"Have you seen the reports?" Victoria asked, her voice steady but edged with tension as Meredith entered her chamber. "Our citizens - they're leaving in droves. Our roads are clogged with wagons, all retreating back.""Retreating?" Meredith echoed, crossing her arms. "They came here for opportunities, for a fresh start."The citizens of Pyria were pioneers by nature, drawn to the fledgling kingdom by the allure of opportunity and the incentives that came with building a new realm.Generous land grants, tax breaks, and the promise of shaping a thriving society had enticed settlers from Sunhaven and beyond.Farmers sought fertile lands, merchants chased untapped markets, and adventurers craved the freedom of unclaimed territory.Pyria's founding had offered a blank slate—a chance to leave behind crowded cities and entrenched hierarchies in favor of a kingdom where ambition and effort could carve out new destinies.But as the kingdom's struggles mounted, that pioneering spirit was being tested, and the dream of prosperity now seemed more fragile than ever.Fresia, standing quietly nearby, spoke up, her tone hesitant but concerned. "Your Highness, people don't see opportunities when they're afraid. Rumors are spreading—dragons, Stormgard's forces. They feel unsafe."Meredith's jaw tightened. "It's not just rumors. We've lost ground, haven't we? And they know it."Victoria hesitated before nodding. "They're not wrong to be afraid."Meredith let out a frustrated sigh, leaning against the edge of the table. "So, they're abandoning us. And what happens when the rest decide they've had enough? If we lose our people, we lose everything."Victoria's expression darkened. "If they lose faith in us, it won't just be the border towns we're fighting to hold. It'll be the capital."Her words lingered long after the meeting had ended, a heavy weight that Meredith couldn't shake. The halls of the castle seemed quieter, the usual bustling energy replaced by an uneasy stillness.Every servant's hushed tone, every guarded glance, reminded her of the cracks forming in Pyria's foundation. It was no longer a distant threat—it was here, pressing against their gates.Determined not to let her kingdom crumble further, Meredith strode into the war chamber. Byron was already there, bent over a map of the region, his sharp eyes scanning potential weak points in their defenses. Victoria stood nearby, arms crossed, her expression unreadable as she observed her sister's approach."I need to command my own force," Meredith declared, her tone firm.Byron glanced up, his expression skeptical. "Command a force? You're the princess, not a general.""And that's exactly why it's time I do more than sit in council meetings," she countered, crossing her arms. "Pyria is falling apart. I need to fight for it now."Byron sighed, crossing his arms as he regarded her. "Your Highness, leading troops isn't just about strategy. It's about execution, discipline, and the ability to command respect in the field."Victoria's sharp gaze flicked toward Meredith, her voice cool but firm. "You're asking to lead troops, Meredith. That's a responsibility that requires more than bravery and determination."Meredith's gaze didn't waver. "And I've been schooled in all of those since I was old enough to read a map. You know I'm capable, Byron. What's the point of all that training if I'm never allowed to use it?"Byron hesitated, the weight of her words pressing against his own reservations. "You've studied strategy, yes. But leading in battle isn't the same as sitting in a classroom.""Then give me the opportunity to prove I can do more than just study," Meredith countered, her voice steady and firm. "We need every capable leader in the field, and you know it."Victoria stepped forward, her tone softening slightly. "No one doubts your dedication, Meredith. But commanding in the field is different from debating in the council chamber. Mistakes cost lives. Are you ready to bear that weight?"Meredith's jaw tightened. "I've watched others make decisions that have cost lives. I'm not asking for a legion—I'm asking for a chance to do my part. Assign me a smaller force—something manageable—and let me show you what I can do."The room fell silent as her words hung in the air. Byron exchanged a glance with Victoria before speaking again. "A smaller force? Fine. I'll assign you a company—120 soldiers. That's enough for a tactical mission, but not enough to jeopardize the kingdom if things go poorly.""What mission?" Meredith asked, determination flaring in her voice.Byron gestured to the map. "Securing the paths to Elysia Island. It's critical to ensure safe passage for supplies, troops, and citizens if the capital falls. It's a defensive mission—not glamorous, but vital."Victoria's expression remained serious. "If you take this command, you'll report to Byron directly. You'll need to follow his orders to the letter and prove that you can lead effectively. If you fail, this won't just be a mark against you—it'll endanger lives."Meredith grinned, a mix of triumph and determination lighting up her face. "I won't let you down."Byron gave her a long, measured look. "You'd better not."Meredith shrugged with a smirk. "If anything, you'll be struggling to keep up with me."Byron raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?""Absolutely. Just try not to slow me down," she added breezily before striding out.