———Alyse———

As the sun sets, the vibrant hues of twilight stretch across the city, bathing it in warm, golden light. The streets come alive with the energy of the Full Moon Festival. Laughter and music fill the air as vendors shout their wares, children run by holding glowing sticks, and townspeople gather to light the special lanterns. Each lantern, carefully crafted and painted, rises into the sky, joining a sea of others that float like fireflies toward the heavens. The anticipation for the midnight fireworks is electric.

I walk beside Brenelor, smiling and exchanging greetings with the townspeople. The weight of the recent days feels a little lighter in this joyful moment.

Brenelor glances at me, her golden armor catching the flickering light of the lanterns. "You should go find your brother and Domnik," she says, her tone warm but firm.

"I thought I'd help you with—"

"Alyse." She cuts me off, giving me a pointed look that's somehow both stern and encouraging. "Go. Have fun for once."

I hesitate for a moment, then nod. "Alright, alright. I'll go."

As I make my way through the crowd, the festive sounds of a lute and tambourine drift through the air. I head toward the bard's stage, where Red and Domnik said they'd be. Lantern light dances across the cobblestones, and the aroma of roasted meats and sweet pastries teases my senses.

The moment I spot them, Domnik's sharp eyes meet mine. His face lights up with a mischievous grin as he waves me over.

"Alyse! You're just in time!" he calls out, his voice carrying easily over the chatter of the crowd.

When I reach them, he leans in, his grin widening. "They're about to have a battle of the bards, and guess who's performing? Your man."

I blink in surprise, my eyebrows shooting up. "Fabian?!" I exclaim, the name tumbling out before I can stop myself.

Red bursts into laughter, nearly doubling over as he slaps his knee. "You should see your face!" he chokes out between fits of laughter.

Domnik chuckles, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Couldn't resist."

I roll my eyes but can't help the small laugh that escapes me. "Very funny."

Just as I'm about to retort, the stage announcer's voice booms through the square. "Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for the ultimate Battle of the Bards! The finest musicians from across the land are here to compete for your applause, your cheers, and, of course, the coveted Moonlit Lyre!"

The crowd erupts into cheers, and I can feel the excitement thrumming in the air.

Red nudges me with his elbow. "You know, if Fabian really were here, he'd probably win."

Domnik smirks. "If he didn't try to recite one of his terrible love poems first."

I laugh, the sound blending with the festive energy around us. For a brief moment, everything feels normal—like we're just three people enjoying a festival, free from the shadows of war and duty.

As the first bard takes the stage, strumming an intricate melody on a harp, Domnik leans closer to me. "So, what do you say? Care to dance while we wait for the real show?"

I glance at him, surprised. "You dance?"

He grins, extending a hand. "I didn't say I was good at it. But hey, festivals are for trying new things, right?"

Before I can respond, Red steps between us, his expression mock-serious. "I don't know, Domnik. Can you handle her? She's got lightning in her veins now."

Domnik smirks, his dark eyes flashing. "Guess I'll just have to keep up."

I laugh, taking Domnik's hand. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you."

As we step into the square where couples are already spinning to the bard's tune, I catch Red watching us with a small smile. The music swells, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself get lost in the moment.

"And now, the highly anticipated... Fabian Leone!" the stage announcer bellows, his voice rising over the noise of the crowd.

My head snaps toward the stage, the name hitting me like a bolt of lightning. My hand drops from Domnik's as I push forward through the sea of onlookers. "He really is here!" I shout, barely containing the mix of excitement and disbelief bubbling inside me.

On the stage, Fabian strides out with all the confidence of someone who knows the crowd is already his. His dark hair is tied back, his signature red cloak billows slightly in the evening breeze, and a polished lute is slung casually over his shoulder. His grin is as dazzling as ever, and the crowd roars in approval.

Domnik steps up beside me, his eyebrows lifting. "And I guess I was right, I didn't think he'd actually be here. Well this is going to be miserable for Red and I since you wouldn't stop talking about him last time."

I elbow him lightly, my cheeks flushing. "I didn't talk about him that much."

Red appears on my other side, arms crossed and a bemused smirk on his face. "Oh, you definitely did. I remember thinking he was some kind of hero the way you described him."

I glare at both of them. "Shut up. He is a hero. He's—"

Fabian's voice interrupts my defense as he speaks into the magically amplified mic attached to his collar. "Good evening, Celestria! Are you ready for some real music tonight?"

The crowd erupts in cheers, and Fabian winks, his charisma practically lighting up the stage. His lute gleams under the lanterns as he plucks a few strings, the sound resonating beautifully. He starts a playful melody, and his voice joins the music with a smooth, effortless charm.

