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Azreal's P.O.V
I arrived at camp late today, but that didn't stop me from getting straight to work. I sat with the generals as we plotted out our attack strategy. The enemy had already invaded our territory, and we couldn't allow them to dig in any deeper.
"Have you surveyed the enemy's territory?" I asked, my eyes scanning the plans spread across the table.
"Yes, my king," General Raymond affirmed.
"What numbers are we dealing with?" I inquired.
"A hundred thousand, sire," General Gorden confirmed.
"Any particular threats?" I asked.
A heavy silence descended upon the room. My gaze swept across the generals, and I could see fear lingering deep in their eyes.
"Speak!" I barked, my patience thinning.
"Sire, the enemy's army is filled with demons, witches, and vampires," General Gabriel finally stated.
"And how is that a problem? Don't we have demons, Lycans, werewolves, vampires, goblins, and so on?" I couldn't help the sarcasm that colored my voice. That excuse did not pose a real threat to me.
"But we don't have witches, sire," General Gorden added gravely. "We've been at war with them for a long time. Their mages are powerful, and that tips the balance against us."
I leaned back, considering the situation. "Then we'll divide our forces into two. Each soldier will have a partner. Our advantage is in our numbers, and we'll use it wisely. One group will attack while the other defends. As for the witches, we have a few among us. Though they aren't particularly strong, they will be tasked with overall defense. Anything else?"
The room fell silent once again.
"We agree with your proposal, Master," Lyrik said.
"Good. You may retire. We rise early for the ambush," I concluded, watching them file out, leaving only Lyrik and me behind.
Suddenly, a strange sensation surged through my body—pain and weakness—but it vanished as quickly as it came.
"Master, are you alright?" Lyrik's concerned voice broke through.
"I'm fine. You should retire early, Lyrik."
"Yes, Master," he said before exiting.
I returned to my plans, searching for errors, but an uneasy feeling gnawed at me. Something wasn't right. I sat on my bed, my hand brushing over the soft sheets as my mind wandered to my lady—how her small figure fit perfectly in my arms, her soft skin against mine, her fresh, sweet scent lingering around me. That night had been peaceful. And now, I was here... without her. I needed to end this war and return to her.
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Erica's P.O.V
A cold liquid splashed over me, soaking my body and jolting me awake. I instinctively tried to curl up for warmth, only to realize my hands and feet were chained to a pillar.
I looked around, but all I saw was dense darkness. There were no openings—except for a small one above my head.
"Who's there?" I asked, my voice trembling from the cold and fear.
"Good. You're awake," Carl's cold, menacing voice echoed through the hall, sending shivers down my spine.
"Why are you doing this to me?" I tried to mask my fear, but my voice betrayed me.
"Shh. Poor little angel," he mocked. "Like I said, it was my mission. You can't blame me for doing what I was assigned to do. Besides, it's your father you should blame. Now he's dead... and you're left to face the consequences."
His malicious words dug deep into my heart.
"So, I'm going to be a sacrifice for you people," I muttered.
"Not quite," he replied, piquing my curiosity despite my fear.
"What do you mean?" I asked, desperately searching the darkness for his figure.
"Hahaha! I've got your attention now. But sadly, I don't want to spoil the fun. You'll find out soon enough," he said, his voice fading into the shadows.
"Wait! Don't go! Please!" I screamed in desperation, but the hall returned to its eerie silence.
I shook the chains, struggling to free myself. I tried using my powers, but every time I did, an unbearable pain tore through me. I screamed in agony, tears streaming down my face as I slumped in defeat.
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Azreal's P.O.V
The morning sun filtered through the tent's opening, casting harsh rays into the once-cold space. I sat at my table, clearing away the plans. I was already dressed, ready for battle.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My tired eyes were proof of my sleepless nights. I couldn't shake the gnawing feeling that something bad had happened.
"Master, you sent for me?" Lyrik's voice pulled me back to reality.
"Send someone to check things at home," I ordered, rubbing my sore head. Strange pains had been flaring up in my body at random, though they eased after a while.
"Master, are you alright?" Lyrik asked again, worry clear in his tone.
"I'm fine. Just hurry. I want a report as soon as possible."
"Yes, Master," Lyrik said, bowing deeply before leaving.
Not long after, we gathered the troops and headed to our designated positions. As expected, Asher and his men marched through the valley. Suddenly, a strange object was thrown from the shadows, releasing a thick mist that engulfed my men.
"I know you're here, Azreal! Let's not play games. Come out and dance!" Asher's voice echoed through the mist.
We had been found. There was no turning back now.
"Call for a mage," I commanded the nearest soldier.
"Yes, sire!" he replied, scurrying off and soon returning with an older man, strong despite his age.
"You sent for me, sire?"
"Yes. I need you to thicken the fog and create illusions to mask our true positions," I whispered.
"Yes, sire," he said, before leaving to carry out my orders.
Lyrik crawled beside me. "Get your men ready. They will attack first. Inform them to avoid Asher. I'll handle him."
"Yes, Master."
Soon, the fog thickened, confusing the enemy. I heard their panicked cries and smirked. Victory was within reach.
The wolves charged first, and I followed. Through the mist, I spotted Asher grinning wickedly at me.
"Really smart, Azreal. But I've been waiting for this day far too long to fall for your tricks," he sneered. "Let's dance!"
He caught me off guard, lunging forward with Zuriel's sword.
"Why does he have that sword? Something's not right." I thought, dodging his fierce attacks. I countered with my own strikes whenever possible, but a deep unease churned inside me.
Suddenly, the strange pains returned, more intense than ever, weakening my body. I struggled to dodge Asher's brutal strikes.
"Like my little surprise?" Asher taunted. "I had a trick up my sleeve too. You fell for it perfectly. I finally have the chance to get rid of you once and for all!"
His blows landed hard, deep cuts opening across my body. Blood soaked my clothes, but I clenched my teeth, refusing to show weakness.
"You are admirable, Azreal," Asher mocked, raising his bloody sword above my head. "Even at death's door, you show no fear. But your end has come."
"Goodbye, my friend," he whispered, driving the sword downward.
But before the blade could strike, another sword intercepted it, throwing Asher's weapon away.
"Not today, Asher!" Eve's voice rang out as she launched herself at him with ferocious speed.
The mist cleared, revealing a battlefield drenched in blood and fallen soldiers. I pushed myself to stand, wincing against the pain, ready to help Eve.
That's when I saw it—a massive fire blast shooting into the sky, setting the clouds ablaze.
Everyone turned to witness it.
Deep down, a voice whispered in my heart: That is not a good sign.
Asher's laughter broke the stunned silence.
"Hahaha! It's time! I've gotten what I wanted. Your life... I can take another day," he sang, vanishing into thin air.
And I realized in horror: He's gotten to Erica.
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