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Chapter 4 - flashbacks

The sounds of distant battles, told tales of a conflict that had once split the world in two. Armies of magic creatures that battled to the death against the humans long ago.

After centuries of violence, a shaky truce was finally reached. A treaty was signed, designating one realm for humans and another for magical creatures called Supernatural. To avoid rekindling the flames of war, nobody dared to cross the barrier.

However, even hard-won peace frequently leads to resentment. In a cavern deep within the mountain's heart, Grim, a massive troll, he was a soldier, always first in battle and commanding armies against humans, had left him scarred both inside and out.

Memories clawed at him—visions of villages burned and children screaming. His fists clenched as rage and grief warred within him. His family had been slaughtered by humans, victims of their cruelty, and he couldn't believe that the supernatural would simply forget the past and continue to exist in this small realm.

There was an unrelenting fire in his eyes. With a bitter voice, he muttered, "We should be the rulers", "Humans have killed a great number of us" "they only care for themself." 

Meanwhile , miles away , in the vaulted hall of the supernatural palaces , morning sunlight streamed through stained glass, creating fractured rainbows on the chilly stone floor. King William awaited word. His expression was composed but uneasy.

The messenger bowed low and gasped, "Your Majesty." "There is a problem. Grim won't stop provoking people and making problems." " And his supporters keep increasing."

William clenched his jaw. He spoke in a steady but strained tone. "Grim's disobedience is risky. Peace is fragile, I told him. Everything we've created will crumble if he pushes too far" .

He looked out the window at clouds. "Summon him to the throne room at once," he ordered.

A guard nearby bowed quickly. "Yes, your Majesty," he responded, turning to relay the orders. Moments later, the heavy throne room doors were thrown open with a violent clang and Grim, barged into the hall. "Why are you keeping on making trouble? We are finally at peace," William said. Grim spat, "The peace is a lie". William's voice was authoritative. "Grim, you give me no option. Give in or risk being imprisoned in Drakefall."

A cruel smile twisted Grim's lips. "I refuse to give up. And I'll wreak havoc on them all when the time is appropriate. William's gaze hardened. "Then you give me no other option." As the guards hurried to capture Grim, the tension in the hall grew. 

 'It's been a year since Grim was imprisoned and things in the realm were quiet but rumors had long been circulating about a secret door known only to a select few, tucked away in the maze-like labyrinth far beneath the busy realm. This door opened straight into Drakefall, the gloomy prison where Grim and other criminals were chained and cut off. Only William held the keys to open it.

Meanwhile ,Back in the palace Seraphina moved through the halls.The tiniest flickers of torchlight caught her silver hair, which shimmered like moonlight on water. She was the queen, but she was forced to marry William. Seraphina's father had been king before William, and she believed the throne was her rightful inheritance.

Her heart tightened with a volatile mixture of rage as she replayed the events of that day—the day her father was killed because he was deemed unfit to be king—along with the coronation of William and the applause that followed, all while feeling the pressure of her unmet expectations to be the wife of the new king.

The luxurious cage of her position as queen tormented her spirit. She was married to a man she hated. Her desire for power, retribution, and the annihilation of the man who had usurped her rightful position, however, was more intense than before. 

Later that day Seraphina's eyes glowed as she approached The ancient door's rough, cold surface was brushed by her fingers, while the runes etched into it shimmered faintly. Her heart was racing with excitement, but her breathing remained steady. She awakened the dormant magic with a key that she stole to open the door. The surface rippled like disturbed water, revealing a shadowed passage spiraling downward into the abyss.

Seraphina's lips curled into a chilly smile. Her voice sounded like a piece of ice as she whispered, "Grim's chains will be broken." And the chaos won't be able to be stopped. I will recover what was taken from me—what is rightfully mine—and the realm will burn.

The next day , In the supernatural realm, a place where whispers and nervous glances had long been part of life, the atmosphere was vibrant and filled with the bustle of everyday activities. Sunlight, sifting strongly through the radiant leaves of the trees, shone on the roads where children played with reckless, joyous abandon, their merry cries sounding like the tinkling of bells on the gentle wind.

Adults' conversations intermingled with the normal sounds of what there was to look forward to tomorrow: maybe a trip to market, possibly just the preparation for a meal. Then everyone heard the news of King William's party to celebrate his newborn son, and everyone was invited. They started getting ready to buy new clothes,it was the only time they could visit the palace and see King William, their savior, the one who finally put an end to the war.

King William's rise to the throne was a story known by all, he was not always a ruler. His brother Mike and sister Lily were young children, and he had to look after them after their parents abandoned them and left them on the streets during the wars.

Humans had quite a few successes initially until William devised a strategy to turn the tide.". His innovations brought about victories, and united under his command, the supernatural forces declared him their king. With this new authority, he invested Mike and Lily as his most trusted second-in-command

 The birth of William's son was a joyous moment for the entire supernatural community. The air seemed charged with laughter as everyone celebrated the newborn prince..