Domnik leans in closer, whispering, "Alright, I'll give him this—he's good."

Fabian's song shifts into a fast-paced tune, and the crowd begins clapping along. He struts across the stage, his energy infectious. I can't help but laugh as I catch a glimpse of him spinning and pointing into the crowd.

Then his eyes meet mine.

For a moment, it feels like the world around us fades into silence. Fabian freezes mid-step, his confident smile faltering as recognition dawns. "Alyse?" he breathes into the mic, the word barely audible over the roaring crowd.

Domnik looks between us, his brow furrowing. "Wait, did he just say your name?"

Fabian recovers quickly, his grin returning as he steps back into his performance. He finishes the song with a dramatic flourish, the final note echoing through the square. The crowd erupts into applause, but I barely hear it, my focus locked on Fabian as he hops off the stage and strides directly toward me.

"Alyse," he says again, his voice warm and familiar. His gaze shifts briefly to Red and Domnik before returning to me. "It's really you."

"It's me," I reply, my voice trembling slightly.

Fabian chuckles, running a hand through his hair. "I've seen you around the city with the Empress. There was something about you that caught my eye, something that felt, " He pauses, his eyes catching the faint sparks of lightning dancing along my fingertips. "electric."

Domnik steps forward, his posture protective. "Oh please, electric, really?"

Fabian straightens, offering a hand. "Fabian Leone. Bard, adventurer, occasional hero. And who might you be?"

Domnik doesn't take his hand, his dark eyes narrowing. "Domnik Wrathrune. Friend. Occasional protector. Daem."

Fabian raises an eyebrow, his smile turning slightly more measured. "Ah, I see."

"Oh, Fabian, don't mind Domnik," I say with a teasing grin, crossing my arms as I glance at Domnik. "He's just jealous."

Domnik scoffs, his arms folding tightly across his chest. "Jealous? Of him?" He gestures toward Fabian, who's leaning casually on his lute, an easy grin on his face.

Fabian chuckles softly, the sound light and musical, as if even his laughter carries a melody. "Jealousy's a natural response," he quips, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "I'd probably be jealous of me, too."

Domnik glares, but Red steps in before the exchange can escalate. "Alright, let's not turn this into a sparring match," he says, his tone dry. "We've got enough on our plate without you two bickering like kids."

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Fabian straightens, smoothing his cloak as he offers a mock bow. "As you wish, Scarlet Phoenix."

Red raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Don't call me that."

"Well, I must get back to the show as it seems young Alyse." his smile is intoxicating.

I can't help but laugh, the tension between them fading slightly. "Oh Fabian, will I ever see you again?" I question, shaking my head.

He tilts his head, his smile softening. "Of course." His gaze lingers on my fingertips for a moment before he adds, "I shall make a journey to the palace soon to see you again."

Domnik clears his throat loudly, breaking the moment. "Well bye," he says pointedly.

Fabian nods, his playful demeanor turning more serious. "Till next we meet, my Arc Angel." Fabian gives a final smile, his charisma slipping back into place like armor, giving me a quick wink before disappearing back into the crowd.

Domnik lets out an exaggerated groan as soon as Fabian is out of earshot. "That guy is insufferable."

I nudge him with my elbow, smirking. "Oh, come on, he's harmless. He just likes to talk."

"Yeah, a little too much," Domnik mutters, shaking his head.

Red sighs, rubbing his temples. "Let's enjoy the rest of the festival while we can."

The three of us fall into step, making our way back toward the main square where the lanterns glow like stars against the darkening sky.

———Red———

Domnik, Alyse and I step out onto the street, the city still booming with the festival. The ground beneath us trembles slightly, a faint, unsettling vibration that makes me pause mid-step. A low, distant pounding follows, like a heartbeat reverberating through the city itself.

Domnik's eyes dart around, his expression tense. "What was that?" he asks, his voice low but sharp.

"I'm not sure." Alyse says.

I shake my head, gripping the hilt of my blade instinctively. "An earthquake? Maybe..."

Before I can finish, another rumble ripples through the ground, stronger this time. It's followed by an earth-shaking boom that reverberates through the air like thunder. People around us freeze for a split second, their gazes snapping to the direction of the sound, then chaos erupts. Crowds scatter, running through the narrow streets in every direction. Screams rise above the pounding noise as thick, dark smoke begins to rise over the city walls.

I turn to Domnik, my chest tightening. "Domnik?"

He nods, his jaw clenched and eyes focused on the horizon. "I see it."

