Seething Anger

The air in the carriage felt heavier with each passing moment, thick with unspoken words and emotions neither of us dared to address. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the road was the only sound, filling the suffocating silence.

I kept my gaze firmly on the view outside, my fingers nervously twisting the edge of my cloak. “Why are you here haging around here, Your Highness?” I finally asked, forcing my voice to sound steady, though I could hear the slight tremble. “Shouldn’t you stay at the palace?”

Alex didn’t answer. His silence was deliberate, and I could feel the weight of his stare on me.

“Why did you leave without telling me, Val?” His voice, softer than I expected, caught me off guard. I turned to look at him, his question hanging between us like a fragile thread.

“I…” The words caught in my throat. How could I explain something I didn’t even fully understand myself?

“You’re still my friend,” he said, his voice almost hesitant. “I didn’t agree with you leaving.”

I quickly defended myself, but my voice wavered, unsure of my own thoughts. "I don’t see the problem. I told you not to worry about me."

His deep blue eyes held something that wasn’t anger, but something else—something that felt like disappointment, like I had let him down.

“I would’ve died if I stayed,” I said, trying to make him understand. "The forest was the only place that could control my mana. If I stayed, it would have destroyed everything, and I almost did."

I immediately regretted saying that, feeling foolish for explaining it, but it was the truth, and I couldn’t ignore it.

"So, does that mean you’re allowed to come back now?" Alex asked, his voice calm, though I could hear a quiet question behind it.

"Not exactly," I replied, my voice steady now. "I left the forest because I had a mission." I paused, making sure he could hear the weight of my words. "I’m looking for the people who kidnapped the fairies and elves."

"Kidnapped?" Alex’s voice was full of confusion, and I nodded.

"While I was searching, my friends and I got caught by slave traders," I continued, my throat tight as the memories rushed back. "They attacked us while we were sleeping. The girl I saved helped me escape."

I clenched my fists as I remembered what happened next. "I was about to free Elara and Magnus when that man whipped her. I should have killed him then."

“I’m sorry I didn’t know,” Alex said, his voice quiet, filled with guilt.

“It’s fine,” I replied quickly, trying to hold it together. "You saved me—and that girl, too. I’m grateful, Your Highness."

***

The carriage jolted to an unexpected halt, shattering the fragile quiet that had settled over us.

“Your Highness, we’ve arrived!” one of Alex’s guards called out, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

Alex moved to offer me his hand, his gesture polite and expected, but I ignored it. Without hesitation, I leapt from the carriage, my boots landing softly on the dirt road below. The guards stiffened, their eyes widening in surprise, as though they had never seen such a bold move before.

“Is this the place?” I asked, my voice sharp and commanding as I turned to face one of the guards.

“Yes, my lady,” he replied quickly, though his gaze flickered with unease. “The eastern part of the capital has long been known as the base for the slave traders.”

His words sent a surge of fury through me, hot and unrelenting. My fingers itched for action as the familiar wave of anger coiled in my chest. Slowly, I lifted the hem of my dress and reached for the wand strapped securely to my thigh. Its solid weight was a welcome comfort, grounding me as my fingers curled tightly around its handle.

“Oh!” A few of the guards turned away hurriedly, their faces flushed with embarrassment as they averted their eyes.

I didn’t care. My focus was razor-sharp, my fury rising like a storm waiting to break.

“Look away,” Alex commanded, his voice low but edged with steel. His piercing gaze alone was enough to silence any protests from the men.

What’s his problem?

“My lady,” one of the guards began, his tone respectful but cautious, “this place has been under surveillance before. If we’re to locate your friends, we must begin immediately, or we’ll risk wasting an entire week.”

“That’s not a problem,” I replied with quiet confidence. Kneeling briefly, I placed my hand on the ground, feeling its faint vibrations—a rhythm only I could hear.

Raising my wand, I chanted softly:

“Γη, δείξε μου την αλήθεια.”

The ground reacted instantly, ripples spreading like a soft wave. Around us, plants and vines moved, their leaves shaking like they were sharing a secret. I could feel the roots below reaching out, searching for what I needed.

My mana flowed into the earth, spreading like a strong current. The air grew thick with energy, and the ground seemed to come alive. Everyone froze, eyes wide in shock, as green plants shot up from the ground. Vines twisted around rocks, and bright flowers bloomed, lighting up the whole place.

No one spoke. The guards stood rooted in place, their eyes wide, unable to utter a single word as the scene unfolded.

As the plants and roots spread out, I focused on what the earth was showing me. Each vibration, each small movement, revealed hidden paths and secret places underground.

Then, I found them—Elara and Magnus. Their energy was faint, but I could feel it, like a soft pull guiding me to them. I felt a wave of relief, but it didn’t stop there.

While I was searching, I felt something else. Young children. Their small, weak presence was buried deep underground, trapped and helpless. The sight of it hit me hard, making my anger grow stronger.

When I opened my eyes, I could barely control the rage building inside me. My fists were clenched, and I was seething.

“They’re here,” I said, my voice sharp. “Elara, Magnus... and children.” My grip on my wand tightened, my body trembling with fury.

“Children?” Alex responded, full of confusion.

I nodded, my focus unwavering. “Yes. Children, hidden beneath the ground, trapped by these people. We need to move now.”

I shook my head firmly. “No, Your Highness. Thank you for bringing me here, but I’ll handle it from here.”

He stared at me, disbelief flashing in his eyes. “Don’t be absurd! You think you can fight off all the guards here? Are you out of your mind?” His voice rose with frustration.

I stepped forward, the earth beneath me shifting, mirroring the fury rising in my chest. “You don’t have to agree with me. You don’t even have to understand.” My voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “But if you try to stop me—then stay out of my way.”

This place deserves to be burned to the ground with magma and reduced to ash.