⚠️ WARNING! ⚠️
If you've read the original Chapters 1, 2, and 3, please note that they have been revamped prior to the release of this chapter. The story has undergone significant improvements in quality, structure, and detail.
I highly recommend going back and reading the revised chapters to fully enjoy the updated version of the story!
Thank you for your support and understanding. Happy reading!
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3rd POV: The Village Awakes
The morning sun rose sluggishly over Arkaneth, its weak light barely cutting through the thick veil of tension that hung over the village. The warriors had worked through the night, reinforcing barricades and preparing weapons. The air buzzed with an undercurrent of unease, a quiet hum that even the children sensed, as their laughter was muted and cautious.
Near the eastern gate, Vesimir stood with Gram and Bismarck, the three of them overseeing the patrol rotations. Vesimir's sharp emerald eyes were tired but vigilant. "Keep the men moving," he ordered. "No one stays in one spot too long. If the Order decides to make their move, I want them caught the second they step into range."
Gram smirked faintly. "You always this paranoid, or is it just today?"
Vesimir shot him a look. "Paranoia keeps us alive," he replied flatly. "The Order isn't a pack of beasts or raiders. They're precise. Disciplined. One mistake, and they'll tear through us like paper."
Bismarck grunted, adjusting the strap on his plasma rifle. "He's right," the older man said. "I've seen the Order's work before. They don't just kill; they purge. If we give them an inch, we're finished."
The three men fell silent, their gazes drifting to the forest. Somewhere beyond the treeline, the Order waited, their intentions shrouded in the zealous glow of their doctrine.
---
1st POV (Thalrik)
From my vantage point on the wall, I could see the entire village. People moved like clockwork, their steps quick and purposeful. Every warrior was armed, every gate manned. For the first time in years, Arkaneth felt more like a fortress than a home.
But it wasn't enough. It never felt like enough.
I tightened my grip on my spear, the familiar weight grounding me. The boy—our so-called savior—had brought us hope, yes, but also danger. The Harbingers' attack had shaken us, and now the Order loomed like a blade over our heads.
I glanced toward my home, where Valaith was likely tending to the boy. A pang of guilt twisted in my chest. She hadn't complained, but I knew the burden she carried. Protecting him wasn't just about swords and spears; it was about shielding his fragile innocence from a world that wanted to claim him.
A shout pulled me from my thoughts. "Chief!" Vesimir called, jogging toward the wall. "Scouts just returned from the western ridge. They spotted movement—a large group heading this way."
My stomach sank, though I kept my expression steady. "The Order?"
Vesimir nodded, his face grim. "Looks like it. Fifteen to twenty, armed and armored."
"Damn it," I muttered under my breath. "How far out?"
"An hour, maybe less," Vesimir said. "They're not moving fast, but they're not trying to hide, either."
I nodded, my mind racing. "Get the council together," I said. "We need to decide how we're going to handle this."
Vesimir hesitated. "And the boy?"
I met his gaze, my jaw tightening. "He stays hidden. No matter what."
---
3rd POV: The Council Convenes
The council chamber was tense, the air thick with unspoken fears. Thalrik stood at the head of the table, his spear resting against his chair. Kaelith, Dagrim, Lysara, and Tara sat around him, their expressions a mix of determination and unease.
"They're here," Thalrik began without preamble. "The Order's advance team will reach us within the hour."
Kaelith leaned forward, his blue eyes sharp. "Do we know their intentions?"
"They're not here to negotiate," Dagrim said bluntly, his mechanical hand flexing. "They've come for the boy. We all know that."
Lysara's dark eyes narrowed. "And what do we plan to do about it? Let them stroll in and take him?"
"Of course not," Thalrik said firmly. "But we can't fight them head-on. If we provoke them, they'll bring their full force down on us."
Kaelith stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Perhaps there's another way," he said. "The Order values faith above all else. If we appeal to their doctrine, convince them we're protecting the boy for the right reasons, they might hesitate."
"Or they'll see us as heretics and burn the village to the ground," Dagrim said darkly. "The Order doesn't hesitate, Kaelith. They don't compromise."
"Then what do you suggest?" Lysara snapped. "Hand him over? Sacrifice the child to save ourselves?"
Dagrim's gaze was hard. "If it means saving the lives of every man, woman, and child in this village, then yes."
