The morning air was sharp and cold biting at Amara's skin as she slipped through the dense forest near her house, the map clutched in her hand. Each step feeling heavier than the last, her scythe strapped across her back like a burden she couldn't shake. The symbols on the map seemed to tease and taunt her with every glance. Flames, lightning, water and an ominous black hole at the end of her path, they felt more of a warning than a guide.
She slowly started to exhale her breath within the fog in the forest, a chill came down her spine as thoughts started to cloud her mind. How do I get to this location? Alijah's words from last night start to catch up to her, Strike when the timing is right. Get close to the Scribe Ammit.
Amara clenched her jaw, fastening her pace while remembering them. If they knew the truth, if they knew about Kyan and Kayden by their real names, this entire plan would unravel on its own. And yet, here she was, following a path that leads her straight to their doorsteps.
The forest grew darker and turned into a more dark orange tint, the sunlight barely breaking through the thick canopy of woods. Her heartbeat quickened, with the weight of her decision pressed down on her. She wasn't only betraying the Celestial Ones but Celestia itself.
"This is the only way." She told herself in a reassuring manner, she couldn't let them fight. Not when the truth was tangled within centuries of lies.
The map was crude, but the trail it marked was unmistakable. She passed through the first checkpoint—charred trees marking Kayden's territory. Flames had once ravaged this place, but now only the ghosts of fire remained, whispering secrets to the wind.
Kayden's signature.
Amara stopped, taking in the sight of the burned landscape. A pang of something—guilt, maybe—twisted in her chest. She had to be careful here. Any wrong move, any slip, and she would expose everything.
With a quick glance around, she continued down the path, her thoughts swirling. What are they planning? Why now?
But even more pressing—What will I do when I see him?
"What are you doing here?" A voice echoed within the forest behind her said, the moment she turned around no one was there.
"Are you playing some weird mind games with me?" Amara scoffed in response, scanning her surroundings. The forest was still, too still. Amara paused, sensing the shift in the air, familiar now, almost comforting in its discomfort. She couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at her lips.
"Still hiding, Kayden?" Her voice cut through the silence like a blade. "You know, for someone so powerful, you sure have a habit of skulking in the shadows."
The response was instant—a warmth that bloomed in the air around her, like a fire spreading its tendrils through the space between them. She felt his presence, lingering just beyond her sight, but still he refused to show himself.
"You bring that thing here, and you expect me to just step out into the open?" His voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it—a warning. "Hide the scythe, Amara."
Amara's grip tightened on the handle of her weapon, her fingers brushing the cool, deadly curve of its blade. She rolled her eyes, letting the cocky grin spread wider. "Oh, come on. Don't tell me you're afraid of a little scythe? I thought you liked a challenge."
She felt the heat intensify, but it wasn't threatening—more like an exasperated sigh in the form of warmth. His power brushed against her, gentle in its warning, but not enough to make her back down.
"I'm not afraid," Kayden's voice was closer now, teasingly soft, as though he were right behind her. "But you should be. You don't understand what it's capable of yet."
Amara scoffed, twirling the scythe in her hand with a show of practiced ease. "Oh, I'm fully aware. However, I just don't take orders from people who refuse to show their face."
"Maybe I just like watching you struggle," he quipped, amusement threading through his words. "But I'll make it easy on you this time—put the weapon away, and I'll tell you what you need to know."
Amara paused, eyeing the weapon. There was something about the way he said it—almost too calm, too casual. She knew better than to trust him outright. Kayden's playful nature always came with a layer of manipulation. Still, she played along for now.
"Fine," she said, lowering the scythe but not hiding it. "Happy?"
"Not quite." His voice drifted, closer and yet still unseen. "Hide it. Completely. Or I walk."
Amara's brow furrowed, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. "You're not exactly the boss here, Kayden. I don't hide my weapons because you ask nicely."
The heat spiked for a second, but it wasn't anger—it felt more like Kayden's version of a laugh, the air growing thick and warm, like a fire catching briefly before settling into a steady burn.
"You're stubborn," he remarked, his voice slipping through the trees like smoke. "But you forget—I'm doing you a favor."
"A favor?" Amara's laugh was sharp, her cocky tone returning. "I'm the one who's been dragged into this mess, not you."
"You think I haven't been dragged into things?" Kayden's voice lowered, still teasing but with an undertone of something darker. "You don't even know what's waiting for you. That scythe… It's not just a weapon. It's a beacon. Every step you take with it puts you closer to—"
"Closer to what?" Amara interrupted, taking a step forward, daring him to finish. "You're so cryptic, Kayden. Just spit it out."
There was a long pause, and for a moment, the heat in the air seemed to dissipate. Then, softly: "Closer to something you won't be able to control."
