Helen and Violet sat silently in the cramped, dimly lit jail cell. The air was heavy with tension, and the hatred etched in the faces of the demon guards was impossible to miss.
"You'll be returned to your people soon," one of the guards finally spoke, his tone dismissive. "We don't know why you were outside the gate, and honestly, we don't care. We just don't want trouble with your kind. Your people terrify us to the bone. As for the elf… well…"
Violet's heart tightened. She couldn't let anything happen to Helen.
"If anything happens to her, you'll have to answer for it," Violet said, her voice firm.
The guard sneered. "Oh? And what's that supposed to mean? Are you threatening me, or are you saying your people will come after us?"
"You'll have to decide that for yourself," Violet replied coolly.
"Whatever," the guard muttered. "We'll wait for your people to come and collect you. Anything that happens after that is none of our concern." He turned sharply and left the room.
Hours later, the guard returned, his expression one of barely concealed irritation. "The request was successful," he grumbled. "They'll be here to pick you up tomorrow. I hope they come early—I don't like the sight of either of you. It makes my skin crawl."
The next morning, a young elven girl appeared at the cell. She couldn't have been more than a teenager, her delicate features calm but purposeful.
"Finally," the guard said with obvious relief. "Take them with you. Anything that happens afterward is none of my concern."
The elf stepped closer, her gaze flicking between Helen and Violet. "Oh," she murmured. "I didn't realize one of them was…"
Violet cut her off quickly, her heart racing. "Yes, I've found the woman I was looking for."
The elf seemed to catch on, nodding slightly. "Understood. Guard, please release them so we can leave."
The guard huffed. "Yeah, yeah, just make sure we don't see you near the gate again. You know the rules—the dark elves are to remain in the Dark Forest. If any of you step out again, there will be consequences."
"We understand," the elf replied smoothly. "I'll take them back to the forest."
Once outside the holding facility, the elf introduced herself. "My name is Sitra. I'm from the Dark Elven tribe, sent here to escort you back to the forest."
Violet nodded. "I'm Violet, and this is Helen. We came all this way to meet your people, so having a guide is a relief."
Helen remained silent, her gaze distant. Violet couldn't help but notice the tension that lingered between Helen and Sitra. Still, Sitra spoke freely, her voice vibrant with a melodic accent that Violet found both exotic and intriguing.
As they journeyed toward the forest, Violet marveled at the sight before her. The Dark Forest was unlike anything she had ever seen. Instead of green, the trees glowed with shades of purple, pink, and red, their branches heavy with vibrant flowers. The colors were mesmerizing, almost hypnotic.
"This is the entrance to the Dark Forest," Sitra said, stopping at the edge of the trees.
Violet stared in awe. "Why is it called the Dark Forest? It's so colorful."
Sitra raised a hand, stopping Violet from stepping forward. "Don't let its beauty fool you. This forest is alive, and it devours anyone unfamiliar with its paths. The colors are meant to lure in unsuspecting prey."
"A carnivorous forest," Violet muttered. "Got it."
"You'll need to follow my lead closely," Sitra warned. "I know the safest and shortest path to our village."
The group moved cautiously through the forest, every step accompanied by the ominous feeling of being watched. As they ventured deeper, the air grew colder, and Violet began to shiver.
"The temperature drop is normal," Sitra assured her. "We're almost there."
Violet squinted ahead but saw nothing but more vibrant trees. Suddenly, Sitra disappeared behind a cluster of trunks.
"What kind of sorcery is this?" Violet exclaimed. "Did the trees… eat her?"
Sitra's head popped out from behind the illusion. "Don't worry. This is the entrance to the village. It's protected by an enchanted veil—those not welcome cannot pass through."
Violet hesitated but followed Sitra through the illusion. The sensation was disorienting, like passing through thick mist. On the other side, Violet gasped.
The Dark Elven village was built around an enormous black oak tree, its twisted branches stretching skyward like jagged lightning bolts. The tree exuded an ancient, otherworldly power, its bark shimmering faintly in the dim light.
"You're admiring the Qliphoth," Sitra said with a smile.
"It's… magnificent," Violet breathed. "It reminds me of Yggdrasil from…" She trailed off, realizing it was like the great elf tree from memory.
"The Qliphoth is sacred to us," Sitra explained. "It is said to have been born from the transcendence of the first Demon Queen to godhood. We, the Dark Elves, have been its protectors ever since. It is the source of immense power in the demon world—though only half. The other half is said to reside in the Founder's Castle."
Fascinated, Violet nodded. "That's… incredible."
"Come," Sitra urged. "The elders wish to meet you."
They approached a grand structure at the base of the Qliphoth. Inside, a council of dark elves awaited them, their expressions a mix of curiosity and expectation.
One elder leaned forward, addressing Violet. "What is your purpose for visiting our village?"
Violet stepped forward. "I came seeking a druid who can help me master spirit magic."
The council murmured among themselves before the elder asked, "Spirit magic? What kinds?"
"Water and fire," Violet replied.
The elder's eyes widened. "You can use multiple spirit magics?"
"Yes."
"Remarkable," another elder said. "After so many years, a dark elf spirit mage has emerged."
"What about dark magic?" the first elder asked. "Do you possess any?"
Violet hesitated. "I'm… not sure."
The elder smiled. "We will present you to the Qliphoth and its nymph. If you have dark magic, we will know. Sitra, take them to their quarters. Provide them with the finest care—this could be the fulfillment of the prophecy."