The room erupted into heated arguments, voices clashing as the elders debated. Thalrik slammed his spear against the floor, the sharp crack silencing the room.
"Enough!" he barked. "We're not handing him over. That's final."
The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Thalrik's words settling over them like a heavy blanket. Finally, Tara spoke, her voice calm but resolute. "If we can't fight and we can't surrender, we need another option."
Thalrik nodded, his expression grim. "Then we prepare for a standoff. We hold them at the gate, stall them as long as we can. Kaelith, you'll handle the negotiations. Dagrim, reinforce the defenses. Lysara, keep the villagers calm."
"And what about the boy?" Tara asked.
Thalrik's gaze flicked to Valaith, who stood quietly near the door, the boy cradled in her arms. "He stays hidden," Thalrik said. "No matter what."
---
1st POV (Valaith)
The boy's weight was comforting in my arms, his warmth a reminder of what we were fighting for. But as I stood in the council chamber, listening to the elders argue over his fate, I couldn't help but feel the crushing weight of our reality.
They all looked to Thalrik for answers, for strength, but even he couldn't hide the strain. The Order was coming, and they wouldn't stop until they had the boy. Our boy.
I glanced down at him, his golden eyes wide and curious. He didn't understand the danger, the fear that gripped the village. He didn't know how much we had already sacrificed for him—and how much more we might lose.
Thalrik's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Valaith," he said, his tone soft but firm. "Take him home. Keep him safe."
I nodded, though my heart ached. "I will," I promised. "But Thalrik... be careful."
He gave me a small, reassuring smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I always am."
As I left the chamber, the boy nestled against me, I couldn't shake the feeling that everything was teetering on the edge of a blade. The Order was coming, and with them, a choice that would change everything.
3rd POV: The Order Arrives
The sky over Arkaneth was heavy with gray clouds, mirroring the mood within the village. Along the southern gate, warriors stood ready, their weapons drawn and their gazes fixed on the treeline. The faint sound of footsteps echoed through the forest, growing louder with each passing moment.
Thalrik stood at the center of the gate's defenses, his spear planted firmly in the ground. Beside him, Vesimir and Gram flanked his position, their faces set in grim determination. Every warrior knew the stakes—if the Order breached their walls, there would be no second chances.
From the shadows of the trees emerged a line of robed figures, their golden emblems glowing faintly against the dim light. At their head was High Priestess Elethia Luxora, her silver hair glinting like a beacon. Behind her marched a dozen warriors clad in ceremonial armor, their movements precise and synchronized.
The Custodes Flammae captain, Teryn Vestra, stood just to the priestess's right. Her bronze armor was polished to perfection, and the twin plasma swords on her back radiated a faint hum. Her sharp gaze swept over the villagers, calculating every potential threat.
The Order stopped a dozen meters from the gate, their formation unwavering. Elethia stepped forward, her amber eyes meeting Thalrik's. "I am High Priestess Elethia Luxora of the Ordo Lucis Ardentis," she called, her voice calm but commanding. "We come in peace."
Thalrik's grip on his spear tightened, though his tone remained measured. "If that's true, why bring so many warriors?"
Elethia spread her arms in a gesture of openness. "The light demands vigilance," she said. "We do not seek violence, Chief Thalrik. We seek the Savior—the child who descended in a blaze of glory. He belongs to the Divinitarch."
---
1st POV (Thalrik)
Her words hit like a hammer, though I didn't let it show. Savior. Divinitarch. To them, the boy wasn't a child—he was a weapon. A tool to wield in their endless crusades.
I stepped forward, planting myself firmly between the gate and the Order. "The boy is under my protection," I said, my voice steady. "He's one of us now."
Elethia tilted her head, her expression softening as if she were speaking to a wayward child. "You misunderstand, Chief," she said. "The boy is not merely a member of your village. He is a divine being, destined to lead us into the light. Keeping him here is a disservice to his purpose—and a danger to your people."
My blood boiled at her condescension, but I kept my composure. "And what happens if we refuse?" I asked. "What happens to Arkaneth if we say no?"
Elethia's smile faltered, and for a moment, I saw the steel beneath her graceful demeanor. "Refusal would be... unwise," she said. "The Divinitarch's will cannot be denied. But I hope it does not come to that. We are here to offer salvation, not destruction."
