CHAPTER EIGHTEEN - THE SHATTERED CROWN

Hours later, the king awoke to hushed whispers that had seeped through the door of the royal chamber. The familiar, comforting darkness of his chamber felt suddenly alien. Ferid’s skin prickled. He rose, careful not to wake Reza, his every movement alert for a threat he could not name.

The silence pressing against the thick stone walls was not peaceful, but suffocating—unnatural in a castle that never truly slept. Sword in hand, he stepped into the corridor. Shadows stretched too long under the moonlight. Even the torches burned low, as if afraid to call attention.

"Guards?" he called out, his voice echoing. There was no answer.

A sense of foreboding washed over him. Ferid rushed to the guards' quarters, his pulse quickening with each step. His heart sank when he discovered the knights sprawled unconscious on the floor. He knelt beside the nearest figure, checking for a pulse.

"He's alive, but barely," Ferid murmured. Frantic attempts to rouse the knights proved futile. Their eyes had rolled back in their heads, a clear sign of poisoning.

"Someone has drugged them," he seethed, his mind racing. But who? And why? Before he could ponder further, five figures clad in hooded robes emerged, barring his exit.

"The party's just getting started, Your Majesty," a distorted voice sneered. "Don't miss the fun."

"Who are you?" Ferid demanded, raising his sword in defence. "What have you done?"

Without warning, two of the figures lunged forward. They were children, no older than his own twins, their faces concealed by bird-beak masks. One wielded a crackling whip, and the other moved with the deadly grace of a martial artist. Ferid's heart sank at the thought of battling children, but he had no choice.

His sword met the crackling whip, sparks flying as the girl’s masked face twisted in concentration.

“You don’t have to do this!” he pleaded, but her only answer was a snap of her weapon. The boy’s flames licked at Ferid’s arms, the heat singing hair and cloth. Every blow Ferid landed left him sicker; every near-miss could have been fatal.

They were just children—brainwashed, terrified children! His heart screamed, but his arms had no choice. Every cut was a wound on his soul.

Just as the fight reached a fever pitch, a deafening boom echoed through the castle. The walls behind them crumbled under a powerful force, revealing a squadron of armoured knights. Strong hands grabbed Ferid, pulling him through a hidden door. It was Leo, his face pale and drawn.

"Leo!" Ferid exclaimed. "Are the children safe?"

"I don't know," Leo admitted, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "My apologies, Your Majesty. Someone has contaminated the main well with a very powerful sleeping drug."

"You didn't drink from the well, did you?"

"I did. It took me a while to resist the drug, however. I had to go to the infirmary to get a counter drug before I could come to your rescue. Sorry for the long wait." Leo smiled weakly.

"Reza's missing. I must find her," Ferid said, his voice urgent. "And get the children to safety."

An explosion cut him off, the ground trembling beneath their feet. They stumbled through the collapsing corridors, their path lit by the eerie glow of flames. The two dashed to the only route available when another explosion occurred nearby.

They reached a long bridge leading to the Observation Tower. Below, a chilling sight awaited them. An army of human soldiers, thousands strong, marched towards the castle, their ranks bristling with weapons.

A heavy silence descended upon them. Ferid finally spoke, his voice thick with emotion. 

"Leo, take the children and flee. Use the portal behind the manor. Seek refuge in the City of Eden. I'll find Reza and meet you there." He looked at the charging forces without blinking. "While you make your escape, I shall distract them long enough to—"

Leo suddenly grabbed the king by the shoulders and forced him to look at him directly. "Ferid. Your children... they need you," his voice cracked with emotion. "This Kingdom can be rebuilt, but only if you live."

Ferid's gaze softened under the weight of his decision, which was heavy on his shoulders. He reached out, gripping Leo's shoulder with a trembling hand.

"My dear friend," he said, his voice barely a whisper, "my duty as a King is to my people, to this land that my dear Reliana loved so dearly."

His eyes met Leo's, filled with a profound sadness and unwavering resolve. "Protect my children, Leo. Promise me you will raise them with the love and guidance they deserve. Promise me you'll keep them safe."

Leo's voice choked with emotion. "On my life and my honour, I swear it."

Ferid's lips curved into a bittersweet smile. "And Reza... Protect her too. Please."

