Inside of Marudeva’s home, Marudeva lay peacefully beside his beautiful wife, Pyla. The sound of the knock disrupted their slumber, causing Pyla to groan in frustration. “Can we not have one night of undisturbed rest?” she murmured, her voice laced with weariness.

Marudeva's eyes fluttered open, his senses alert. He quickly dressed himself and leaned over to kiss his wife gently. “Rest, my love, and tend to the precious life within you,” he whispered. “I will return soon.”

Making his way downstairs, Marudeva opened the door to find his loyal warrior, Daku, standing before him. Marudeva's brows furrowed in curiosity as he inquired, “What is it, Daku? My sleep is very important, why are you disturbing it?”

Daku handed Marudeva a sealed envelope and replied, “Forgive me, my leader, but a Fire Kingdom soldier delivered this. He claimed it was for your eyes only.”

Marudeva's fingers traced the edges of the envelope as he broke the seal and unfolded the letter within. A mixture of concern and determination filled Marudeva's gaze as he looked up at Daku. “Gather, a few warriors,” he commanded. “Meet me on the desert in twenty minutes. We must journey to the Earth Kingdom.”

Moments later, in the middle of the night on the Dweller desert, Marudeva rode his horse made of ash, the ethereal creature gliding effortlessly across the barren landscape. Around him, twenty of his Dweller Warriors rode on normal horses, their eyes sharp and their swords gleaming in the moonlight. They were on a mission, heading toward the Earth Kingdom.

Suddenly, they came to a halt in front of a large green forest, its dense foliage casting eerie shadows on the ground. A Fire Kingdom soldier approached Marudeva and the other Dwellers, his armor glinting in the moonlight.

“Marudeva, thank you for your quick arrival,” the soldier said, his voice tinged with relief.

Marudeva nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings. “Where is the suspect?” he asked, his voice steady and commanding.

The soldier pointed towards the depths of the forest. “He is held captive by my fellow soldiers. Follow me, and I will take you to him.”

Marudeva and his Dweller warriors followed the soldier into the green forest, their steps silent and purposeful. The air was thick with anticipation as they moved deeper into the unknown.

Marudeva's mind raced with thoughts of the child, the innocent life they were sworn to protect. “Is the child, okay?” he asked, his voice filled with concern.

The soldier nodded. “Yes, she still sleeps as always. We have made sure she is safe.”

They arrived near a small cabin nestled in the heart of the forest. Two Fire Kingdom soldiers stood guard, their eyes watchful. In front of them, a man was tied up and leaned against a tree, his face a mask of defiance.

Marudeva approached the man, his gaze piercing. He grabbed the man by his hair, pulling him forward with a forceful grip. “What kind of honor do you have?” Marudeva’s voice was laced with anger. “Trying to kill an innocent sleeping baby.”

“Say nothing, if you wish,” Marudeva sneered, his voice dripping with menace. “Consider yourself fortunate that the Fire Kingdom has claimed authority over your crimes. For we, the Dwellers, would have relished in peeling your flesh piece by piece until you begged for the sweet release of death. We have no tolerance for those who dare to harm innocent sleeping babies.”

With a forceful shove, Marudeva pushed the man towards his Dweller warriors, his eyes burning with a fierce determination. “Tie him up on a horse. I shall join you shortly.”

Two Dweller warriors swiftly obeyed, leading the bound man away. As they disappeared into the shadows, a Fire Kingdom soldier stepped closer to Marudeva, his expression etched with concern.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult,” the Fire Kingdom soldier admitted, his voice heavy with the weight of the situation. “More and more assassins are coming for the child.”

He hugged the Fire Kingdom soldier who had accompanied them, grateful for his support. “Well, I am off,” Marudeva said, his voice filled with determination. “I must deliver the suspect to King Aiden.”

With a nod, Marudeva exited the cabin, worried about the lack of protection for the sleeping baby. He mounted his horse, his loyal Dweller Warriors following suit, and together they rode off towards the Fire Kingdom, their destination clear.

