If it wasn't for the fact that Nyx had never willingly given up, always fighting to her last breath no matter the cost, then she might have chosen to explode her core at this moment.

Tilting his head as he watched Nyx, noting that her body was at its limit and about to expire, from nowhere, a crystal-like object, about the side of a fist, appeared in the man's hand.

A reluctant look, as if he was unwilling to part with the strange, multicoloured gem momentarily appeared in the man's eyes before he finally let go, letting the gem fall into Nyx's gaping wound.

"The spiritual power of over five hundred souls, made from the soul crystals of advanced summons..." the man clicked his tongue as he turned around and started to walk away. "Who would dare say I am not a generous master after this?"

His stride didn't appear to anything unusual, but within a few steps, the man was already over twenty meters away from Nyx.

"Shadow princess? What an appropriate name." The man chuckled as he remembered some of the nicknames Nyx had earnt recently, his steps becoming strangely light as deep, boundless energy rippled around his body. "If this works, you really will become an elemental royalty and," the man chuckled. "I will have found another shortcut."

With those parting words, the man's figure vanished without a trace as if he had never been there while the sounds of battle, accompanied by a few dull explosions, continued to echo in the distance.

A few seconds later, armoured figures abruptly appeared, most rushing towards the overturned carriage as Granny, and a two powerful looking knights in majestic, silver armour appeared a few feet away from Nyx's form.

In the same direction had been walking towards, a booming rumble of thunder erupted, causing everyone present to flinch and cast nervous glances, fearful that the terrifying entity had returned.

"What a monster. How on earth did he get past the guardians for so long?" muttered one of the knights as he pulled out a short sword at his waist. "I thought it was impossible for anyone above the fifth gem rank to enter our continent with being turned to dust."

Granny watched the knight's movements, a troubled look appearing on her face. However, it was apparent she wasn't going to stop the man. The knights with her were Royal Guardians, and she had no jurisdiction over them.

It wasn't that she wanted to save Nyx, just she thought this was a wasted opportunity to gather intelligence.

All of the knights here were the best of the Republic, two gemmed experts and had overheard the conversation between Nyx and the angel. As such, they had a good understanding of the situation.

Even if there wasn't a threat to the citizen's lives that could be solved with Nyx's death, it was glaringly evident that the princess's body had been taken over by a summoned. A stain on the royal family, as well as their nation that had to be removed.

"I can't believe there are still those stupid enough summoning these... evil beings," muttered the other knight. His face might have been masked by his silver, but the disgust in his voice made his view on summoned apparent. "I almost prefer necro's over them."

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

While they were talking, seemingly without hurry, Nyx was lying nearby, blood pouring from her mouth as it opened and closed like a fish out of water.

The hole in her chest had been obscured by the black mist, but it was clear from the lack of movement that she was no longer breathing.

The knight who had unsheathed his sword stepped forward without hesitation, intending to end Nyx's life as quickly and humanely as possible. It was still the princess's body after all.

"Stop," bellowed Harold. He had just emerged from under the overturned carriage and seen what the knight was about to do.

Paying no attention to those trying to tend to his injuries the prince started to run towards the group of three while cradling what appeared to be a broken arm.

As he reached them, a flash of pity appeared in Granny's eyes as she held her hand out, stopping him from going any further. "Harold, it's not your sister. we have-"

"I know," interrupted Harold, his face displaying so many emotions that those nearby worried about his mental health, as he ducked under the arm. "That... imposter must die but still... that's my sister's body. How can I let another end her life."

Taking a deep breath, Harold attempted to sort his raging emotions. "I shall do it. As the prince, as well as her brother, it is my responsibility."

"My prince yo-" The knight didn't want his county's kind, caring prince to carry out such an act. One that would undoubtedly scar him. As a seasoned veteran, a man who had killed many, the Knight felt it was only right to take on the task, as well as the consequences that would undoubtedly unfold.

"Shut up," roared Harold, his gaze like an enraged lion. "Give me the dagger and stand down or so help me, by the seven gods, you will never see the light of day until you are a great-grandfather."

Without any hesitation, the knight saluted and handed over the sword before returning to the other. They both took to steps back and got into stances to be able to respond quickly should the prince get into any trouble.

"Not all paths are easy." After checking Nyx with her spiritual senses, confident that there would be no danger for the young prince, Granny patted his shoulder and followed suit.

After closing his eyes a moment, Harold walked over to Nyx, his breathing getting more haggard with each step.

Even though he no longer held any doubts that this wasn't his sister, but a creature from another plane inhabiting her body, Harold couldn't bear to see her appearance in so much pain.

Internally, he couldn't help but criticise himself, wondering how he hadn't seen it before. The signs were staring him in the face yet, for some unknown reason, he just didn't want to admit that it wasn't his sister who had returned.

Just before he reached Nyx, Harold frowned. -"Was this why dad refused to visit, and the royal guard was not allowed to approach? Did they know?... but why?"

These thoughts were pushed to the back of Harold's mind as his foot landed, close to Nyx's outstretched hand.

"I know a summon has no say in the body they are put or the orders they receive. I also know you haven't directly lied, but gods damn you Nyx, can't you just fucking die! Stop putting my sister's body through so much torment." Harold's voice was laced with anger and sadness.

While he wasn't that knowledgeable in summoning, the practice having been outlawed since the Mad Summoners rebellion over seventy years ago, he knew that a summoned soul, unless ordered to, would destroy their host before leaving it willingly.

Just as he was about to kneel and push his dagger into Nyx's eye and destroy the brain, the only known way to quickly remove a summoned soul from a body, Nyx's struggles slowed.

Within a single breath's worth of time, all signs of life had vanished entirely.

Harold's breath caught in his chest as he watched the dark-blue, stormy eyes dim as the pupils relaxed and expanded.

Releasing a silent prayer that he hadn't been forced to end Nyx's life, Harold dropped the sword and lowered his head, utterly oblivious to the clouds above him that started glowing in a dark red, ominous light.