In the dimly lit sanctuary of the temple, Evan, Elara, and Isolde grappled with the weight of their hunted status, each burdened by different concerns. The flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows across the cool stone walls of the temple. Evan, Isolde, and Elara huddled together, burdened by the weight of their hunted status. As they deliberated their next move, Priestess Rhea lingered in the shadows, her face obscured by the play of light and darkness.

Amidst the tension, Evan attempted to lighten the mood. “This floor is killing my back. Everything aches.”

Elara, though still on edge, couldn’t help but smirk. “Stop complaining, Evan. It’s not like we’re lounging in luxury here.”

Evan shot her a teasing grin. “Well, I’d prefer a comfortable bed over this cold stone any day.”

Unexpectedly, Elara’s cheeks flushed slightly, a subtle blush betraying her irritation. “Save your complaints for when we’re not in a life-or-death situation,” she retorted, her voice sharper than she intended.

Evan raised an eyebrow, catching the hint of colour on Elara’s cheeks. “Touchy, aren’t we?”

She averted her gaze, focusing on the discussion at hand. “Just stay focused on figuring out who this Boss person is. We don’t have time for your complaints.”

Isolde’s tentative voice broke the silence, seeking direction. “What do we do now?” she asked hesitantly.

“We need to find out who this Boss person is,” Evan groaned, attempting to sit up.

Elara, her patience wearing thin, snapped at Evan, “Stop your whining already. It’s your fault we’re even here. We wouldn’t be in this situation if you hadn’t barged into our home.”

Evan, unapologetic, retorted, “Ha. You’re right. You wouldn’t be here. You would be dead. Don’t forget I saved your precious ass.” The room lingered in tense silence, the gravity of their predicament hanging heavily in the air.

Rhea, hesitant but compelled to help, mumbled, “Ah… I… I might be able to help you. I know most of the people in this town.”

Elara dismissed her, rolling her eyes. “What help can you even be? We don’t even know anything about the person we are supposedly being hunted by!”

“Enough, Elara,” Evan interjected, turning to Rhea. “Please. If you know anything, anything at all. All we have to go on is he is after the Duskmires. He also has a man known as Gromm working for him.”

“G…. Gromm,” Rhea whispered with a shiver.

“Do you know him?” Isolde asked as Elara scoffed.

“H… He works for the mayor. H… He is a bad man. Very bad,” mumbled Rhea.

Elara, persistent, pressed Rhea. “We need to know everything. What’s your connection to the Mayor, and why does Gromm answer to him?”

Rhea hesitated, haunted by her past. Finally, she spoke, her voice laced with pain. “The Mayor is my father. Gromm is his loyal guard.”

Evan’s eyes narrowed, processing the revelation. “Do you think your father is orchestrating all of this? What’s his endgame?”

“He supports the Demon’s side in the war. He hates the Duskmire family because they stole something from him. He called it a betrayal of our kind,” Rhea whispered, her gaze distant. “His ambitions are entwined with the demons. My father made a deal with them so he can stake a claim and rule this part of the world.”

Elara’s brow furrowed. “But why target us? Why Evan?”

“Your family has been a significant supporter of the war effort. My father sees them as a threat. As for Evan, he’s a pawn in this twisted game, a scapegoat to divert attention,” Rhea explained, her voice strained. “You need to talk to my father’s assistant. He knows everything that is going on. He has been working to help me stop my father’s plans.”

Evan grunted, a mixture of frustration and anger boiling within him. “We need to expose the Mayor’s treachery. Elara and I will go talk to the Mayor’s assistant and see if we can find some evidence against him. Isolde, you stay here. Rhea, you’ve got to help us.”

Rhea nodded solemnly. “I’ll do what I can, but be cautious. My father is cunning, and his influence extends far. You’re walking into a dragon’s den.”

As Evan and Elara left the sanctuary, stepping into the murky night, the air chilled them to the bone. The streets were filled with whispers in the air.

While navigating the twisting laneways to the Mayor’s mansion, Evan couldn’t shake the chilling revelations about Rhea’s past. It added a layer of darkness to their already grim situation. The shadows seemed to dance around them, almost like it was alive.

