1000 Years Back, 11th Century
"Kill her! Don't let her escape!" The shout echoed through the streets, cutting through the storm's deafening roar.
It was a dark, merciless night, with thunder crashing above as if the heavens themselves were enraged. The entire city was bathed in an ominous colour of red - blood red.
Rain poured in torrents as twenty men, dressed in black from head to toe and wielding swords, raced down the streets, their shadows merging with the darkness.
Ahead of them fled a woman in a crimson wedding dress, embroidered with gold patterns that glimmered in the flashes of lightning. The heavy fabric clung to her as she ran, trailing like a blood-stained flame in the storm. The unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed behind her, urgency in their rhythm, a stark contrast to the soft rustle of her dress.
Her face was shrouded in a sheer red veil, but beneath it, her enchanting green eyes burned with fierce determination, glinting like emeralds against the backdrop of the night.
A beauty so striking that it seemed capable of bringing the world to its knees. The delicate contours of her cheeks, the softness of her lips, and the elegant line of her nose were all hidden beneath the veil, yet they hinted at a grace that was undeniable.
Despite the fear coursing through her veins, the bold red of her gown clung to her form, a vivid contrast to the darkness that surrounded her. It was a testament to her spirit, a symbol of her defiance against the chaos that threatened to consume her. The fire in her gaze, fierce and unwavering, spoke volumes of her will to survive, casting aside the shadows of despair that sought to envelop her.
Her breath came in short gasps, but she forced herself onward, her heartbeat pounding louder than the thunder above. Yet, the shouts behind her grew closer, relentless.
She could feel their eyes on her, could sense the deadly intent bearing down on her like the weight of the rain.
But with every step, the chilling cry followed her to the core: "Kill her! Kill her!".
A Few Hours Before
Lady Elysia Valenwood, the powerful princess of the Kingdom of Fayloria, had just been married today to the formidable King Daniel Valtor, the undefeated ruler of Sylphoria. This day was meant to be the happiest of her life—a celebration of love and unity between two great kingdoms, shimmering with the promise of a bright future.
As the festivities unfolded, the grand hall sparkled with elegance, filled with joyous laughter and melodious music that echoed through the vast space. The air was thick with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, vibrant colors adorned the walls, and the glint of gold and silver decorations danced in the warm candlelight. It was a sight to behold, an unforgettable moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
But suddenly, the blissful celebration shattered like glass. Shouts erupted, piercing through the joyous atmosphere and sending a jolt of fear through the guests. The doors burst open with a violent crash, and armed men stormed in, their faces concealed beneath dark hoods, their intentions as sinister as the storm clouds gathering outside.
Panic rippled through the crowd like a wave, people scrambling for safety, their faces etched with confusion and terror.
Elysia's heart raced as a creeping sense of dread washed over her. She and Daniel had unwittingly consumed drinks spiked with a potent poison, leaving them disoriented and weak, unable to grasp the chaos unfolding around them.
The dreamlike celebration was crumbling, replaced by a nightmare that threatened to engulf them all.
She watched as her husband staggered, desperately trying to defend her against the chaos unfolding around them.
The unexpected attack caught everyone off guard, including the armies of both kingdoms, who had gathered to celebrate the alliance. The enemy struck when the guards were least prepared, exploiting the moment of revelry to sow chaos among the festivities.
Elysia's heart sank as she spotted her father, Roderic Valenwood, the King of Fayloria, standing valiantly at the forefront, his regal armor shining even in the dim light. Her mother, Seraphina Valenwood, the queen, moved gracefully beside him, a picture of strength and grace, but even she could not shield them from the onslaught.
Amid the turmoil, her brother, Cyrus Valenwood, the only prince, fought fiercely to protect their people, his sword flashing as he battled the invaders. The combined forces of the Fayloria and Sylphoria armies rallied to defend against the sudden onslaught, clashing with the dark figures that had stormed their celebration.
But as Elysia watched the violence unfold, horror clawed at her throat. She stood frozen, helpless, as she witnessed the unimaginable—her father struck down before her, and her mother collapsing in despair.
A loud cry escaped her lips, but the sound was lost in the cacophony of battle.
What Elysia didn't realize was that amid the chaos, a figure lurked in the shadows, hidden behind a pillar at the corner of the hall. With an evil smirk on the face, person watched the unfolding scene with a sinister glee and a sense of delight.
Present Moment
A single tear slipped from her eye, vanishing into the fabric of her veil. The memory was sharp, cutting deeper than any blade—her family, her husband, all slaughtered by the very men who now pursued her through the storm. Their faces came back to her in flashes, each one twisted in terror as the men's swords fell without mercy.
She remembered Daniel's last glance, filled with helpless rage and love, as he fell defending her.
The rain fell harder, stinging her skin and blending with the tears she could no longer hold back. She stumbled, her soaked gown dragging, pulling her down.
As if heaven itself had answered her silent cry, a thunderbolt struck the ground, blinding the men in a brilliant flash of light. The world around them erupted in chaos, the storm raging on as they shielded their eyes against the blinding glare.
When their vision finally cleared, she had vanished into the night, leaving only the echo of her footsteps and the heavy scent of rain-soaked earth behind her.
The darkness swallowed her whole, and the pursuers exchanged frantic glances, their hearts pounding with a mix of confusion and urgency.
"Where did she go?" one of the men hissed, his voice thick with confusion.
What everyone didn't realize was a Red thread swirling and glowing in the sky where Elysia had stood.