I glanced at Vesimir and Gram, both of them tense and ready for a fight. The warriors along the wall were the same, their eyes locked on the Order's ranks. This wasn't a negotiation. It was a test.
---
1st POV (Elethia Luxora)
The mortals were defiant, as I expected. The chief—Thalrik—stood tall, his shoulders squared against the weight of his people's expectations. Admirable, in a way. But his resistance was futile.
I let my gaze drift over the villagers, noting their makeshift defenses and weathered weapons. They had courage, yes, but courage would not protect them from the darkness to come. Only the Savior could do that.
"The Divinitarch's will is absolute," I said, my voice calm and unyielding. "We do not wish to bring conflict to your gates. But the boy's light belongs to the world, not to a single village. Do you truly wish to stand in the way of destiny?"
Thalrik's jaw tightened, his green eyes burning with defiance. "We stand for our people," he said. "And the boy is one of us."
I sighed inwardly. How many times had I encountered this same stubbornness? Mortals, clinging to their fleeting attachments, blind to the greater purpose before them.
"If you will not hand him over," I said, "then allow us to see him. Let us determine his readiness."
The chief hesitated, and I knew I had struck a nerve. He was weighing his options, considering the consequences of refusal. But before he could answer, the wind shifted, carrying with it the faintest ripple of divine energy.
The boy was close. I could feel it, his light like a beacon piercing the veil of the mortal world. My heart quickened, though I kept my composure. The Savior was near—and he would be ours.
---
3rd POV: Tensions Rise
The silence that followed Elethia's words was heavy, punctuated only by the crackling of the torches along the wall. The villagers watched from behind the barricades, their faces a mixture of fear and determination. The warriors held their weapons tightly, their knuckles white.
Thalrik finally broke the silence. "The boy is a child," he said, his voice low but firm. "Not a savior. Not a tool for your crusades. He stays here."
Teryn Vestra stepped forward, her hand resting on the hilt of one plasma sword. "Chief Thalrik," she said, her tone clipped. "Your defiance risks the safety of your people. The Harbingers are already moving against you. Do you think you can stand against them alone?"
Thalrik's gaze didn't waver. "We'll stand against anyone who threatens us," he said. "Including you."
Elethia raised a hand, silencing Teryn before she could reply. "Chief," she said, her voice softening. "I understand your fear. You wish to protect the boy, to shield him from the world's cruelties. But his light cannot be contained. It is meant to shine for all."
Thalrik's lips pressed into a thin line, his frustration evident. "And if we refuse again?"
Elethia's amber eyes hardened. "Then you force our hand," she said simply.
---
1st POV (Valaith)
From the shadows of the Orenda household, I watched the confrontation unfold. The boy was asleep in my arms, his golden wings tucked tightly against his back. I could feel the faint hum of his power, like the warmth of a distant fire.
The High Priestess spoke with calm authority, but her words sent chills down my spine. She didn't see him as a child. To her, he was a symbol—a means to an end.
"They'll take him if we let them," I whispered, my voice trembling. "They'll use him until there's nothing left."
Serenya, seated beside me, looked up with wide, tear-filled eyes. "They won't take him, Mama," she said, her voice fierce. "Papa won't let them."
I forced a smile, though my heart ached with fear. Thalrik was strong, but even he couldn't stand against the Order forever. If they chose to force their way in, we would all pay the price.
The boy stirred, his golden eyes fluttering open. He gazed up at me with a serene expression, as if he already understood the danger we faced—and accepted it.
"Stay strong," I whispered, both to him and to myself. "For all of us."
3rd POV: Lines in the Sand
The air around the southern gate grew tense, the weight of the confrontation pressing down on everyone present. The villagers stood silently, their weapons clutched tightly as they waited for Thalrik's next move. The warriors of the Order, resplendent in their golden emblems and polished armor, remained perfectly still, their discipline as unnerving as the priestess who led them.
Elethia Luxora took a deliberate step forward, her silver hair catching the sunlight. Her gaze remained fixed on Thalrik, but her voice carried to all those watching. "This is your final chance, Chief," she said. "Allow us to see the boy. Prove that you have nothing to hide, and this will end peacefully."
Thalrik didn't flinch, though his grip on his spear tightened. "You're not stepping foot inside these walls," he said, his voice steady. "The boy is safe here, and that's all you need to know."
