Melech quickly stood up stretching his arms and expressing his restlessness. The vibrant energy emanating from him injected a renewed sense of vigor into the group dispelling the prevailing monotony.
Eli summoned five gleaming white dice that floated above his outstretched hand and their radiant glow reflected the divine power that resided within him. A warm smile crossed his face as he chuckled aware of the anticipation building among his companions.
"It seems our dice have grown hungry for some action." he remarked his voice carrying a hint of amusement and the undeniable resonance of his divine connection.
The Hidden class members, their faces concealed behind intricately crafted masks eagerly awaited the forthcoming spectacle. Callista, unwilling to be left out of the excitement, reached for a mask of her own. However, before she could put it on William's firm voice halted her in her tracks.
"You're not joining us. You don't belong to Lily's group." he stated with a resolute tone.
A pout formed on Callista's lips, and she protested, "But I'm all about supporting women. You can't stop me from participating."
Unfazed, William calmly asserted himself responding, "I will accompany them as an observer." With a subtle flourish he produced a mask of his own firmly establishing his intention to be part of the upcoming endeavor.
Once again Callista's pout intensified, and she voiced her dissatisfaction. "It's unfair that you get to go while I'm left behind."
Aware of the brewing discontent Lily intervened her tone firm yet measured.
"She can come along as an observer." she said allowing Callista to accompany them while refraining from active involvement.
Callista's pout transformed into a contented grin, and she playfully winked her right eye at Lily.
"I promise not to do anything." she declared embracing the compromise.
With preparations complete Lily handed Arba an Oni mask resembling Aaron's distinct visage. The group now assembled and shrouded in their enigmatic masks took flight, their ethereal presence cutting through the night sky. They directed their path toward the dimly lit alley, the very place where they had initially discovered the captive girls. In the darkness they meticulously scoured the area for any remnants of clues that could guide their pursuit.
Guided by the skillful assassin and the perceptive ranger in their midst it didn't take long for them to pinpoint the location of the men they sought. From a safe distance they observed a formidable edifice resembling an embassy with its imposing structure and forbidding spiked fence designed to deter intruders. Beyond the enclosure an expansive garden sprawled its perimeters guarded by a vigilant array of formidable canines.
William shared his knowledge with the group.
"That building belongs to Lady Lenna the matriarch of the Twilight Guild's leader." he informed them illuminating the intricate web of connections and alliances that surrounded their target.
Lily dismissed any concern for diplomatic intricacies or political repercussions.
"I don't care about her titles or associations. Those men are inside." she declared resolutely, her voice carrying an air of unwavering conviction.
Callista interjected offering a word of caution.
"You'll need an invitation to enter. Storming in without proper clearance could ignite a full-blown conflict considering the guild's affiliations." she warned cognizant of the potential ramifications.
Lily, her eyes gleaming mischievously softly chuckled as she removed her mask revealing a determined expression on her face. She turned around to face her companions who eagerly awaited her next move, their masked faces brimming with anticipation.
"Watch me." she confidently declared, her words carrying a playful undertone.
As the group approached the grand entrance a line of five guards stood on each side forming an imposing barrier of security.
"Do you have an invitation?" one of the guards asked, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism.
Lily responded with a friendly smile, her eyes shimmering with mischief.
"I've come to retrieve my slave." she replied her words carrying a subtle undertone that hinted at a deeper meaning referring to the leader of Twilight Guild.
The guard's composure faltered, his gaze darting nervously towards his fellow guards who after a moment of silent communication nodded in agreement. Reacting swiftly, one of the guards hurriedly dashed inside the grand doors disappearing into the depths of the lavish mansion.
Beyond the entrance the group found themselves stepping into a magnificent hall bathed in a warm radiant glow. The vast space was alive with the lively chatter of hundreds of elegantly dressed guests mingling amidst tables adorned with an exquisite assortment of delicacies. A resplendent jewel chandelier hanging overhead cast a shimmering cascade of light that danced upon the gilded walls illuminating the entire room with a breathtaking brilliance. Servants dressed in opulent attire gracefully moved through the crowd offering trays of sparkling beverages to the distinguished guests. The air was filled with an air of sophistication as conversations filled the space and the aroma of delectable cuisine teased the senses.
