In a kingdom to the west of the continent, woven purely from magic and technology, Queen Sariel resided in her imposing castle. The queen's chamber, a blend of shadows and filtered light, was dominated by a grand bed and decorated with the soft hues of dawn sneaking through the gaps in the curtains.
On that quiet morning, the distant, steady sound of footsteps down the castle corridors broke the silence. Sariel, still in a state of semi-wakefulness, felt her violet eyes opening slowly as the first rays of sunlight began to penetrate the room. With her back to the entrance, her three snow-white tails swayed gently, following an almost musical rhythm, reflecting the golden morning light.
The door to the chamber opened slowly, and the calm voice of her attendant, Mia, echoed through the room with a blend of respect and slight concern.
"Your Majesty, the preparations for the ritual are nearly complete."
Sariel, still wrapped in the veil of sleep, replied with a soft, drawn-out voice.
"Alright, Mia. I'll come down shortly. Let me rest a little longer."
With a silent bow, Mia moved to the table beside the bed and placed a steaming cup of tea along with some delicately arranged sweets on a plate. The subtle aroma of the tea began to spread through the room, creating a tranquil, almost meditative atmosphere.
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Mia replied before discreetly retreating, closing the door behind her.
As the scent of the tea filled the air, Sariel let her thoughts drift. Her tails continued to sway lightly, reflecting the restlessness hidden beneath her calm facade. The responsibility of ruling weighed on her like a complex game of chess, where every move had real and irreversible consequences. Her thoughts revolved around the challenges ahead—the future of her kingdom and the impending search for her sisters.
She recalled her past, a time when she wandered aimlessly before being welcomed into the kingdom of Mondphie. The memory of Sora, the princess who had found her and offered her a new home, stirred a mix of gratitude and melancholy within her. "Without Sora, what would have become of me?" Sariel wondered, reflecting on how much that single act had changed her life. The complexity of political alliances and the challenges of maintaining peace among the kingdoms always haunted her.
The incident involving the escape of the Beast of Phie nearly triggered a conflict, and if not for Sora's intervention, things might have taken a very different turn. The relationship between their kingdoms, though occasionally tense, remained firm, sustained by the bond between Sariel and Sora. It was a friendship and an alliance that overcame political and military challenges.
Surrounded by her thoughts and the serenity of the room, Sariel slowly succumbed to sleep. Her tails, which had previously moved in a rhythmic fashion, grew still as she entered the world of dreams. The room, now illuminated by the soft morning sunlight, remained a sanctuary of peace, where a queen, immersed in her reflections, sought a brief respite from reality.
The crackling sound of burning wood broke the quiet of her sleep, and darkness enveloped her like a suffocating cloak. At the center of her nightmare, flames consumed the air, filling it with the acrid smell of ashes and charred wood. The heat was overwhelming, distorting the shapes around her, making everything seem unstable, fragile. Sariel, motionless, felt the weight of helplessness as she watched, through the gap in broken planks, her village being swallowed by a colossal creature shrouded in pulsating shadows.
The giant fox moved like a force of nature, its tails undulating like serpents of smoke. Its eyes were two blazing embers, reflecting the fury of the flames that consumed everything in its path. Each step reverberated through the ground, causing tremors that shook the earth. Shouts of despair echoed around, blending with the deafening roar of the fire. The sky was tinged red, and clouds of smoke obscured the stars.
Suddenly, the creature's eyes fixed on Sariel, as if they could pierce through the distance, the wooden planks, and the very darkness itself. Time seemed to stop in that instant. Fear shot down her spine like an icy shock, and she felt her heart race. There was something deeply familiar in that gaze, a connection she couldn't understand. The fox opened its mouth, and a guttural sound escaped, reverberating like thunder.
In a flash, a blue, brilliant, and overwhelming magic emerged from the depths of the chaos. The intense light enveloped everything around her, like a wave sweeping over the shore, extinguishing the flames and silencing the screams. The world around her was covered by this light, and everything disappeared into a silent void.
Sariel awoke in her room, gasping for air, her body still trembling from what she had just experienced. Her heart pounded in her chest, as if it wanted to escape her body. For a moment, the nightmare still felt all too real. She remained lying down for a while, trying to catch her breath, the silence around her contrasting with the chaos she had endured in her dreams.
Once she managed to pull herself together, Sariel sat up in bed, pushing the sheets aside with trembling hands. Her violet eyes were fixed on the emptiness as she tried to process the meaning of that disturbing vision. Was it an omen, a distorted memory, or something more? She wasn't certain, but she felt that the answer lay beyond what her thoughts could reach at that moment.