Marudeva rode at the head of his fearsome Dweller Warriors, their tan cloaks billowing in the wind as they made their way towards the Fire Kingdom palace. The sun starts beating down upon them, casting long shadows across the barren landscape. Bound tightly to one of the horses was a man, his face filled with fear and desperation.

As they approached the palace gates, Marudeva dismounted and yanked the tied-up man off the horse. He dragged him by the collar, his boots echoing on the marble floor as they entered the grand hall. The sound of their arrival reverberated through the empty corridors, alerting the guards to their presence.

With a respectful bow, Marudeva spoke, his voice filled with a mix of authority and urgency. “This is the man who attempted to kill the last member of the Earth Kingdom, Princess Moriko, while she lay defenseless in her slumber. They captured him just in time, this once made it into the cabin.”

King Aiden rose from his throne, his face a mask of determination. He approached the tied-up man, his steps deliberate and measured. “Thank you, Marudeva,” he said, his voice deep and commanding. “I will have him questioned immediately to uncover the truth behind this heinous act.”

Fire Kingdom soldiers swiftly entered the throne room, their armor gleaming in the dim light. They escorted the tied-up man out of the room, their grip firm and unyielding. As they disappeared from sight, King Aiden turned his attention back to Marudeva, his expression one of gratitude.

He embraced Marudeva tightly, a gesture of camaraderie and trust. “You have done a great service to the Fire Kingdom,” King Aiden said, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. “We must get to the bottom of this plot and ensure Princess Moriko's safety.”

Marudeva's brow furrowed with concern as he broke the silence. “I don't understand, Your Majesty,” he began, his voice filled with confusion. “Why have the attempts to end Princess Moriko, intensified?”

King Aiden sighed, his eyes heavy with the weight of knowledge. “Rumors have been circulating, Marudeva,” he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. “Months ago, a Water Kingdom soldier claimed to have witnessed a miraculous event in the green forest.”

Marudeva's curiosity piqued. “What event, my lord?”

“A white flower,” the king explained, his gaze distant as he recalled the tale. “The soldier claimed that a single white flower appeared on a tree, in the green forest. It was said to possess an otherworldly beauty, radiating an aura of pure magic.”

Marudeva's eyes widened with intrigue. “But what does it mean, Your Majesty?”

King Aiden shrugged, his expression filled with uncertainty. “No one knows for sure. Some believe that this white flower is a sign, a harbinger of the child's awakening. They speculate that when the infant finally opens their eyes, the green forest will come alive again.”

Marudeva's mind whirled with possibilities. “But Your Majesty if this is true, why would the attempts on the child's life increase? Shouldn't they decrease, knowing that the child's awakening could cause the green forest to fight back?”

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King Aiden's eyes darkened with a mix of concern and frustration. “That is the question that haunts me, Marudeva,” he admitted, his voice tinged with sorrow. “There are those who fear the return of the green forest, who would rather see it remain dormant and lifeless. They seek to extinguish the child's potential, to prevent the revival of nature's magic. If they kill the child, the Kingdoms of Elements will become distorted.”

Marudeva stood before King Aiden, his eyes filled with concern, his voice laced with uncertainty. “What if the child was cared for outside of the Earth Kingdom?” he asked, his words hanging heavy in the air.

King Aiden paused, his regal presence filling the expansive Fire Kingdom throne room. His fiery gaze met Marudeva's, and for a moment, the weight of responsibility settled upon his broad shoulders. “She belongs in the Earth Kingdom, Marudeva,” he replied, his voice steady and resolute. “That is where she should stay.”

Marudeva's eyes widened, his curiosity piqued. “Precautions? What have you done, Your Majesty?”

King Aiden voice filled with a mixture of reverence and determination. “I have sent my best soldier to watch over and protect her,” he whispered, his words carrying the weight of his duty. “He will ensure that no harm befalls her and that the delicate balance between the Kingdoms remains intact.”

Marudeva's eyes widened, his heart filled with a mix of awe and gratitude. “Your Majesty, you have done all this to protect a child?”

