Damion's POV
Saya had opened a portal for Rahua to fall safely into my arms. My heart was pounding fast, as I caught her. Her eyes was pressed closed, she looked so beautiful, I didn't want to let her go.
Her eyes finally opened as she met mine her face turned pinkish, I couldn't stop looking at her. I my worries suddenly calmed down, I was able to save her, I didn't fail."I would like to come down, she said in a uncharacteristic timid tone." I smiled softly and I put her down.
"Damion, how is this even possible?" She asks, her voice filled with both confusion and wonder. I smile with a mischievous hint.
"I have my ways," I respond, filled amusement. "But right now, we need to focus on getting you to safety." She looks surprised as if she just realised the situation she was in.
As her feet touched the ground, I keep a firm grip on her hand. She stumbles slightly, trying to regain her balance, I try to help her steady herself.
"I never thought I would be so relieved to see you," she says her voice filled with sincerity and gratitude.
" You don't have to worry, I will always protect you, no matter where you are." A softly smile escapes my lips.
She looks shy and confused, but she doesn't ask further. However the Lady Vilahna looks at me her eyes filled with questions.
I couldn't help but to glare at her, if it wasn't for her my Rahua wouldn't hurt and in this situation.
*Yesterday evening.*
I was finally resting in my chambers, I was glad the day was over. I feel that Ceaser wants to draw my soul until the last essence of my being. We caught the rebels but everyday there's a new concern to deal, since the masquerade ball is like he wants to end the concept of evil itself.
As I sit in bed, my place of solace, with the mirror in my hand, I think of her, my only moment where I can relax by watching her. My guilty conscious tries to creep in but I ignore it pushing to the back of my head.
I hold the mirror tightly and I think of her. As the mirror starts to form a image, I could see that she is not in her usual place.
Where is she?
The place is dark, I could only see her partially but I could hear voices and recognise that she is not alone.
My heart is pounding loud, what is happening? Why is she there?
I could sense through the mirror something strange was unfolding. I could hear two other voices, but I didn't recognise any of them.
"Fine. Give me the documents, and I promise to never cross paths with you again." The
woman's voice spoke with authority, a hint that noble Ladies have when speaking with someone from a lower status.
I hear a man voice. "I'm afraid it's not that simple, dear Lady. I have one final condition for our agreement."
"What is it that you want?" The noblewoman's voice replied.
"I want a favor from you. And some money to leave the Kingdom. The favor that I ask of you must be completed before I hand over the evidence," the man sneered. It appeared the man was extorting the noblewoman.
"How can I trust you, to keep end of the bargain." The noblewoman said. The noble woman seemed to be in trouble. She was in such place at this late. However I didn't understand what that had to do with Rahua. Why was she at such place. She didn't participate in the conversation.
The man seemed to have to upper hand "Do not worry, Lady Vilahna. I always keep my promises. Meet me here, at this very spot, tomorrow evening, with the money I need, I will need you to grant me a travel documents, and then, and only then, will I be relinquish my control over you." So this is the infamous Lady Vilahna, she has brought my Rahua to such dangerous situation, I can see why the rumours about her were very ruthless.
"How can I provide such thing? Do you want me to make false documents so you can leave?" She said.
"That is for you to figure out, Lady Vilahna," the man replied."But rest assured, If you don't provide me with all I need by tomorrow, there will be consequences."
"Very well. Tomorrow evening, I will bring you the money and the travel documents. But once this is done, our paths will never cross again." She replies, I feel anger rising, as I understood the situation.
The man chuckled "We shall see, Lady Vilahna. We shall see."
The man disappeared, leaving both of them behind I paid attention to what they were planning to do. They planned to meet the same man the next, day however the plan was completely flawed, they would put themselves in danger because of a few letters.
I needed to make sure that, I would not let anything happen to Rahua. The next day, Ceaser appeared before me with reports of missing people in last few months. I suddenly thought of Rahua and feared that she could become one of those victims and immediately felt a surge of fear and concern for her safety.
I couldn't shake the feeling that she would get involved in a twisted game, that man was playing.
I had to act quickly and find a way to save her before it was too late.