There's no time for hesitation. We exchange a glance and take off sprinting toward the source of the smoke, weaving through the panicked crowds flooding the streets. My boots pound against the cobblestones as the smell of smoke grows thicker, mingling with something far worse—blood.

We round a corner just as another tremor shakes the ground beneath us, nearly sending me off balance. The city gates come into view, or at least what's left of them.

The gates are splintered and shattered, reduced to a smoldering wreck of wood and metal. Beyond them, a flood of shadows pours through—vampires, their pale forms illuminated by the fires now spreading across the outskirts of the city, followed by grotesque creatures that seem half-human, half-monster, their twisted shapes like something out of a nightmare.

My heart sinks as I take it all in. Civilians lie scattered across the streets, some motionless, others desperately fleeing the bloodthirsty horde. A vampire sinks its fangs into a fallen man's neck, its glowing red eyes locking onto us as it drinks. A monstrous creature roars, swiping at a group of fleeing townsfolk and cutting them down in an instant.

Domnik steps up beside me, his breathing heavy. "Red... this—this is bad."

I swallow hard, gripping the hilt of my sword tighter. My knuckles are white. "I know."

"There's too many of them. What do we do?" Alyse's voice wavers slightly, but her resolve is clear in the way she readies herself.

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to push aside the fear threatening to consume me. "We fight."

Domnik's eyes widen slightly. "Red—"

"I'm not letting this city become another Pinecrest." My voice is firm, colder than I expected. "We do what we can. For every person we save, it's worth it."

Domnik nods, his expression hardening as flames lick up around his hands, his demon blood stirring. "Then let's make them regret stepping into this city."

"Agreed." Alyse states as sparks form at her fingertips.

We charge forward into the chaos.

The cacophony of screams and destruction intensifies as we break into a run, weaving through the carnage toward the broken gates. My blade flashes as I swing it into the neck of a vampire lunging toward a fleeing woman, its body crumpling into ash before it hits the ground. Alyse moves beside me, lightning crackling from her fingertips as she hurls a bolt at a monstrous creature tearing into a shopkeeper. The beast screeches as the electricity courses through it, its charred body collapsing in a heap.

Domnik is already ahead of us, his palms glowing with fiery energy. With a roar, he slams his fists into the ground, sending a burst of flames surging outward in a devastating wave. Several vampires are caught in the inferno, their inhuman shrieks cutting through the air before they disintegrate into ash.

"Nice one!" I shout, slicing through another vampire trying to flank him.

Domnik doesn't look back, his focus razor-sharp. "This isn't going to stop them, Red! They're endless!"

He's right. For every vampire or monster we take down, it seems like two more pour through the gates. The creatures are relentless, their feral hunger driving them forward as they tear into anyone and anything in their path. My heart pounds as I realize how outnumbered we are.

Alyse steps forward, raising both hands. Her eyes spark with determination as arcs of electricity leap between her fingers, building into a blinding surge of power. "Get clear!" she shouts.

Domnik and I dive to the side as Alyse releases a massive bolt of lightning, striking the ground in front of the horde. The explosion sends vampires and monsters flying, their bodies smoking as they crash into buildings or dissolve mid-air. For a brief moment, the street is clear.

Panting, Alyse glances at me, her face flushed but fierce. "That should buy us a few seconds."

I nod, my mind racing. We can't keep this up forever. The gates are gone, and the flood of creatures seems unending. "We need to rally the city guard. They can help us hold them back until we figure out a plan."

Domnik grimaces, his flames flickering. "You think they're going to hold the line against that?" He gestures toward the horde regrouping just beyond the broken gates.

"They have to," I snap. "We can't do this alone."

Before Domnik can argue, a deafening roar echoes across the city, louder and deeper than anything we've heard so far. The ground trembles violently, and I can feel the vibrations in my chest. Slowly, the three of us turn toward the source of the sound.

A massive silhouette rises above the horde, stepping through the smoke and flames. It's a creature unlike anything I've ever seen—a towering monstrosity with bat-like wings, jagged black horns, and glowing red eyes that burn with malice. Its claws gleam like blades, and its body is covered in armor-like scales. The vampires and monsters part for it, bowing their heads as it strides forward, exuding an aura of pure destruction.

Domnik's voice is barely above a whisper. "Muthos."

My grip on my blade tightens, my pulse pounding in my ears. This isn't just a horde—it's an invasion. And now their god stands before us.

"We need reinforcements," Alyse says, her voice trembling but steady. "Now."

"Agreed," I say, though my eyes don't leave Muthos. I glance at Domnik. "Go. Get the guard, and find Brenelor. Alyse and I will hold them here."