King Aiden rose, his gaze fixed upon Marudeva. “She is more than just a child, Marudeva. Her fate is connected with the fate of all the Kingdoms. We must ensure that she remains safe, and hope she is never awakened.”

As they walked around the throne room, Marudeva couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation. The weight of their responsibility hung heavy in the air, but he knew that King Aiden's actions were driven by a deep understanding of the world they inhabited.

***

Prince Tyson was following a Red Demon down the corridor, their footsteps echoing through the silent halls. After what seemed like an eternity, they arrived at a grand door, adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures. The Red Demon pushed open the door, revealing a spacious chamber bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. At the center of the room, Rowan sat behind a massive desk, his piercing gaze fixed on the entrance.

As Prince Tyson entered, Rowan with his vibrant red skin and dark crimson hair rose from his seat, a smile playing upon his lips. “Ah, if it isn't my favorite Prince from the Kingdoms of Elements,” he exclaimed, his voice dripping with amusement.

Prince Tyson smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Ah, Rowan, you always have a way of lightening the mood,” he said. “But before we proceed with the contract, I must go and fetch my brother. It is important that he learns about the fire contract signing.”

Curiosity piqued, Rowan raised an eyebrow. “Your brother? Why is it necessary for him to be present?”

Prince Tyson's expression turned serious. “My brother, Prince Maccoy, is the heir to the throne now,” he explained. “It is crucial for him to understand the intricacies of the kingdom's contracts and agreements. As his older brother, it is my duty to guide and mentor him in matters of governance.”

Rowan nodded to Prince Tyson, his expression grave. “Go, get your brother,” he instructed, his voice firm with a hint of understanding. Prince Tyson wasted no time, rushing out of Rowan's office and navigating the long hallways of the palace. His heart pounded in his chest as he reached the door to his brother's room. With a quick twist of the handle, he stepped inside, only to find the room empty.

Confusion washed over him as he stepped back into the hallway, his mind racing with possibilities. Where could his brother be? As he pondered his next move, a faint sound caught his attention. Moans, coming from a room a few doors down. Curiosity and dread mingled in his chest as he made his way towards the source of the noise.

He stood outside the door, his hand trembling slightly as he pressed his ear against the wood. And then he heard it - Hanina's voice, moaning his brother's name. Prince Tyson's heart sank, a mix of anger and betrayal coursing through his veins. Without a second thought, he pushed the door open and stepped into the room.

What he saw before him was a scene that shattered his world. His brother, Prince Maccoy, locked in an intimate moment with Hanina. Prince Tyson's voice trembled with a mix of anger and pain as he spoke, his words laced with disbelief. “Brother, stop now!”

Prince Maccoy's eyes widened in shock as he quickly disentangled himself from Hanina, his face flushed with guilt. The room was heavy with tension as the three of them stood in silence, the weight of the betrayal hanging in the air. Prince Tyson wide-eyed looking at his brother Prince Maccoy and Hanina.

Enraged, Tyson stormed over to the bed and forcefully jerked Hanina off it by her arm. “You whore!” he seethed, his voice filled with venom. “How dare you touch a member of the Fire Kingdom?”

Reacting instinctively, Maccoy quickly rose to his feet and shoved Tyson away from Hanina. His voice quivered with a mix of determination and desperation. “I love her, Brother,” he confessed, his eyes locked with Hanina's.

Tyson's face contorted with disbelief and anger. “You can't she is a part of the Underworld,” he argued, his voice laced with desperation. “You are the heir to the Fire Kingdom. You have responsibilities.”

But Maccoy's gaze remained unwavering as he looked into Hanina's eyes. “She is Keener, she truly doesn’t belong in the Underworld,” he declared resolutely. “All I want is to be with Hanina.”

Tyson, realizing the depth of his brother's feelings for Hanina, resorted to manipulation. He knew that Rowan, the ruler of the red hell, would not care either way. “If you truly love her,” Tyson lied, “you will leave with me. Otherwise, I will tell Rowan, and he will have Hanina destroyed.”

