul
What is he doing here? Why is here?“Lowell…”Saying his name was like spitting out an acid that’s venomous in my mouth. I growled, furrowing my eyebrows when he kneeled his one knee while his eyes never left my face. I never would have thought we’re going to meet again after last time’s incident.Until now, I couldn’t forget he hugged me. It’s an outlandish thing coming from your sworn enemy.He raised his hand and I thought he’s going to hit me or something. But, he pinched my chin then lifted my face a little. I groaned, pulling my face away from his hold while giving him a hostile glare.“I am not going to let myself be secured with someone I loathe so much.”Lowell didn’t say anything but I saw how his eyes twitch with my statement. I was expecting for him to strike me or something since I crashed his ego. However, he stood up and turned around.“Who hurt her?”The whole place falls completely silent. I blink, thinking of what he is talking about. Is he pertaining to me?“Master…
“Just…let’s get this over with.”I can’t believe this. I couldn’t believe I can pull a stunt like this. It’s like as if I am committing a sin for someone. I closed my eyes when Frode inhaled my scent in his nostrils. He’s like an animal that’s luring his prey in the corner.He’s thinking of something.“But first…” he mumbled against my flesh before pulling away.“Let me treat your wounds first. You can’t escape if you’re badly beaten like that.”I blink when he turned around, starting to pour something on the container. I exhaled a loud breath, glad that he take a step backward after invading my personal space.“Be a good girl while I’m treating you.” he exclaimed turning around so he could look at my eyes.I gulped, nodding. He grab my other arm then started to take care of my wounds. I tried to move so that it would not be difficult for him to take care of my wound when I cried out in pain. I automatically held my stomach. This is what the opponent poured his attention a lot earlier
I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Apparently, I feel like I'm dreaming.I couldn't stop myself from shedding tears as I watched his appearance. It's been almost a few days since we last saw each other. But, why am I suddenly homesick? Why doesn't my heart stop beating while I stare into his eyes?Is it because of the idea that I will be saved? Can we escape from here? Or because of his presence?I don't know the answers to my questions. But, I can only guarantee one thing.I missed him.Lowell coughed several times as he waved his hands because of the thick smoke in his place. He slowly opened his eyes to meet Adolf with a serious eyes examining him.I swallowed, looking back and forth between the two of them. Lowell's armies were driven back by Adolf's presence. I can't blame them if they react that way. Because Adolf's appearance is not far from his dead father.“I-is that Wolfrith?”“T-that can’t be. Wolfrith is already dead.”“It’s impossible he’s alive!”They whispered variou
I do not know what happened next.I just realized that I was looking up at the sky, watching the sky surrounded by clouds. My eyes narrowed when I noticed that the color of the cloud was gradually changing. It's turning dark, it seems, a heavy rain will pour again."Daciana!"Screaming.I heard a lot of people screaming. I couldn't move my body, not even my head, to see who the voices were coming from. My whole body is painful and shivering. What is happening to me?"Daciana! Hold on!"Who is that? The voice was familiar to me, but, vague to my hearing. I gasped when I felt something shaking my body, apparently, begging me to stay conscious."Please! Stop the fight! She's losing a lot of blood!""Daciana! Stay with us! Stay awake!""W-what's happening?"I couldn't look at them even though there was a hint of concern in their voice. I feel a liquid forming in my mouth and I want to vomit it all. But, I don't have the strength anymore. I feel so frail as I tried to raise my hands, reach
Years later...I took a deep breath, inhaling the pure air that surrounded me. I glanced around the area, looking at all the people and taking in my surroundings. A gentle smile spread across my face as I thought of how lucky I was to be there at this exact moment. The beautiful trees and flowers seemed to be flourishing in the bright sun, creating a breathtaking landscape. The birds tweeted happily in between small bushes, adding to the already joyful atmosphere of this place.“Daciana? What on earth are you doing out there. Don't you remember that you need to go inside and get yourself ready?”I didn’t look up at him when he called my name. Instead, I felt my feet leave the ground, as if I could reach the stars and fly away from here. Memories of days gone by cascaded into my mind like waterfalls, bringing with them a flood of emotions. They were memories both fond and painful that made me pause in that moment, feeling vulnerable but also appreciative for all life had given me.“Do
“Daciana! Get a hold of yourself!”I was vaguely aware of a hand shaking my shoulder, as if someone was trying to force me awake. I couldn't tell if my body and mind were truly awake or not; it felt like I was suspended somewhere between consciousness and dreamland. It wasn't an altogether unpleasant feeling, but something still seemed off. This sensation would come and go in waves, leaving me alternating between deep sleep and strange alertness. My thoughts would wander in and out of reality until eventually, the hand shaking my shoulder become more vivid.“Daciana!”I slowly crane my neck towards the direction of someone calling for me. Peering through the crowd, my eyes eventually meet with Blode's. His face is stained with tears, but I still see the strength and resoluteness held within them. He beckons to me again, putting all his energy into conveying his urgency. He doesn't have to tell me much; somehow, I already know what has gone wrong and why he needs help.“Your father, he
I felt completely frozen in place, my mind and body unable to process what I just witnessed. All this had happened so quickly that I couldn’t make sense of anything. My throat tightened, unable to even find the words to describe how utterly stunned I was. Nothing could have ever prepared me for this outcome and it left me feeling numb with shock. It was as if time stood still, yet the events kept unfolding before my eyes.“L-lowell…”He had shown his unwavering dedication to the cause, a loyalty that was unrivalled by any in his pack. None of them ever expected him to make such a selfless sacrifice. For in sacrificing himself, he put their future before his own wellbeing. His act of courage made them realize just how much he valued their safety and freedom, despite knowing that it would cost him dearly.Everyone stood shock still, their face a mask of disbelief. No one knew what to say or do when Adolf suddenly collapsed onto the ground, not fully conscious. All eyes glanced towards h