Teryn Vestra's hand hovered over the hilt of her plasma sword. "You're playing a dangerous game, Chief," she said coldly. "The Divinitarch's will is absolute. Defy it, and you will face the consequences."
Before Thalrik could respond, Vesimir stepped forward, his emerald eyes blazing. "You talk about consequences," he said, his voice sharp. "But what about your own? You think we'll just roll over and let you take him? You'll have to kill every one of us first."
The villagers behind him murmured their agreement, their resolve hardening. Despite their fear, they stood shoulder to shoulder, united against the looming threat.
---
1st POV (Thalrik)
Their courage gave me strength, but it also made my chest ache. These people—my people—were willing to die for a child they barely knew. Not because they fully understood his significance, but because they believed in protecting the innocent. In doing what was right.
The High Priestess studied me, her amber eyes searching for weakness. "You're making this harder than it needs to be, Chief," she said. "We do not wish for bloodshed. But neither will we abandon our mission."
"And what mission is that?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. "To take a child and mold him into a weapon? To strip away his humanity for the sake of your crusade?"
Her expression didn't waver, but there was a flicker of something—guilt, maybe—in her eyes. "The Savior's purpose is greater than any single life," she said softly. "Even yours."
The words stung, though I didn't show it. I glanced at Vesimir, Gram, and the others, then back at Elethia. "If that's how you feel," I said, "then I suggest you leave. Because you'll find no savior here."
---
1st POV (Elethia Luxora)
The defiance in his voice was admirable, but ultimately futile. He couldn't see what I saw—the boy's light, shining like a beacon, calling to the Divinitarch's faithful. It was not something that could be ignored or denied. And yet, I hesitated.
Thalrik's words had cut deeper than I expected. A weapon. Was that truly how they saw us? I had devoted my life to the light, to spreading its glory and shielding humanity from the encroaching darkness. But in his eyes, I was nothing more than a thief, come to take what wasn't mine.
The thought unsettled me, though I quickly buried it. Doubt was a luxury I couldn't afford. Not now.
I stepped forward, my hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Chief Thalrik," I said, my voice calm but resolute, "I understand your fear. I understand your desire to protect the boy. But this is not a matter of want or choice. His destiny is written in the stars. It is our duty—yours and mine—to ensure he fulfills it."
The villagers watched me warily, their distrust plain on their faces. I couldn't blame them. To them, I was an invader, a symbol of everything they feared. But I couldn't let that stop me.
"I ask you one last time," I said, my voice rising slightly. "Do not stand in the way of the light."
---
3rd POV: A Village United
The silence that followed was deafening. Thalrik held Elethia's gaze, his expression unreadable. Behind him, the villagers murmured quietly, their fear and anger bubbling just beneath the surface.
Then, a voice cut through the tension. "We won't let you take him."
Valaith stood near the gate, the boy cradled protectively in her arms. She was flanked by Serenya, who clutched her mother's skirt, and Tara, whose sharp eyes scanned the Order's warriors.
Elethia's amber gaze shifted to the boy, her breath catching as she felt the full weight of his presence. His golden eyes met hers, wide and unblinking, and for a moment, the air seemed to hum with latent energy.
"The Savior," Elethia whispered, her voice filled with awe. "He truly is... divine."
The boy shifted slightly in Valaith's arms, his wings twitching as if sensing the tension. The glow around him grew faintly brighter, casting soft golden light over the villagers.
"He's a child," Valaith said firmly. "Not a savior. Not a weapon. A child. And he deserves to grow up free."
Elethia's gaze softened, though her resolve did not falter. "You think you're protecting him," she said. "But the world will not wait for him to grow. The shadows are moving. The Harbingers—"
"We've dealt with them before," Thalrik interrupted. "We'll deal with them again."
The High Priestess looked at him, her frustration finally breaking through her composed exterior. "You're playing with forces you can't begin to understand," she said, her voice rising. "This isn't just about your village, Thalrik. This is about the fate of the world."
"And maybe the world can wait," Valaith shot back. "Because this boy deserves to live, not to be used."
---
1st POV (Teryn Vestra)
Watching the exchange, I felt a flicker of doubt. The villagers spoke with such conviction, such raw humanity, that I couldn't help but question our purpose. Was this truly the will of the Divinitarch? To take a child from those who loved him?
