Delythena's POV
I was almost paralyzed with shock, unable to move from where I stood. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. But before I could even speak, I was stunned once more suddenly, a dark entity swallowed us both and transported me to a place completely unknown.
"I prefer it when it's just the two of us" he said.
We were in a forest that opened up into a wide clearing. I had no idea where we were, but it was clearly far from the palace.
"Cat got your tongue? Why so quiet?" she asked with a sly grin.
"I can't believe it... why?" I asked her, my voice heavy with despair.
"I hated you" she said firmly and just like that, a weight pressed down on my chest.
"I thought you were my friend" I replied, my voice trembling. My heart genuinely ached.
"They say many die from false assumptions" she said quietly, no longer the Savena I once knew.
"Why did you do this? What did I ever do to deserve this from you?" I asked, my voice full of pain.
"You're too attention-seeking, too full of yourself it's always about you!" she snapped angrily.
"I don't know what you're talking about, and I had no idea you felt that way but whatever it is, it's not enough for you to treat me like this and drag others into it" I said, completely unable to understand her.
"You always play the victim, Delythena that's why everyone sides with you" she said bitterly, her words dripping with hatred.
"Savena…" I whispered, stunned. "Are you really the cause of everything that's happened to me?" I asked, struggling to hold back my tears.
"Yes, it's all me" she insisted. "I did everything. I trapped you in an illusion so you could come to know the mortal world. That meddlesome woman just got in the way and woke you from the illusion. Honestly, I wish I had ended you."
Her words struck me deeply, and tears began to fall as they sank in.
"I'm behind everything happening throughout the entire empire and even in Frostbane. Every bad thing that's happened here, it's all because of me. And yes, my power is illusion" she said with a cold smile.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing from Savena, the person I once thought I could trust that would never betray me. But now I realize they were right, not everyone standing before you is worthy of your trust.
"So, was everything you showed me just a lie?" Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.
"Obviously, Delythena. Why would I be friends with someone I despise?" she snapped angrily.
They were right envy is a fierce and relentless enemy.
"You really surprised me. I never thought you'd actually seize the power and it seems you have a lot of it. But don't get complacent, because you will never succeed. No matter what you do, I will stop you and fight you, no matter the cost. Remember that" she said seriously, her words a clear threat.
And then, with cold finality, she added, "By the way, you no longer have parents waiting for you I finished them off."
Her words hit me like a blow, and my knees suddenly gave out in shock.
"What?!" I gasped, stunned.
"You heard me, didn't you? It's their fault too, for bringing you into this world" she said coldly. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"You're so cruel!" I shouted at her, tears streaming down my face.
"You're still too weak, Delythena, to stand against me. Get stronger before you face me" she said with a mocking smile then suddenly vanished, leaving me alone and in tears.
Suddenly, a heavy rain poured down, mingling with the steady stream of my tears. Overwhelmed by the weight of my emotions, I let myself soak in the rain as I sat on the ground, surrendering to the storm both outside and within.
There's no difference between this world and the mortal realm no matter where I go, pain is inevitable. And it hurts deeply to have been betrayed so many times in this world. Now, I don't even know who I can truly trust anymore.
Trust is so hard to give.
"My lady." Moments later, I heard Zadkiel's voice, but I chose to ignore it. "My lady" he said again, approaching my side.
"You're soaked. Come, let's go before you catch a cold" he said, removing his cloak and draping it over me. Supporting me as I stood, he then vanished with me by his side.
Once we reached the palace, we went straight to my room.
"Rest now, so you can regain your strength" he said before quietly leaving.
Hours passed, yet sleep still eluded me as turmoil continued to plague my mind. This world seemed to bring me endless chaos and unrest.
I still couldn't believe it. I had thought what happened to me in the mortal world was the worst, but it turns out it's even worse here. For the first time, the questions swirling in my mind found their answers all the terrible things happening here were her doing, including the murder of Feyaline. She was truly evil, and I would never forgive her for what she did. I had trusted her too much, and she had trapped me in her web of lies.
A few days later...
News of the incident and the shocking revelation spread like wildfire throughout the entire empire. My name was finally cleared as a suspect in Feyaline's murder after it was proven that Savena was the true culprit. From then on, everyone in the empire remained vigilant, fully aware of who their real enemy was.
Zadkiel has also put out a search for Savena across his entire army.
"Are you okay?" I looked up as Zadkiel suddenly appeared in the garden where I was sitting.
"I'm fine" I replied. He sat down beside me.
"Do you want me to finish her once we find her?" he asked abruptly. "Just say the word, and I'll do whatever it takes." He added.
I shook my head. "I'll take care of her myself. After all, I've been her enemy from the very beginning" I said.
