"Quick this way!" Joseph's voice tore through the air with each step they took. Behind them are metal and footsteps, yearning to claim their freedoms. Alderic, hand in hand with Evelyn's, fled to the light under Axl's protection. What could be more painful than to witness the beloved die in front of your useless self? In the end, fate was not keen on letting her mourn their death. Locking away all the grief, and moving on is the only option. For this chance is carved out of sacrifice, she and they will make it worth.

Quickly, Joshep led them to a darker path covered in layers of leaves. The solid vale of mist blocking the eyesight is an ideal weapon they could use to lure. Into the mist, they divided. Certainly, accompanied by Alderic and Axl, Evelyn should feel safer than anyone else. Then why is a sense of malaise still stirring inside? Take a deep breath, forever bury it in the depths of her heart. Tension heightened with each step they took, not keen on letting out even the smallest sound to alert the guards. After what feels like hours, the edge meets their sight at last.

Before any sign of relief could come, the branch broken under Evelyn's step echoed, breaking the deadly silence of the mist. The same as Axl, indeed, those soldiers are trained to be Arioch's killing machines, knowing nothing but obey. The moment that crushing comes, they strike in her direction. "Be careful, they are not easy to deal with." Axl hissed under his breath, his scarred hands gripping both knives. Like an arrow, he disappeared into combat, proactively taking lives before the enemies could even lay their touch. Yet, blinding their eyes with a veil is the once-thought ally, the mist. For now, it has blurred the boundaries between life and death. Holding on to her brother's hand is Evelyn in pure fear. Can't see any enemies besides the sound of violence, what else could be worse? Never before had she witnessed what lies on the battlefront until this day. A place... Beyond salvation, beyond the reach of God, lies the realm of Death. Could it be the harsh reality that shook her awake? Glancing up at the one who swore to protect, to be greeted by a different one. Under the black strands already surrendered, those emerald pearls gazed upon the only mission, killing. After all, the tired hand soon colored gray. "Afraid not, you won't lose me." He whispers. "No matter what happens, you will always be by my side."

Suddenly, a strong force pulled her down, and Alderic quickly swung the silver sword to her side. His hand locks with hers, switching positions. The soldier then fell to the ground while Alderic brandished his sword, the flow of blood running down the silver blade. All of his actions happened in just a blink, too quick for her to even see the enemy or the blood. She was completely in awe. From changing their standings to wiping away the blood, all of those efforts were to save her from seeing such unnecessary and brutal scenes. Before they could catch more breath, a few soldiers struck behind the mist. Unflattered, Alderic calmly took them down one by one. Yet, no matter how strong his skill was, protecting and attacking at the same time soon put the general in a weaker position. From the unknown, a sharp blade was aimed at his neck in Evelyn's scream. "Orville!" At his command, a black raven immediately appears. Using its wings to strike the enemy, the raven's beak stabbed its prey's eyes, leaving tears of agony and blood. That's right, Evelyn keeps forgetting that, besides a raven, Orville was Alderic's comrade. Side by side, they have gone through countless battles, enough to make any enemies yield when they see the raven's sight. And this time is no exception. Orville, side by side with Alderic, banishing every enemy in sight. Evelyn can't help but sigh. A raven is even more useful than her.

Several more come at Alderic, surrounding him in a circle, striking him all at once. Covered her in his arms, the blade dancing on his hand. Pouring all his might into each move, a sharp blade hit his stomach, sending a wave of pain. Ignoring the warm flow of blood leaking from the wound, Alderic clenched his teeth, facing the storm of the enemies' battle cry. Reaching the limit, Alderic flinches for a second, just in time to catch a blade about to fall on his head. A clumsy but steady sword merely defends him, blocking the deadly swing. Evelyn then let out rapid breaths, her eyes focusing on the target. Only defending a move has taken so much strength from her. What could she do if they attacked? For all those years, all she knew was how to defend, but how could she protect? In no time, a booming sound emerges, with smoke creating a border between the sides. "Follow me, quick." Axl jumps out of nowhere, leading the two away from the carnage battle. Orville cut through the mist, following its master, Alderic. How thankful they were that fate was on their side, for so long that they could escape violence and rejoin peace.

