In a desperate race against time, the four guardians reached the gates of Grace only to find the realm engulfed in flames and chaos. With anger kindling in Lionel's chest, he quickly demanded the party split up, each pair taking on the responsibility of saving as many lives as possible while fighting their way to the throne room.
Kross and Lionel, their swords drawn, dashed through the burning streets, their eyes scanning for any sign of survivors amidst the devastation. With swift and decisive action, they battled against the flames and the assailants that sought to sow destruction at every turn. Together, they worked tirelessly to rescue civilians trapped in the inferno, their strength unyielding as they fought to protect their people.
Meanwhile, Bennett and Costel forged their own path through the chaos, their determination unhindered as they faced off against the forces of darkness that threatened to consume the realm. With swords as sharp as their wit, they bravely confronted any threat that stood in their way, their focus squarely on reaching the throne room and confronting the source of the devastation.
As Lionel and Kross reunited with Bennett and Costel at the foot of the throne room steps, they exchanged weary glances. "You both okay?" Kross insisted, trying to catch her breath while her gaze switched between the foreboding door in front and her newfound comrades.
"Nothing a few Guardians can't handle, right?" Bennett replied with a confident yet worrying smirk. The sight of the imposing throne room, seemingly untouched by the chaos that had engulfed the rest of the realm, filled the Guardians with a sense of both relief and trepidation.
Their attention was drawn to the shimmering magic shield that stood before the entrance to the throne room, its radiant glow a testament to the protective enchantment that guarded the chamber within. Lionel's heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation - only he, as a Senior Guardian, possessed the knowledge to open the shield and gain access to the throne room.
With a sense of urgency, Lionel ignored his reservations for Bennett and Costel, stepping forward carefully, his mind racing as he drew upon the teachings he had received from the Queen of Grace herself. He focused his energy, channeling it into the intricate pattern of the shield, his hands moving with practiced precision as he attempted to unlock its magic.
As he concentrated, a faint glow surrounded him, the shield responding to his command. With a final exertion of effort, Lionel completed the sequence, and the shield dissipated, allowing them access to the throne room beyond.
As the throne room doors swung open, the four guardians were faced with a sight that left them stunned. Queen Grace stood in the embrace of King Torment, a scene that sent shockwaves through their ranks. Beside them, hastily gathered supplies hinted at their intention for a swift escape.
Caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, King Torment and Queen Grace locked eyes with the guardians, surprise evident in their expressions. The guardians, in turn, were taken aback by the unexpected encounter in the throne room.
Amidst the tension and confusion, Lionel stepped forward, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. Lost in a memory of a time not long ago when he had shared a similar embrace with the Queen, he struggled to comprehend the stark contrast between that moment and the one unfolding before him now.
As he stood there, grappling with the weight of his memories and the reality of the situation, Lionel felt a sense of betrayal and disbelief. The sight of Queen Grace in the arms of King Torment stirred up a whirlwind of emotions, leaving him reeling and uncertain of what to do next.
Exchanging sorrowful looks with Queen Grace, Lionel was in shock as King Torment hastily guided her towards the window, urgency evident in his actions. Despite the Guardian's protests, King Torment insisted they had no time to spare, urging the Queen to leave everything behind.
As they reached the window, Lionel's mind began to slow the time around him to a near halt. He knew that both the King and Queen were immortal, but the idea of them leaping from such a height filled him with dread. His voice choked with emotion, he called out to them, his warning falling on deaf ears as the Queen shared one last look of guilt before they plunged from the window into the darkness below.
Fear washed over him, Lionel reached out a trembling hand as the word "Grace" crossed his lips, a final fading memory of his realm, and his Queen.
Meanwhile, Kross, Bennett, and Costel rushed past Lionel to the window, surveying the scene below. Their worst fears were realized as they gazed upon the remnants of embers and debris scattered in the streets, a grim testament to the consequences of the chaos below.
With a sense of despair weighing deeply within them, the guardians knew they were now faced with the daunting task of finding a way to save their Queen and uncover the truth behind this mysterious encounter.
Kross returned to Lionel's side, who still looked lost in a haze of memories. "Snap out of it Lionel, we need you" Kross shouted, with a tinge of pain in her voice. Lionel soon came to his senses, rattled by the sudden shift of today's events. He'd never seen his home in such disarray.
With haste, the Guardians returned to the foot of the waging battle hoping to turn the tides and protect what little was left of their homeland. It wasn't long before the forces were either vanquished or had retreated, they had gotten what they'd come for, the Queen.
Kross's sharp empathy felt Lionel's harbored pain, a sense of loss, the type felt when you lose a loved one. It wasn't long before she'd pieced together that the relationship between Lionel and the Queen was more than diplomatic.
Bennett and Costel remained at the Guardian's side, fending off the remaining onslaught until morning blessed the lands with the tender light of dawn.