Leo nodded, unable to speak. He knew the risks and the dangers that awaited Ferid. Still, he also knew the unyielding Spirit of his king, who had risen from poverty to become a beloved ruler.

For a heartbeat, neither man spoke. The only sound was distant thunder—the enemy’s army on the march. Then Ferid reached out, and Leo stepped into his arms, no shame in his tears. The warmth of their friendship was a stark contrast to the chilling reality of their situation.

"You have always been my guiding light, old friend. While I was born to a poor family and you were the previous king's loyal advisor's son, you have never failed to guide me on becoming a good King." He murmured, his voice heavy with emotion. "Now, it is my turn to repay that debt."

Leo, his heart aching with the knowledge of their impending separation, could only manage a choked sob. They released each other, their gazes locked in a silent farewell. Ferid turned back towards the castle, his figure silhouetted against the raging inferno. He raised his sword, a beacon of defiance against the encroaching darkness.

Leo watched him go, the weight of his promise crushing him. He knew this was likely the last time he would see Ferid alive, but he would not falter. He would honour his king's sacrifice by protecting his children and nurturing them into the leaders the Kingdom desperately needed.

As Leo made his way towards the manor, Ferid turned back to face the castle, his heart heavy with the knowledge of the battle that awaited him. He would fight to his last breath for his Kingdom, his family, and the future of his people.

***

Leo wasted no time in reaching the twins' manor, his heart pounding with urgency and dread. The loyal knights, who had been spared from the poisoned well, swarmed him, their faces etched with concern for their king and Kingdom.

"The children?" His voice was strained, his focus solely on his mission.

"They are safe inside, Sir Leo," a knight reassured him. "But the castle... was it under attack?"

Leo took a deep breath, rallying his composure. "Your king fights valiantly to defend our kingdom," he declared, his voice ringing with determination. "The enemy has poisoned our well, our forces are weakened, but your loyalty is needed now more than ever. Go forth, men! Fight for your king! For our home! All hail King Ferid!"

A chorus of "All hail King Ferid!" erupted from the knights, their spirits lifted by Leo's words.

As they charged into the chaos, Leo turned towards the manor, his heart heavy with the burden of protecting the royal children. He entered the manor, his senses on high alert.

A sudden projectile whizzed past his face, narrowly missing his eye. In the dim light, he made out with the young Prince, Makai, brandishing a sword with a trembling hand. Behind him stood Mika, clutching a blanket, her face streaked with tears.

Leo's heart ached at the sight of their fear. He knelt, gently lowering Makai's weapon.

"It's alright, Your Highness," he soothed, pulling the young Prince into a comforting embrace. Mika rushed forward, clinging to him as well.

"Where's Father?" Makai asked, his voice muffled against Leo's shoulder.

Leo knew there was no time for gentle deception. "Your father is fighting bravely," he explained, "but we must leave now. The enemy has poisoned our well, and it's not safe here."

"What about Reza?" Makai's voice was thick with worry.

"Your father will bring her to safety," Leo assured him, though his own heart doubted the truth of those words. "We will meet them at a designated location."
With a reassuring squeeze, Leo ushered the children out the back door and into the forest.

***

The sounds of battle raged around them, a terrifying symphony of violence and chaos. As they fled into the forest, Leo's mind raced. He prayed they would reach the portal in time and that Ferid and Reza would await them on the other side. But a dark premonition lingered, a chilling whisper of uncertainty in his mind.

Fuelled by adrenaline and fear, the trio burst through the manor's back door and into the forest. The sounds of battle raged around them: a chaotic symphony of clashing steel, terrified screams, and the thunderous roar of cannons.

"People are dying," Makai thought, his young heart pounding in his chest.

Branches whipped at their faces. Mika’s breath came in sobs as Leo carried her, while Makai stumbled along, teeth clenched in silent misery. Behind them, the manor was a flickering torch against the night.

“Faster, Prince,” Leo urged.

Makai’s knees gave out, but he pushed himself up, lips bloody where he’d bitten down on a scream. “I’m fine,” he gasped. The forest, once their playground, had become a nightmare of roots and shadows.