I quickly gathered all the information I could about the disappearances, trying to find any connection or pattern. It was a race against time to uncover the truth and save Rahua from whatever danger she might be facing.
As I delved deeper into the investigation, I discovered that the man responsible for the disappearances was none other than the same man who had manipulated and blackmailed Lady Vilahna. His motives became clear - he was using innocent lives as a means to gain money and sell of his victms.
I knew I had to act fast. I didn't want to bring Ceaser or anyone along but he didn't waver when I tried to dissuade him to let me come alone. And so we devised a plan to apprehend the man and rescue Rahua. It was a risky move, but I couldn't bear the thought of her being in danger any longer.
The evening arrived, and we made our way to the designated meeting spot. There was no one inside, it appeared that there was a struggle, things were thrown around. They already left. I couldn't believe I was too late.
"Ceaser they are not here, they have left already." I told him, my voice filled with concern and hurry.
"Damion we will catch them eventually, we will make it next time." I couldn't believe he was giving up. I held his colar in anger.
"There will be no next time I have to catch them today." As if he sensed the desperation in my voice. He put his hand over mine, gently moving away.
"We don't know where they are heading, where they will take the victims. " I suddenly remembered that I had brought the mirror with me. I take it out not caring that I would be seen.
I could see she was being carried somewhere near to what seem to be ships.
"I can hear water, they are at the docks. We have to go right now. " I say my voice laced with urgency. Ceaser hand stopped me.
"What do you think, you are doing?" I said filled with anger.
"I will not ask you how you get the item nor how you know where they taking the victims, but you have to think clearly, we are on the other side of the village, once we get there they will be far gone. Unless you can do magic and transport us there, than there is nothing we can do."
I am an idiot, how could I forget to make the right preparations for the situation, I can't afford to beat myself right now. I need to save Rahua. "If magic is what we need, let's get it." I pause and take a deep breath. "Cirius! " I say as he suddenly appears from a portal.
"Your Highness, you summoned me. " Everyone's face was of an awe. People rarely see mages anymore since most of them moved to the mage towers.
"Rahua is in danger." I could feel Ceaser gaze on me, I couldn't afford to delay trying to explain everything I needed to be direct. " I need you to open the portal here." I show Cirius the mirror.
From behind him I could here a low timid voice. " My big sister is in danger?? I want to go as well. " Saya crosses the portal as it closes off. " I want to go as well." I respect her decision and I nod.
"Very well takes us there. " I say with firm voice.
"You," Ceaser says refering to the knights, "you will ride and get help. Meet us at the docks, ready to arrest everyone involved." With that order they rode off. Cirius opens a big portal, for us to cross. Me Ceaser, Saya and Cirus, we cross the portal coming right out of the middle of the ship where Rahua was being held prisoner.
As we approached the dimly lit deck, the night was already settled, tension filled the air. The men stood there, smirking with an air of superiority.
He didn't expect us to attack. With swift action, we overpowered him and gained control of the situation. Rahua was safe, freed from his clutches.
*
Ceaser demanded an explanation from Lady Vilahna about what had happened and why she had put herself in danger.
Lady Vilahna seemed to not wanting to reveal, what had happened. Ceaser observed intently to Lady Vilahna's reactions. His expression growing more and more serious and impatient as she refused to answer.
"I worry about the risks you take. You are a countess, a woman of high standing in society. You cannot afford to put yourself in danger like this."
Lady Vilahna turned her face down, she seemed filled with regret. She knew that Ceaser was right and yet she didn't utter a word.
"It was my fault." Rahua said still clutching the box. I could see she was hurt, her lips were swollen, she seemed to be in pain."I am sorry for having cause such trouble." Why was she lying? She clearly was the innocent in this situation, it was all the Lady Vilahna's fault.
"Rahua you don't have to do this." I say pulling her close to me.
"It's true." She says, facing me. " I have said something to Lady's Vilahana that propelled all the events tonight. And I am truly sorry." She says, slightly bowing to Lady Vilahna.
"No don't say that." Finally the Lady Vilahna dare to speak. "If all, your words saved me, and I am sorry for not listening to you sooner, and avoid all this situation." She admitted. "I am sorry Lord Marquess Ceaser, my actions should be punished, I will take any punishment you see fit. " She lowered her head.