The sun was setting low on the horizon, casting golden light over the rolling hills that stretched toward Valoria. Alyssia felt the weight of the past few years on her shoulders as she led her small group of rebels through the winding forest paths. Her mind raced with thoughts of the battles ahead, of Enma's awakening, and of her fractured trust in those around her. She was close now, close to Valoria, where Queen Nymeria awaited her. But something tugged at her heart—an unresolved part of her past.
Two years. Two long years since she'd last seen Darian.
The wind whispered through the trees, carrying memories of the last time they'd stood together—before her world unraveled and she was branded a traitor. Darian had been her closest ally, her most trusted friend, but fate had torn them apart. Now, as she approached the borders of Valoria, her thoughts kept drifting back to him. Was he still fighting against the Empire? Did he hate her for the choices she'd made?
As they pressed onward, the forest around them grew quieter, almost expectant. Alyssia could feel a strange energy in the air, something familiar yet distant, like a shadow from the past. Her hand instinctively moved to the hilt of her sword.
Just as she rounded a bend in the path, a figure stepped into view, blocking their way. Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes focused on the tall, broad-shouldered man standing before her. His black hair was longer now, and his rugged face was marked by battle, but there was no mistaking him.
"Darian," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
He stood there, silent for a moment, his intense gaze locking onto hers. The years had changed him—there was a hardness in his eyes that hadn't been there before, a weight that matched her own. But beneath it all, she could still see the man she had fought beside, the man who had always believed in her.
"Alyssia," he finally said, his voice gruff, though she could hear the emotion behind it. "It's been a long time."
She nodded, struggling to find the right words. So much had happened. So much had changed. How could she explain everything?
"You're going to Valoria?" he asked, his tone more of a statement than a question. He stepped closer, scanning her face for answers. "You've been branded a traitor, Alyssia. The Empire won't stop hunting you. And now… there's more than just the Empire to worry about."
She swallowed, knowing what he was referring to. "Enma," she said softly. "You've heard."
"Everyone's heard," Darian replied. His brow furrowed with concern. "The Abyss is stirring. The world is at the brink, and the guardians are falling one by one. Alyssia, what are you planning?"
Alyssia hesitated. She had expected anger, perhaps even accusations, but all she saw in his eyes was worry—worry for her and for the world they had once fought to protect.
"I'm going to Valoria to warn Queen Nymeria," she explained, glancing back at the rebels behind her, then returning her gaze to Darian. "We need to unite against the Empire. If we don't stop them, Enma will rise, and there will be nothing left to fight for."
Darian clenched his jaw. "You think the Queen will trust you? After everything that's happened?"
"I have to try," she said, her voice steady but laced with the uncertainty she felt deep inside. "If I don't… then we've already lost."
There was a long silence between them. Alyssia could feel the unspoken words hanging in the air—the questions, the doubts, the pain of their separation. Two years apart, and yet it felt as though no time had passed at all. She wanted to ask him so much: how he had fared, whether he had found his own path in the midst of the chaos. But now was not the time.
"I heard what happened with Nyx," Darian finally said, his voice softer now. "The Empire used you… manipulated you. And I know that you've suffered for it." He stepped closer, his eyes softening as he reached out to place a hand on her shoulder. "But we can't dwell on the past. We have to move forward."
Alyssia felt a lump in her throat as she looked into his eyes. Darian had always been the one to keep her grounded, the one who reminded her of her strength when she doubted herself. She realized just how much she had missed him, and how much she needed him now, more than ever.
"You're right," she said quietly. "We fight together. Just like we always did."
He smiled, a small but genuine smile that made her heart ache with nostalgia. "Just like old times."
As they stood there, the moment stretched on, the tension between them easing. For the first time in what felt like forever, Alyssia felt a sense of hope—not just for the battle ahead, but for the possibility of healing the wounds that had been left behind.
"Come with me to Valoria," she said, her voice more confident now. "We can face this together. The Empire, Enma… whatever's coming, we'll be ready for it."
Darian hesitated for only a brief moment before nodding. "I'll follow you, Alyssia. I always will."