---Elysia Island was a jewel in Pyria's crown, known for its tranquil beaches, lush greenery, and sprawling estates.It was primarily a retreat for the kingdom's nobility, a place where idle living flourished, and politics were left behind.But its strategic location—close to the capital yet far enough from the border to evade immediate danger—had recently elevated its importance. Surrounding the island was a natural sea barrier, its rugged cliffs and treacherous waters creating a formidable defense against potential invaders.This made it an exceptionally attractive option as a second base of operations. Should the capital fall, Elysia Island could serve as a secondary command center, a safe haven for regrouping, rallying forces, and launching counter-offensives with relative security.Meredith's task was clear: secure the surrounding lands and ensure safe passage from the capital to Elysia Island. The paths were vital for transporting supplies, troops, and fleeing citizens if the worst came to pass.Byron assigned her a company of 120 soldiers, carefully chosen for their skill and experience. The force included scouts familiar with treacherous terrain, engineers to reinforce vulnerable routes, and seasoned infantry capable of handling threats. Accompanying them were three supply wagons carrying food, medical supplies, and a prototype anti-dragon device for testing in the field.Byron also provided her with two supply wagons loaded with rations, basic medical kits, and a prototype of the anti-dragon device for testing in the field. While modest in size, the troop was efficient, designed to move quickly and adapt to unexpected threats."This is no grand army," Byron had said, his tone firm as he handed her the orders. "But it's enough for the task. You're not going out there to wage war, Meredith. You're there to ensure the kingdom's survival if the capital falls. Remember that."Though it wasn't the most glamorous mission, Meredith understood its critical importance. This was about preparation, safeguarding their fallback position, and ensuring that Pyria had a chance to endure even in the face of catastrophe.And while the small troop was a far cry from the grand command she had envisioned, Meredith knew it was a start—and an opportunity to prove her worth in a way that no council meeting ever could.---Before departing, Meredith and Byron reviewed the latest prototype of the anti-dragon device—a compact yet intricate contraption designed to emit a high-pitched frequency capable of disorienting dragons.Sleek enough to be carried on a skilled soldier's back, the device featured a set of collapsible attachments resembling the wings of a massive bat.These "king-bat wings," designed from materials Meredith had contributed from her own hunting expeditions, served a dual purpose. Not only did they amplify the sound waves emitted by the device, but they also acted as safety gliders, deploying to slow a soldier's descent should they fall from a significant height.The wings' sturdy yet lightweight structure, crafted from the resilient membranes of a king-bat, gave soldiers a critical edge in both mobility and survival during combat scenarios.Despite its portability, the device was not without its complexities, with gears and levers that required precision handling. Byron demonstrated its use with practiced efficiency, emphasizing the importance of timing and placement for maximum effect."It's not foolproof," he admitted, "but in the hands of the right soldier, it can give us a fighting chance."Meredith inspected the gleaming brass fittings and intricate design, nodding with approval as the device hummed faintly, a promise of hope against the looming threat of dragons."How long until we can mass-produce these?""Not long," Byron replied. "We've already started training units to deploy them. If we can hold out for another few weeks, we'll have enough to cover the most vulnerable towns."Meredith nodded, her resolve hardening. "Good. We'll need every advantage we can get."---Meredith stood in the shadowy forest just outside the castle, testing the anti-dragon device with focused determination.She had deliberately chosen to test the device alone, well aware of the objections Fresia would have raised if she'd known. Her loyal handmaiden had an uncanny knack for finding fault in anything that seemed remotely reckless, and Meredith didn't have the patience for a lecture today.As she adjusted the levers, she couldn't quite shake the thought of Fresia's voice in her head, chastising her for going out without backup."I'll be fine," she muttered aloud, half to herself, half to the imaginary Fresia in her mind. "It's just a harmless test. What could possibly go wrong?"Meredith adjusted the device's straps on her back, testing their weight and balance. Determined to push it to its limits, she climbed a sturdy tree, her boots finding purchase on the rough bark as she ascended.The king-bat wings would only deploy in motion, and she needed to know if they'd stabilize her in a fall. Reaching a broad, high branch, she perched herself carefully, her heart racing more from anticipation than fear. Just as she braced herself to leap, her eyes caught a glimmer of gold.There, reclining effortlessly in the branches of a nearby tree, was Gabriel, his golden gaze fixed on her with an expression of quiet intrigue. For a moment, she froze, clutching the branch beneath her as heat rushed to her cheeks."Seriously?" she muttered, the realization of his silent observation making her stomach flip."You again," she said, her voice dripping with mock exasperation. "Lurking in the shadows as usual. If you're going to hover, at least offer some constructive criticism."Gabriel's lips twitched into the faintest smile. "It's entertaining enough as it is."Meredith rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Entertaining? You