The sound of armored feet marching toward her echoed like thunder in Elara's ears. The soldiers, their faces hidden behind dark masks, moved swiftly, surrounding her and Ravak. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, each breath heavy and labored.
"Ravak, what's happening?" Elara asked, her voice shaky with fear. "Who are they? Why do they want me?"
Ravak didn't answer right away. His eyes were fixed on the soldiers, his entire body tense, radiating a dangerous energy. He had always been a figure of immense power, but now, there was something in his expression—something close to desperation.
"They've come for you, Elara. You need to leave. Now."
She shook her head, still trying to process what was happening. "But why me? Why would they come after me?"
Before Ravak could respond, the masked leader of the group stepped forward. His presence was commanding, and though his face was concealed, Elara could feel the intensity of his gaze.
"Enough questions," the leader said, his voice cold and authoritative. "It is time for you to come with us, Lady Elara."
Elara took a step back, feeling trapped. "I don't know who you are, or what you want from me, but I won't go anywhere with you."
"That's not your choice to make," the leader snapped. "We've been watching you, Elara. You've already been marked."
Ravak's eyes darkened, and he stepped in front of her, his towering figure shielding her from the soldiers. "Touch her, and you'll regret it."
The leader's lips curled into a smirk, though his eyes remained hidden. "You misunderstand, Ravak. She is ours now. You're too late."
"Stay back," Ravak growled, his voice low and dangerous. "I'll kill anyone who dares to harm her."
But the leader remained unmoved, giving a signal to his men. They moved forward, raising their weapons. Ravak's eyes blazed with fury, but Elara's heart raced with fear. She wasn't sure what to do, where to go, or how to escape this situation.
"Enough!" a voice rang out, cutting through the tension.
Elara looked up to see a figure step out from the shadows. A woman, dressed in a dark cloak, her face obscured by a hood. There was an air of authority about her, and as she moved toward the soldiers, they immediately stood at attention.
"You dare lay a hand on the Lady?" the woman said, her voice sharp and commanding. "If you want her, you'll have to go through me."
The soldiers hesitated, clearly caught off guard by her sudden appearance. The leader, however, wasn't as easily intimidated.
"Lady Ilena," the leader greeted her with a nod, though there was no warmth in his tone. "This doesn't concern you. We've been sent to bring Elara to her rightful place."
Ilena's eyes narrowed. "I don't care who sent you," she said, her voice unwavering. "Elara is under my protection now. If you want her, you'll have to deal with me."
Ravak glanced at Elara, his expression conflicted. "She's right. You need to listen to her, Elara. You don't know what you're up against."
Elara was too stunned to respond. Who was this woman, and why was she so determined to protect her? There was something in the air, a strange pull that made Elara's heart race even faster. This wasn't just a battle of soldiers. It was something deeper, something that tied her to this strange and dangerous world in a way she hadn't yet understood.
"I'll give you one chance," the leader said, his voice cold. "Leave the girl, and no harm will come to you. If not, we'll make sure you regret it."
Ilena stepped forward, her gaze unwavering. "You'll regret threatening her," she said, her voice low but filled with power. "Leave now, before things get worse."
The tension was palpable. The soldiers were standing in a loose formation, weapons ready, but the leader hesitated, clearly weighing his options.
"Fine," the leader finally said, his voice laced with fury. "But know this, Lady Ilena—this is far from over. You've made a grave mistake." With a signal, the soldiers retreated, slowly backing out of the room.
As soon as they were gone, Elara let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. She turned to Ilena, her mind racing with questions.
"Who… who are you?" Elara asked, her voice shaky. "Why did they want me?"
Ilena's eyes softened, and she moved closer, placing a reassuring hand on Elara's shoulder. "I'm someone who knows the truth," she said, her tone gentle but firm. "And I'm here to make sure you survive long enough to learn it yourself."
Ravak stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Ilena, you've always been one to get involved in things that don't concern you."
"This concerns me more than you think," Ilena replied, her gaze never leaving Elara. "She's not just some pawn in your game, Ravak. She's the key to everything. And right now, she's in grave danger."
Elara's heart pounded in her chest. "What do you mean? What's going on? Why am I the key?"
Ilena hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a low voice. "Because of the prophecy. You are the one who will either save or destroy everything."
Elara blinked, struggling to comprehend the gravity of her words. "Save or destroy? What are you talking about?"
Ilena turned to Ravak, her gaze serious. "You haven't told her everything, have you?"
Ravak's jaw clenched, and he turned away, unwilling to meet Ilena's gaze. "I couldn't. It's too dangerous for her to know."
Elara's frustration boiled over. "Tell me! What is it that I don't know? What's so dangerous about the truth?"
Ilena sighed and glanced at Ravak before returning her attention to Elara. "You're not just his wife. You're the one who can break the curse. You're the one who can decide whether Ravak lives or dies."
Elara recoiled, her mind reeling. "What?"
Ilena nodded grimly. "You've been bound by fate, Elara. The curse on Ravak is tied to you, and only you can break it. But the path won't be easy. You will have to choose—whether to save him, or let him destroy everything."
Ravak's eyes flicked to Elara, his expression conflicted. "And if you choose to save me, you risk everything," he said quietly. "Even your life."
The weight of her destiny pressed down on Elara like a thousand stones. She felt trapped, caught between her growing feelings for Ravak and the immense responsibility she now carried.
"You'll have to decide soon," Ilena said, her voice soft but firm. "Because time is running out."
Elara's destiny is now clearer, but more dangerous than ever. She must decide whether to save Ravak and risk everything, or let the curse continue its destructive path.