The path they followed looped back on itself, as they hopped it would be enough to lose anyone following them. One of the alleyways was blocked completely, An over-turned wagon spanned wall to wall. Evan quickly pushed Elara back.

They Backtracked for a bit before Evan found a cross-direction alley that would take them around the wagon area. Evan put his finger to his lips as they walked.

The air grew colder as they reached the Mayor’s assistant’s residence, and an uneasy silence settled. Suddenly, footsteps echoed in the narrow passage. Elara’s sharp senses detected the presence of someone approaching. Before they could react, a haunting voice sliced through the stillness.

“Well, well, Evan. It seems you’re poking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”

Sylas, draped in shadows, emerged from the darkness, a malicious grin playing on his lips. Evan realized they were not the only ones seeking answers.

The wind whipped up dust around them in the alleyway. The cold night air had chilled the stone walls around them as the fog settled in slowly. Hushed voices could be heard behind closed doors as Evan looked around them. Searching for anyone who might be with Sylas.

“Sylas. What are you doing here?” Said Elara. “Don’t tell me you are here to stop us. We both know I can beat you with my eyes closed.”

Sylas laughed, wiping away a tear. “Maybe back then, little mage. But Now? I think you will find me much harder to defeat.”

“Shut up Sylas. I’ll put you in place right now.” Shouted Elara.

Evan looked at Elara. “Hey. Stop. Elara, you will draw too much attention.” But it was too late. Elara raised her hand as she cast a fireball.

“Ignis pila” Roared Elara.

“Ha.” Grunted Sylas as he blocked the spell with his great sword. “Want to try again, little mage? haha.”

Elara didn’t hesitate as she yelled out again. “Fulmen”

Arcs of lightning shot across the distance, the shrieking sounds as it passed, making Evan’s ears ring. It Hit Sylas direct. Blasting him backwards. Black scorch marks marred his clothing as he struggled to breathe.

“You bitch.” Spat Sylas as he raised his sword. “I’ll make you pay for that.”

Sylas lept forward quicker than Evan would have thought he was possible. The great sword was almost as tall as Elara was. As Sylas brought the sword down, Elara threw up a wall of earth. The sword cut partway through before coming to a stop.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“Gelum Spiculum.” Cursed Elara as she jumped backwards, but her foot slipped on a loose stone lying on the ground. Her ice spike went wide as she landed hard.

Sylas smirked as he pulled his sword free. “Looks like you lose again. Little mage.”

Swinging the great sword around. Sylas lunged forward as he brought the sword down. Elara closed her eyes. Not wanting to see the sword hit.

She waited. But no pain came. Opening her eyes, she gasped. Standing in front of her was Evan. His sword was drawn. Both of his hands held his sword up as he blocked the blow.

“I’ll take it from here.” Grunted Evan as he pushed up. His muscles bulged at the effort. Sylas stepped back as he held his sword at the ready.

“Shit. This guy is strong. I hope Elara doesn’t hate me for interfering, but I can’t stand by and watch her be killed.” Thought Evan as he countered a quick thrust from Sylas.“You shouldn’t have interfered Evan. Now the little mage will watch as I cut you down first. Haha.” Laughed Sylas as he stared at Evan. “I’ll show you why I am one of this town’s most feared fighters.”

Elara looked at Evan in shock. No one had ever stepped in to protect her. Even her parents had told her that she must stand on her own. No one would ever save her if she couldn’t save herself. But here was Evan fighting to protect her. She scrunched her eyes closed as Evan and Sylas went blow for blow.

“Why. Why would you put yourself out to help me.” Whispered Elara to herself. “Damn it. Why Evan? After everything I’ve done to you. Why. You barely even know me, yet here you are fighting to protect me. I don’t understand you… Argh… I can’t have anyone else dying for my mistakes. If only I was better at magic. Goddess take it. Why…”

“Are you working for Gromm?” Demanded Evan loudly. His sword deflecting another of Sylas’s blows.

“I only work for those who can give me what I want.” Smiled Sylas. “Gromm and his boss offered me riches and land. Who wouldn’t jump at the offer? They told me to wait here and kill anybody who showed interest in the house just down the way. Seemed like easy work to me.”