With her dark brown complexion, short curly black hair and a regal demeanor Lady Lenna commanded attention and respect. She wore an elegant low-cut white dress accentuated by a fur stole draped gracefully over her shoulders. Her pale skin seemed to glow amidst the room's luminosity and her piercing dark eyes held an air of intelligence and power. Adorned with a string of luminous pearls around her neck along with matching bracelets and rings she exuded an aura of effortless opulence. As she indulged in a plate of caviar the abrupt sound of the door slamming behind her startled her, causing her fork to clatter against her plate drawing curious gazes from nearby guests. A wave of concern washed over her as a guard rushed towards her perspiration glistening on his forehead.
"Lady Lenna, she has come for the slave." the guard uttered breathlessly his voice betraying a hint of panic.
Lenna dropped her fork onto the plate the noise resonating through the hall capturing the attention of those in close proximity. Faced with this unexpected development she felt a surge of anxiety and urgency desperately seeking a swift resolution.
"The slave has escaped. How did she find out?" she questioned her voice laced with frustration.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
The guard, spitting out a glob of saliva in his haste responded, "She has brought a considerable number with her. It appears to be a serious matter."
"Damn it. Send Henrietta to stall them if she can." Lenna commanded rising from her seat a sense of urgency gripping her.
Outside the mansion Lily and her companions waited with growing impatience.
Minutes ticked by without any sign of progress fueling Lily's irritation.
"I don't have time for this." she muttered her determination unwavering. Taking matters into her own hands she strode forward surprising the guards who made no attempt to impede her progress.
As the group ventured into the sprawling garden a woman clad in a flowing black gown abruptly darted toward them accompanied by a pack of guard dogs their menacing snarls filling the air.
When the woman in the black dress and the pack of guard dogs reached Lily, she glared at them irritably. Her patience was wearing thin, and she had no time or interest in dealing with aggressive canines.
With a cold commanding tone, she uttered, "Get the hell out of here." As if responding to her unwavering authority the dogs yelped in fear and hastily retreated, disappearing from sight.
As the woman in the black dress approached Lily her eyes fixated on her horns an idea sparked in her mind.
With a friendly smile she complimented, "Those horns look incredibly real. What a stunning costume my lady."
Lily, seething with anger and impatience wanted to retort with a biting remark about the authenticity of her horns but decided against it. Her primary focus was on finding the men and swiftly reuniting with Bell and Katniss. She took a step forward only to be interrupted by the woman extending her arms to halt her progress.
Nervously the woman stammered, "Um, my lady please wait a moment. My mistress will come to welcome you."
Growing increasingly irritated Lily asked in a cold tone, "Is the slave still inside?"
Before the woman could respond a voice sounded from behind her. "My lady welcome to my humble abode.”
Henrietta let out a sigh of relief knowing that her mistress had arrived.
Lily turned her attention to the approaching figure, a tall plump woman adorned in a flowing white dress. Flanked by two men who resembled either butlers or guards she exuded an air of authority. Lily blinked a few times, carefully assessing the situation before deciding to proceed further.
Noticing Lily's hesitation Lenna spoke up. "Come with me."
Lily nodded in acknowledgment and together they entered the grandiose mansion stepping into a vast and opulent hall bustling with activity. The hall was teeming with hundreds of people and Lily estimated that there were at least 500 guests, accounting for those present both indoors and in the sprawling garden.
Seizing the opportunity to buy some time Lily inquired hastily "Where is the slave?"
Concurrently she activated the system commanding it to identify and lock down all the men involved in the attack on Bell and Katniss. She heard a series of pinging sounds mistakenly assuming it was a confirmation but to her dismay the system alerted her.
There are more outside.
Turning her attention back to Lenna she proposed, "Can you show me the garden?"
Lenna's heart raced her hands becoming clammy with nervousness. She frantically searched for a response, realizing the precariousness of the situation.
Halting Lily's progress she pleaded, "My lady, the garden is currently occupied by children and young ones. Allow me to offer you a refreshing drink instead."
Lily shook her head, her curiosity piqued by the mention of an elven slave.
She reassured Lenna with a gentle smile her captivating charm momentarily easing the tension. "I'll just take a look. I promise not to do anything."
Lenna nodded in response her fear subsiding.
As Lily stepped into the garden her group following closely behind, she proceeded with a deliberate pace meticulously surveying every nook and cranny. Her system worked diligently emitting a chorus of pinging sounds that caught her off guard. The sheer number of signals left her seething with anger, realizing the magnitude of the threat they were facing.
Observing Lily's reaction Lenna's facade crumbled under the weight of guilt and fear.