mean impressive." She gestured to the device. "Go on, admit it. You've never seen anything like this before."Gabriel tilted his head slightly, his gaze flicking to the contraption. "I've seen many things," he said, his tone calm but with the barest hint of humor. "But your enthusiasm might be the most impressive part."Meredith gave an exaggerated sigh, feigning disappointment. "Of course, the angel refuses to be impressed. Typical."His golden eyes softened slightly as he studied her, but he said nothing.Without a warning, Meredith leaped into the air. The rush of wind whipped past her face as she pulled the lever, her heart pounding as she felt the mechanism hesitate.For a brief, terrifying moment, the king-bat wings remained stubbornly folded, the ground rushing up far too quickly. Then, with a sharp snap, the wings deployed, catching the air just in time to slow her descent.She hit the ground with a forceful thud, her knees bending to absorb the impact. It wasn't a graceful landing—she was dangerously close to hitting the ground—but she was unharmed.Brushing dirt off her hands, she straightened and exhaled, her pulse still racing as she looked up, half expecting Gabriel to be gone. Instead, he remained perched where he was, his golden eyes glinting with what might have been amusement—or approval.Gabriel descended from the tree with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly, his movements so fluid it was as if the air itself bent to accommodate him. The faint rustle of leaves accompanied his landing, though he seemed untouched by the earthly grime of the forest floor.His golden eyes glimmered with a quiet, ethereal light, and the faintest breeze caught the edges of his tunic, giving him an almost spectral presence.Gabriel moved closer, so close that Meredith's pulse quickened in the charged stillness between them. The warmth of his presence brushed against her like a whisper, and when he leaned in slightly to examine the device, their shoulders nearly touched."Humans," he murmured, his voice low and resonant, the sound so close it sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. "Crafty as ever."Meredith froze, her breath catching for a moment. She wasn't prepared for the sudden proximity, nor for the way his golden gaze flickered toward her, as though he'd noticed her slight hesitation.Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly turned her attention back to the device, determined not to let him see the effect he had on her.Meredith raised an eyebrow. "That's high praise, coming from you."Gabriel tilted his head slightly, his golden eyes narrowing in thought. "Angels rarely innovate," he said, his voice low and reflective. "We observe. Maintain balance. Our existence is constant. Yours, however, is adaptive.""Was that a compliment?" Meredith teased, smirking.Gabriel didn't answer immediately. His gaze lingered on the device, and a flicker of something passed over his face—recognition, perhaps, or respect."Your kind may lack power," he said at last, "but not ingenuity."---As Gabriel watched Meredith, a memory stirred within him. Long ago, he had been sent to Pyria to guide the fledgling kingdom. It was a simpler time.He remembered the first time he saw Meredith, a spirited six-year-old with wide, curious eyes that seemed far too large for her tiny face.She had been lurking near the training yard, eagerly watching and clumsily mimicking the moves of the soldiers, when she stumbled upon him—an ethereal being sparring with Byron.His white wings caught the sunlight, casting shimmering arcs of light with every fluid, calculated movement. The rough shouts and clang of swords around her seemed to fade, leaving only the graceful figure moving with precision and elegance.She stopped mid-step, her breath hitching as though she'd been struck by a vision. For a long moment, she simply stared, her little fingers clutching the hem of her dress as if grounding herself in the presence of something divine.She had disappeared shortly after, her small feet pattering away without a word. When she returned some time later, her tiny hands held a crown of daisies she had woven with meticulous care.Approaching the training yard, she didn't hesitate, her eyes fixed on Gabriel with childlike certainty. Both he and Byron noticed her, their sparring halting mid-motion. Byron let out a soft chuckle, wiping the sweat from his brow, while Gabriel turned to her fully, offering a smile so dashing and radiant it seemed almost unfair.Encouraged by his expression, Meredith stepped forward with all the boldness her little heart could muster."Will you marry me?" she asked, holding the crown up to him as if it were a token of her offer.Her wide eyes shone with innocent determination, as though she had just proposed the most reasonable plan in the world.Her earnestness had caught him off guard, and for the first time in centuries, Gabriel had laughed—a low, quiet sound that startled both Byron and himself."You're far too young to make such a proposal," he had replied, his tone gentle but amused."I'll grow up," she had said matter-of-factly, placing the crown on her own head instead. "And when I do, you'll see."Gabriel's lips twitched faintly at the memory. That small, defiant child had grown into the woman now standing before him, commanding troops and challenging angels with the same unshakable determination.He knew she wouldn't remember that day—not fully. Some things, after all, had been taken from her. And yet, he wondered if fragments of it still lingered, buried deep within her, shaping her spirit in ways even she didn't understand.