Suddenly, a static sound penetrated their ears... They realized it was the disruption in Bella's telepathic vines. They've disappeared. The three looked at each other perplexed, trying to grasp the situation.
"No... we lost contact with Bella and Sparrow... Don't tell me she went after them first... This is a trap set by Yfels, Leo... Let's go back"... Lexus was worried.
"Oh! Your knight is such a worrywart, Prince... You should think about replacing him"... A girl's voice from the corner of the room drew their attention.
"Prince bro… Prince"… That girl was with Bella and Sparrow... They emerged from the shadowy nook. They couldn't see her face since she was wearing a hoodie.
"Sparrow... Bella"... They were taken aback.
"There is no fun without all of the members... So I took the liberty of guiding them here... I prepared the finest tea and snacks for the Prince and his knights, as well as a bird"... She stated this as she let go of Bella and Sparrow. They dashed towards Leo and others.
Lexus pulled out his daggers, and Eesah gripped his fist, ready to battle. Even though his heart was racing, Leo seemed calm and polite.
"Esse-Diz and the hostess... I don't believe you invited us here to harm our lives"... Leo stated
"Certainly not, Prince... I do have something to discuss with you… But, as you can see, I don't totally trust you... So"... She lifted her hand and moved her fingers like she was playing the piano...
They couldn't figure out what was going on since it happened so rapidly... They became exhausted unexpectedly... Their bodies were feeble... On the other hand, five various colored stones circle around the hostess of Esse-Diz's pointer finger.
"What did you do? ..... Esse -Diz, you bastard! What exactly did you do?" ... Lexus became enraged and shouted.
"Haa… I feel so exhausted"… Bella stated
"I feel thirsty"… Sparrow sat on a seat
"Prince, are you ok?"... Eesah inquired, coughing.
"I'm fine"… Leo looked weak and sweating
"Tell me, who are you and what did you do to our body?" Leo asked
"Hmm… just a safety measure… It's just that thing inside you is kind of scary… Don't worry, I did nothing... Please take a seat... I'll explain"... She replied with a smirk.
"Leo… obey her... This domain is completely under her control, making it difficult for me to come out"... In his head, Leo heard Xena's voice...
"Everyone… Do what she says... sit"... He said. They followed Leo's orders.
The hostess joined them at their table. She took off her hoodie. She had bloodthirsty red eyes that felt lifeless and emotionless. Her short blue hair, ebony skin, slim frame, and arrogant sneer mixed beautifully.
'Is she scared of Xena?'... Leo pondered
"Anyways, thanks for coming, prince and Knights… (turns to face Sparrow) with a bird."... The door opens, and the girl who had accompanied them earlier enters, carrying tea and pastries. She exits after discreetly serving them.
"Can you respond to my earlier question?" Leo inquires once more.
"Sorry about that, my name is Neila Demion, a Yfel of Esse-Diz, as you say"... She stated this while sipping her tea.
"You are responsible for the deaths of all 58 people, including humans, Lehts, and Yfels... What were you thinking when you did it?" ... Bella inquired.
"Unlike you, I have to feed the creature inside of me... Because the almighty Allai does not share divine energies with evil spirits"... she reacted
"You murdered innocent people"... Bella became emotional.
"Innocent! Hahaha… Don't try to make me laugh... There is no such thing as innocence in this world... The first thing you lose in your life is your innocence... Those folks deserved it... So let us go to the next question... You guys have been looking for me for months... Don't waste your time asking foolish preschool questions"... She grinned.
"What happened to us?" Leo questioned, "What is that stone you pulled from our body?"
"You noticed me grabbing the life stone from you at such a breakneck pace... amazing! Xena's Leht, as predicted... You are correct. What I removed from your body was your life. Simply put, a few years from your life... To be more specific, each of you has twenty-four hours to live"... She burst out laughing.
"WHAT!" They were astounded...
"What the fuck! Why did you do that?... give it back"… Lexus roared…
"You mean I only have 24 hours to live... why? ... I have so much to do... I wanted to take my Mama on a trip"... Sparrow whimpered
"Shut up! Sparrow!" ..... Similarly, they said
"This is outrageous, Prince"... Eesah remarked
"That's correct, Prince... We can't allow her to do this to us; we're the ones who need to be on guard"... Bella indicated
Leonard and Neila exchanged a glance. "Then we have to convince each other before we die," he added with a smile.
Hahaha… Neila chuckles.
"You knew we were looking for you, and I'm sure you understood why... So, why don't we get down to business?" ... he stated
"Yes, I agree... We both share the same goals... So, how about we team up... As the ancient adage goes, an enemy's enemy is a friend"... her stare became even more intense
"So, as expected, you want Agriola's head"...
"I desire his head more than anything else in this world, just as you"...
"Why are you seeking to murder your own father?" ... Lexus spoke up.
"My father! Hahaha… Him?... No way, someone like me was born to that scumbag"... HAHAHA…. She laughs hysterically.
"You're not his daughter, yet you have a Yfel royals tattoo on your wrist... Only royal princesses are granted that"... Bella mentioned
"I am a royal descendant, but I am not Agriola's daughter... My father's name is Azeus Demion"... She responded
"Azeus? Agriola's brother... the former King of Yfels... I heard Agriola murdered him and his family"... stated Eesah
"I know him; he was a friend of my father's"... Leo's memories shifted back in time.
---------------------------------
NEILA DEMION
Age - 20
Princess of Yfel
Umbra Spirit Possessed - Esse-Diz, an Ancient Yfel God of Life and Death (nickname - Jarse)
Power - can snatch lifespan out of any living things.