Ellora stood amid the ruins and devastation, gasping for breath, her spirit exhausted, yet her heart burned fiercely with anger and determination. Around her, giant robots and monsters continued to close in. Despite having destroyed many, it felt like the enemy was endless, a relentless flood spreading terror across the once peaceful land.

Beside her, the female mage who had fought alongside her from the beginning was barely able to move. Her body was covered in wounds, breath coming in ragged gasps, blood oozing from every part of her. "Your Highness... I... I can't... hold on much longer," the mage whispered weakly, her voice barely audible. Her eyes were starting to blur, her body trembling from exhaustion.

Ellora looked at the mage with respect and sorrow. She knew they couldn't hold out much longer. Their magic was waning, and the wave of enemies was drawing closer. If she didn't act soon, they would all perish here, including Lily.

Turning her gaze forward, Ellora faced the sea of robots and monsters advancing relentlessly. She clenched her jaw, fury boiling with every breath she took. "I won't let them win... not today."

In an instant, a new resolve surged within her. She had no other options left. The magic she had been developing—the magic that was still imperfect, the dangerous magic that could potentially destroy everything—was their only remaining hope. She looked up at the sky, closed her eyes for a moment, and took a deep breath to gather every last ounce of magical energy within her.

"Space Magic..." she whispered, beginning to chant the spell that only she could master. She raised her hands high to the sky, feeling the magic vibrating around her, a dazzling light radiating from her fingertips. The space around her began to warp, distorted by a power beyond the ordinary realm.

"Summon... Black Hole!" her voice thundered, cutting through the tension-filled atmosphere. Instantly, a swirling mass of dark energy formed in the air, gradually growing larger. Within the vortex, space began to fold and stretch, creating a black hole twisting in the air, sucking in everything around it.

A fierce wind whipped up, pushing debris, soil, and the remains of robots into the dark vortex that had just formed. The black hole grew larger and stronger, drawing in every object within its reach.

The monsters that had previously surrounded them were now being pulled into the black hole with terrifying speed. Their bodies floated helplessly, battered by the immense gravitational force of Ellora's spatial magic. The massive robots that had been attacking mercilessly were drawn in like mere toys into the void. Mechanical screams echoed as their steel bodies were crushed by the incredible force.

"It's... incredible..." the female mage beside Ellora murmured, her eyes wide in awe at the magic she had never witnessed before. "This... this is amazing..."

Yet, Ellora felt how fragile this magic was. The vortex was powerful—too powerful for her to control. The black hole she had created continued to expand, not only sucking in their enemies but almost everything around it. Trees, stones, even the ground beneath their feet began to lift and get drawn into the emptiness.

Her body started to tremble violently. She could feel the magic consuming her strength, draining the last reserves of energy she had. She knew that if she didn't stop this, they could all be sucked into the destruction she had unleashed. But halting it meant they would be defenseless against the remaining foes.

Lily, standing a little distance away, began to panic. "Big sister, what are you doing?! This... this is too dangerous!" she cried, her voice trembling with fear.

Ellora frowned, struggling to maintain her concentration. Her body was utterly exhausted, but she had to ensure the black hole only destroyed their enemies.

However, the power of the magic was spiraling out of control. Ellora felt her body growing weaker. The hand raised to the sky began to tremble, her vision blurred, and her breath became heavier. She felt the energy vortex starting to surpass her limits.

With the last of her strength, Ellora fought to focus her remaining power. "I... I have to... stop it..." she whispered, trying to chant the spell to close the black hole before everyone was sucked in. But her energy was spent. She was too tired.

Before she could finish the spell, her body gave out. Her vision darkened, and she could no longer stand. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed hard onto the ground.

Just as her consciousness began to fade, Ellora spotted something in the distance. A group of people was running toward them. Through her hazy vision, she could see they weren't enemies. They looked like mages, but in different uniforms—perhaps remnants of the elite forces. Were they coming to help?

Ellora managed a faint smile, even as her body lay still. "Lily... you... must be safe..." she whispered before her consciousness finally slipped away. The black hole slowly began to shrink as Ellora's magical power faded.

The world around her started to blur. But in her final moments, one thought rang clear in her mind: she had to survive. She had to protect Lily. And she had to find Arche... somehow.

***

Ellora slowly opened her eyes, soft light streaming onto her face. Her body felt heavy, but the pain that had plagued her was now diminished. The air was filled with the scent of medicine and clean fabric. As her awareness returned, she realized she was in a large tent, its thick walls adorned in blue and gold. The emblem on the wall—a winged lion holding a sword and shield—was strikingly familiar. It was the emblem of the Kingdom of Aurelius.

She tried to move, but weakness still enveloped her. As her eyes shifted to the side, she saw the female mage who had fought alongside her lying nearby, her body wrapped in bandages. The mage's face was pale, but her breathing was steady, a sign that she was still alive.

