Covenant

 “The Higher Council of Elves has summoned you,” he stated, voice like a quiet storm. “You and your subordinates, along with the demon, will come with me.”

Estheria met his gaze, her resolve unwavering.

“Why would the Higher Elves keep this a secret?” she demanded. “This operation should have been communicated to the outskirts. If I hadn’t found out, our village would have been left in danger without warning.”

The Grand Mage sighed, eyes reflecting experience.

“As Aeliff mentioned, we preferred to act quietly,” he replied. “But there is more than we understand. You’ve been investigating, haven’t you? You encountered demons and returned, unlike our Operation teams.”

He stepped closer, calm and powerful.

“The Grand Council has convened. You may share your findings there. Your companions may speak freely as well. What is your decision, Estheria?”

“I want the Defense Force of ElFairia to ensure the safety of my village,” she stated.

The Grand Mage nodded. “Very well. Let’s waste no time—it’s urgent.”

With a wave, Higher Elves surrounded Estheria, Strixx, me, and the bound demon. The villagers watched helplessly as Estheria turned to them, her voice steady but warm.

“I’ll make sure everyone’s safety is secured. Please don’t lose heart. I’ll be back soon.”

We made our way to the western edge of the village where the Royal Carriage awaited. Without delay, we climbed aboard and began our journey toward the capital. Before long, we arrived at the majestic City Hall of ElFairia.

Escorted by Higher Elves, with the Grand Mage leading, we followed him into the grand hall. The demon was taken away for interrogation.

I couldn’t help but be awestruck. The council sat on elevated platforms, surrounded by towering columns and intricate carvings. Higher Elves filled the space, their murmurs buzzing. It was clear this was no ordinary meeting.

As we stepped forward, the whispers grew louder, eyes focusing sharply on Estheria. The disdain toward the “lower elf” was palpable.

“Silence,” a sharp voice cut through.

The room fell quiet.

A council leader rose. “At the request of Grand Mage Erisious, this meeting is in session. Grand Mage, your findings.”

The Grand Mage stepped forward. “This meeting addresses urgent security matters of ElFairia.”

The Divine Mage beside him continued.

“For centuries, the barrier around our land protected us. But recently, demons have located us. We sent our best mages to investigate—none returned. ElFairia is at risk of an unknown danger.”

His gaze sharpened. “ Estheria a lower elf, from the outskirts, conducted her own investigation and returned unharmed--with a captured demon and two outsiders.”

The hall hushed, tension thick.

The Grand Mage’s gaze locked on Estheria.“Her investigation will be examined. We will confirm whether she uncovered truth—or betrayed us, causing this crisis.”

A murmur rippled through the council. Whispers of distrust about Estheria echoed.

“Silence!” the Grand Mage thundered, silencing the room.

Strixx clutched my arm, whispering, “Strixx is scared here.”

I gave her a reassuring look. “Don’t worry, Strixx. Everything will be alright.”

The Grand Mage faced Estheria again.

“Do you wish to clarify your investigation and your unauthorized actions near the capital?”

The council leader spoke coldly. “Estheria may now present her statement.”

I placed a hand on her shoulder. “This is your chance. We’re with you.”

Strixx nodded softly. “Estheria, Strixx and Luca believe in you.”

Taking a deep breath, Estheria stood tall.

“I am Estheria, from The lower elf village on ElFairia’s outskirts. I began investigating not out of curiosity, but for my village’s safety. The Illusion Forest has always been calm, but recently, strange things began happening. I couldn’t ignore it, knowing how close it lies to home.”

The hall remained still.

“A week ago, while foraging, I encountered a demon beast. The forest has never had such creatures—only magic beasts. This was different. Dangerous.”

Her voice grew firmer.

“My village sits at the forest’s edge. I couldn’t risk waiting. I gathered evidence to report to the capital. Our safety depended on it.”

She paused, steadying herself.

“The deeper I ventured, the more I found—broken wands and medals belonging to Higher Mages. That’s when I realized something was happening long before. If the capital knew, why was it kept secret? Why were no precautions taken to protect the outskirts?”

Her gaze hardened.

“I needed to find the truth. I had to protect my people—my family. That’s when I uncovered the operations happening within the capital.”

She fell silent, awaiting their response.

The council leader’s voice echoed.

“Elf girl, are you certain your statement is the complete truth?”

Estheria straightened.

“Yes. Everything I’ve said is true.”

The Grand Mage studied her quietly, then nodded.

“She is not lying.”

His gaze shifted to Strixx and me.“And now the two outsiders. Clarify your presence here.”

I took a breath as Estheria glanced at me, and Strixx squeezed my hand.

I stepped forward.

“My name is Luca. This is Strixx. We are travelers heading toward the western territories. We had to cross the Illusion Forest.”

I continued clearly.

“We were tricked by bandits. Estheria saved us--not once, but twice.”

Memories of her bravery burned in my mind.

“Last night, we were attacked by demon beasts and a demon who controlled them. Without Estheria and Strixx, we wouldn’t have survived.”

I glanced at Estheria.

“I suffered heavy wounds. Estheria brought me to her village to be treated. We didn’t get involved by accident--we chose to stand by her. Because Estheria is a kind of person risked her life for strangers like us when we just met for the first time without asking for anything in return.”

I faced the council directly, voice unwavering.

We saw her strength, her kindness, and the weight she carries alone for the sake of her people.

“To us, she’s not just a protector—she’s our friend. We would rather stand with her, no matter the danger, than turn our backs on someone like her.

 I finished, my voice unwavering, making sure every single person in that hall could feel the truth in my words.