"I guess the time has come to find them. No matter where they are... I must save them," she murmured to herself, her voice low but filled with conviction, as if the weight of those words echoed within her very soul.
Sariel rose with a slow, almost hesitant movement, as if the emotional weight was beginning to settle on her shoulders. The soft creak of the chair against the stone floor was the only sound that broke the dense silence of the room. The air around her felt charged with an invisible tension, as if the very space acknowledged the gravity of the decision she was about to make.
She walked over to the wooden table where Mia had left a tray with tea and sweets. The delicate aroma of herbs and sugar wafted through the room, offering a fleeting comfort. The warmth of the tea rose in thin spirals, a comforting contrast to the coldness that had surrounded her since she awoke. Sariel took the cup in her hands, feeling the heat radiate into her cold skin. Her fingers relaxed, and for a brief moment, the warm porcelain seemed to be her anchor to the present.
As she brought the cup to her lips, the liquid slid down her throat with a welcoming warmth, heating her from the inside out. But her mind was still lost in the shadows of the recent nightmare, a fog that wouldn't lift. The sweetness of the pastries melting in her mouth offered brief relief, but Sariel knew she had to act. Time was short, and the tranquility of the moment was slipping away quickly.
Stepping away from the table, she walked to the window, her footsteps echoing across the stone floor. Pulling the curtain aside, the morning sunlight flooded the room, illuminating the walls and furniture with a golden glow. The view was breathtaking: the vibrant city stretched out before her, with its stone rooftops and bustling streets. In the distance, green fields rippled gently, and the crystal-clear lake reflected the blue sky, shimmering like a jewel in the daylight.
For a brief moment, Sariel allowed herself to admire the landscape, but the peace did not last. Urgency returned, flooding her thoughts like an unstoppable tide. Grabbing her silver staff adorned with intricate Runes, the inscriptions glowed faintly in the sunlight, as if responding to their bearer's silent resolve.
With firm steps, Sariel left the room and crossed the corridors of the Palace of Lake Bell. The halls were spacious, adorned with tapestries that narrated stories of ancient rulers, battles, and alliances. The muffled sound of her footsteps echoed faintly in the silence, and the gentle light from the orange crystals embedded in the walls cast warm shadows over the white marble.
Descending the marble stairs, Sariel's footsteps echoed softly against the cold stone walls, as if each movement disturbed the solemn silence of the palace. The air there was thick, carrying the metallic scent of ancient magic and the damp touch of stone that rarely saw sunlight. Along the walls, orange crystals were embedded in discreet niches, emitting a soft, steady light that cast warm shadows over the marble, creating a quiet, introspective atmosphere. The illumination felt almost organic, as if the crystals pulsed with a living glow, following the slow breath of the space itself.
With each step she descended, the gentle sound of Sariel's tails swaying in harmony with her footsteps filled the corridor. Though her expression remained serene, a slight knot of anxiety tightened in her chest. The weight of the choices she was about to make and the magic she would invoke vibrated within her, like a cord stretched to its limit. There was something comforting in the repetition of each step, a brief moment of calm before facing what lay ahead.
Finally, her feet touched the last step, now in the underground level, where the imposing door of solid wood stood. The subtle aroma of aged, well-preserved oak lingered in the air, blending with an indefinable scent of freshly woven magic, as if silent enchantments still lingered in the texture of the wood. In the folds and intricate carvings of the door, small Runes glimmered softly—some old and worn by time, others recent and still radiant, as if the mana ink that composed them had only just dried. Each symbol seemed to tell a story, and some of those stories, she herself had written.
The city's emblem, precisely carved in the center of the door, emitted a gentle glow, reflecting the pride and responsibility that weighed upon Sariel. She extended her hand, touching the cool, rough surface of the wood. As she pushed the door, the long, deep sound of the hinges echoed through the corridor, as if the very structure were warning that something powerful was about to be awakened.
As soon as the door opened fully, a wave of fresh air, laden with forgotten fragrances, escaped from the room. The scent of ancient parchment, aged leather, and the subtle energy of concentrated mana blended into the atmosphere. The room felt isolated from everything else, enveloped in a reverent silence that only those who understand the weight of knowledge can appreciate.
The space before Sariel was vast and deep—a true cathedral of books and secrets. Shelves packed tightly with volumes rose from floor to ceiling, displaying books of all shapes and sizes, their edges worn by the touch of scholars long gone. Scrolls were organized in neat rolls, though some remained slightly open, as if consulted by hurried hands and never returned to their proper places. The air carried a faint aroma of wax and dried herbs, hinting that, though few visited this place, it was maintained with the care that only someone intimate with the room could provide.