"Why didn't you bombard me with questions?" I suddenly asked Zadkiel.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I know you also have a lot of questions about me" I said.
"I'm just waiting for you to open up on your own, because I don't want to mess with your thoughts" he said.
I let out a deep sigh.
"I know it's hard for you to trust. That's okay you don't have to force yourself to trust me" he said. "Just focus on trusting yourself. I'll take care of the rest and show you that I'm on your side."
Even though I still struggle to trust, somehow, his words made me feel a little lighter.
"Aren't you afraid that I might betray you too?" I asked him seriously.
"It's okay" he said casually.
"Why is it okay with you?" I asked, puzzled.
"Whatever you do, it's okay with me" he said.
"You're weird" I told him.
He smiled. "Trusting you is my decision. Proving me wrong is your choice" he said. "And no matter what happens, I won't regret it—because it's you." he added seriously.
I couldn't say a word.
A month had passed, and we hadn't seen any sign of trouble almost as if the world had simply returned to its peaceful state. The last chaos we witnessed was Savena's revelation, and ever since then, nothing strange had happened.
But instead of feeling relieved, I found this calm... unsettling.
"I know what you're thinking I'm thinking the same thing" Crisella suddenly said as we finished our training. I was with her and Azmier, the three of us had been training together for the past month.
"What are you two thinking about?" Azmier asked, still slightly out of breath from the session.
"Something you wouldn't think of" Crisella snapped with her usual sass.
"This girl, seriously..." Azmier muttered, trying to keep calm. "What is it, really?" he asked again.
"I just find it strange this peace we have now. It doesn't feel right, especially since Savena hasn't been defeated. I'm starting to think she's planning something" I explained.
"That's what I thought too" Crisella added. "Knowing she's a master of illusion, it's hard to believe that was really the end." And I agreed with every word she said.
I looked at the two of them.
"Are you traitors?" I asked bluntly, no filter.
Crisella raised an eyebrow. "Hey, I know I don't really like you that much and yeah, I've got a bit of an attitude but being a traitor? That never crossed my mind. Besides, I wouldn't even gain anything from it, you're way too powerful" she said, annoyed. That made me chuckle a little.
"I don't even work for anyone, so that's impossible" Azmier added.
I could only shake my head, silently hoping that everything they said was true.
The three of us Azmier, Crisella, and I have been spending more time together lately as we train to be prepared for any danger that may come our way. Zadkiel's warriors also train with us, which makes the experience even more enjoyable since there are many of us.
Almost everyone in the empire has been busy lately, as tomorrow marks the much-anticipated feast for all the citizens of the Obsidian Citadel, to be held outside the palace. Everyone has been helping out decorating, preparing, and working together to make the celebration a success.
We're also helping with the preparations us enchanters are enhancing the beauty of the place using magic, making sure it stays captivating and enchanting.
"Lady Delythena, please have some snacks first," said Tia as she arrived with food.
"Thank you" I replied. "Go ahead and eat first just continue that later" I said to everyone with a smile.
Everyone paused to eat, clearly worn out from all the work. It was a huge event, after all the entire garden outside the palace had been decorated, and people from all across the empire had come together to help.
While everyone was eating, I slipped inside and headed to my room. But not long after, Zadkiel suddenly appeared entering through the window.
"Seriously? Don't you know how to use a door?" I asked in disbelief.
He just smirked. "I told you, you wouldn't greet me if I came through the door" he said as he approached, carrying a box. "Here."
"What's this?" I asked, puzzled.
"It's for you" he said, handing it to me.
I took it and opened the box. Inside was an exquisite blue dress elegant and breathtaking.
"Wear that for tomorrow" he said.
"I'm only wearing this because I like it not because you told me to" I said defensively, but he just laughed.
"That's exactly what you said the first time I gave you something" he teased.
"Don't assume things. I genuinely just like how it looks" I shot back, trying to hold my ground he's so irritating when he teases like that.
Somehow, I still felt happy, smiling quietly. He noticed and looked away, asking, "Will you marry me?" But every time he smiled like that, I melted inside. Deep down, I realized he did care about me after all. Surprised, I found myself looking at him.
"What?" I asked.
"I'm still waiting for your answer, my lady" he said, then kissed my cheek before disappearing.
"Argh! as always!"
The next evening, the long-awaited feast was finally underway, and the crowd had grown immense. Everyone was celebrating joyfully, and it was heartwarming to see such peace and happiness among all.
No wonder this was the event everyone had been eagerly anticipating attendance was truly equal, whether noble or commoner. Unlike most noble gatherings that usually take place inside the palace, this event was different, drawing far more people from all walks of life.
"It's not even that late, and you're already deep in thought" Crisella suddenly said.