I glanced at Elethia, whose faith had never wavered, and then at the boy. His light was undeniable. But so was the love in the villagers' eyes.
"High Priestess," I said quietly, stepping closer to her. "We should reconsider."
Elethia's eyes snapped to mine, her expression hardening. "Teryn, our mission is clear."
I nodded, though my heart ached with the weight of her words. "Yes, but... at what cost?"
---
3rd POV: The First Blow
Before Elethia could respond, a low growl echoed through the forest. The villagers tensed, their weapons rising instinctively. From the shadows emerged a hulking form—a Harbinger scout, its twisted body wreathed in black mist.
The creature let out a bone-chilling screech, its presence sending waves of dread through the crowd. More figures emerged behind it, their forms distorted and unnatural. The Harbingers had arrived.
For a brief, terrible moment, the Order and the villagers stood frozen, their gazes locked on the approaching threat. Then, without warning, the Harbingers charged.
"Defensive positions!" Thalrik shouted, rallying his warriors.
"Teryn!" Elethia called, her voice sharp. "Protect the Savior!"
The two groups sprang into action, their grudges momentarily set aside as the battle began. The fate of Arkaneth—and the boy—hung in the balance.
---
3rd POV: Chaos Unleashed
The Harbingers poured from the forest like a shadowy tide, their twisted forms writhing with malevolent energy. Their guttural screeches pierced the air, a horrifying sound that sent shivers through even the bravest warriors. At the southern gate, the defenders of Arkaneth and the warriors of the Order stood side by side, their weapons raised as the horde bore down on them.
Thalrik's voice boomed over the chaos. "Hold the line! Do not let them breach the gate!"
His command galvanized the villagers, who tightened their formation, shields and weapons locking into place. On the other side of the gate, Teryn Vestra stepped forward, drawing her twin plasma swords. The blades crackled to life, casting an eerie blue glow over her stern features.
"Custodes Flammae, with me!" Teryn shouted, rallying the Order's warriors. They moved with precision, forming a wedge as they prepared to meet the Harbingers head-on.
As the first wave of creatures hit the defenses, the battlefield erupted into chaos.
---
1st POV (Thalrik)
The force of the Harbinger's impact nearly drove me to my knees. My spear sank into the chest of a snarling creature, its blackened blood spraying across the ground as it collapsed. Another took its place immediately, its claws raking against my shield.
"Push them back!" I shouted, my voice hoarse. "Do not let them break through!"
Beside me, Vesimir fired his plasma rifle in controlled bursts, each shot finding its mark. Gram was a blur of motion, his blade flashing as he darted between enemies, cutting them down with ruthless efficiency.
The Harbingers were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless. For every one we killed, two more took its place. And yet, we held. Through sheer determination and the strength of our bonds, we held.
"Thalrik!" Vesimir called, his voice cutting through the chaos. "They're circling to the east! Trying to flank us!"
I gritted my teeth. "Take a squad and stop them," I ordered. "Go!"
---
1st POV (Elethia Luxora)
The Harbingers were creatures of the shadow, their very existence a blight upon the light. They moved with an unnatural grace, their forms twisting and shifting as if they were part of the darkness itself.
"Hold fast!" I called, my voice steady despite the chaos. "The light will guide us!"
I raised my hands, channeling my power into a radiant barrier that surged forward, driving back the nearest creatures. The Custodes Flammae fought with precision, their movements fluid as they worked in tandem to cut down the Harbingers.
Teryn was a force of nature, her plasma swords cleaving through the shadowy forms with ease. "We need to push them back!" she shouted, her voice carrying over the din. "If they reach the gate, it's over!"
I nodded, focusing my energy into another wave of light. It surged outward, burning through the Harbingers like fire through dry grass. But even as they fell, more came.
My gaze shifted to the boy, cradled in the arms of his mortal caretaker. His golden light pulsed faintly, as if sensing the danger. He was the key to this battle, the beacon that would banish the darkness. But he was also vulnerable, untrained. If we failed here, it wouldn't just be Arkaneth that fell—it would be the world.
---
3rd POV: Unity in Chaos
Despite their differences, the defenders fought as one. Villagers and warriors of the Order stood shoulder to shoulder, their combined strength keeping the Harbingers at bay. For a brief, shining moment, the animosity between them was forgotten, replaced by the shared goal of survival.