“Be careful human. He is gathering his mana to his core.” Came Ardentrex’s voice.

Sylas chuckled, the malicious glint in his eyes undeterred. “You think you can defeat me, Evan? I’ve faced foes far mightier than you.” He lunged forward, swinging his great sword with an unnatural ferocity.

Evan parried each blow, his muscles straining against the force of Sylas’s attacks. The clash of their swords echoed through the narrow passage, drawing the attention of anyone within earshot. Elara, still recovering from her previous fall, watched with a mix of awe and concern.

Evan kicked Sylas hard in the chest as he sidestepped a wide swinging arc. Sylas’s movements became more erratic. His swings lacked the precision he had in the beginning.

Ardentrex’s warning echoed in Evan’s mind, and he seized the opportunity. Evan dodged Sylas’s oncoming strike, leaving Sylas momentarily off-balance.

Evan swung his sword, delivering a powerful blow to Sylas’s arm. The impact reverberated through Sylas’s bones, and he howled in pain.

Despite the agony, Sylas retaliated, launching a desperate assault. His great sword came close to cutting Evan’s chest a few times as they both parried and dodged each swing.

A surge of mana enveloped Sylas as he attempted a last, desperate maneuver. magical energy crackled around him, forming a protective shield. Evan had anticipated the move. Drawing upon his chaos magic, Evan channelled it into his sword. With a swift and calculated strike, he shattered Sylas’s magical defence, leaving him vulnerable.

Evan pulled his sword arc short. Pivoting the strike at Sylas’s extended arm. The blade cut through flesh and bone, severing his arm from his shoulder. Time seemed to slow as the dismembered limb fell to the ground, and Sylas staggered backward, a mixture of shock and agony contorting his face.

“You’ve lost, Sylas,” Evan declared, his voice firm. “Tell us what we need to know, or your suffering will continue.”

Sylas, clutching his bleeding stump, glared at Evan with a venomous intensity. “You may have won this battle, but the war is far from over. The Boss’s plans are already in motion. You can’t stop what’s coming.”

Evan stepped closer, ready to press further, but Sylas, realizing the gravity of his situation, spat on the ground in defiance. “Kill me if you must, but you won’t escape the approaching storm. All of you will pay the price. Haha.”

Evan grabbed Sylas by his shirt, pulling him close. “Tell me what the Mayor is planning. Where is Gromm? Tell me. Or you won’t live to see the sunrise.”

“Ha. Do you think your threats mean anything to me?” Groaned Sylas as Evan pushed his finger into the bloody stump that was his arm.

“Just kill me already. I’m dead either way. But I’ll tell you this. Little Miss Mage won’t survive the next few days. Hahahaha. Gromm has unleashed a blood wolf. Do you know that that is Evan? Hmm. I’ll tell you. A Demon Blood Wolf, it’s a fearsome creation made for the ongoing war with the humans. It possesses fur engulfed in crimson flames, the colour of blood. Its haunting, bone-chilling howls can cause some people to freeze when they hear it. Once it is set on a target it won’t stop. Hahahaha. You hear me Elara. You’re going to… Ack….” Sylas gurgled as Evan pushed his sword through Sylas’s chest.

Pulling the sword free of Sylas’s corpse. Evan, his chest heaving from the exertion, cast a wary glance at the fallen body. “I guess that’s that. It’s a pity he had to die. But better him than me.” Thought Evan.

Evan wiped the blood from his sword as Sylas’s lifeless body lay in the alleyway, the echoes of their clash still ringing in the night air. Elara, recovering from the intensity of the battle, cast a wary glance around. The dimly lit streets felt more ominous than ever. They needed answers, and Priestess Rhea’s guidance led them to the door of a weathered wooden building.

Elara, still catching her breath, glanced at Evan with a mixture of relief and frustration. “I had him. I didn’t need your help.” Grumbled Elara, shaking herself like a wet dog as she slapped her face. “I don’t need you to put yourself out to protect me. Let me fight my own battles. Now. Let’s go. We still have to find the assistant.”

As they walked away, Evan couldn’t help but chuckle. “Hey, you’re the mage. I’m just the muscle. But, in this case, the charming, handsome muscle who saved you from getting sliced in half.”

