The forest erupted into chaos as the shadowy figures clashed with Kairo and his group. Kairo's sword flashed brilliantly, its blade glowing with his fire element as he defended Louie with precision and determination.
Elias, wielding his dual daggers with an agility that was almost inhuman, flanked the enemies, cutting them down with a smirk that only grew wider with each victory. Lioran, ever the tactician, used his wind magic to scatter the enemies' formation, forcing them into disarray.
Louie stood back, her heart pounding as she watched the fight unfold. Though she wasn't skilled in direct combat, her healer abilities kept her team alive, her soothing magic mending wounds almost as quickly as they were inflicted.
---
A Strange Ally
As the battle raged on, a mysterious figure appeared from the shadows. He was tall, with an aura of authority and a dark cloak that obscured most of his features. With a single gesture, he froze the remaining attackers in place.
"Enough," the figure said, his voice calm but commanding.
The attackers retreated immediately, their faces filled with fear as they disappeared into the forest.
Kairo tightened his grip on his sword, stepping forward to confront the newcomer. "Who are you? Why did they listen to you?"
The man lowered his hood, revealing striking features and piercing red eyes. "My name is Kael. Let's just say I have... influence over certain factions. I'm here to help."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "Help? You just conveniently show up right after we're attacked? That's suspicious."
Kael smirked, his gaze settling on Louie. "You could say I have a vested interest in your group. Particularly in her."
Kairo immediately stepped in front of Louie, his eyes blazing with protective fury. "If you think you're getting anywhere near her, you're wrong."
Kael raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax. I mean no harm... for now."
---
The Journey Continues
Reluctantly, the group allowed Kael to accompany them, though Kairo never let him out of his sight. Louie, meanwhile, couldn't shake the feeling that there was something familiar about him.
As they traveled, Kael proved to be surprisingly helpful. He knew the terrain well and guided them around potential dangers. However, his attention to Louie didn't go unnoticed.
One evening, as they camped by a river, Louie sat by the water, humming softly to herself. Kael approached her, his movements silent and calculated.
"You have a beautiful voice," he said, startling her.
Louie turned, clutching her chest. "Oh! You scared me."
Kael chuckled softly. "My apologies. I couldn't help but notice how different you are from the others."
Louie tilted her head. "Different? How so?"
Kael's gaze softened, and for a moment, the enigmatic façade he wore seemed to slip. "You see the good in people, even when others cannot. It's... rare."
Louie blushed, unsure how to respond. "Thank you, I guess."
From across the camp, Kairo watched the interaction with narrowed eyes.
---
The Elf Prince's Confession
The next day, the group reached a grand elven city nestled in the heart of the forest. They were greeted with cheers and praise for their supposed defeat of the Demon Lord. Lioran's royal status ensured them a warm welcome, but it was Louie who drew the most attention.
During a formal ceremony, the elven prince, Aelric, approached Louie. His silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, and his emerald eyes sparkled with admiration.
"Lady Louie," he said, bowing deeply, "your bravery and kindness have touched the hearts of many, including mine."
Louie flushed, stammering, "Oh, I-I just did what I could to help."
Aelric smiled, taking her hand. "You've done more than that. You've inspired us all. I would be honored if you would consider staying here, in the elven city, as my bride."
The crowd gasped, and Louie froze, her face turning as red as a rose.
Kairo, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward, his fists clenched. "She's not staying anywhere. We have a mission to complete."
Aelric raised an eyebrow. "And who are you to decide for her?"
"I'm her—" Kairo started, then stopped himself, unsure what to say.
Louie, sensing the tension, quickly interjected. "I'm flattered, Prince Aelric, but I can't stay. My place is with my friends."
Aelric looked disappointed but nodded. "I understand. But know that my heart will always be open to you."
---
Kael's Hidden Identity
Later that night, as the group rested in the elven palace, Kael stood on a balcony overlooking the city. His crimson eyes glowed faintly in the moonlight.
Elias approached him, his daggers sheathed but his stance guarded. "You're hiding something, aren't you?"
Kael smirked. "Aren't we all?"
Elias frowned. "You know more about the Demon Lord than you're letting on. Why don't you just tell us who you really are?"
Kael's expression darkened. "All in good time."
Unbeknownst to them, Louie had overheard their conversation. She stepped onto the balcony, her curiosity piqued. "Kael, are you really here to help us?"
Kael turned to her, his gaze softening once again. "You'll have to decide that for yourself."
As Louie looked into his eyes, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye—and that their journey was about to become far more complicated.
---
End of Chapter 20