The air in the room seemed to breathe with a faint vibration, as if the dormant magic awaited only a command to awaken. There, beneath Sariel's feet, the magic circle was not just a structure—it was a promise of power and a reminder of the choices that needed to be made. The Runes, though silent, seemed to pulse in sync with her thoughts, as if waiting for her to activate what only her mind could decipher.
Sariel took a deep breath, the cool air filling her lungs and carrying with it the weight of the decisions she would need to make. There, in the center of that sacred space, time seemed to stand still. The orange crystals continued to glow softly, the map pulsed with a subtle energy, and the Runes danced silently around the circle. It was as if everything in that room—the shelves, the books, the maps, and even the silence itself—existed solely for this moment. Knowledge and power lay intertwined, ready to be summoned under her will.
With a firm and determined movement, Sariel raised her silver staff. The cold touch of the metal in her hands seemed to vibrate in harmony with the energy pulsing through her body, and the magic flowed like a restrained river ready to overflow. Her violet eyes shone with concentration as an invisible current of power began to circulate within her, connecting her being to the Runes adorning the magic circle carved into the floor.
The Runes around the circle reacted immediately, as if awakening from a long slumber. Each engraved line in the stone lit up in a hypnotic crescendo, shifting in vibrant shades of blue, green, and red. The light did not appear abruptly but flowed gently, like dawn breaking through the darkness of night. The glow of the Runes spread across the floor in complex patterns, snaking like water over the carved lines, forming a vibrant, luminous web. The soft sound of energy sliding through the inscriptions filled the air, like the murmur of a hidden stream deep within the forest.
In the center of the circle, the map of the continent awoke, coming to life before Sariel's attentive gaze. The mountains and valleys, once etched in stone with artisanal precision, now rose slightly, shimmering with magical lines that traced their relief. The borders of the kingdoms pulsed in a rhythmic dance, like veins carrying mystical energy. Each line on the map seemed to conduct mana like an electric current, channeling the power that floated freely within the room.
As the magical light intensified, the room was flooded by an explosion of colors. The glow of the Runes blended into a spectrum that oscillated between blue, green, and red, enveloping the space in an ethereal and dynamic rainbow. The orange crystals on the walls reflected the vibrant colors, duplicating them and casting reflections across the shelves and scrolls. The entire room seemed to breathe and pulse, filled with a palpable energy that electrified the air around. The low, deep hum of mana's flow reverberated through the floor, like a silent chant echoing from the stones and the very structure of the room.
Outside, Mia was walking through the silent corridors when intense light began to seep through the crack in the door. At first, she stopped, hesitating for a moment. The glow escaping from the room was too strong to ignore, radiating a brightness that made the shadows dance along the corridor walls. Although she was well aware of the power Sariel possessed, a wave of concern tightened in her stomach. There was something in the force of the magic spilling from that room that unsettled her, as if this time the queen was crossing a dangerous threshold.
Keeping her distance, Mia tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes narrowing in a mix of apprehension and fascination. Her instincts advised her not to interrupt, yet the weight of that magic left her uneasy, like an approaching storm—slow but inevitable. She stood there, motionless, allowing the tension of the moment to build, hoping the door would remain closed.
Inside the room, Sariel was completely absorbed in the process. Her mind was in perfect harmony with the flow of energy around her, every part of her focus directed at the magic circle and the activated Runes. The light of the Runes reflected in her eyes like mystical embers, and she felt mana flowing in delicate spirals, enveloping her body like an invisible dance. The room vibrated with a steady rhythm, filling the space with a tangible sense of power, so dense it was almost touchable. The air felt heavier and at the same time electrically charged, as if every particle around her was about to burst into sparks of magic.
Then, with a calculated movement, Sariel struck her staff at the center of the magic circle carved into the floor. The sound of the strike reverberated through the room, deep and resonant, like the distant toll of an ancient bell. In the next moment, a wave of bluish mana erupted from the circle, expanding in dynamic and elegant spirals that spread throughout the room. The energy danced through the air, wrapping around the shelves and books, transforming the space into a vortex of living, untamed power.
The crystals strategically positioned around the circle responded to the call. Each of them shone intensely, absorbing and amplifying the energy that floated in the room. Beams of light pulsed into the ground, channeling the power toward the palace's subterranean depths, where larger crystals awaited like dormant amplifiers. It was as if the very structure of the palace transformed into a vast conductor of mana, each crystal functioning as a valve that increased the strength of the wave.