Just as the party was in full swing, a guard burst in, a look of terror on his face. "Your Majesty! There is news. There has been a mass breakout at Drakefall!" The reception hall was instantly filled with terror, and the noise of laughter died out like the echoes of a once-beating pulse. "What do you mean there has been a mass breakout at Drakefall?" King William said. 

The guard replied. "Indeed, Your Majesty.Grim and his followers have broken out.. They have more allies, and they are mounting an attack, coming our way." The general murmur in the reception hall was that of terror. "Everyone," King William stood up. "Everyone, remain calm. The guards shut the exits."

As the guards scrambled into action, King William caught his sister Lily's eyes. "William," she encouraged, "we can't let him catch us off guard. We have to prepare at once." "Right," King William agreed. "We have to fortify our defenses. Lily, gather the wizards. Mike, lead the warriors to the east gate" . Lily nodded. "I'll summon the elders and prepare" .

With each new step, the weight of the future battle was heavy in King William's heart. His gaze met Mike's."We should show them they can't mess with us," Mike said. " How did they break free from Drakefull?" William wondered, then declared, "If they want a battle, then we will give them one."

When the wizards began the spells of protection, a tightening anxiety built, like a serpent, in the air. A rumble, like thunder, split through it. "They're upon us! Grim leads a full assault on our eastern gate!" a guard called.

"Prepare for battle!" King William commanded that everyone be prepared, armed, and equipped to stop Grim from breaching their stronghold.

The hall burst into motion, guards rushing while the sound of their armor crashed like thunder. "Mike! Lead the defensive troops to the east gate! We'll hold the line!" King William shouted. "On it!" Mike replied quickly. "Lily, stay with the elders!". "I will!" Lily responded, rallying the wizards as they focused on their spellcasting, the magic crackling in the air like fireflies on a summer night.

With each order, King William encouraged his subjects to be courageous, the importance of the hour spurring them on. "This castle and our people will not fall today!" .

 As the battle raged beyond the castle walls, a different kind of chaos brewed within. Queen Seraphina, with jealousies in her heart, stormed towards the royal nursery, where the baby was lying in his cradle fast asleep. "You shall not claim this throne!" she spat, with dark magics lacing her fingertips.

King William heard the commotion and rushed to the nursery, his heart pounding in his chest. Just as he flung open the door, he witnessed Seraphina, dark magic crackling around her, raise her hand against his son. "No," he yelled, throwing himself in front of his son to shield him.

 It was a fierce fight between William and Seraphina, their powers clashing with each other, sending sparks around the room. In the midst of the struggle, William grabbed his son, attempting to get him to safety.But Seraphina struck William's arm, causing him to stumble in the next room . In the chaos, the prince was unexpectedly propelled into the time machine Mike had constructed.

Mike was renowned in the supernatural community as a genius. He designed numerous weapons for warfare and developed various tools to aid his people. In his spare time, he began working on a time machine.

The machine lit up and pulsed with energy, pulling the prince into a swirling portal and leaving him lost in time.

Seeing his son disappear distracted him, leaving him less focused. Then in one final blow, she struck him down, plunging a knife into his heart.

she heard footsteps getting closer, she got up and tried to find somewhere to hide.

Upon entering the room, Mike witnessed a heartbreaking sight.. "William!" he exclaimed, running to his brother's side. Kneeling beside him, he felt life leaving William's body. "What…what happened and where is the prince?" Mike said , the words were hardly audible. "It was Seraphina," William answered. "I know she hated me, but I never thought she would try to kill our son!"

William then gave Mike a painfully honest look. Then, his eyes fluttered closed.. Tears poured from Mike's eyes as he felt a wave of sorrow wash over him.

Mike heard Seraphina as she sprinted towards the walls. Without any sort of warning, he pushed forward, moving faster than Seraphina had expected. She flung out her arm, releasing a spurt of dark magic, but Mike had already dodged out of range.

"Get out of my way!"Seraphina said,

Before she had any chance to act, Mike raised his hand, releasing a gold net of magic from his palm, which rolled around her with unyielding might. Seraphina tried to struggle, but it held too tight.

Mike approached her. "You think you can run? after killing him." 

Then he unlocked a portal that led to a dark realm that had not been seen since the dawn of time. Mike imprisoned her there and he sealing the portal behind him

Opening the portal drained Mike's strength, leaving him badly injured and knowing the act could be fatal. He sought refuge in a legendary cave, rumored to heal wounds and restore strength. He went there believing its cool shadows would help him heal while others continued the battle. He believed that his rest would be brief and that the others would manage without him, especially since he had activated the amulet he created. However, a mysterious force held him in a deep sleep in the cave.

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