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Chapter 4 - Fire & Blood

Thinking back to the events of the evening Damon couldn't help but wonder why he had such a strange feeling when dancing with a 5 year old light child. He was an adult male for heavens sakes. So how could a child give him a feeling like no other ever had?

Deeply conflicted he sat up on the edge of his bed and rubbed his eyes. He always had trouble sleeping at night, especially since most dark elves were nocturnal anyways. But, he had not slept in almost a week. Glancing up he caught his reflection in the extravagantly large dainty mirror hanging from floor to ceiling on the far side of the room. His blood shot violet eyes glowed back at him. A raven black five O'clock shadow was thickly forming along his jawline.

He didn't know how long he sat there in silence staring at his own tired reflection until he realized there was something amiss. There was a strange smoke smell wafting in from the balcony as if something were on fire. The sheer white curtains swayed inwards with the breeze as the moonlight spilled into the dark room where he sat, fully alert with all five senses.

Only when the sounds of screaming and swords clanging together reached his ears, did he jump up to investigate.

Damon walked silently down the candle lit corridors of the palace. The sharp smell of iron assaulted his nose as he reached the servants quarters. He already knew before slowly pushing open the door what he would find, but he still had to clarify. He nudge the door inwards with his boot and peaked in.

Though it was dark, due to his dark elf abilities, he could clearly see all the mangled corpses lying around the room. Every surface was stained with fresh blood.

He continued on towards the throne room. As he drew nearer he could hear the sounds of people fighting and screaming. The smoke hung thickly in the air. He realized suddenly that, that whole part of the palace was ablaze in flame. The guards standing outside of the rooms doors both were laying lifeless in pools of their own blood.

sighing inwardly Damon entered. The King and Queen of the light elves were being dragged by their necks with fine silver chains as they struggled and fought. A noble woman from the Fire elemental kingdom grabbed at the Light Queen's long luxurious cream colored hair. She ripped at it and then demanded the Soldier holding the chains hand her his dagger. He did so. In an act of pure vengeance the woman slashed at the Light Queen's hair. Not caring if she cut her in the process.

All the Queen could do was struggle weakly on the floor while the chain around her neck tightened and the blood slowly began to flow from the wounds the Noble Woman had inflected upon her whilst cutting off her hair.

Sneering the Noble Woman held up her prize, "You're not so beautiful now, are you??". More women gathered around to slash and RIP at the Queens clothes and fine porcelain skin.

Not so far away her husband, the King, was undergoing similar treatment from the noblemen. They kicked him multiple times wherever they could and Slashed him up with knives.

The Royalty from the other kingdoms stood up by the thrones watching the horrific scenes of Mass genocide with satisfied looks upon their faces. Damon quickly spotted his own parents standing among them. Except their faces remained grim. His parents had actually been friends with the Light King and Queen at one point in time. He vaguely remembered when he and Ashra would play together when they were young.

His heart began to race as he looked around the room for his old friend when suddenly a dark elf soldier marched into the room carrying a kicking, screaming light child.

"I found the princess! it appears the Prince has fled along with a handful of his royal guards. We shall pursue them at once! but, first what shall I do about the child?" The Dark King flicked his wrist without emotion. His dark plumb colored eyes not even glancing at the tiny child he had just condemned. The Soldier pulled a dagger from his side and raised it. The light from the flames dancing on the tip of the blade.

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The dagger began to fall downwards. Meira closed her eyes knowing she was about to about to die. Her short life flashing before her eyes, she saw images of her family from a few years ago when they were truly happy. Tears streamed down her elegant little face.

But, the dagger never reached her. Her eyes peaked open as she realized the soldier that had been holding her let go and had stumbled back. His large pale Perrywinkle eyes stared in horror as blood sprayed from his throat. He reached up and clawed at the gash trying desperately to stop the bleeding before ultimately falling backwards and choking on his own blood.

Meira looked on in horror until a large lean figure stooped to pick her up and sling her over his shoulder.

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As if possessed Damon had flown across the room and swiftly slit the throat of the soldier who was about to kill the tiny princess. The dagger fell to the ground and he kicked it away as he turned to pick up the princess. Slinging her over his shoulder he turned to stare at his parents who had stiffened in shock at what he had done. "I wish to keep the Princess." It was blunt and to the point. No one argued or said a word as he turned and carried her out of the flame engulfed blood soaked room.

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Meira slowly began to drift out of consciousness. Her head was nestled against Damon's neck. Before losing consciousness altogether she realized he smelled like a meadow filled with wild flowers.