In the aftermath of the intense battle, Crowley, wounded and weakened, made his way through the dimly lit corridors on the other side of the palace. Blood seeped from his severed arm, leaving a trail of crimson behind him. He muttered under his breath, his voice laced with pain and frustration.
"At least the mission was a partial success," Crowley whispered to himself, his words barely audible. "They may have defeated me, but I have accomplished what I set out to do."
Unbeknownst to Crowley, lurking in the shadows nearby was Philip, a man consumed by vengeance. Philip's eyes burned with an unrelenting desire to avenge his fallen comrades and bring justice to Crowley. He had tracked him relentlessly throughout the battle, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
As Crowley stumbled forward, his steps faltering with every painful movement, a rustling sound caught his attention. He turned his head, scanning the area with narrowed eyes, his senses on high alert. The sound continued, growing louder and more pronounced, but Crowley dismissed it as mere background noise.
Philip, aware that he had unintentionally made noise, held his breath and hid his presence, concealing his intentions. He knew that if Crowley detected his presence, the element of surprise would be lost, and his chance to avenge his brother-in-law would slip away.
Crowley's guard lowered momentarily as he leaned against a wall, his breathing ragged. He clutched his wounded arm, trying to stifle the pain that coursed through his body. In that moment of vulnerability, Philip saw his opportunity.
Swift as a shadow, Philip emerged from his hiding place, his footsteps silent as he approached Crowley from behind. He knew he had to act quickly, before Crowley regained his composure and defenses.
As Crowley sensed a sudden shift in the atmosphere, his instincts kicked in. He turned just in time to see Philip lunging towards him, fueled by a mix of rage and determination. Realizing the danger, Crowley's eyes widened, but it was too late to fully defend himself.
With a calculated strike, Philip aimed for Crowley's neck, hoping to incapacitate him. He refrained from using his aura, for fear of alerting anyone nearby to his presence and jeopardizing his mission.
The attack landed with precision, and Crowley staggered, his weakened body unable to withstand the onslaught. With a look of dread painted on his face, he fought back with whatever strength he had left, but it was clear that his injuries had taken a toll.
Philip, fueled by his thirst for vengeance, relentlessly pressed his advantage. Blow after blow landed, Crowley's stomach, his chest, and his remaining arm were laid with bruises. The clash between the two was fierce but contained within the confines of their immediate surroundings. As the struggle continued, Crowley's movements grew sluggish, his resolve faltering. It became apparent that he was outmatched, both physically and emotionally. The weight of his failed mission and the pain of his injuries weighed heavily upon him.
Finally, with one last devastating strike, Philip decapitated Crowley, bringing him to his knees. He stood over him, breathing heavily, his eyes burning with a mix of satisfaction and remorse.
"I told you that you'd pay for what you did," Philip hissed, his voice filled with a mix of anger and sorrow.
**IN ANOTHER PART OF THE PALACE**
The woman who was attending to his father's wounds was still in the center of Prince Barrett's gaze. Her touch was gentle but strong, and her delicate hands moved with trained accuracy. Her eyes occasionally met Barrett's, showing compassion and resolve as she cleaned the wounds and used healing magic.
The room was filled with an air of exhaustion and relief as the battle's intensity slowly dissipated. Seraphina, having witnessed the formidable skills of both Prince Cedric, couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for the Brizian royal family. She admired their courage and unwavering determination to protect their kingdom.
Prince Cedric, leaning against a nearby pillar, surveyed the scene before him. His gaze alternated between Seraphina and his young son, Barrett, who sat comfortably in the soldier's arms. A mixture of relief and concern washed over Prince Cedric as he took in the sight of his son's innocent face.
The guard, aware of the tense atmosphere, tried his best to comfort the young prince, gently rocking him back and forth.
As Seraphina finished tending to Prince Cedric's wounds, she turned her attention to Barrett. A warm smile graced her lips as she approached the young prince.
"May I?" Seraphina asked, extending her arms towards Barrett, seeking permission to hold him.
The guard was initially hesitant but after a reassuring nod from Prince Cedric, he carefully handed Barrett over to Seraphina's waiting arms.
Seraphina cradled Barrett gently, ensuring his safety and comfort. Barrett's wide eyes studied Seraphina's face, captivated by her presence. Though he was too young to understand the events that had transpired, but he could sense the kindness and warmth radiating from her.
Prince Cedric, his voice filled with gratitude, addressed Seraphina. "Thank you for your aid," he said, his voice reflecting both exhaustion and relief. "Your courage and skill have brought us here that fact is undeniable."
Seraphina nodded, her eyes shifting between Barrett and Prince Cedric. "It was my duty, Your Highness," she replied humbly. "Protecting the kingdom and its people is an honor I hold dear."
Barrett, reached out his small hand towards Seraphina's face, his eyes reflecting a sense of wonder and curiosity. Seraphina couldn't help but smile, touched by the young prince's gesture.
"He has your eyes, Your Highness," Seraphina remarked, her voice filled with affection as she looked at Prince Cedric. "He is a reminder of the future we fight for."
Prince Cedric's gaze softened, pride and love swelling in his heart. "Indeed, he is," he replied, his voice tinged with emotion. "The safety and prosperity of our kingdom lie in his hands."
As the tension in the room gradually eased, Seraphina handed Barrett back to the guard and exchanged a knowing glance with Prince Cedric, their shared determination and understanding silently communicated.
"We must continue to search for Crowley," Seraphina stated, her voice resolute. "He may have retreated for now, but we cannot let him escape justice."
Prince Cedric nodded, his eyes reflecting a steely determination. "Agreed," he replied. "We will rally our forces,"