"Oh? I'm starting to think you actually care about me" I teased, which instantly made her frown.
"Don't flatter yourself, Delythena. I just said that because you looked ridiculous staring off into space like some lost fool" she shot back defensively.
"What is it now? Another argument?" Azmier suddenly chimed in.
"Not really. I just appreciate Crisella's... concern" I said, trying to keep a straight face.
Azmier chuckled. "Go ahead, laugh it up," Crisella snapped at him.
"You're always so grumpy no wonder you don't have a boyfriend" Azmier added, which earned him a deadly glare from Crisella.
"Excuse me?" Crisella said with a raised brow, clearly offended. "My standards are way too high for any man to reach."
"I think I could reach them," Azmier replied casually.
I turned to him in surprise, while Crisella quickly looked away, a hint of color rising to her cheeks.
Hmm... something's definitely fishy here.
"Don't look at me like that!" Crisella snapped, clearly flustered.
I just laughed and walked away, leaving the two of them behind.
"I really feel like those two are starting to have feelings for each other" I said while sitting near the fountain, where it was quiet. My eyes were fixed on Azmier and Crisella.
"Good for them" I muttered softly just as Zadkiel suddenly appeared beside me, making me jump a little.
"You really love sneaking up on people, don't you?" I scolded him with a glare.
"You're too focused on them you don't even notice when the one meant for you is already right beside you" he said, making me freeze in place.
"As always, you're breathtakingly beautiful, My lady" he added.
I was completely speechless. His words left me stunned.
"And I'll never get tired of looking at you over and over again" he said.
I honestly didn't know how to react.
"Just... shut up" was all I could say, and he only laughed in response.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" he suddenly asked.
"Of course" I replied, eyes still on the crowd. "It makes me happy seeing everyone so full of joy."
Later on, we returned to the crowd to mingle and join in the celebration.
While everyone was joyfully celebrating, the wind suddenly shifted and a dark aura began to consume the sky. The stars that once lit up the night were now surrounded by shadows, and black smoke began to rise out of nowhere.
"What's happening?" I whispered, alarmed.
Panic broke out among the crowd as a massive green whirlpool appeared in the sky.
"Everyone, get ready! We're under attack!" shouted a soldier. Suddenly, countless massive beasts appeared, putting us all on high alert.
"We need to protect the people" I said. That's why us enchanters prioritized getting them to safety first.
We were shocked as the whirlpool in the sky grew larger, spewing out all kinds of massive beasts.
While we helped the people to safety, we also fought fiercely. But no matter how many attacks we unleashed, the beasts only vanished momentarily more kept pouring out from the whirlpool. The only way to stop their endless numbers was to close the whirlpool itself.
"Did you really think this was a happy ending?"
Suddenly, something emerged from the depths of the whirlpool.
"Savena..." I whispered in disbelief.
My eyes widened as more and more beasts began pouring out of the swirling vortex until five unfamiliar figures appeared beside Savena.
"The Archdemons of the Underworld?!" Crisella shouted, stunned.
"Archdemons?" I asked, confused.
"They are the enemies no power from the Upperworld can ever defeat" Azmier said grimly and that sent a chill down my spine.
"So... our powers are useless?" I asked, panic rising in my voice.
"Pretty much. Damn it, how the hell did she even manage to summon them?" Crisella snapped, clearly frustrated.
"The only thing we can really do now is defend ourselves to avoid getting hurt. But even then, our energy will eventually run out because those things feed off it." Said one of our fellow enchanters with a heavy tone.
I don't even know what to do anymore... If our powers are useless here, then what's the point of fighting at all? I'm completely lost.
"Attack!" Savena commanded.
Without warning, the archdemons descended and launched their assault. Chaos erupted everyone scrambled in panic. Some tried to fight back, but even they were quickly overpowered.
It was a massacre.
No matter how hard we fought back, all it did was drain our energy.
"Get inside the palace, now! We'll handle things here" I shouted to the people who hadn't yet escaped.
"Delythena!" I turned at the sound of Crisella calling my name only to see her take the blow meant for me. She had thrown herself into the path of the archdemon's attack.
I rushed to her side and helped her up. She was wounded, her body trembling from the impact.
"Why would you do that?" I asked, my voice filled with worry.
"You're such an idiot" she muttered, even as the pain showed all over her face.
"Azmier, Crisella's injured!" I called out to him. He was in the middle of a fight, but the moment he heard me, he rushed over.
"What happened?" he asked, clearly worried.
"Obviously, I got hit" Crisella replied, still managing to be sarcastic despite her pain.
"I'll take care of her" Azmier said firmly.
I nodded and turned back toward the battlefield. There was no time to waste.
"My lady" Zadkiel approached me quickly.