A small, choked voice broke the silence next to her. "Sister…"

Ellora turned to see Lily sitting beside her bed. Her eyes were red and puffy, clearly indicating that she had been crying. As soon as she realized her sister was awake, Lily jumped to her side and hugged her tightly. "Sister! I was so scared... I thought I lost you," Lily sobbed, her body trembling in Ellora's embrace.

Ellora felt something in her chest melt at the sight of her sister's distress. She raised her trembling hand to gently stroke Lily's hair. "Lily... I'm here. I'm okay," she whispered, her voice calm despite her weakness. "I won't leave you... Not ever."

Lily nodded, still sobbing in her sister's arms, unwilling to let go. Ellora let her sister cry in silence, relishing the warmth that had been absent amid all the horrific events they had endured. For a moment, the outside world felt distant.

But the peaceful atmosphere was soon disrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. A teenage boy entered the tent. He was handsome, with a strong posture, wearing the royal garb of Aurelius that indicated his high status. His golden eyes and neatly cut blonde hair marked him as the epitome of nobility.

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Ellora stared at him for a moment before recognition hit her. He was Nepherus Nix Aurelius, the crown prince of Aurelius—and her fiancé, despite the distance that had grown between them.

Nepherus strode toward Ellora's bed with an air of authority and knelt beside her. His expression was serious, but there was a hint of regret etched across his usually calm face.

"Your Highness Ellora Evernoir," he spoke softly and respectfully, "I apologize... I arrived too late. I failed to protect your kingdom."

Ellora paused, studying the prince with an unreadable expression. Part of her wanted to be angry—why hadn't Aurelius, with its vast military might, come sooner? Why hadn't they reached out when Evernoir was under threat?

But she knew that blaming Nepherus wouldn't change anything. And she was already aware of the dark ambitions hidden behind Nepherus's gentle words—something he never revealed in front of others. As his fiancée, she knew much about him.

"Prince Nepherus," Ellora finally replied, her voice remaining soft and graceful as always. "The situation is indeed difficult. I understand. War comes swiftly, and fate does not always favor us."

Nepherus bowed his head, but Ellora could sense a glimmer of hidden joy beneath his remorseful demeanor. He had always been adept at concealing his feelings, but not from Ellora, who had known him for so long.

"Your Highness, allow me to make amends. I will ensure the safety of you and your sister. The Kingdom of Aurelius will welcome you with open arms. You will be safe there," Nepherus spoke with conviction, trying to meet her gaze.

Ellora let his words echo in her mind. She knew Nepherus wanted to bind her to Aurelius, ensuring that whatever remained of the Evernoir kingdom—no matter how small—would fall under Aurelius's control. As his fiancée, Nepherus also harbored grand ambitions to wield Ellora's power, along with her talent and intellect in magic.

However, Ellora gave a thin smile, one tinged with caution. "I appreciate your offer, Prince Nepherus. But all I need is a safe escort to Aurelius. Once there, I will take care of myself and my sister."

Nepherus looked at her sharply, slightly taken aback by her direct request. Typically, nobles like Ellora would rely more on the support of powerful entities like the Kingdom of Aurelius. But Ellora knew that surrendering her fate entirely to Nepherus meant surrendering her freedom—and Lily's freedom too.

"Ellora... I just want to make sure you're safe," Nepherus lowered his voice, trying to evoke sympathy. "In a situation like this, it would be very dangerous for you to move on your own. I can provide the protection you need."

Ellora gazed at Nepherus with calm yet meaningful eyes. "I understand that, Prince. And I appreciate your concern. But I must begin to take control of my life and the family I have left. The safety of my sister is my responsibility."

For a moment, silence enveloped the tent. Nepherus studied her, perhaps trying to assess whether he could convince Ellora to remain under his protection longer. But Ellora stood firm in her decision.

Finally, Nepherus offered a small smile, though it was clear that it held hidden bitterness. "Very well, if that is what you wish. I will ensure safe escort for you to Aurelius. I will remain ready to assist you whenever you need, Ellora."

Ellora nodded gracefully, inclining her head slightly. "I appreciate your kindness, Prince. Thank you for your understanding."

Without prolonging the conversation, Nepherus stood and walked out of the tent, leaving Ellora to sit back down wearily on her bed. She looked at Lily, who still appeared anxious, and gently touched her sister's head. "We will be safe, Lily. We'll go to Aurelius soon, and from there, we'll find our own path."

Lily nodded slowly, though fear was still evident in her eyes. But in Ellora's heart, she knew this journey was only the beginning of something much greater.

***

Ellora was lost in thought, reflecting on a past filled with destruction and loss. Memories of that fateful night—the night the Evernoir kingdom fell—haunted her relentlessly. On one hand, she felt a deep guilt for failing to protect her family and her kingdom. On the other hand, she struggled to be a strong sister for Lily, who was now entering a difficult phase in her life. The gentle knock on the living room door suddenly pulled her from her reverie.

