As Alia felt more at ease now that Leona and Talon had resolved their tension, she turned toward Lord Allen and asked in a low voice, "Lord, when will we depart? Do we have specific objectives for this mission?"
The lord regarded her with a calm but serious gaze. "You should leave as soon as possible. The news of the palace nearby has already spread, and other adventurers will no doubt head there soon. Our goal is to determine if the palace poses any threat to Joy City. As for treasures... well, don't get your hopes up. The most important thing is your safety and the safety of our people."
Alia nodded thoughtfully and then turned toward Leona, who stood beside her. "Leona, as a warrior, you're best equipped to help Talon gather weapons and armor. I'll head back tonight to organize my own gear—potions, weapons, you know. Tomorrow, let's meet at the city gates, early morning."
Leona smiled, a light glimmering in her eyes. "Don't worry about a thing, Alia. I've got this covered," she said confidently, her earlier irritation with Talon all but gone. With a playful glint in her eyes, she added, "Come on, Talon. Follow me, big guy. I'll show you the best gear around town. And don't worry, the lord's paying for it." She shot a mischievous wink toward Lord Allen, who could only shake his head, amused.
Talon, now more relaxed, followed Leona without complaint, his broad frame blocking the light as they exited the room together. Alia watched them leave, a slight smile playing on her lips, but she couldn't shake the strange feeling that lingered in the air, especially after what Lord Allen had said about the palace.
Allen's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. "Alia," he said softly, "I have a feeling this mission may be more difficult than it seems. When challenges arise, your abilities will be critical."
There was something unsettling in his tone, and for a moment, Alia felt a flicker of doubt. She wasn't sure if Lord Allen was referring to her scouting skills or hinting that he knew more about her than he let on. While Allen had always treated her kindly, she couldn't shake the suspicion that he was hiding his own secrets.
"I'll do my best, Lord," Alia responded after a moment's hesitation, her voice steady, though her mind was racing. She wasn't just worried about Leona's safety; something about this mission felt off, and if push came to shove, she'd be willing to risk exposing herself to save those she cared about.
With a nod from Allen, Alia took her leave, exiting the lord's manor and closing the heavy door behind her. As she made her way through the quiet streets of Joy City, she couldn't help but think back on the lord's cryptic words and what they could mean.
As night fell, Alia hurried to her home and began gathering the tools and medicines she'd need for the journey. The moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie silver light over the city. At midnight, clad in a cloak as dark as the night, she slipped past the city gates, moving swiftly and silently, avoiding the guards' gaze.
She made her way toward the Dark Forest, her movements fluid as she darted through the trees. The sounds of the night surrounded her, but her senses were sharp, every noise registering in her mind. She was looking for something—or rather, someone.
A few moments later, Alia let out a soft, high-pitched sound: "cicici." She stood still, listening. The sound echoed through the trees before being answered by the same, quiet, "cicici," confirming the other person's presence. Alia moved deeper into the forest, a shadow among the shadows, until she found herself at the edge of a clearing.
Emerging from the darkness was a large, muscular figure, his presence unmistakable. Gavin, the vampire who had been her ally and protector, stood waiting for her. His gaze met hers, his eyes glinting under the moonlight.
"You got my message," Alia whispered as she approached him. There was an intimacy in her voice, the kind born from years of trust and shared danger. "Lucky for me it's our routine meeting, or I might have missed you."
Gavin's deep voice rumbled from his chest. "What's going on, Princess Alia? Where are you heading in the middle of the night?"
"A palace has been discovered near the Dark Forest. Lord Allen wants me to investigate," Alia replied, her voice steady, though her gaze flickered for a moment, betraying the unease she felt.
Gavin's brow furrowed. "I've heard about that. We're organizing our own team to investigate. Be careful not to expose yourself."
At his words, Alia's expression shifted, the carefree mask she often wore falling away. She stepped closer, her voice lowering to a firm, almost challenging tone. "Who's leading your team?" she asked, the tension between them palpable.
Gavin hesitated for a moment before answering. "It hasn't been decided yet... but it'll likely be someone under Edward."
The name hit her like a physical blow. Alia's breath caught, her chest tightening as old memories flooded her mind. Edward. The name stirred emotions she'd worked hard to bury—anger, pain, regret. She couldn't help the bitter smirk that tugged at her lips.
"Hmph," she scoffed, her tone cold. "Edward, huh?"
Gavin took a step closer, his towering form now just inches from hers. His voice softened, concern lacing his words. "Princess, be careful. Despite your ability to change your appearance and the rumors I've spread about your death, whispers of your survival have been circulating within the vampire court for years."
Alia looked up at him, her heart beating a little faster at his proximity. There was something about the way he spoke to her, the way he always seemed to care more than he should. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the tension between them shifted into something else, something unspoken. The cold exterior she usually wore melted away in his presence.
"I will be careful," she murmured, her voice softer now. But there was a strength in her tone, a confidence that seemed to surprise even Gavin. "The rumors might work in my favor. It keeps those who support me from giving up hope. And in time... I'll reclaim my throne."
Gavin's gaze softened at her words, and for a brief moment, his hand reached out, brushing lightly against her arm. It was the smallest of gestures, but it sent a shiver down Alia's spine. There had always been something between them—something unsaid but deeply felt. His touch lingered for just a moment before he pulled away, his expression unreadable.
"Just promise me you'll stay safe," Gavin said, his voice almost a whisper.
Alia nodded, the warmth of his touch still lingering on her skin. "I will."