Prince Tyson's heart pounded in his chest as he pinned his younger brother, Prince Maccoy, against the cold stone wall of Rowan's mansion. The dimly lit hallway echoed with their heavy breathing, the weight of their secret threatening to consume them both.

“No one can find out,” Prince Tyson hissed, his voice laced with desperation. “I will not tell a soul about catching you with that girl. This is my fault, I should've watched you better here.”

Prince Maccoy's eyes flickered with a mix of defiance and vulnerability. “I love Hanina,” he declared, his voice trembling. “I will find a way to be with her. This is not on you, brother.”

Prince Tyson's grip tightened, his fingers digging into his brother's shoulders. “Everything bad that happens to our family and our Kingdom,” he whispered, his voice filled with self-loathing, “it will forever be my fault.”

“Why did you come looking for me?” Prince Maccoy asked, his voice filled with confusion.

Prince Tyson's eyes met his brother's, a mix of determination and fear swirling within them. “Rowan is here,” he revealed, his voice barely above a whisper. “He will sign the fire contract, then we will be on our way. When we meet with him, you will not say a word.”

As they walked towards Rowan's office, Prince Tyson's voice broke the silence. “I am sorry, brother,” he murmured, his voice laced with regret. “Because of my carelessness in my youth, the burden of our family line falls on you. Please, if you are going to hate anyone, hate me.”

As they entered Rowan's office, the atmosphere was tense. Rowan stands with a smile.

“Welcome, my princes,” Rowan greeted them, his voice dripping with intrigue. “I trust you have come to discuss the matter at hand?”

Prince Tyson took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Rowan's gaze. “Indeed, Rowan. We have made our decision.”

Rowan leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. “And what might that be?”

Prince Maccoy finally spoke, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. “We have decided to sign the fire contract, granting you fifteen years of access to the Fire Kingdom's fire.”

Prince Maccoy stood in Rowan's office, a sense of anticipation and sadness filling the room. He held the signed fire contract in his hands, a symbol of the alliance between their realms. Rowan and his brother, Prince Tyson, stood before him, their expressions a mix of gratitude and farewell.

As Prince Maccoy handed the contract to Rowan, their eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between them. Rowan's firm handshake with Prince Tyson only solidified the end of the meeting.

“I hope you both have a safe journey back to your Fire Kingdom,” Rowan said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Prince Tyson nodded, his gaze lingering on Rowan. “Thank you,” he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.

With a heavy sigh, Prince Maccoy turned to his brother. “I will go pack my bags,” he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

Rowan's gaze softened, and he placed a comforting hand on Prince Maccoy's shoulder. “My maids have already packed both of your bags,” he reassured him. “They wait for you at the front door.”

As they reached the front door, Prince Maccoy's gaze lifted, and there, at the top of the grand staircase, stood Hanina. Her eyes were brimming with tears, mirroring the pain that Prince Maccoy felt deep within his soul. In that moment, time seemed to stand still.

Prince Maccoy dropped his bags, his urgency to be by Hanina's side overriding any sense of duty or responsibility. He took a step towards her, his heart bursting with love and longing. But before he could reach her, Prince Tyson's firm grip on his arm halted him in his tracks.

“Don't make a scene, Maccoy,” Prince Tyson whispered urgently, his voice filled with concern. “It will cost Hanina her life. We must go now.”

Prince Maccoy's eyes pleaded with his brother, torn between his love for Hanina and the knowledge that their actions could have dire consequences. Reluctantly, he nodded, a single tear slipping down his cheek. With a heavy heart, he blew a kiss towards Hanina and mouthed the words, “I love you.”

As Prince Tyson led him out of the mansion, the door closed behind them. Hanina, overcome with grief, fell to her knees, her cries echoing through the empty halls. Prince Maccoy's heart was heavy with regret as he left behind the woman he loved, forced to abandon her for the sake of their safety. The weight of his duty as a prince bore down on him, a constant reminder of the sacrifices he had to make.