Leo nodded curtly, his eyes scanning the surrounding woods for any sign of pursuit. They reached the hidden clearing where the portal to the City of Eden lay dormant. They were to meet Reza there, but there was no sign of her. As the minutes ticked by, Leo's unease grew.

Thorns tore at their cloaks. Every snapped twig behind them felt like a hunter’s arrow. “Just a little further, Prince,” Leo panted, but his voice sounded thin—almost desperate.

Finally, they reached the deepest part of the forest, where a hidden clearing held the portal to the City of Eden. But Reza was nowhere in sight.

"Why are we stopping, Uncle Leo?" Mika whispered, her voice trembling.

"We're waiting for the Queen," Leo replied, his eyes searching the shadows. "This is where we’d agreed to meet. Unless…”

A gnawing fear grew in Leo's gut. He had given Reza ten minutes, but the silence became deafening as each second ticked by.

"Something's wrong," Makai whispered, echoing Leo's fears. Suddenly, an arrow pierced Makai's arm, and the forest erupted with the sound of more arrows raining down. Leo shielded the children as best he could, but they were quickly surrounded by a ring of human archers.

"Stop!" An unfamiliar, authoritative voice cut through the tension. The archers parted, revealing a cloaked figure.

A figure emerged from the trees, their face hidden beneath a dark hood. Leo's blood ran cold as he saw Mika held hostage, a dagger at her throat. Beside the figure stood Reza, her eyes cold and triumphant. Leo cursed his own idiocy for leaving the Princess alone and defenceless.

"Is she the one?" the man holding the princess hostage asked. He was tall and muscular. His face was hidden behind a blank cover, but the rest of his black attire was shown.

Beside him, Reza grinned. She turned to look at the wide-eyed and petrified little Princess and nodded.

"Yes. The Princess." A sly smirk appeared on her lips. "And just when I'd thought you could die peacefully. Tsk, tsk. Naughty little Princess you are—running off like that and making us chase you all the way here."

"Get away from her!" Leo roared, rage and despair warring. His mind raced as everything started to piece together. How could he have been so stupid not to have realised her intention earlier? “You betrayed us! You're behind this whole attack!”

"Whatever are you talking about, Sir Leo?" Reza feigned innocence, her eyes glittering with malice.

"Don't play coy," Leo spat. "It always occurred to me that of all the noble women, why would Ferid choose you — a half-breed— as his Queen. The fact that your family's company provides advanced technology for the Kingdom did not make any sense to me for you to be personally involved with him at all!"

Leo could only imagine how heartbroken Ferid would have felt if he discovered that his new Queen had betrayed him in the worst possible way. He had been so deeply in love and happy with her.

There were times when Leo had tried to persuade the young king to reconsider his decision to marry a half-breed, as the history between the full-fledged Spirits and half-breeds hadn't exactly been pleasant either, mainly because the half-breeds often prided themselves too much.

However, seeing how happy his king had been years after losing his former and beloved wife, Leo did not have the heart to destroy his charge and dear friend's newfound happiness. Thus, he’d remained quiet and only closely watched the new Queen.

Reza simply smiled, a wicked glint in her eyes.

"Poor Ferid," she mocked, "he was so blinded by love. He never suspected a thing."

Leo's mind raced.

The puzzle pieces had fallen into place, revealing the depth of Reza's treachery. The drugged central well, the human army, and the attack on the castle had all been part of her twisted plan. But Mika had not been the only target. Reza had made a deal with the humans, promising them the princess in exchange for their assistance.

"He actually thought he could stop me with his pathetic seal. Daring to stop me from going to the other side. Well, let's see just how powerful his seal is." Dragged by the arms, Reza approached the portal and pressed the small red button.

The portal activated from red to green.

"Don't worry, Prince Makai," Reza looked at the wounded young Prince with a sinister grin. "I'll be sure to do this quickly and spare you the grief of having to watch."

Makai's eyes widened at the meaning of her words. Rage suddenly consumed and blinded him. Before he knew what he was doing, Makai roared loudly. He then charged toward Reza—only to have an armoured foot smashed at the back of his head into the muddy ground, knocking him out.

"Makai!" Mika cried, reaching out for him, only to be pulled back roughly by her hair by Reza.

"What are you doing?" the cloaked man growled. "The Spirit Princess is ours. Hand her over to us now and you'll get what you've always wanted! That was the deal."