What welcomes them is the sight of Joseph waiting at a hidden cave, relief crossing the navy's eyes. Hidden under layers of trees, this should be enough to buy them some time. However, not all of them have let down their guard. Letting go of Evelyn, Alderic points the sword at Joseph, icy eyes, piercing, to everyone's surprise. "Where are you leading us?" The weapon dyed in the iron scent of blood aimed at the heart, surely merciless. "Alderic, calm down. We need to tend your injuries first," Evelyn tried to ease the tension. Unlike her expectation, not a single one of her words could reach him. Ignore her, ignore the painful wounds, the cruel blade unwavering. "What is your intention?" his hoarse voice threaten "Speak." an absolute grandeur radiated from him. Though he never admits it, among the three of them, she knows he was born as a natural leader. Just like this moment, shattered from the battles, losing everything he had yet the feeling of a natural power never leaves him. Who says a ruler needs to sit on the throne and wear a crown? And now, he demands the answers.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"You know where we are heading, Alderic." Joseph fixed his sight on the man. He knows, knows more than anyone else. A place he... His father and himself tried to run from all of his life. Of all places in this world, why there? The leaking blood finally drains all the energy left, sending Alderic down to his knees. Leaning on the sword, he tries to face Joseph. All he does is just take a clean cloth from the pocket and tie it around his wound to stop the bleeding. Just like he always did when he was young. "I have given up your father and brother, nor do I have no intention" he tightens the bandage "Besides I am your only option, whether you like it or not." The tension in the air finally eases away as Evelyn and Axl finally can relax. Alderic leans on the cave's edge, leaving Joseph to do whatever should be done. The color of the man's eyes catches his attention. In his illusions, reminded him of a person... A person he missed so much. "I hate how I couldn't understand you... Or him," he whispers just to get back silence from Joseph. Strange, even his techniques feel like him?

After making sure all the soldiers have gone, they decide to head to the hideout. "Almost there! Theodore and Reid are already waiting for us there." Joseph said while leading the way with Axl down behind for protection. Holding his hand, Evelyn can feel how cold he is. The sweat from his forehead soaked the black hair. He is enduring the pain, she can tell. Yet not a single groan escaped. All he does is lean on her, despite each of his steps feeling like walking on thousands of blades. Alderic, you can't hide the desire in your eyes. Was he... Worth that much to you? Little did she know, the Alderic she was familiar with, completely changed.

...

"Here, Theodore. Be careful with your steps" Reid carefully led me to an abandoned cottage deep in the forest. I want to thank him, to ask him so many things. But no words could escape from my dry throat. Days of starvation, hours of despair must have changed me somehow. Enough to put Reid in utter awe when he sees me. I couldn't tell how I looked at this moment, but I knew this body was too weak to even breathe under such cold winds. Arioch didn't have the chance to lay his hands on me. The one who tortured was me... Or did I? The moment Reid let go of my hand, the wind blew away the cloak, revealing the crimson scars. Oh, right, that was me. Those neat lines of scars, deep enough to hurt but couldn't kill, could only be the result of my tireless work. Though I could barely feel any pain now, then why did Reid act so astonished, why did he look so sad? There were so many things I wanted to ask. The sounds keep calling for me, what is that?

From the edge of the forest, I see him. For years, I have dreamt of this day for too long. The person I have repeatedly forced myself to remember. Father, I screamed, yet only a rusty sound got out. The father, the family I thought I had lost that day. All of this time, where have you gone? Standing up, I summon all the strength left, running to him just like in the old time. Ignore Reid's yells, ignore all the bustling sounds of screams around, ignore the aching pain that shattered this body, I run. Even just a moment, all the burdens, all the suffering disappeared in those soft eyes of father. Finally, I could meet him. Father! The wind steals away my voice.

Then

From his chest, a flower of blood dazzlingly bloomed on his heart. Kneeling, he looked at me in tears. The tears I have never seen before. He is saying something, despite blood lingering on his smile. Why? Father falling on the ground, just two steps from me. Two strange people followed him from behind, fright painting all over their faces. Then, I see him, Alderic Sylvester. I love him... I hate him? I can't understand anymore. All that I can see is father lying on the ground, sleeping alas. Laughing out loud, I can't help myself. That's right, all of this... just another illusion that I created to torture myself, just like in that cell. None of this is real. Father, him, and everyone else, none of them are real. This is just a nightmare. Father have died with mother a long time ago. This could not be him. I could just laugh it off... Then what is this bitter feeling? Why is my heart being strangled? Why is all of this too real to be a dream? Scratching on the hand, I seek the pain. In the laughter, the pain sent from the leaking injuries doesn't fail me. It's time to wake up, Theodore. The pain is only cruelly telling... None of this is my illusion.

Kneeling next to father, I caress his face. The warmth of him, of his blood, touches my fingertips. "Father?" words can finally escape, but he could no longer hear me. I laugh and laugh, mocking how laughable my life is. "Wake up!" I yelled out loud.

'Theodore, my poor self' Open my eyes, and I couldn't see anything but the void, only the black figure of a boy waving at me. The black figure held me softly in its arms. This time, there are no chains, no fury... only emptiness. "Everything will be alright, Theodore. Join me and suffer no more' fighting back? What's left to fight? All of my life was just a bad joke. Nodding, I drown in the abyss of the void. Holding the black figure's hand, we tuck Theodore to sleep, alas. Behind him, a mysterious smile was drawn on the black figure's face.