Amara felt a chill run down her spine, despite the warmth surrounding her. She glanced down at the scythe in her hand, feeling the weight of Kayden's words settle in. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but there was truth in what he said. This weapon was dangerous—far more than she fully understood.
But she wasn't about to let him know that.
"You worry too much," she said, forcing a smirk as she slung the scythe over her shoulder. "I've got this under control."
"You say that now." His voice was a whisper in her ear, and she swore she could almost feel his breath on her skin. "But when the time comes… don't say I didn't warn you."
Amara spun around, expecting to finally catch a glimpse of him, but there was nothing. Just the empty, smoldering forest, with the faint scent of ash lingering in the air.
"Always so dramatic," she muttered to herself, feeling the familiar tension ease slightly. But Kayden's words still lingered in the back of her mind. She wouldn't admit it, not even to herself, but the thought of what lay ahead—the danger she barely understood—was starting to weigh on her.
Still, she wasn't about to back down. Not yet.
The heatwave surrounding her started rise up, to her it was nothing. After living in a area filled with heatwaves familiar to this one, she could only scoff at the attempt. To her it had looked like he didn't do any research on her or her mana, heat from untill flames will do nothing to her.
She continued her way deeper within the forest, however she hasn't noticed that she was walking in a loop for at least two full hours. Untill the amount of steps she made started to catch up onto her, sweat started dripping from her face. She had the feeling that she was melting away, not knowing what to do as she sat down.
Amara slumped against a tree, the cool bark pressing against her skin, a futile attempt to stave off the heat and confusion clouding her mind. She felt the tingling sensation in her fingertips—her Mana Core thrumming with energy. She was connected to the ethereal forces of the world, but she couldn't focus her thoughts enough to draw upon them. Panic fluttered in her chest as the memories of the day flooded back—Michael's mocking voice, the moment she was ambushed.
Suddenly, a rustling in the underbrush caught her attention, and her instincts kicked in. She grabbed the scythe she had summoned in secret, its familiar weight grounding her. "Show yourself!" she called out, her voice steadier than she felt.
From the shadows emerged a man—Michael, his dark hair catching the fading light. "Well, well, if it isn't the little princess," he said, stepping closer, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You seem lost."
"Who are you?" Amara shot back, determination lacing her tone. "And what do you want?"
"Just a little chat," he replied, casually leaning against a tree, his arrogance infuriating her. "But it seems like you're not in the mood to talk."
Before she could react, he lunged forward, grasping her wrist with surprising strength. Amara twisted, trying to free herself, but he was quicker, catching her off-guard. "Let go of me!" she yelled, panic rising. "You think you can just waltz in here and take me?"
"Absolutely," he smirked, tightening his grip. "You're coming with me, whether you like it or not."
With a swift motion, he injected something into her neck. Amara felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. "What did you do?" she managed to stammer before darkness enveloped her.
Meanwhile, in the dimly lit corridors of the auction house, Michael strode confidently, anticipation bubbling within him. He had captured the Crown Princess, and the thought of her auction made his heart race. He turned a corner and almost collided with Kayden, who leaned casually against the wall, his expression one of irritation and concern.
"Nice to see you, General," Kayden said, arms crossed. "What are you up to? Planning to make a fool of yourself again?"
Michael smirked, brushing off Kayden's concern. "Oh, I'm just about to make a fortune. The Crown Princess is worth more than you can imagine."
Kayden narrowed his eyes. "You think this is a game? You have no idea what you're getting into. If you sell her, it could cost you more than you know."
"Come on, Fuego Infernal," Michael scoffed, unbothered. "You're acting like I'm a rookie. This is a well-oiled operation. Amara is just a means to an end."
"She's not just some item to be sold," Kayden shot back, the heat around him rising. "You're playing with fire. You have no idea of the consequences."
Michael chuckled, his arrogance unyielding. "Oh but, I'm pretty sure the one who was playing with fire was you Infernal, not me. However, I'm absolutely certain she can handle herself." He said while smiling at the pissed off Kayden. "Besides, her Mana Core makes her even more valuable."
"That Core is her life force, you fool! If it's damaged, she could suffer horribly—nightmares, madness, or worse," Kayden warned him, stepping closer, his voice low and urgent. "You need to reconsider this."
"I won't let fear dictate my actions," Michael replied, his confidence brimming. "I'm the one with the Crown Princess in my grasp. I call the shots now."
"You're only making enemies for yourself. This is dangerous territory," Kayden warned, his eyes fierce. "You may think you're untouchable, but you have no idea what the Scribe's influence will do. If you harm her—"
"Spare me the lecture," Michael interrupted, waving him off. "You're just jealous I'm making a profit. I'm the one who will be remembered."