Within the center of a gathering was a boiling cauldron that emitted steam. As the krayons circled the cauldron, they ate every living creature except those capable of containing and nurturing their children, become nothing more than a breeder. Caged within their walls, locked and hidden behind huge boulders. The krayons created a kingdom of fear, where no one was safe. They turned the land into a prison, where the only way out was death. With no hope of escape, the captives were doomed to a life of darkness and despair. Tonight, the stars shone brighter than ever, as if to remind the captives of a better place, a place far away. It was a reminder of the freedom they had lost and the hope they had yet to find. A hope that they would one day be liberated.

Amidst their feast and carnal revelries, the krayons were oblivious to everything else. Among them were Xethen Empire's strongest armed forces.

"Captain, we're in position."

"Wait for my signal."

Whispered their leader, Captain Blair of the strike force. The team nodded in agreement and armed their weapons. With one collective breath, they moved forward in unison.

After observing their situation, each comrade locked on to their target to create a clear path for their medic to reach the breeders in time. Their priority is to safely return their princess home. Death will not be able to atone for what their princess has endured if they are too late. Her name is Bella, daughter of the High King, and she is the future of this kingdom.

The leader of Krayon stood before his companion with a blade pressed against his throat.

Blair urged him to surrender to the Xethen Empire. The Krayon leader lowered his head to utter their defeat and asked his people to step aside. He was shoved into a cage made of dark metal bars.

Before Blair stepped away after securing the leader into his cage, he was warned of the great disaster that would follow.

"Our King will end your Empire's reign!"

Cackled the leader. But Blair remained unfazed by him.

"Well, it is a shame you won't be alive to see it all."

Blair sarcastically replied to the leader.

The leader was taken away with deep hatred as he cursed unkindly at every Xethen warrior in passing.

"Captain, the perimeter has been secured."

Reported Kael,

Blair nodded in acknowledgement.

"Good work. Now we can focus on our mission."

Taking a step forward was an apprentice of the medic, known for his medical skill to treat all beings without fail. His name is Lon.

"My teacher wishes to speak with you, Captain."

Lon led the way towards his teacher. After their arrival many women lay naked moaning and grunting. The scene was horrific as women were used and battered without remorse, leaving few survivors after the rough treatment they received being among krayons. Lon's teacher nodded and gestured for him to go on. He marched to the back of the room where he saw a woman cowering in a corner, eyes wide open with fear. He grabbed her by the arm and dragged her towards Blair.

"Captain, I believe she knows where the princess is."

Lon sternly called for the women to repeat everything. This further frightened the poor woman to avoid being spoken too harshly again. She recounted everything as much as possible before passing out due to exhaustion.

Without much delay Blair followed the path the women described and came upon a large boulder in his path. Once he had been able to pass through, he slightly hobbled his step as he made his way towards the princess. But Blair's gaze never left her. She was stunning, with jet black hair. She wore a simple dress, but it was exquisite. The fabric hugged her curves, emphasizing her delicate figure.

I wonder what her name is.

Blair wanted to get to know her. Before he shook himself awake, he prioritised what was at stake.

The princess was disturbed awake by being freed of shackles and chains. In an attempt to calm the princess, Blair advised her to remain calm but before he could. He was instructed to bring along the woman and her little girl who were chained together. It became apparent that beside such a beautiful woman was a girl that resembled her but was a little smaller. Blair was surprised to see how a little girl could survive here, as he had not noticed her before. When he saw the princess had freed the little girl, he did not hesitate anymore. Blair took this chance to have a better glimpse of the woman he took a fancy of. A warm sensation overtook him, as Blair held her in his arms. She smelled of fresh dew and moss. He subconsciously thought about what it might feel like to embrace her.

Lon and the others waited for them when they returned. Despite being secured, the area was only for a short period before other krayon groups noticed the bloodshed and absence of their leader. Women were blanketed and given enough medical examination to survive throughout the trip to the Xethen's Empire before being ushered into wagons. With every wagon packed, the princess rode a horse with the little girl tightly held to her chest. While the women remained with Blair. In spite of his stoicism, Blair smiled inwardly to have her ride with him. Amidst his joy he had not noticed the woman in his arm was closely listening in his accelerating heartbeat while sneaking a peak at his profile. The profound joy in his eyes made her smile amusingly. Before she drifted back to sleep.

Their arrival was known to every corner of the Xethen Empire as many have gathered to welcome them back from their journey and to bringing home their future queen safely back.