At the heart of the battle, Thalrik and Teryn fought back-to-back. Thalrik's spear struck true, impaling a leaping Harbinger, while Teryn's plasma swords carved through another. Their movements were synchronized, their combined skill turning the tide.
"We need to take out the leaders!" Thalrik shouted over the din. "The smaller ones are following their command!"
Teryn nodded, her gaze snapping to a towering Harbinger at the rear of the horde. Its form was more solid, its movements more deliberate—a commander. "I see it," she said. "Cover me!"
Before Thalrik could protest, Teryn charged into the fray, her blades cutting a path toward the Harbinger commander. Thalrik cursed under his breath but followed, carving through enemies to keep her flank clear.
---
1st POV (Valaith)
From the safety of our home, I watched the battle unfold, my heart pounding in my chest. The boy was awake now, his golden eyes wide as he stared at the chaos beyond the walls. His small hands gripped my cloak tightly, and I could feel the faint hum of his power, restless and unfocused.
"They're fighting for you," I whispered, my voice trembling. "They're risking everything to keep you safe."
The boy didn't respond, but his gaze remained fixed on the battlefield. For a moment, his glow brightened, and I felt a surge of warmth radiate from him. It was as if he understood—if not the details, then the weight of what was happening.
I tightened my grip on him, my resolve hardening. "We'll keep you safe," I promised. "No matter what."
---
3rd POV: The Turning Point
At the center of the battlefield, Teryn reached the Harbinger commander. The creature loomed over her, its jagged form pulsing with dark energy. It let out a deafening roar, its clawed hand lashing out in a blur of motion.
Teryn dodged, her plasma swords flashing as she struck back. The creature recoiled, black mist spilling from its wounds, but it didn't falter. It lunged again, its claws raking across Teryn's armor and sending her sprawling.
Before it could finish her, Thalrik appeared, his spear driving into the creature's side. It howled in pain, turning its attention to him. The two clashed fiercely, Thalrik's movements precise but desperate.
Teryn recovered quickly, her plasma swords reigniting with a crackle. Together, they struck the killing blow, their weapons piercing the creature's core. It let out one final, ear-splitting scream before disintegrating into ash.
As the commander fell, the remaining Harbingers hesitated, their movements faltering. The defenders seized the opportunity, pressing their advantage and driving the creatures back into the forest.
---
1st POV (Thalrik)
The battlefield was eerily quiet as the last of the Harbingers retreated into the shadows. My arms ached, my breath coming in ragged gasps, but we had done it. We had survived.
Teryn stood beside me, her armor scorched but her gaze steady. "That was... unexpected," she said, her voice laced with grudging respect.
I nodded, too tired to argue. "Unexpected or not, it worked."
The villagers cheered weakly, their relief palpable. But as I looked toward the forest, my stomach twisted. This wasn't the end. The Harbingers would return, and so would the Order.
And when they did, we would need more than courage to stand against them.
3rd POV: A Village on Edge
The dawn broke over Arkaneth, casting pale light over the battered village. Smoke curled from the remains of extinguished fires, and the metallic tang of blood lingered in the air. Though the Harbingers had been driven back, their assault had left its mark. The walls bore deep scars from claw marks, and the ground was littered with the remains of creatures and shattered weapons.
The villagers worked silently, their exhaustion palpable. Some tended to the wounded, applying poultices to burns and stitching wounds under the guidance of Tara and her assistants. Others gathered the bodies of the fallen, both villagers and warriors of the Order, laying them side by side in grim respect.
Thalrik walked among them, his spear still in hand. He nodded to those he passed, offering quiet words of encouragement where he could. But his mind was elsewhere—on the Order, on the Harbingers, and most of all, on the boy.
---
1st POV (Thalrik)
Victory didn't feel like victory. It felt like survival, like clinging to a crumbling ledge above a bottomless pit. I watched my people rebuild, their faces grim but determined. They were strong, stronger than they had any right to be after everything we'd endured.
But strength wasn't enough. Not anymore.
Vesimir approached, his armor dented and streaked with blackened blood. He looked as tired as I felt, but his eyes were sharp. "Scouts report no sign of the Harbingers," he said. "For now, at least, we're clear."
"For now," I echoed, my voice heavy. "What about the Order?"
He hesitated, then glanced toward the southern gate. "They're still here. Their dead are being collected, and their wounded are being treated. But Elethia hasn't made a move yet."
