Battle in the Shadows

The royal forces arrived faster than they had anticipated. The sound of heavy footsteps grew clearer in the narrow underground corridors where they were taking cover. William and Alya ran swiftly, following Khadija and Lira who were leading the way. Every second felt like an ever-increasing weight.

"Are we fast enough?" Alya asked, glancing over her shoulder, where the heavy footsteps were drawing nearer.

"If they know our position, we have to move faster," Khadija answered coldly. "We have no choice but to fight or die."

Ahead of them, the large door to the Luminaris distribution center was drawing closer. However, the path was filled with royal forces already spreading out, ready to prevent them from reaching their goal.

William grasped Alya's hand for a moment, ensuring they were prepared for what lay ahead. "We have to hold them off long enough for Khadija and Lira to reach the distribution center," he said. "Give them time to disable the Luminaris system."

Alya nodded. "We can do it."

They ran even faster until they reached the end of the corridor, where the royal forces began to appear from behind the walls. Williamm and Alya had no choice but to stop, ready to face them. Khadija glanced at them briefly and then nodded. "Guard this door with your life."

William felt the tension increase, every second seeming like a gamble. "Alya, get ready."

Alya nodded, unstrapping her belt and pulling out two short swords from her waist. "Don’t worry, I’m ready."

The royal forces emerged in tight formation, wearing black armor with the kingdom's emblem engraved on their chests. They carried weapons made from Luminaris crystals, glowing blue in the dim light. It seemed they were prepared for an intense battle.

"Don’t let them through!" shouted one of the royal commanders. "Capture them alive or dead!"

With that command, the royal forces charged, and the clash of swords against armor rang loudly in the air. William and Alya fought with all their strength, dispatching several soldiers who tried to attack them. William's sword clashed with a glowing crystal blade, sparks of light blinding their eyes.

Alya was equally fierce. She moved with agility, her swords flashing like lightning, striking down enemies with pinpoint accuracy. But even though they managed to take down some soldiers, the number of foes kept increasing. They were cornered, and the royal forces showed no signs of tiring.

"William, we can't hold out here for much longer!" Alya shouted, sweat and blood staining her face. "We need to find a way to retreat!"

William looked around, thinking quickly. "No retreat. We need to distract them long enough for Khadija and Lira to get in. If we hold out longer, they'll succeed."

"How do we do that?" Alya asked, her face serious.

William took a deep breath, glancing at the large door behind them. "We can destroy that door. We need to open the path for them."

Alya glanced at the large door and then back at William. "How can we destroy it?"

William pointed to a group of soldiers carrying large weapons made of crystal. "If we can take one of those weapons, we can blast the door open and make a path."

With the courage coursing through her veins, Alya charged toward the soldiers carrying the crystal weapons. William followed, fending off enemies that stood in their way. They succeeded in defeating one of the guards and seized the large Luminaris crystal weapon.

"Ready?" William asked, the massive weapon in his hand.

Alya nodded, and with one powerful strike, they shattered the door blocking their path. The deafening explosion echoed through the underground corridor, shaking the surrounding walls.

The large door flew open wide, and the path to the Luminaris distribution center was now clear.

"We did it," William said, breathless. "Now, we have to make sure Khadija and Lira can get in."

However, even though they had opened the path, the royal forces were still in pursuit. Darius appeared from behind the now open door, his face full of tension. "You need to go now! They won’t stop until we’re all captured!"

Alya glanced at William, and they both knew their time was running out. They ran into the Luminaris distribution room, while the remaining royal forces continued their relentless chase.