Walking deeper into the forest, Yaya looked around with her sharp gaze. Suddenly, a shadow-like figure passed swiftly by her. Turning towards the direction it came from, with a quick move, the scattered leaves on the ground lifted into the air.
Rolling into needle-like shapes, they chased the fleeing shadow.
However, as the leaves touched it, the shadow figure vanished into thin air.
"As heartless as I remember," a mocking voice echoed through the stillness. Emerging from the shadows, a young woman in black attire stepped down from the tallest tree. Her black wings, with hints of silver, made a breathtaking sight to behold.
"Long time no see, Princess of Earth," she continued as her beautiful face came into view. A leather-clad beauty, the kind that could start wars between countries to conquer her. Her beautiful lips carried a mocking smile, with no hint of respect as she announced the title of the person in front of her.
"Areal!" Yaya spoke, a sharp look in her eyes.
"I am honored to know you still remember me," Areal replied wildly, walking with confident steps. Her demeanor exuded arrogance as she stopped just in front of Yaya.
"What do you want?" Yaya asked coldly. The temperature seemed to drop a few degrees, but her icy tone had no effect on Areal.
"What's the hurry? Tell me how you've been," Areal asked in a voice laced with fake concern. "I heard it's been, what, 15 years since you left the Eternal Palace to cultivate?" Smirking, Areal scratched at the deepest wound of the lady before her.
"But wait…" Areal's face twisted into a mocking expression. "If I remember correctly, your core is damaged. How are you cultivating?" Her words sounded innocent, but they were a ruthless strike to Yaya.
"Why are you here?" Yaya asked again, ignoring her cutting remarks.
"Well, you know, a little bird told me this small village has something that doesn't belong here. So, I thought of taking it back," Areal replied with a sly smile playing on her lips. She leaned in closer and whispered, "HER..."
Before she could continue, a scream escaped her lips. "Aaahhhhh!" Tree roots suddenly burst from the ground, wrapping around her body and choking her. Furious, Areal sliced through the roots with her bare hands while glaring at Yaya with rage-filled eyes.
"What the hell?" she spat angrily, her beautiful face turning red and her eyes glowing.
"A wise person once said, 'Think before you speak, unless you want to die because of your loose tongue,'" Yaya replied calmly, her elegance and composure sharply contrasting with her ruthless actions.
She turned toward Areal with a hint of danger in her tone. "I don't know how you came here," she continued, her voice colder now, "but whatever intentions brought you here, forget them."
Areal gave a cold, humorless smile. "I think I can't. The temptation of getting that—"
Before she could finish, a powerful spell struck her, sending her reeling in pain.
"Ahhhh…AMAYA!" Areal shouted in pain and raw hatred as her wound bled.
"It's Princess Amaya," Amaya's voice echoed, firm and authoritative.
Clutching her wounded side, Areal gritted her teeth. "You will regret this."
"Leave, Areal," Amaya said, her tone unwavering. "Forget you ever came here."
"No," Areal snapped defiantly, her eyes burning with anger. "Everyone is searching for that girl, and when they find out it was you who hid her—"
A cold laugh escaped her lips, but it was cut short as Amaya's gaze narrowed dangerously, her aura radiating fury. Her eyes turned a faint shade of silver, and suddenly the forest went silent, as if fearing the wrath of its princess.
"Don't cross my bottom line. Don't forget who I am," Amaya said, her tone sharp and full of authority.
Areal's eyes flashed with a hint of fear but were quickly consumed by the anger of her humiliation.
"You're nothing but a discarded princess who nobody car—Ahh!" Another spell attacked her, silencing her cruel words.
"Hahaha..." Areal gave a cold laugh, her mocking tone evident despite her injury. "What, Princess Amaya? Afraid of hearing the truth of your life?" The wound on her shoulder dripped red blood, yet even in pain, she looked beautiful.
"What will happen when that girl knows the person she calls her aunt is the one who hid her from her own?" Areal taunted, knowing she was no match for Amaya. But her greed for power clouded her judgment; she was desperate to take the girl away.
Pulling a small knife from her sleeve, Areal lunged to attack. But Amaya was quicker. Before the knife could reach her, a branch blocked it.
"Don't test my patience, Areal," Amaya warned coldly.
Laughing suddenly, Areal smirked. "You're really innocent."
Her unexpected words made Amaya's eyes flash with sudden realization.
"You…!"
For the first time in fifteen years, the wings Amaya had hidden emerged from her back.
With a single look at Areal, the trees around began grabbing at her. But Areal didn't resist; she knew it was futile. If the Princess of Earth wanted to confine her, there was nothing she could do. Laughing like a madwoman, she cast one last glance at Amaya before Amaya flew away, hoping she wasn't too late.