Domnik hesitates, torn between his instincts and the command. Finally, he nods, his flames flaring brighter. "Don't die," he says simply before taking off down the street.

I turn to Alyse, meeting her determined gaze. "Ready?"

She nods, electricity sparking at her fingertips once more. "Let's show him what happens when he messes with Celestria."

Together, we step forward to face the horde, the shadow of Muthos looming over us like the promise of death.

The ground trembles under Muthos' every step, each one deliberate and unyielding as he strides toward the city. Around him, the horde seems to grow bolder, their savage cries filling the air as they swarm forward again. The scattered fires and glowing embers from Alyse's earlier lightning strike cast eerie, flickering shadows over the chaos.

I glance at her, adrenaline surging through me. "We need to hold this position until Domnik gets back. Stick together."

Alyse gives me a sharp nod. "I can handle myself, Red."

I tighten my grip on my blade. "I know."

The first wave of vampires rushes at us, their speed unnatural and feral. I meet the closest one head-on, my sword slicing cleanly through its chest. It crumples into ash, but another takes its place almost instantly. I sidestep a clawed strike, kicking the creature backward before driving my blade into its heart.

Alyse stands beside me, her hands glowing with lightning. She thrusts her arms forward, releasing a crackling surge that arcs through three vampires at once. They collapse, their bodies twitching before disintegrating into smoke.

"More incoming!" she shouts, her voice sharp with focus.

I barely have time to register her warning before a hulking beast—half-wolf, half-human—charges at me from the side. Its glowing yellow eyes lock onto me as it leaps, jaws snapping. I roll under its claws, slashing upward as I do. My blade carves through its abdomen, spilling black ichor onto the cobblestones. The creature howls in pain but doesn't fall.

It lunges again, and this time, Alyse intervenes. A spear of lightning crashes into the beast, searing its flesh and throwing it back several feet. It finally collapses in a smoldering heap, its body convulsing as the electricity courses through it.

"Thanks," I say, panting.

She smirks, sweat glistening on her brow. "You're welcome."

The reprieve is short-lived. The horde keeps coming, their numbers seemingly endless. My arms ache from swinging my blade, and every breath feels heavier, but I refuse to back down. I can see the desperation in Alyse's movements too—her strikes are still precise, but the sparks at her fingertips are fading, her energy draining fast.

And then, as if sensing our exhaustion, Muthos steps forward.

The towering figure halts a dozen paces from us, his crimson eyes glowing like embers in the smoke-filled air. His presence is suffocating, the weight of it pressing down on me like a physical force. The vampires and beasts around him fall silent, their chaotic frenzy replaced by an eerie stillness as their god surveys the battlefield.

"You dare to stand against me?" Muthos' voice is deep and resonant, reverberating in my chest. It's more than a voice—it's a presence, an unrelenting force that seems to reach into the depths of my soul. "Fools. You will kneel, or you will perish."

Alyse steps forward, her voice defiant despite the tremor in it. "We'll never kneel to you."

Muthos tilts his head, a cruel smile spreading across his lips. "Ah, the child with the spark. You think your power is enough to challenge me? Allow me to educate you."

Before I can react, Muthos raises a clawed hand. A wave of dark energy explodes outward, rushing toward us like a tidal wave. I grab Alyse, pulling her behind me as I brace myself, but the force hits us like a battering ram. We're thrown backward, crashing into the side of a building. My head spins, pain radiating through my body as I struggle to stand.

Alyse coughs, sparks flickering weakly at her fingertips. "Red... we can't fight him like this."

I grit my teeth, forcing myself to my feet. My vision blurs, but I can see Muthos approaching, his form massive and unrelenting. My mind races, searching for any possible way to hold him off until Domnik returns.

A flicker of movement catches my eye, and I turn to see a squad of city guards approaching, their weapons drawn. Domnik is with them, his flames blazing brighter than ever. He skids to a halt beside us, his eyes darting between me, Alyse, and Muthos.

"Reinforcements," he says, his voice steady despite the chaos around us. "We've got one shot at this, Red. What's the plan?"

I glance at the approaching guards, then at Muthos, who seems almost amused by our efforts to resist. "We need to focus everything on him," I say. "If we can wound him—slow him down—it might give us the upper hand."

Domnik nods, fire licking at his fingertips. "Understood."

Alyse pulls herself up, her determination outweighing her exhaustion. "Let's end this."

We stand together, the three of us side by side, facing the god of vampires and his monstrous army. The odds are impossible, but I refuse to let this city fall—not like Pinecrest. Not again.

"Now!" I shout, and we charge into the storm.