The grand halls of the Evergreen estate were quiet that morning, sunlight filtering through ivy-draped windows. The soft rustle of leaves against stained glass contrasted with the tension that clung to the room like fog. I knelt on the carpeted floor, surrounded by the hybrid children we had rescued—fairies, elves, and others, all orphaned, all broken in different ways.
"I'll be back soon," I said softly, smoothing the cloak of a little girl who wouldn't meet my eyes. "I need to speak to the Witch Queen. But you'll be safe here. I promise."
One of them stepped forward—Cassius, a half-elf boy who had rarely spoken on the journey back. His pale green hair was tousled and unkempt, his eerie blue eyes focused on me with unsettling clarity.
"Will she let us stay there?" he asked. There was no fear in his voice—just a quiet kind of defiance, a challenge sharpened by everything he had endured.
"She will," I said firmly, though the weight of uncertainty pressed against my ribs. "Because I'll make her understand."
Footsteps echoed from the far end of the chamber. A tall man approached, his dark green cloak bearing the sigil of the Evergreen house. His polished boots were quiet against the floor, his expression unreadable beneath a well-kept beard. Desmond, the Evergreen family's knight and my father's most trusted man, stopped beside me with a respectful bow.
"My lady Valkyrie," he said, his voice low and calm. "Duke Evergreen has entrusted me with their care until your return. You need not worry."
"Desmond, I told you not to call me lady anymore." I insisted.
"I cannot do that, my lady." He's too serious.
I sighed and stood, brushing the dust from my skirt. "These children… they've been through enough."
Desmond gave a firm nod, his eyes moving to the children. "They will be watched over with the same protection I give your house. That is my oath."
Then I turned to Desmond, voice low but firm. "Please teach them self-defense too."
Desmond's expression hardened slightly—not in resistance, but in understanding. "It will be done. I'll see to it personally."
I looked around the hall one last time. The air felt heavy with unspoken fears. These children didn't just need a place to stay. They needed someone to choose them. To fight for them.
"I'll come back with good news," I said, standing tall. "You have my word."
Desmond stepped forward and opened the door for me. "We've prepared a horse—it should be faster than the carriage."
I gave him one last glance. "Thank you, Desmond. And if any of the children ask for me… tell them I'll return. Soon."
"I will," he replied. "Ride safely, Lady Valkyrie."
With one last look at the faces of the children—each carrying the weight of survival—I stepped through the door and into the morning light, the wind catching the edges of my cloak like wings.
***
The wind blew against me as I rode away from the Evergreen estate. The forest path stretched ahead, but my focus was on the sharp pain in my side.
The ice spell Master Eisen used to freeze my wound had melted after I used Magma Armor during my fight with the assassins. The heat from my magic had undone his work.
"I overdid it again," I muttered, pressing a hand to my side. Blood was seeping through my clothes. "Master's going to scold me."
He always warned me not to push myself too far. But I had to. If I hadn't, the children would still be trapped underground.
When I got off the carriage, the trees grew thicker as I entered the Enchanted Forest. A soft wave of magic brushed over me. This place felt alive. It felt like home.
I slowed down when I saw the clearing. The tall tower stood in the middle, covered in vines and thorns. My side hurt with every step, but I stood tall.
***
When I arrived at the Allegria, Elara and Magnus were already waiting. We didn't waste time. Together, we stepped into the tall, dark chamber where Witch Queen Hecate sat, her presence as heavy as ever.
We told her everything—about the slavers, the hidden underground base, the kidnapped fairies and elves, and the children we saved. Her expression stayed calm, but her eyes darkened with each word.
Finally, I stepped forward.
"Please let the children stay here," I said, my voice steady.
Hecate raised an eyebrow. "You brought them to the Evergreen estate. Are you planning to run an orphanage now?" Her voice was cold, sharp. "You gave up your noble title to become a witch, Valkyrie. Not to play pretend savior."
Her words stung, but I didn't back down.
"I didn't become a witch to run away," I said. "I became one to be free. This forest… this is my home now. The fairies, the elves, the wizards and witches… you are my family now. I will do anything to keep them safe—even if it means returning to the royal capital to face those who once called me one of their own."
There was a long silence. Then Hecate sighed, the fight slowly leaving her shoulders.
"You're too much like her," she muttered under her breath—maybe not meant for me to hear. Then she looked up. "Fine. Let the children stay. But this decision is yours to carry, Valkyrie. Protect them well."
"I will," I promised, bowing my head. "Thank you, My Queen."
***
I didn't rush back to the children right away. Instead, I made my way to Master Eisen's house, still bleeding and worn out. Before I could knock twice, the door swung open.
"You're bleeding again," Master said, scowling like I'd personally insulted his family tree.
"Hey, nice to see you too," I said, stepping inside. "And yes, I used Magma Armor. Again."
He raised a brow. "Let me guess—the ice spell I carefully cast? Completely melted away?"
"Melted like chocolate on a hot day," I said, grinning despite myself.
He groaned, a sound that felt like it came straight from his soul. "You really overdo everything. One day, you'll get yourself killed."
He knelt down and pressed his hand gently to my side. Ice spread quickly, sealing the wound and easing the pain. "You need to be more careful, Valkyrie. You're reckless."
"Reckless saves lives," I shot back. "By the way, Hecate finally agreed to let the children stay."
Eisen shook his head but lit the fire with a flick of his hand. "That's good. Now stop trying to be a hero and just rest."
I caught the blanket he tossed at me and smirked. "No promises, Master."