Elara rolled her eyes. “Charming, handsome muscle? Please, Don’t make me throw up. You know that you would come in last even in a beauty contest for goblins.”

“Hehe. Yeah ok. Lead on then.” Said Evan with a smirk on his face.

The night air was tense as Evan and Elara approached the assistant’s residence. The sounds of rats were the only noise breaking the silence.

“Does it seem unnaturally quiet?” Asked Evan as they walked.

“Shh.” hissed Elara. “Something is watching the area. Let’s get this over with quickly. I don’t like the feeling I am getting.”

As they Knocked on the door of a wooden building, the light disappeared from under the door.

“Who’s there?” Came a rough voice.

Evan glanced around before speaking. “We were sent by Rhea. She said you could help us.”

A middle-aged man cautiously opened the door, eyeing them suspiciously before allowing them inside.

“Quickly now. Inside before someone sees you.” Said the man.

He led them into a small, dimly lit room. After exchanging furtive glances, the man began to speak in hushed tones. “My name is Cedric. You are here about what the mayor is doing yes? Rhea sent you, that would mean she believes we have a chance now. We must act quickly.”

“What is he doing?”Asked Elara.

Cedric eyed them both, confusion written on his face. “Did she not tell you about what he has planned? Hmm…” Mumbled Cedric before he continued. “It does not matter. I will tell you anyway. The mayor has made agreements with the Elves and a Demon prince. They will both attack the town, drawing the guards who have not been brought out to be slaughtered.”

“No.” Shouted Elara.

“Quiet.” Shouted Cedric. “They might be listening. Look. The Mayor has a long-standing hatred for this Duskmire family. They robbed him of some right or something many years ago and he has never forgiven them. Has some kind of vendetta against the family. He jumped at a deal when he was approached by a Demon prince offering to help him. The Demon Prince wants them removed as well. Something about helping the demon’s war effort.”

“Ok. So how do we stop this from happening?” Asked Evan. “I wish Kyra could help us. But I figured she would try to arrest me if she saw me again. Do you know the name of this Demon? Or any of the Elves?”

“Sadly no.” Replied Cedric. “I was not allowed in the meeting with the representatives. I know he had a Dwarf and another demon with him, but I that’s all I know.”

“Hmm.” Muttered Evan as he thought. “This leaves me with more questions than answers.”

“If… If the Duskmire family was removed from the picture. Would he still attack the town?” Asked Elara.

“Hmm. That’s a valid question. But I don’t have the answer sorry. It might stop him from the attack, Its main reason is to draw out the sisters. His first step is killing them.” Rambled Cedric.

“Elara. No. Don’t even ask that.” Yelled Evan as he stared at her in horror. “That is not an option.”

Elara grappled with conflicting loyalties, torn between saving the town and sacrificing herself to protect her sister and parents. The weight of the decision bore down on her, and she contemplated offering herself up to the Mayor in exchange for her family’s safety.

Just as Elara looked like she had made her mind up, the tranquillity of the moment was shattered as the sound of splintering wood and distant roars echoed outside.

“So they have finally come. Quickly through here, it’s a hidden way out. It will lead you out beside the house next door. They must have followed you here or they finally figured out where I was. I knew they would come for me eventually.” Said Cedric with a sigh.

“Come with us.” Cried out Elara as Evan pushed her through the hidden doorway. “Hey don’t push me.”

Turning to Evan, Cedric whispered, “Seek out Rivena in the dungeon of the dead. She’s the key to unravelling this twisted plot. She despises the Mayor with a passion, and she can guide you further.” With that, Cedric ushered Evan through the hidden exit as his house became a battleground.

As they slipped away into the night, Evan and Elara could hear the sounds of chaos behind them. A massive explosion threw them off their feet. Evan looked back as he helped Elara up. Pieces of wood rained down around them as they silently ran down the dark alleyway.

Cedric’s sacrifice weighed heavily on their minds as Evan spoke. “Cedric said we need to head to finding Rivena in the dungeon of the dead. She can help us.”

“Ok.” Muttered Elara, a dark expression on her face. “Let’s tell Isolde before we head off.”