Under the silvery light of the moon, Merlione moved through the dense forest, leaving behind the muffled sounds of the cabin where Elios continued his intense training.
The nocturnal symphony surrounded her like a cocoon: the chirping of crickets, the rustling of leaves under the gentle breeze, and, in the distance, the soft murmur of a waterfall. She walked for a long time, drawn toward the soothing sound, until the rush of water grew louder.
At last, she arrived at a shimmering waterfall. Under the star-studded sky, the water seemed to dance in an otherworldly light, almost magical.
Merlione, awestruck, murmured:
— This place is perfect. I should bring Elios here tomorrow... He'll love it.
She sat on a rock near the water, letting her fingers graze the icy surface. She began to hum an old tune, but her song abruptly died in her throat. Something was wrong. A shadow, a furtive movement, appeared against the gleam of the waterfall.
She stood up immediately, every sense on high alert.
Merlione, in a low voice:
— Who…?
Her eyes narrowed to make out the silhouette. Long, silky hair. Pointed ears.
Merlione, puzzled:
— An elf? But why would an elf be here, alone?
She moved cautiously, but before she could approach, a voice rang out—cold and soft at the same time.
???
— Merlione, former beast warrior.
A chill ran down her spine. The voice carried a strange authority, as if it spoke directly to her soul.
Merlione, stiffening:
— Who are you? And how do you know me?
The silhouette stepped forward, revealing a face of supernatural beauty, but with a chilling coldness.
The elf:
— A warrior as formidable as you always leaves a trace behind. Even if today, you're nothing more than a shadow of what you once were.
Merlione, defensive:
— Perhaps. But even a shadow can be enough to strike down a reckless elf. If you're here to sow chaos, I'll reduce you to ashes.
The elf let out a small laugh, almost amused.
The elf:
— Don't be so quick to judge. I'm not here for that… Not yet.
Before Merlione could react, the elf moved with lightning speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. The air around Merlione grew heavy, oppressive. A wave of nausea overtook her. Her heart pounded wildly, and she felt blood trickling from her nose and ears.
Merlione, horrified, stepping back:
— What… What are you?
She wavered, her vision blurring. This creature emanated a toxic, destructive energy that seemed to assault her entire being.
Merlione, to herself:
— This isn't just any elf. This is… an abomination.
Her entire body screamed for her to flee, but her legs refused to move, knowing it would be futile.
The elf let a moment of silence hang between them before stepping closer.
Merlione, breathless, finally understanding what stood before her:
— Hmmm, that's impossible… You're…
The elfe noire.
— You truly exist, then? The ancient texts speak of you, an ephemeral creature that has existed for centuries.
The elf, smirking:
— Oh, legends always have a grain of truth. But that nickname… "elfe noire." A rather reductive title.
She tilted her head, her voice like silk.
The elf:
— My name is Lilith.
Merlione's thoughts raced.
— She should have died thousands of years ago. I know elves live long lives, but she looks like nothing more than a 20-year-old human. Not a single sign of aging. It's terrifying.
Merlione, trembling:
— What do you want, Lilith?
Lilith gazed at her for a long moment, her eyes seeming to probe every corner of her soul.
Lilith:
— I came searching the wrath.
Merlione, confused:
— wrath? What are you talking about?
Lilith:
— Yeah. And I think I've found it.
— You possess it. Weak for now, but it will grow. One day, it will reach its peak. And on that day, this world will vanish.
Her words echoed in Merlione's mind like a curse. She clenched her fists, struggling against the visceral terror threatening to overwhelm her.
Merlione, defiant despite her fear:
— If you think your curses will have any effect on me… you're gravely mistaken.
Lilith didn't reply. She turned and walked toward the waterfall with an unnatural grace.
Lilith, without looking back:
— Take care of the warth. Nurture it. Shape it. And I will return to claim it… when the time is right.
Merlione, on the verge of collapse, nearly shouted:
— Stop speaking in riddles, witch!
Lilith laughed softly, then added before vanishing into the cascade:
— Until we meet again, Merlione. And remember: I am not the elfe noire. My name is Lilith.
As Lilith disappeared, Merlione fell to her knees, her breath ragged, her heart still pounding furiously. She ran a trembling hand over her face, wiping away the blood streaming from her nose and ears.
She staggered to a nearby river, stripped off her clothes, and plunged into the icy water. The pain in her body began to subside, but the echo of Lilith's words continued to ring in her mind.
Merlione, murmuring to herself:
— Another new threat awakens… When will this world ever know peace?
She remained in the water for a while, cleansing her body and calming her thoughts, before finally returning to the cabin.
When she arrived, Elios was fast asleep. She stood there for a moment, watching him. His peaceful expression was a st ark contrast to the turmoil raging within her.
But she decided to remain silent. This burden, she would carry alone.