As Kiel, Ash, and his head guide, Damiel, strolled through the bustling streets, Kiel couldn't help but notice the vibrant atmosphere. People laughing and chatting with one another. The air was alive with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares and the clanging of pots and pans from nearby food stalls.
"Why is the street so busy today?" Kiel asked, his curiosity piqued.
Damiel, his trusted guide, smiled knowingly. "The upcoming Moon Festival, Your Majesty. The people are preparing for the celebrations."
Kiel's eyes scanned the crowds, taking in the festive decorations and banners that adorned the buildings. As the Supreme Alpha, he was accustomed to being addressed with respect, but he had specifically requested that his elders and Ash use his title instead of "Your Majesty" due to his young age. However, when Damiel addressed him normally, it stirred a mix of emotions within him that he couldn't quite explain.
Ash, sensing Kiel's introspection, nudged him playfully. "Hey, enjoying the view?" he asked, grinning.
Kiel smiled, pushing aside his thoughts. "Yeah, it's been a while since I've seen the city like this."
The streets were filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of laughter as the people prepared for the Moon Festival. Lanterns in shades of silver and gold hung from the buildings, casting a warm glow over the crowds."
The air was alive with the smell of roasting meats and freshly baked pastries .The sound of drums and music filled the air, growing louder and more vibrant as the night approached."
The city was a whirlwind of color and activity as the people decorated their homes and businesses with intricate paper cutouts and lanterns. The streets were filled with the sound of chatter and music, and the smell of incense wafted through the air."
As they continued their stroll, Kiel's presence was met with waves and bows from the passing crowd. He nodded and smiled, acknowledging their greetings.
"And Kiel said, "Isn't the Moon Festival just a week away?" Ash nodded in response, "Yes, it is. The people are getting ready, and I've been overseeing the preparations. Everything is coming along smoothly."
Kiel's expression turned serious. "I hope nothing goes wrong this year. You remember what happened last year, don't you? Many of our people were injured. I won't tolerate any misfortune this year."
Ash nodded solemnly. "I'll make sure everything goes smoothly, alpha Kiel. Don't worry."
Kiel's eyes narrowed. "See to it, Damiel. Take some of our best guards and ensure the portal area is heavily guarded. I won't have any demons roaming our land and causing harm to my people."
Damiel bowed. "As you command, your majesty. I'll personally oversee the security arrangements."
"We should head back to the palace," Ash said, glancing at the time. "You have a meeting in a few hours."
Kiel nodded, and they made their way back to the palace.
As Kiel and his companions headed back to the palace, unaware of the danger lurking at the borders, a sense of unease settled over the land. The trees seemed to lean in, as if listening to the whispers of the wind. Meanwhile, at the Darkwood border...,
one of the guides noticed the approaching group and tensed. His eyes widened as he saw the flag they carried, and his heart skipped a beat. "We're under attack!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the forest. "Sound the alarm!"
Another guide rushed to his side, peering into the distance. "What are you talking about? I don't see any attack. It's just a group of travelers."
But the first guide's fear was palpable. He was shaking, his eyes fixed on the flag. "Look at that," he whispered, pointing.
The second guide followed his gaze and saw the symbol emblazoned on the flag. His expression changed from confusion to shock. "By the gods..."
The first guide turned to him, his voice barely above a whisper. "You know what that flag means, don't you? That's the emblem of Cormac, the King of Witches. They're known as the Harbingers of Death. Wherever they go, bloodshed follows."
Cormac, the King of Witches, was a figure of dark legend. His eyes burned with an otherworldly energy, and his presence was said to curdle blood and wither plants. His power was feared throughout the land, and his name was whispered in terror. They called him the Angel of Death, and his followers were the messengers of destruction.
As the guides watched, the group approached, their faces set and determined. The flag bearing Cormac's emblem fluttered in the breeze, casting a dark shadow over the forest floor.
The guide's voice was barely above a whisper. "You don't understand. Cormac's followers don't just travel. They bring destruction and chaos. We need to get out of here, now."
The other guide hesitated, unsure of what to do. But before he could make a decision, a figure emerged from the trees, eyes fixed on them with an unnerving intensity.
"Too late," the guide whispered. "They've seen us."
The figure began to walk towards them, its pace deliberate and menacing. The guides exchanged a fearful glance, knowing they were in grave danger.
As the guards prepared to send word to the palace, Cormac intervened, his voice calm and authoritative. "Wait. I'm not here to fight. Open the gate."
One of the guides, trembling, replied, "You think you can just order us around?"
Cormac's expression remained serene. "Am I not making myself clear? Are you refusing to open the gate for us to enter?"
The guide's voice shook. "You'll have to pass over our dead bodies before we let you cross the border."
Cormac's lips curled into a sly smile. "I wouldn't dream of causing Kiel any distress. Instead, I'll ask for his permission to enter his land.
Morgan's tone turned sarcastic as he say. "So, you're saying we'll wait here until Kiel deigns to grant us permission? Have you lost your mind? You think Kiel will allow you into his land?"
Cormac smile never wavered. "I advise you to set up a tent. We'll be here for a while. Send word to Kiel that I'd like him to open the gate. I have a new house to settle into."
The guide's voice trembled as he asked, "Why should I do that?"
Cormac eyes glinted with amusement. "Just because I'm choosing not to harm anyone doesn't mean I won't indulge in a bit of... persuasion."
The guide's eyes widened in fear, and he hastily departed to deliver the message.
Ember spoke up, her voice laced with skepticism. "What makes you think Kiel will open the gate? I'd bet he'd rather go to war with us."
Cormac smile turned confident. "He won't. Kiel is a wise ruler." Pride flickered across his face. "He'll make the right decision."
Morgan's voice dripped with annoyance. "So, we're just going to wait here?"
Cormac nodded. "Yes. We'll wait."
As the guards set up a makeshift camp, Cormac's eyes never left the gates, his gaze burning with anticipation