She dropped to her knees desperately pleading for mercy. "My lady I didn't anticipate the elf's escape. I beg for your kindness and forgiveness."
Lily's shock was evident as she processed Lenna's confession. It appeared that they indeed held an eleven slave further fueling her curiosity.
Her voice turned icy as she inquired, "Where is the elf now?"
Lenna still trembling managed to respond, "He escaped alongside his sister an hour ago."
Surprised by the revelation of two elves Lily pressed further her tone sharp, ”There are two of them?"
Lenna sensing Lily's mounting anger replied with trepidation, "They fled north, and their elusive background hampers our ability to track them."
Determining to find the elusive elves Lily turned her gaze towards William. "Let's locate them." she commanded.
Continuing their search, the vibrant party providing them cover, they made the most of the remaining time. Lily pondered the presence of elves in her world as she perched atop William's majestic griffin. The night sky adorned with the gentle glow of the moon aided their quest.
Soon enough their sharp eyes caught sight of two figures sitting beneath a tree next to a tranquil lakeside in the countryside.
Descending gracefully in front of the startled pair Lily's group approached cautiously, their intentions shrouded in uncertainty.
The young man at the forefront his voice tinged with a hint of defiance spoke up. "Don't touch us."
The young man stood there clad in long brown trousers and a crisp white long-sleeved shirt and his fair complexion boasted flawless features complemented by his long white hair elegantly tied in a ponytail. Piercing green eyes pointed ears and a tall slender frame completed his striking appearance. Standing beside him was his sister Miel a vision of ethereal beauty. She donned a flowing white dress adorned with delicate perforations. Her long white hair cascaded down framing her pale captivating features. With emerald eyes and a slender petite figure, she emanated an enchanting allure.
Approaching the pair Lily offered them a disarming smile assuring them, "Will you come with us? We are not your pursuers." Bathed in the soft moonlight her presence seemed to emit an ethereal radiance as if a halo graced her head.
Both Alvar and Miel found themselves captivated by Lily's enchanting aura, their hearts skipping a beat as they swallowed nervously.
Miel stepped forward introducing themselves her voice filled with a touch of timidity. "My name is Miel, and this is my brother Alvar. We are siblings."
Lily retrieved a piece of paper and penned her name, taking a moment to explain the system which the siblings grasped with immediacy. To ensure the men responsible for their captivity didn't escape they decided to rent a nearby location allowing Lily to keep a watchful eye on Lenna's residence.
Providing the weary elves with a much-needed bath, fresh attire and nourishment, Lily sat at the table admiring their breathtaking appearance. Bathed in the moon's gentle glow they appeared almost divine and as her eyes shifted, she noticed Aaron seated beside her his gaze fixated on the elves particularly Miel. Lily knew that elven men were often regarded as the epitome of beauty and meeting one in reality had been a cherished dream for her.
Curiosity filled Lily's voice as she inquired, "How did you end up here?"
Miel replied, her tone tinged with a hint of longing, "We were searching for traces of the Almighty."
Amused by the notion, Lily burst into laughter. "The Almighty settling here? Highly unlikely."
Alvar shook his head, his expression serious. "You misunderstand. Given the chaos in your world it's possible that he has hidden a subject here."
Lily let out a wistful sigh silently wishing that his words held truth. Bringing balance to all worlds and finding her way back to her own body would be a welcomed resolution.
Alvar and Miel proceeded to recount their journey explaining that they had clandestinely ventured from their own world with the assistance of an unknown individual. However, upon their arrival here they were unfortunate victims of capture by individuals seeking to exploit their blood selling it to humans who believed it granted eternal life.
The group listened with a mix of surprise and anger.
Callista, particularly incensed asked, "Have they already drained your blood?"
Miel shook her head relief evident in her voice. "Not yet. We were captured just earlier today."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the room. While Lily felt compelled to aid them in returning home Alvar and Miel insisted on continuing their search for the Almighty before departing. She provided them with space rings and jewelry capable of altering their appearances, which they gratefully accepted. Alvar adorned a gold leaf placing it delicately over his right ear. As if by magic his pointed elven ears vanished leaving behind a visage that resembled that of a handsome human.
Lily sighed her gaze drifting towards the window of Lenna's home. "The world is in chaos and if no one else is willing to fix it then I’ll do it."
William sitting beside her and holding her hand affirmed his support. "We'll help you." he said.