The mana spread like an invisible underground current, traversing the earth and extending beyond the palace walls. The energy flowed like tree roots, penetrating deeply into the soil and spreading through the streets and squares of the city. The more magic-sensitive citizens, scattered across the neighborhoods and fields nearby, suddenly lifted their heads as if they had heard a distant whisper. The wave of mana followed its silent course, expanding beyond the capital, crossing rivers and forests until it reached distant lands, its presence still perceptible even in the most remote regions. Though it weakened as it advanced, the wave still maintained its essence, like a faint but steady electric current that could be sensed by those attuned to magic.
In an open field on the eastern border of the capital, a gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of stirred grass and the rustling of leaves in the distance. The soft hills surrounding the field stretched out like green waves, giving the landscape an almost hypnotic serenity. Helena, however, was completely absorbed in her training, oblivious to the tranquility around her. In her hands, the bow was a natural extension of her body, and the Black Crystal arrow reflected a faint, menacing light, ready to be released.
She took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill her lungs as she drew the string with millimeter precision. The soft sound of the bowstring tensed was followed by the sharp snap of the arrow slicing through the air, tearing through the field's silence. The arrow traveled its path with deadly precision, hitting the distant target at an exact point. A slight smile appeared on Helena's face, pleased with the test's effectiveness. But before she could prepare to shoot another arrow, a wave of mana swept through the air like a silent thunder, causing her muscles to tense for an instant.
The air around her seemed to vibrate like the strings of an invisible instrument, and she felt mana passing through her body, raising goosebumps on her skin. It was as if the world itself whispered in her ear, announcing something inevitable and grand. Her eyes narrowed, shining with determination as her heart beat faster.
"Sariel..." she murmured, immediately recognizing the source of that force. The familiarity of the energy was unmistakable, and a mixed feeling of purpose and anxiety settled in her chest. She knew what it meant: a new mission, a new quest.
With renewed brightness in her eyes, Helena slung the bow across her back, the leather of her quiver creaking slightly. "After so long..." she murmured to herself, feeling the adrenaline begin to circulate through her body. "Finally... I'm ready for this." The weight of the wait seemed to dissipate in that instant, giving way to a latent excitement and the certainty that great events were about to unfold.
Far from there, in the fields northwest of the capital, the wind played with the small wildflowers that lazily leaned toward the horizon. The landscape, tranquil and vast, was a refuge where the sky met the earth in harmonious embrace. Nilonn was perched casually on Sora's wings, who was deeply asleep, wrapped in a serene slumber. Her white wings were folded around her like a protective cloak, while her rhythmic breathing blended with the gentle sound of the wind.
Suddenly, Nilonn felt a wave of mana cross the sky like an unexpected gust. The air around her seemed to vibrate for a moment, and a surge of excitement ran through her small body. "That mana came from the palace," she murmured to herself, her voice filled with enthusiasm. The tips of her small wings quivered, and her eyes sparkled with the anticipation of something grand. "Finally, something big is happening."
Before she could dwell further on what she had sensed, Sora shifted slightly in her sleep. Her wings trembled, and the simple motion was enough to throw Nilonn off balance, sending her tumbling in the air with an annoyed grunt. She quickly floated back, arms crossed in disapproval. "You always do this!" she grumbled, landing again, but this time more cautiously.
Sora did not respond, still lost in the depths of her rest.
In the shadowy alleys of the city's south side, darkness seemed to swallow every sound and movement. The stone walls, stained by time, reflected a faint yellowish glow from distant light crystals. The metallic scent of fresh blood filled the air, mingling with the damp odor of stone and rust. In the heart of the shadows, Tharte moved with the precision of a predator, her breathing still steady after the recent fight. Traces of still-warm blood stained her clothes and sword. The silence was broken only by the distant dripping of water and the faint crunch of footsteps muffled by her boots.
Then came the wave of mana. The sensation hit Tharte like a sudden gust of wind, carrying with it the subtle aroma of pure magic. She stopped immediately, her red eyes glowing in the darkness, absorbing every nuance of that energy. Although she was no expert in magic, she recognized a powerful force when she felt it. Her body tensed, and her sharp instincts warned her that the mana was coming from the palace. And, more importantly, it was a call.
Slowly, Tharte wiped the blade of her sword on the fallen opponent's clothing, the gesture mechanical and calculated, as if she were already accustomed to handling lifeless bodies. She did not have the luxury of hesitation. The message contained in the wave of mana was clear to those who knew how to listen. The moment had come, and she knew exactly what she needed to do.
With quick, silent steps, Tharte plunged deeper into the shadows of the alleys. Every turn and twist was part of an invisible map she knew well. Her footsteps echoed faintly against the damp walls, fading as she moved away. "It's time to go," she murmured to herself, her words a quiet, resolute whisper filled with certainty.