"What do we do now? Our attacks don't seem to affect them. We're only getting weaker" I said, still striking as I spoke, even though every blow felt more and more useless.
"We'll figure it out just don't leave my side" he said firmly. I simply nodded in response.
My eyes widened even more when suddenly, Ashmaidens emerged from the whirlpool. From what I knew, they were among the hardest to defeat wielders of deadly fire.
"How in the world did she manage to summon them from the Underworld?" I asked in disbelief.
"There's only one possible reason she could've gotten her hands on beings that powerful" Zadkiel answered grimly. "She made a contract."
Is she really that desperate to defeat me?
The longer the battle dragged on, the more of them appeared as if they were endless. Meanwhile, our strength was slowly draining away.
Zadkiel's fire was the only thing that managed to hurt the archdemons his power was strong enough to match theirs. But when it came to the Ashmaidens, it was useless. Their fire was far too powerful, overwhelming even his.
I'm so lost... I don't know what to do anymore.
I'm growing weaker by the minute especially since I haven't fully mastered my powers yet. I've barely scratched the surface of what I can do.
It hurts watching all of this unfold. So many have already fallen in this battle. Others are barely holding on, their energy fading fast. And yet... the enemies just keep coming. More and more, as if they'll never stop.
"I told you, Delythena you will never defeat me" Savena said coldly. "Look around you. Everyone around you is suffering... all because of you." And she was right. So many had been dragged into this... so many lives lost.
"My lady, don't let her get to you" Zadkiel said firmly as he continued fighting by my side.
"You're evil!" I shouted at Savena, anger burning in my chest.
"Exactly. That's why I was able to summon the evils" she said with a twisted laugh. Her voice was laced with mockery, as if all the pain and chaos she caused was nothing more than a game to her.
"And there's still more to come. I won't stop until I destroy you" she said with chilling seriousness.
Right after that, I was caught off guard as the Ashmaidens ignited an enormous blaze, surrounding the entire palace in flames so powerful, even Zadkiel couldn't control them.
"Argh!" I cried out in pain as an archdemon suddenly grabbed me, its dark magic seeping from its hand and pulling me toward it. I was dragged to my knees, now directly in front of Savena.
"My lady!" Zadkiel's desperate voice echoed behind me.
"You want me to stop this battle?" Savena said as she tilted my chin upward, forcing me to look into her eyes. "I can. But only under one condition."
"And what condition is that?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance.
She smirked, eyes gleaming with wicked delight.
"Give me your soul." She said with her greedy voice.
"In your dreams!" I snapped at her, fury burning in my voice.
You thought I'd just surrender everything? Not a chance.
She smirked, clearly amused. "As expected" she said, her voice laced with arrogance and satisfaction like she had already anticipated my refusal.
"Do it" she commanded suddenly.
Moments later, the Ashmaidens closed in around Zadkiel, their flames swirling like serpents as they began draining his power. I could feel it the warmth of his fire dimming, being pulled from him piece by piece.
"Did you know" Savena said with a cruel smile, "Those Ashmaidens can absorb the power of a Supreme Ruler? Since they both wield fire, it makes them the perfect predators. And once they've taken all of it... his soul will be dragged into the Underworld, and he'll be nothing but an empty shell."
I froze. My breath caught in my throat.
No. This can't be.
I turned to Zadkiel his knees were buckling, his strength fading fast. There was nothing he could do against them.
"Even the strongest Supreme Ruler is helpless against Ashmaidens from the Underworld" she added, her voice laced with wicked pride.
"No!" I cried out, heart pounding as panic surged through me.
"And look around you, Delythena." I turned and my heart shattered. The people around me were collapsing one by one, their energy being drained, their bodies growing weaker with every passing second. I couldn't bear to watch it any longer.
"Make a contract with me, Delythena" Savena said calmly, almost sweetly. "If you want to save them all."
"M-My lady... don't do it" Zadkiel pleaded, his voice strained, his body trembling from the power being ripped from him.
I didn't know what to do anymore. I was overwhelmed torn between what's right and what might save them. Everything hurt. Everyone was hurting. And I was running out of time.
Then suddenly, I froze struck by a terrifying realization.
I knew deep down... this might be the only way to end all of this.
The only way to stop the chaos, to make the enemies disappear without raising a hand against them.
I forced myself to stand, trembling, barely holding myself together.
"I will never let evil reign over this world!" I shouted with everything I had left. "Fire Spirit, I summon you!"
A burst of light and heat surged from within me.
"My lady, no!" Zadkiel's voice rang out, filled with desperation and fear.
"Sorry, Zadkiel..."
That was all I could say my voice barely a whisper as the world around me began to shift.
The wind stilled. The sky darkened.
And then everything changed.