I screamed out of desperation, my anger and fear manifesting in cries of agony. I watched helplessly as the skulks dragged my father away from me.My heart raced as though it was about to burst from my chest, and a wave of pure panic surged through me. Without thinking twice, I ran towards them who had taken him so quickly and without warning.“LET GO OF HIM! DON’T YOU DARE TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME AGAIN!”The skulks cackled loudly as my sobs and pleas fell on deaf ears. I felt powerless, my heart beating out of my chest as I took a deep breath in an attempt to quell the loud laughter. No, please. I had just been reunited with my father and if something were to happen to him, I would never forgive myself!I swiftly lifted my sword, ready to strike a blow against the skulks when I heard a commotion coming from behind me. I spun around in alarm, feeling apprehension rising within me as the voices grew louder and more numerous. What could be happening? My heart raced with anticipation and f
How could this be? I felt a chill as I gazed upon the darkness that had spread throughout the entire kingdom. Everywhere I looked, it felt like the sun itself had been blotted out from existence. It seemed like the shadows were slowly consuming everything in sight, and my heart sank at such a grim realization.I glanced up and saw Adolf’s body - he was clearly in need of help, but the shadows around him blocked my path. How could I go any closer to him? Hesitatingly, I took a step forward and found myself surrounded by a wall of darkness.I tiptoe cautiously, my heart pounding in my ears. Not a sound to be heard except the relentless humming of the darkness that threatens to consume me if I take one wrong step. I feel like any misstep could lead to a disastrous outcome - getting swallowed up by their ever-growing shadows - and I know that would mean certain doom for me.“How often must I warn you that there is no way you can beat me?”My focus was immediately brought back to Azariel a
I nodded my head slowly, taking the necklace from Father and carefully looping it around my neck. He smiled at me reassuringly, and then we both turned to face our foes.His gift to me had been a reminder of how much he cared for me, even in times of great peril. I felt an invisible surge of strength when I looked down at the glimmering metal against my chest; an assurance that no matter what would happen, Father was always by my side.“I’m so proud of you, darling.”Those were my father's encouraging words before we began to battle the groups of skulks advancing towards us. I had been preparing for this moment all week, equipping ourselves with weapons and practicing any tactical maneuvers that might give us an advantage. We had a duty to protect our home, and the feelings of anxiety that initially weighed on me had been replaced with a newfound determination. My dad's belief in my capabilities helped fuel this confidence, and I knew that no matter what happened, I would always stand
Even though we were heavily outnumbered by our opponents, we refused to be intimidated into retreating.We knew that if we wanted to stand any chance of victory, sheer determination and courage would be necessary. We could not afford to succumb to fear of the odds against us; although facing a daunting battle, our fortitude was unshakable. Our only hope for success lay in our ability to remain optimistic despite the disparity in numbers between us and the enemy; no matter how bleak things seemed, we kept going.Everyone was doing their utmost to make a difference, displaying bravery and a willingness to take the lead. All of them were uniting in one common cause; they wanted to win this last battle, no matter the cost. Each person was shouting and pushing forward with unwavering energy and vigor. They all knew what was at stake and were truly determined to succeed. The atmosphere was electric, inspiring me as I found my own courage swell within my chest.“You’re going to die here! Jus
“Adolf…”Everyone in the room had their eyes firmly fixed on the two standing before them.Adolf, standing tall and determined, was facing off against Azariel, despite having lost to him previously.“I-is that Adolf?”I glanced down at my father, his form so fragile, as he suddenly spoke. His breaths are labored and shallow, every inhalation a struggle and every exhalation a relief. It breaks my heart to see him in this state, but despite all of the difficulty he smiles up at me with a strength that is indomitable.“Yes, father.”Wrapping my arms around him, I leaned in and snuggled against his neck. I felt a pang of sadness that once again he wasn't by my side. Father returned the hug, letting out a deep sigh that seemed to speak of his own pain at having to be apart from me. His embrace was comforting yet bittersweet; he was there with me but I hate it because we’re in this situation. His chest rose and fell with each breath, like it was taking his heart along with him on each sighs
“A-azariel…”Taking a step back, I was filled with disbelief seeing him here, questioning if he has truly returned or not. It all seemed surreal to me; I almost couldn't believe it was happening. How could he be here now?The emotions running through my mind were a mix of confusion and apprehension when he suddenly spoke again.“Do you truly believe I'm that naive?”He forcefully grabbed my father by the throat, lifting him up into the air. I could feel an uncontrollable rage boil inside me when I saw my father struggling against Azariel.“FATHER! LET GO OF HIM YOU B*STARD!”My entire body seized up and my fists clenched as a need for vengeance overwhelmed me. I was willing to do anything to make sure he didn't hurt my father further, ready to lay down my life if necessary when someone stop me from advancing.“Daciana! No! It’s risky!”I peered over my shoulder and saw Stoic. His eyes were communicating to me that I should not do anything foolish and impetuous. He was trying to ensure