As the city settled into a new day, Tharte was already mentally mapping her next destination, ready to move like a living shadow between the cracks of the world.
In the palace, Sariel, now exhausted from the overwhelming effort, kept her gaze fixed on the magic circle, waiting as the Runes vibrated with the final echo of their power. Slowly, points of energy began to emerge on the carved map in the center of the circle. A bluish glow traced paths through the magical reliefs, revealing specific locations. A strong, pulsing point appeared in the northwest, in the mysterious Crystal Forest, where dense and ancient trees concealed secrets now calling out. Another point formed to the north, near the Diamond Lake, where frozen waters reflected the sky like an eternal mirror.
However, when attempting to track a third source farther east, Sariel's mana encountered resistance. The energy, which had previously flowed freely like a magical river, now dispersed like mist against an invisible barrier. It was as if something intangible blocked her reach, leaving a frustrating sensation of something unattainable. Sariel gripped her staff, her violet eyes shining with determination, though fatigue was sinking deeply into her bones.
Taking a deep breath, she gathered her last reserves. The air around her seemed to shrink, growing cold and still, as if the very environment feared her desperate effort. Her muscles trembled as she raised the staff once more. Magic surged through the room in a wave, ricocheting off the walls and reigniting the crystals around her, which glowed in intense, shifting hues. This time, something new appeared on the map.
Two lights emerged, shining in unexpected places across the continent. One in the vast Plain of Peace, known for its tranquility and fertile fields, where wildflowers swayed in the wind, sheltered by the towering Green Mountains. Nearby, the neighboring city, with its canals and refined architecture, gleamed like a luminous jewel among the waters.
Another light appeared to the south, where the shadows of the war zone stretched like a turbulent sea of chaos. There, the constant battle for territory and resources left deep scars in the earth. The glow that emerged on the map was unstable, as if the energy of that area itself reflected the brutality and desperation that reigned there.
But the east remained closed. Even with the renewed strength of her mana, the barrier blocked her search, dispersing her efforts like sand against the waves. Frustrated, Sariel leaned on her staff once more, exhaustion burning through her body like embers slowly fading. Each breath was heavy and shallow, and her knees began to weaken.
Then, in one final act of sheer will, she raised the staff once more. Something unusual happened the moment the final strike resonated through the floor of the magic circle. Energy erupted in waves that rippled through the room, enveloping her in a blinding glow.
In that instant, as the light traveled through the Runes and the power reverberated through the room, Sariel's tails began to emit a peculiar glow. Among them, a new light appeared, flickering like a freshly lit flame. The glow was ethereal, almost as if a fourth tail were about to materialize in the air. The light wavered, pulsing with a strange and unfamiliar energy, unlike anything Sariel had invoked before.
And then, the energy spread throughout the palace. The magical wave burst through the walls, reaching the larger crystals and echoing beyond the corridors. The impact crossed the city walls, causing small illumination crystals to flicker and some to shatter under the pressure. It was a silent yet profound event, like an invisible signal sent to the world.
With the last breath of her power, Sariel collapsed to the ground. Her vision blurred, and the room around her darkened like a candle snuffed out by the wind. The weight of exhaustion was unbearable, and her consciousness faded, leaving only silence and the faint glow dissipating from her tails.
The room plunged into deep darkness, the crystals extinguishing one by one until only the distant echo of magic remained in the cold Runes on the floor. Rapid footsteps echoed through the corridors as Mia burst into the room, her heart racing and her breath quick.
"Your Majesty!" she cried, kneeling hastily beside Sariel, filled with urgency and despair.
Her gaze fell upon the queen's frail body, still motionless, her skin cold to the touch like the snow on the mountains. There was a faint vibration in the air, a lingering remnant of the powerful magic cast moments before. Mia felt a tightness in her chest as she lifted Sariel carefully into her arms. The weight of responsibility seemed to double with every step she took through the corridors now steeped in shadow.
As she carried Sariel out, the queen's tails still emitted a residual glow that flickered for a brief moment, something Mia noticed with a hint of unease. A different shimmer from the other tails, as if something new was forming—a veiled promise, an imminent change. But she pushed aside the unease. Now, her only priority was to bring Sariel safely to her room.
The corridors, once illuminated by the palace's vibrant crystals, were now dark and empty, filled only with the sound of Mia's quick footsteps. Each echo seemed to amplify her anxiety, but she remained resolute, her heart guided by the need to protect her sovereign.
"It's going to be alright…" she murmured to herself, trying to calm the fear lurking at the edges of her mind.
With each step she took, the darkness around her felt heavier, and the distance to Sariel's room seemed endless, as if the palace itself conspired to delay her journey. Nonetheless, Mia quickened her pace, her breathing growing shorter but her focus unwavering. She knew she could not fail.