"Come in," Ellora said, her voice soft despite the interruption.

The door creaked open, and a young woman stepped inside. She wore simple clothing, but her poised movements and nervous expression suggested a more disciplined background. It was Katya, a former elite mage soldier of Evernoir, now serving Ellora and Lily faithfully in their exile.

"Your Highness... I'm sorry to intrude, but I wanted to talk about Miss Lily," Katya said nervously, her voice almost a whisper.

Ellora turned, her gaze attentive, though her expression remained composed. "What is it, Katya? Has something happened to Lily?" she asked gently yet firmly, her noble tone unwavering.

"Actually, nothing has happened physically, Your Highness..." Katya replied quickly, fearful of disappointing Ellora. "It's just... I noticed Lily's expression when she left the house, and she looked a bit... upset. I don't mean to meddle, but I'm worried... are you two fighting again?"

Hearing this, Ellora let out a long sigh, fatigue evident on her beautiful and graceful face. "Oh, Katya, how can I explain this...," she said, gently rubbing her forehead. "Lily is at a difficult age. She's starting to rebel, and I... I don't know how to handle it. Being a sister, especially the only family she has left, is a burden I never expected to be this heavy."

Katya bowed her head respectfully. "I understand, Your Highness. But I'm sure Miss Lily greatly appreciates what you're doing for her, even if she doesn't show it right now."

Ellora offered a small smile, a calm expression tinged with bittersweetness. "I hope you're right, Katya... I hope she knows I only want to protect her. But perhaps my way of guiding her is too strict."

Katya looked at Ellora with respect and loyalty, despite the tension in her words. "Forgive me if this is too forward, Your Highness, but... Miss Lily might just need time. She is very much like you in many ways. Strong, independent, but also... very sensitive."

Ellora chuckled softly at that, her voice gentle yet filled with grace. "You're too kind, Katya," she replied. "Even so, I feel like I'm losing control over her. And I can't let that happen, not in such a dangerous world."

Then, as if wanting to change the subject, Ellora looked at Katya more seriously. "How was Lily's escort today? Was she safe while she was out?"

"Of course, Your Highness," Katya responded promptly. "Our spies are always keeping a close watch on her. We ensure she remains safe at every turn, without her knowing. Although Avalonis is a safe city, we take no risks, especially considering your status."

Katya paused before continuing more respectfully, "We make sure everyone knows that... the Princess and Princess Lily are always under supervision."

Ellora sighed again, this time more deeply. The title "Princess" coming from Katya's lips made her feel trapped between the past and the present. "Katya... how many times have I told you this? Lily and I are no longer princesses. The Evernoir kingdom has fallen, and we are all just forgotten refugees now. You are no longer an elite mage soldier; you are just a regular citizen in Aurelius now."

Katya looked taken aback, her cheeks slightly flushed. She felt a strong urge to apologize, but her respect and habit of addressing Ellora with noble titles were hard to shake off.

"I'm sorry, Your Hig... Ellora," Katya attempted to say Ellora's name without the honorific. Her tongue felt stiff, and it was clear that uttering that name without a title felt strange to her.

But Ellora smiled gently at Katya's effort. "Very good, Katya," she said, nodding gracefully. "You don't need to call me by any title. We are all in the same position now. And I would appreciate it if we spoke as equals, not as former nobility and a servant."

Katya smiled shyly, feeling relieved yet still awkward. "Thank you... Ellora," she said, her voice still a bit shaky. "I'll try to get used to it."

Ellora laughed softly again, this time lighter. "You don't need to be so nervous, Katya. I'm still the same person, even though we no longer live in the luxury of the palace. In fact, I feel freer now, although... of course, I miss life in Evernoir. I miss our life there."

Ellora's gaze turned slightly wistful as memories of the past resurfaced in her mind. "But life goes on," she said, her voice soft and wise, "and we must adapt. Both I, Lily, and you."

Katya looked at her with genuine admiration. "You've always been strong, Ellora. Even when the world crumbled around you, you stood tall."

Ellora met Katya's gaze and smiled with deep meaning. "Strength is something to be learned, Katya. I'm just trying to survive, just like you and the others. There's no choice but to remain resilient, right?"

Katya nodded in agreement, feeling inspired by Ellora's words. "You're right... Ellora. We're all just trying to survive. But with you here, I believe our future still holds hope."

"Hope... yes, hope is always there," Ellora whispered, staring at the tent's ceiling. "And as long as I have Lily by my side, I will continue to fight to ensure she has a better future, even if it means sacrificing everything."

Katya could only watch her in silence, understanding the heavy burden Ellora carried behind her graceful smile and calm demeanor.

***