Night had fallen over Elandor, and the castle was engulfed in a heavy, almost oppressive silence. The once vibrant and luminous kingdom now seemed submerged under a growing veil of darkness. Every corner, every corridor, appeared to have been touched by Seraphis' presence. The fairies, always so attuned to nature and light, now moved cautiously, as if sensing that even the air around them had changed. And they were right—Elandor was no longer the same.
At the heart of it all, Elysiel remained steadfast. Her soul was deeply rooted in the pact she had made with Seraphis, and with each passing day, she felt the dark power flowing through her body. There was no longer any doubt in her heart; her decision was made. And with Seraphis by her side, she knew no obstacle would be great enough to stop them.
Still, as she looked out the window of her chambers, gazing over the vast lands she ruled, Elysiel felt a growing tension within herself. There was something in the air, an unsettling feeling that made her think of Arabella and her friend's final words before leaving the hall: "I will keep fighting… for you." Those words echoed in her mind, even as she tried to push them away.
Elysiel knew Arabella wouldn't give up. She knew the strength and determination of her friend, but she also knew the battle was already lost. Arabella still believed there was something left to save, but Elysiel was certain there was no going back. The pact with Seraphis was irreversible, and the bond between them was sealed.
— You're deep in thought. — Seraphis' smooth, deep voice cut through the silence of the room.
Elysiel turned slowly to face him. He stood at the door, like a shadow ever present, with that penetrating, confident gaze she knew so well. Even now, after all they had shared, Seraphis' presence still made her uneasy in ways she couldn't fully explain. It was as though he were always probing the depths of her soul, reading every one of her most intimate thoughts.
— Arabella won't give up. — Elysiel said, her voice calm but laced with a tension she couldn't hide.
Seraphis smiled, that predatory smile that always reminded her of the immense power he wielded. — She can fight all she wants, but she knows she's already lost. You are mine now, Elysiel. The sooner she accepts that, the less suffering she will endure.
Elysiel nodded, but the unease inside her didn't fade. Although she was convinced that her path alongside Seraphis was the right one, Arabella's face, marked by pain and determination, still troubled her. A small part of Elysiel wanted to believe that there could be a way where both realities could coexist—where she could have Seraphis' power but still maintain a connection to her old life.
— Elandor is changing. — Elysiel said, turning back to the window, watching the darkness envelop the horizon. — The kingdom feels the transformation, but… I'm not sure if they will accept me like this.
Seraphis moved closer, his steps as silent as the night wind. When he stopped beside Elysiel, his cold touch slid softly along her arm, sending a shiver through her. — They will grow accustomed. — He whispered, his lips close to her ear. — Power is irresistible, and in time, they will understand that what you are doing is for the greater good. Resistance is temporary.
Elysiel felt the weight of Seraphis' words. He always knew what to say to calm her, to convince her that the path they walked was the right one. And although Arabella's presence still unsettled her, there was a part of Elysiel that knew Seraphis was right. The power she now possessed was stronger than any opposition.
But at the same time, something was growing in the shadows of Elandor. Something Elysiel couldn't fully see but could feel. A deep discomfort, as if the very kingdom was reacting to the changes.
— Do you feel it? — Elysiel asked, her eyes fixed on the horizon. — There's something different… it's as if the kingdom itself is resisting.
Seraphis furrowed his brow slightly, his gaze narrowing as he felt what Elysiel was referring to. — The forces of light and darkness always struggle to find balance. — He murmured, his voice thoughtful. — But don't worry. We are in control. This is just a temporary reaction. Power always prevails in the end.
Elysiel nodded, but the unease remained. It wasn't just the kingdom that seemed to resist; there was something deeper, a force she couldn't name. And for the first time since she made the pact with Seraphis, a small seed of doubt was planted in her heart.
Meanwhile, deep within an ancient forest, Arabella was gathered with a small group of fairies, the most loyal to the light and to the former princess that Elysiel had been. Arabella's face was tense, her wings slightly damaged from the impact of her last confrontation with Seraphis, but her determination remained unshaken.
— Elysiel is still in there. — Arabella said, her eyes glowing with controlled fury. — I saw it in her eyes. She can still be saved.
One of the fairies beside her, an older advisor, shook his head cautiously. — But the pact is sealed, Arabella. Elysiel is connected to Seraphis in a way that cannot be easily undone. If the darkness consumes her completely, there will be no way back.
Arabella clenched her fists, refusing to accept that truth. — No. I know she's still in there, somewhere. I won't let her be lost.
A young fairy stepped forward, her face filled with worry. — But how can we fight him, Arabella? Seraphis is an ancient demon. His power… it's immeasurable.
Arabella took a deep breath, anger burning in her chest. She knew they were at a disadvantage, that facing Seraphis directly would be suicide. But she also knew she couldn't simply give up on Elysiel. — We won't face him directly. — Arabella said, her eyes gleaming with determination. — We will find a way to break the bond between them. If we can free Elysiel from Seraphis' control, her power will be restored. But to do that, we need something… or someone who can rival his power.
The older advisor furrowed his brow, clearly concerned. — Are you suggesting… seeking help from the underworld?
Arabella nodded slowly, knowing what that implied. To seek a force that could match Seraphis' power meant venturing into the territory of darkness, something she had never imagined she would do. But if it meant saving Elysiel, then she was willing to pay any price. — If that's what we need to do to save her… then yes. We'll seek help wherever it may be.
The fairies around Arabella exchanged nervous glances, but no one questioned her. They knew Arabella was willing to do anything for Elysiel. And now, their only chance lay in finding an unexpected ally in the depths of the underworld.