Climbing the stairs with Sariel in her arms, Mia heard the faint, broken whisper of the queen:
"The... bells... must ring…"
The weight of those words made Mia's heart race for a moment, but she responded softly, relieved to hear the queen's fragile voice.
"Don't worry about that; focus on regaining your mana."
Upon reaching the room, Mia carefully placed Sariel onto the bed. The softness of the sheets contrasted with the queen's pallor, and for a moment, Mia hesitated, adjusting the sovereign's tails, which rested like disordered feathers beside her. Meanwhile, the residual glow that still flickered in the spectral tail seemed to waver before fading completely.
With a serious expression, Mia took hold of the queen's staff, which remained entwined in one of her tails as if Sariel herself refused to release it. The wood of the staff was cold to the touch, and the Runes engraved on it flickered faintly, almost like the exhausted sigh of magic. Holding it firmly, Mia took a deep breath and left the room silently, the weight of responsibility pressing on her shoulders like an impending storm.
As Mia descended the stairs to the main hall, the echo of her footsteps on the marble blended with the heavy, orderly sound of the warriors gathering. Armor creaked under the weight of spears and shields, and the glint of metal tips reflected in the uncertain light of the remaining crystals. Tension hung in the air, palpable as an unspoken warning.
Commander Kellan stood out among the soldiers, his stance firm and imposing. His eyes narrowed as he noticed Sariel's staff in Mia's hands, and he bowed respectfully, though the discomfort on his face was evident.
"Miss Mia, we sensed a powerful wave of mana that shattered much of the city's crystals. We came to check if the queen is alright."
Behind Kellan, the warriors murmured among themselves, puzzled. Discreet but curious glances were directed at the servant holding the queen's staff as if it were her own. Why was the captain treating a servant with such deference? Doubt ran like a silent electric current through the ranks, but none dared to question it directly.
Mia raised her gaze, her expression one of unwavering calm. With a firm, unhesitating voice, she replied,
"The queen's safety is not the responsibility of your army but of the elite guard. And you didn't come here just to check on that, did you?"
Kellan lowered his head slightly, apologizing for his intrusion.
"I understand. However, a wave of mana struck us and destroyed all the simple crystals used in the city walls and lighting. We're vulnerable at night if we don't take action."
Mia ran her fingers over the staff, quickly considering her options. The distant clinking of armor and the muffled voices of soldiers around her were mere background noise to the storm of thoughts in her mind.
"Without illumination, we'll be vulnerable," she murmured, more to herself. Then, with a spark of resolve in her eyes, she lifted her head. "If we light the city with the advanced crystals from the storeroom, we'll maintain appearances and avoid an attack."
Kellan's eyes narrowed with concern, but he maintained his military composure.
"That might weaken our defenses, but in the event of an attack, we'll be left without crystals to defen—"
Mia interrupted with sharp determination.
"We are the best-defended capital on the continent. No one will attack us unless they're aware of our vulnerability or some traitor among us exposes us."
Kellan hesitated for a moment, absorbing the weight of her words, and then bowed. Without further protest, he accepted Mia's order and, with a quick nod to his men, prepared to carry out her instructions.
"Take this letter to the tower on the wall; we need all the bells ringing," Mia instructed, handing a scroll to Kellan.
On the scroll were instructions on how the bell was to be rung. In a moment of curiosity, Kellan glanced over the paper as he took it from Mia's hand.
On the unsealed parchment, the instructions seemed entirely different from any others, almost as if this chime were being sounded for the very first time.
Without questioning, he bowed deeply once more before departing with resolute steps, the sound of his boots echoing through the hall until it merged with the growing silence.
Now alone in the vast hall, Mia felt the air around her grow heavy, as if the shadows of the palace were closing in. She clutched Sariel's staff to her chest, her hands trembling slightly. The echo of her own thoughts was deafening. The tension coursing through her body seemed to want to lock her into a state of paralysis.
"I can do this," she whispered to herself, her lips dry. "It's just a matter of staying calm."
With a short, determined sigh, she turned on her heels and quickly ascended the stairs, the sound of her footsteps reverberating off the walls like a rhythmic beat, though her mind remained a chaotic storm. Each step she climbed seemed to bring new concerns and doubts to the surface.
Upon reaching the room, Mia pushed the door open without hesitation, the staff still firm in her hand. However, the sight that greeted her made her stop instantly. The bed was empty. Sariel's majestic white tails were not spread over the sheets, and there was no sign of the queen. The air felt cold, as if her absence had left an unsettling void in the room.
