Amidst the dark forest, Izabella stomped on dry branches, their creaking sounds echoing beneath her steps. Spotting a crowd of people holding burning torches, she stepped before them.
"Is everyone here?" she demanded.
"Yes," the crowd replied in unison.
"We're getting closer to our goal, Izabella," Isla chuckled, her voice tinged with excitement.
"Start attacking the remaining villages and head toward Erion as soon as possible during the grand duke's absence," the queen ordered, pointing toward Erion.
The crowd mumbled their acknowledgment before departing as commanded by the queen.
"Here you are, Your Majesty!" a high-pitched voice exclaimed.
From the shadows of the dark forest emerged two women—Elise and Elene.
"Took you both long enough to arrive. I was about to return," Izabella said, stepping closer to the two women.
