The thick fog wrapped around the courtyard, dampening every sound. My eyes scanned the chaos, but Sylvie was nowhere in sight. I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to remain calm.
"I can't let her slip away," I thought coldly. "She's a valuable tool—too important to lose."
A faint, desperate scream pierced the fog, barely audible. Sylvie.
I bolted toward the sound, my footsteps swift and silent. But before I could make it far, a figure emerged from the mist—a man clad in dark armor, his stance sharp and aggressive.
"You'll go no further," he growled, unsheathing his blade.
My fingers curled around my sword hilt. I was ready to end this quickly when a familiar voice cut through the tension.
"Leave him to me."
I glanced back as Diluc emerged from the fog, his presence commanding. His crimson hair glowed faintly in the dim light.
"Go save Sylvie—and find Caelia too," Diluc said firmly. "I'll join you once I'm done here."
I gave a curt nod, wasting no time. The fog thinned as I sprinted through the courtyard. My pulse quickened at the sight ahead. Sylvie was on the ground, struggling against a leering man who loomed over her, blade poised to strike.
A sharp rush of anger surged through me. I moved without hesitation, my sword flashing through the air.
The intruder's scream echoed as my blade severed his arm. Blood splattered across the ground as he collapsed, writhing in pain.
"Touch her again," I said coldly, "and you won't have an arm left to lose."
He whimpered, clutching his bleeding stump. I turned to Sylvie, extending a hand.
"Get up," I ordered.
Her trembling fingers grasped mine. I pulled her to her feet without another word.
"We need to find Caelia," I said tersely, moving ahead. Sylvie followed without complaint.
It wasn't long before I spotted Caelia in the distance. Her red hair stood out like a flame in the chaos. She was locked in combat with another intruder, her expression fierce. Mana flickered around her, unstable and weak. Flames sputtered and sparks of lightning crackled, but neither had enough force to land a decisive blow.
"She's pushing herself too hard," I muttered.
The intruder lunged at Caelia, his blade aimed for her heart.
I intercepted the attack with a sharp clash of steel.
"You're late," Caelia panted, her voice strained.
"Stay focused," I snapped.
We moved in sync, our strikes coordinated. Her flames disrupted his defenses while my blade forced him back. With one final slash, I brought the intruder down. His body crumpled to the ground.
Diluc appeared moments later, his calm gaze sweeping the area.
"You're safe," he said, his tone reassuring.
"The High Priest and knights are here," he added. "Duke Alaric sent them to secure the area."
The sound of heavy footsteps grew louder as the High Priest and a squad of knights arrived, their polished armor gleaming even in the fading light.
The High Priest approached Caelia. "Your Highness, are you hurt?"
Diluc shook his head. "We're fine, thanks to Aren."
The High Priest's gaze shifted toward me—only, I wasn't standing there anymore.
"Where is Duke Alaric's son?" he asked.
Diluc frowned, his eyes darting around. I was already gone. The mist swallowed me whole as I disappeared into the shadows, leaving unanswered questions behind.
To be continued..
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