Mia's eyes widened. For a brief moment, her heart stopped, and the world seemed to slow down.
"She's not here…" she murmured to herself, her mind spinning frantically.
A growing worry filled her, like a cold current running down her spine. "That stubborn fox…" Mia pressed her lips together, trying to remain calm, but it was hard not to be overtaken by a sense of urgency.
"She could barely walk; how did she get out of here?" she whispered to herself, frustrated, as her mind tried to calculate where the queen might have gone.
There were only two possible places Sariel could have gone in her condition: the palace balcony, where she often sought refuge in moments of reflection, or the library, her sanctuary of knowledge and planning.
Determined, Mia shut the bedroom door with a snap and turned, her heart racing as she hurried through the silent corridors.
Mia quickly made her way through the palace corridors toward the balcony. The soft morning light filtered through the arched windows, casting golden reflections on the white marble walls. The fresh morning breeze carried with it the scent of flowers from the gardens below, mixed with the faint dampness of trees still covered in dew. Her footsteps echoed rhythmically through the silent space, each sound reverberating in the vast galleries, amplifying her growing anxiety.
Reaching the balcony, Mia cast a quick glance around. The horizon stretched vast and bright, with the first rays of sunlight touching the landscape beyond the capital's walls. The distant cities and fields were beginning to wake, but here on the balcony, there was no sign of Sariel. Frustrated, Mia frowned. The gentle breeze stirred the curtains behind her slightly, as if whispering a clue that eluded her grasp. Without wasting any time, she turned toward the library—the other refuge of Sariel, where the queen often delved into a search for answers and knowledge beyond immediate plans.
Entering the library, Mia found Sariel already absorbed at a table covered with ancient maps and books whose faded spines held centuries of knowledge. The library, a vast hall illuminated by magical amber lights shimmering in crystal sconces, had the distinctive scent of old parchment mixed with the faint aroma of aged wood. The quiet of the place was broken only by the soft rustle of paper being handled and the gentle, rhythmic sound of Sariel's breathing.
With a quill dipped in black ink, Sariel carefully circled the area around Diamond Lagoon, a place known for its extremely cold climate and breathtaking, vast landscapes. The piercing cold and stillness of Diamond Lagoon came to life vividly in her mind, as if she were there herself, feeling the icy wind and watching the frosty gleam of the frozen waters.
"This would be a good place for Sara and Yuki," Sariel murmured softly, letting the thought flow. Their abilities would suit such an inhospitable environment perfectly. Sara, with her affinity for fire, could challenge the cruelest cold, her magic radiating a vibrant heat that could warm even the iciest surroundings. Yuki, with her affinity for water, felt at home in that chilly climate, her ice magic harmonizing with the snow and wind, becoming part of the very environment.
"I can't send Rumia and Yumi there; they need to return to the kingdom as soon as possible," Sariel murmured, frowning as she planned each detail. The responsibility was immense, and every decision was crucial. She knew that Rumia and Yumi required a fast and direct route, where they could employ their skills in immediate combat and, if necessary, return to the kingdom in case of an emergency.
Leaning over another map, Sariel focused on the Crystal Forest, where towering, ice-covered trees created a mysterious and treacherous landscape. The forest, with its dense, frozen vegetation, offered a complex ecosystem that could serve both as a refuge and a challenge. With the same quill, she drew a circle around the forest, each stroke meticulously calculated.
"Rumia and Yumi will take the shortest route to the Crystal Forest," Sariel decided quietly, tracing the route line on the map with care. Rumia, with her raw strength and unmatched skill in hand-to-hand combat, was a fearless warrior whose presence was almost overwhelming. Each strike of her axe was devastating, cutting through without hesitation. Beside her, Yumi complemented her intensity with an unshakable calm, her defensive magic transforming into an unbreakable shield. She moved with agility and precision, anticipating Rumia's movements as if they shared one mind.
As she picked up the next map, Sariel took a deep breath, assigning Tharte and Lianne to the war zone in the south. It was a region where chaos seemed to be the only constant—a place of tension and violence, where the ability to adapt quickly could mean the difference between life and death. The dark stroke of the quill on the paper marked the exact location, a circle around the battle zone, as Sariel considered the skills her warriors would bring to that mission.
Tharte, with her exceptional skill with the sword and sharp instincts, was the ideal choice for facing an unpredictable environment. She was a natural warrior, shaped by quick action and an instinctive read of the field, reacting to attacks even before her opponent could complete the movement. Her skills flowed in an almost wild manner; she was a fighter who didn't rely on rigid strategies but rather an innate ability to adjust to whatever the situation demanded.
