Bella and Edward stood frozen in terror as Malakai's dark magic washed over them. Captain Orion and the other soldiers charged forward, but they were no match for Malakai's powers.
Just as all seemed lost, Prince Kieran appeared, his sword flashing in the light. "Bella, get behind me!" he shouted.
Bella didn't hesitate. She ducked behind Kieran, who charged forward, his sword clashing with Malakai's minions.
But despite their valiant efforts, they were vastly outnumbered. Malakai's powers were growing stronger by the minute.
Bella knew she had to act fast. She summoned all her strength and charged forward, determined to defeat Malakai and save her kingdom.
As she fought, she couldn't shake the feeling that Malakai's words had left her with. Was she truly a member of the royal family? Or was she just a pretender to the throne?
Just as Bella was starting to gain the upper hand, Malakai unleashed a powerful blast of magic that sent her flying across the room.
As she struggled to get to her feet, Bella saw Prince Kieran fighting valiantly against Malakai's minions. Edward and Captain Orion were by his side, fighting bravely.
But just as they were starting to gain ground, a mysterious woman appeared, her sword flashing in the light.
"Who are you?" Bella asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The woman smiled. "I am Ariana," she said. "And I am here to help you."
Bella's eyes narrowed. Could she trust this mysterious stranger?
But before she could ask any questions, Ariana charged forward, her sword flashing in the light.
Together, Bella, Kieran, Edward, Captain Orion, and Ariana fought against Malakai's minions, determined to defeat the dark sorcerer and save the kingdom.
As they fought, Bella began to notice that Ariana seemed to know more about Malakai's powers than she was letting on.
"Ariana, how do you know so much about Malakai's magic?" Bella asked, her sword clashing with a nearby minion.
Ariana's expression turned guarded. "I've had... dealings with him in the past," she said.
Bella's eyes narrowed. What did Ariana mean by "dealings"? And what secrets was she hiding?
But before Bella could press Ariana for more information, Malakai unleashed a powerful blast of magic that sent them all flying.
As they struggled to get to their feet, Bella saw Malakai's minions closing in. They were surrounded.
"We have to get out of here, now!" Captain Orion shouted.
But as they turned to flee, Bella saw Ariana standing frozen, her eyes fixed on Malakai.
"Ariana, come on!" Bella shouted.
But Ariana didn't move. She just kept staring at Malakai, a look of intense hatred on her face.
And then, in a flash of insight, Bella understood. Ariana's past "dealings" with Malakai weren't just casual encounters.
Ariana had a personal vendetta against Malakai. And she was determined to see him destroyed.