Reza smiled gracefully. "You humans are just too easy."

Her mismatched eyes darkened. Lifting one available hand in the air, she gathered energy, aimed at the cloaked man, and fired. She repeated the process with a few of his men, sending them flying into the thick forest.

"Was there anyone else who dared to stop me from leaving?" Reza taunted, her voice echoing through the clearing. Courage crumbled before her power, and the human archers lowered their heads in submission.

Reza’s smirk widened, her gaze sweeping over the cowering men.

"Pathetic," she spat, her voice dripping with disdain. "Had Ferid truly believed a handful of guards could contain me?"

Her eyes settled on a trembling archer. With a predatory stride, she closed the distance between them, her sharp nails digging into his neck, drawing a gasp of pain.

"I could kill you all," Reza whispered, her voice a chilling caress against his skin. "Or you could pledge your loyalty to me, your new queen." His eyes were wide with terror, and the archer fell to his knees, bowing before her. The rest followed suit, their desperate pleas for mercy filling the clearing.

"Wise choice," Reza purred, releasing the wounded archer. "Take those two back to the castle. Restrain them and lock them in the deepest dungeon."

"Y-Yes, Your Majesty," the archers stammered, scrambling to obey.

"Reza!" Leo roared, his voice a mixture of fury and despair. He tried to rise despite the pain pounding through his legs.

Another arrow struck Leo's other leg, sending him crashing to the ground again. The pain was excruciating, but the agony in his heart outweighed the physical torment. He clawed at the dirt, desperate to reach Mika, but his body refused to obey.

"Princess!" Leo cried out in anguish. But it was too late. The Queen yanked Mika towards the portal, a cruel glint in her eyes.

“No…” Makai’s voice cracked as Reza’s nails bit into Mika’s scalp.

Time seemed to slow as Reza callously tossed the terrified princess through the shimmering portal.

“MIKA!” The Prince screamed, but the archers dragged him back.

Taking a deep breath, Reza turned towards the still-activated portal. But as she was about to follow Mika, all of a sudden, a surge of energy jolted her back.

The portal flickered, then sputtered out, replaced by an impenetrable crystal barrier.

"What is this?!" Reza hissed, her eyes wide with surprise. The human archers scattered, their fear palpable. Everyone looked up and saw substantial crystal barriers surrounding the castle and its entire perimeter.

A ghostly voice echoed through the clearing, the words laced with vengeance and sorrow:

"Though this Kingdom may fall, Reza, you will never triumph. The true heirs will rise and defeat you. This barrier will hold you prisoner until justice is done." Ferid's voice, his final curse echoing from beyond the grave.

Reza's composure shattered, her face contorted in rage.

"That fool!" she spat, her voice venomous. "He had help from those meddling witches! But their sacrifice was in vain. The princess won't survive long in the human world."

Blazing with hatred, her eyes turned towards Leo, who lay helpless on the ground.

"You. Worthless knight," she snarled, "You will serve me or else the Prince will pay for the King’s idiocy in stopping me!" Reza then tossed a parchment and two portraits at his feet. "Find me the man and child in these pictures. Bring me everything you can find about them. Their secrets, their weaknesses... everything. Fail me, and the Prince will suffer a fate worse than death."

Leo's golden eyes burned with cold fury as he glared at the cruel Queen. “After what you've done to the Royal Family, do you really think I would—"

"I will not repeat myself, servant." Reza threatened in a low voice. "What happened to those worthless humans, I can do worse things to your precious Prince. For every misstep, he will suffer in my hands."

Leo gritted his teeth. He had lost so much already, but he would not lose Makai. He would find the answers Reza sought—not to serve her twisted desires, but to avenge his fallen king, rescue Mika, and fulfil his promise to protect the rightful heirs of the Spirit Kingdom.

"As you wish… Your Majesty," Leo said, his voice hollow.

Reza smirked, satisfied with her victory. "Good dog. Don't disappoint me, Leo. Or your precious Prince will pay the price." She strode away, heading back to the castle.

Leo clutched the parchment and portraits. Inside, everything was shattered.

Ferid, forgive me. I’ll keep what’s left of your legacy alive. I swear it.