"Tharte, with her strength and instinct, will adapt to this war zone as naturally as she moves in combat," Sariel mused, her words reflecting the confidence she had in her warrior. In a field where others might hesitate or feel insecure, Tharte would stand out, using the unpredictability of the environment to her advantage. Alongside her, Lianne, with her support abilities, would be essential to provide cover, allowing Tharte to keep moving without needing to worry about additional protection.
The gentle sound of Sariel's quill completing its trace was almost like a premonition of the challenge awaiting the two. Looking at the finalized circle, Sariel recognized that, despite the risks, this was the perfect mission for Tharte—a warrior whose intuition and skill would make her an unstoppable force amid the chaos.
With the maps organized for each of her sisters, Sariel left the last one on the table. On it, the mysterious barrier blocking the eastern continent remained a puzzling enigma. She narrowed her eyes, intrigued, as her mind filled with unanswered questions. "What is hidden here? This doesn't seem natural," she murmured, almost in a whisper to herself. She decided that Sora would investigate the east, where her flying ability would provide greater mobility and efficiency in exploring that vast and unknown area. The need to keep her own presence in the kingdom, however, brought an additional concern to Sariel, who felt the weight of diplomatic issues piling up with each passing moment.
As she considered her next steps, the deep toll of the palace bells sounded suddenly, reverberating through the walls and hitting her with an almost tangible force. Sariel felt the world around her spin, and, overtaken by a sudden dizziness, she gripped the back of the chair to keep herself upright. The light in her eyes dimmed, and her breathing became irregular, broken by the exhaustion her body could no longer hide.
Mia, immediately noticing the queen's weakened state, approached quickly, her expression a mix of concern and irritation. "You shouldn't be here…," she murmured reproachfully, her gaze fixed on Sariel, who struggled to steady herself with trembling hands.
"It's alright, it's just the sound of the bel—" Sariel began to respond, her voice weak and drawn out.
Mia didn't wait for her to finish. "Liar! Ah, why are foxes so stubborn? You barely have enough mana to keep yourself standing." Mia's voice held a resolute firmness, like someone who knows they must care for someone who insists on pushing past their own limits.
Determination in her eyes, Mia made a decision. "Come on, you need to rest now. Until everyone is ready for their journeys, I'll take care of things here." Mia's statement was firm and final, her words allowing no objections. With a skilled and protective gesture, she used one of her tails to gently take the maps from Sariel's hands, returning them to the table.
Then, striking her staff on the ground with precision, she commanded, "Cristal, I need you." The echo of her call reverberated, and for a brief moment, the room seemed to hold its breath. Soon, a majestic wolf with gleaming white fur and deep blue eyes appeared at the library door. Larger than a horse, Cristal advanced with imposing dignity, his eyes lit by mana crystals adorning his silver collar.
Still frustrated but keeping a practical tone, Mia addressed Cristal: "Cristal, take Sariel to her room and make sure she recovers." Obediently, the wolf lowered himself, allowing Sariel, though reluctant, to settle on his back with a mixture of exhaustion and resignation.
With a final, watchful glance, Mia tossed Sariel's staff to Cristal, who caught it in his mouth, and the two slowly made their way toward the queen's chamber. Along the way, the silent corridors reflected the gentle light of the crystals on the walls, and the sound of Cristal's steady footsteps resonated over the marble, while Sariel, despite her initial reluctance, felt comforted by the warmth and reassuring energy of her companion.
In the room, Cristal gently settled her onto the bed and lay beside her, raising his vigilant gaze for any sign of movement around them. In an instinctive and protective gesture, he transferred part of his mana to Sariel, who, though exhausted, felt a wave of calm wash over her. The distant sound of the bells still echoed softly outside, but the weight of sleep became irresistible. Her breathing, once uneven, turned peaceful and steady. Cristal remained by her side, a silent and imposing guardian, ensuring the queen could finally surrender to the much-needed rest.
In the room, Cristal gently settled Sariel onto the bed, stretching out beside her with the grace and vigilance of a silent guardian. With a calm gaze, her blue eyes watched over Sariel as the queen, still exhausted, adjusted herself, finally surrendering to the weight of sleep.
Gradually, Cristal began to transfer her mana to Sariel—a steady, subtle flow that slowly restored the queen's depleted energy. It was not an abrupt transfer; instead, each portion of mana flowed like a gentle current, ensuring that Sariel received what she needed without disturbing her rest.
Over time, Sariel's breathing grew calmer, her expression softened, and the signs of fatigue faded under the restorative effect of Cristal's presence. The soft sound of their rhythmic breathing filled the room, where Cristal's warm, protective presence ensured the queen would have the much-needed rest, surrounded by the calm and safety of her loyal companion.