The group rested by a small stream cutting through the forest. The sound of running water provided a rare moment of calm in the Tower's chaos. Kaela leaned against a tree, her sword resting on her lap, while Richard sat on a rock, watching the horizon for any signs of danger.
Elara knelt by the stream, washing the grime from her face. For the first time, Richard noticed how young she looked beneath the dirt and weariness her fiery red hair catching the sunlight, her green eyes carrying a hint of sadness that no amount of bravado could hide.
"You didn't seem too surprised when that fireball worked," Richard said, breaking the silence. "I take it magic isn't new to you?"
Elara smiled faintly, her hands trailing through the cool water. "Magic and I have... a complicated history."
Kaela glanced at her, skeptical as ever. "Complicated how?"
Elara sighed, sitting back on her heels. "You want to know my story? Fine. But don't expect a happy ending."
Elara began her tale, her voice steady but tinged with bitterness.
"I was born in a small village far from the cities—isolated, peaceful, boring. My parents were farmers, the kind of people who thought hard work and faith could solve any problem. For a while, life was simple. Too simple."
She paused, her gaze distant. "Then the slavers came."
Richard stiffened, his fists clenching instinctively.
"They raided our village in the dead of night," Elara continued. "Burned our homes, killed anyone who resisted. My parents tried to hide me, but it didn't matter. They were killed in front of me, and I was dragged off like cattle."
She took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. "I was sold to a nobleman in one of the larger cities. He had a taste for exotic slaves ones with 'potential.' He made me his experiment, forcing me to learn magic through pain and punishment. If I failed, I was beaten. If I succeeded, I was used."
Kaela's eyes narrowed. "Used for what?"
Elara's voice hardened. "For his amusement. For power plays against his rivals. He didn't see me as a person just a tool to wield. But I learned. I practiced in secret, growing stronger, waiting for the moment I could escape."
Her expression darkened, a flicker of fire igniting in her palm as she spoke. "One night, he pushed me too far. He wanted me to cast a spell that would drain the life from another slave a child. I refused. He tried to force me, and... I snapped. The fire inside me took over, and I burned him to ash. The entire manor went up in flames."
Richard and Kaela exchanged a glance, neither interrupting as Elara continued.
"I escaped into the wilderness, but I was hunted. The noble's family wanted revenge, and bounty hunters chased me wherever I went. That's when I heard about the Tower. They say no one can find you once you're inside that it's a fresh start, if you're strong enough to survive. So, I joined a group of adventurers and climbed."
Her voice softened, the fire in her hand flickering out. "But I was wrong. The Tower isn't a fresh start. It's just another cage another place where the strong prey on the weak. My group didn't care about me. I was just their magic user, a convenient tool. And when things got tough, they left me behind."
Richard's heart ached as he listened. "I'm sorry, Elara."
She looked at him, her green eyes fierce. "Don't be. I survived. And I'll keep surviving, no matter what this cursed place throws at me. That's why I won't stop climbing. If the gods are at the top of this Tower, then I'll burn them down too."
Kaela crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "You're angry. I get it. But anger alone won't keep you alive here."
"Maybe not," Elara replied, standing and meeting Kaela's gaze. "But it's enough for now."
Richard stood as well, his voice firm. "You're not alone anymore. We'll climb together. No one's getting left behind."
Elara's expression softened, a small, genuine smile breaking through her defenses. "Thanks, Richard. I'll hold you to that."
As they continued their journey through the forest, Richard couldn't help but feel a growing sense of resolve. The Tower had taken so much from them all, but together, they had a chance to fight back.
And somewhere above, the gods watched, their amusement turning to unease.