That surprised me. I'd expected her to storm in the moment the Harbingers were gone, claiming the boy as her prize. Instead, she was waiting. Watching.
"Keep an eye on them," I said. "I don't trust her."
Vesimir nodded, then paused. "And the boy?"
I glanced toward my home, where Valaith was likely still tending to him. "He's safe," I said. "That's all that matters."
---
1st POV (Valaith)
Inside the quiet of our home, the world felt distant. The boy lay curled in my arms, his golden eyes closed in a peaceful sleep. His wings had folded tightly against his back, their glow faint but steady.
Serenya sat nearby, her small hands carefully weaving another bracelet. She hummed softly, her voice light and sweet despite the chaos outside. It was a sound that anchored me, a reminder that there was still innocence in the world.
I stroked the boy's hair, my heart heavy. "You're going to change everything, aren't you?" I whispered. "Whether you mean to or not."
He stirred slightly, his tiny hand gripping my finger. His touch was warm, comforting in a way I couldn't explain. I wanted to believe we could keep him safe, that we could protect him from the Order, the Harbingers, and the weight of the world pressing down on his small shoulders.
But deep down, I knew the truth. He wasn't meant to stay hidden. His light was too bright, too powerful. And eventually, the world would come for him.
---
3rd POV: A Fragile Truce
At the southern gate, Elethia Luxora stood with her hands clasped, her amber eyes fixed on the forest. The Order's warriors worked quietly behind her, their movements precise even in the wake of battle. Despite their losses, they radiated a calm sense of purpose.
Teryn Vestra approached, her armor scratched but her posture as rigid as ever. "The wounded are stable," she reported. "We lost four, but the rest will recover."
Elethia nodded, her gaze never leaving the horizon. "And the villagers?"
"They're tending to their own," Teryn said. "No hostility toward us, but no gratitude, either."
Elethia's lips pressed into a thin line. "They don't trust us," she said. "And why would they? To them, we're invaders."
"We could leave," Teryn suggested, though her tone made it clear she didn't believe it was an option.
Elethia finally turned to her, her expression softening. "No," she said. "We can't leave. Not until the Savior's light is safe."
"And if they don't let us near him?" Teryn asked.
Elethia didn't answer immediately. Her gaze drifted toward the village, her mind turning over the possibilities. "Then we wait," she said at last. "And we pray they see reason before it's too late."
---
1st POV (The Boy)
I woke slowly, the world around me warm and soft. The woman's arms held me close, her voice a gentle murmur that I couldn't quite understand. But I didn't need to. I could feel her love, her fear, her determination.
The other girl was nearby, her voice bright and cheerful as she worked on something small and delicate. Her happiness was like sunlight, warm and reassuring.
But beyond this safe cocoon, I felt something darker. Tension. Uncertainty. Fear. It pressed against the edges of my consciousness, threatening to break through.
I didn't understand it fully, but I knew one thing: it was because of me. All of it. The fighting, the fear, the hope—they all revolved around me.
I didn't want it. I didn't ask for it. But it didn't matter. It was mine to bear.
Closing my eyes, I let my power flare just slightly, reaching out to touch the edges of that tension. It responded instantly, the threads of fear and anger unraveling as my light pushed against them. The darkness recoiled, just enough to bring a moment of calm.
The woman holding me gasped softly, her grip tightening. "What was that?" she whispered, though I didn't answer. I didn't need to.
Instead, I curled closer to her warmth, hoping—for just a little while longer—that I could stay in this quiet place.
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3rd POV: The Quiet Before the Storm
As night fell over Arkaneth, the village settled into an uneasy calm. The wounded were tended to, the walls repaired, and the fires extinguished. But the scars of the battle lingered, a stark reminder of the dangers that surrounded them.
In the distance, the Order's camp remained, their golden banners gleaming faintly in the moonlight. They would not leave. Not without the boy.
Inside the Orenda home, Valaith watched over the boy as he slept, her heart heavy with worry. Thalrik stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Neither spoke, the silence between them filled with unspoken fears.
Above them, the stars shone brightly, indifferent to the struggles below. The world was shifting, its balance tipping ever closer to the edge. And in the heart of it all, the boy's light burned, fragile but unyielding—a beacon in the darkness.
The storm was coming. And they were all caught in its path.