Morning sunlight trickled in through the oversized windows. Luna opened her eyes unsure if she had even slept a wink. The horrific scene from the night before played on repeat in her mind like a mirror shattered into a thousand pieces. Tyriel had seemed so personable and kind before. Was it all an act? Could he be a wolf in sheep's clothing? I’m so stupid for thinking I could let my guard down. What if he never intended to make good on his end of the deal?

The worry she felt began to manifest on her face as she ripped the covers off and her eyes darted around the room. I need to gather my belongings and sneak out of here while I still can. Luna scrambled to collect her things.

Knock. Knock. The door opened and standing in the doorway was Tyriel. He leaned against the door frame tiredly. His cheeks were always sharp and angular but this morning they seemed almost gaunt. Dark rings beneath his eyes implied he hadn’t slept well either. “You okay?” He let out a deep breath, “Did I interrupt something?”

Her heart raced in her chest. She tried to calm herself down but the unnerving scene from the night before played behind her eyes. Be calm. He doesn’t know I saw what happened. Does he?

His eyes like the water dancing beneath a gentle breeze lingered on her. “Cat got your tongue?” He mumbled, forcing a stiff smile.

Luna watched him, noticing that this was the first time she had seen him outside of his exquisite golden armor. Tyriel always looked thin, but he looked skinny as a blade without his plate mail. The tan and opal colored tunic he wore draped over his lanky muscular frame. Imagining him pulling the amulet out and sucking the life force from her, she shivered. Her eyes shifted to the exotic fur rug beneath his feet. “I’m sorry. I was feeling homesick this morning. I think I’m just eager to return to my people.”

Running his fingers through his long blond braids, he shrugged and nodded subtly. “That’s understandable.” He yawned, covering his mouth with his thin fingers. “If you’re ready, we can go downstairs and I will get you your prize and a strong steed.”

Scrambling through the possibilities in her mind, Luna felt sick. Is he lying? Is this a trick? What option do I even have but to go with him? “Thank you, yes, I think I’d very much like to be on my way.” She grabbed her bags and the two of them descended down to the throne room.

The walk to the throne room was awkwardly quiet. Tyriel looked exhausted and didn’t go out of his way to make conversation. He seemed to be lost in the labyrinth that was his own mind. Luna became more sure with each step that she was marching towards her inevitable execution. She desperately scanned the route for an opportunity to make a break for it. No escape plan presented itself to her. The windows were far too high off the ground and the hallways were patrolled by guards.

As they approached the entrance to the throne room Luna gulped. Her hands began trembling and she felt dizzy. I guess this is the end for me.

When the guards opened the tall gray wooden doors to the throne room, Luna’s eyes began to tear up. She felt a wave of relief wash over her when she saw the majestic elven steed resting in the center of the chamber.

The throne room had circular clerestory windows that lined the walls, allowing the morning light to pour in. Colorful flowers filled the room and thorny vines climbed up square columns to the vaulted ceilings high above. Luna felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her chest and she could finally breathe. I still have no idea what I saw last night, but I do think he intends to uphold his end of the bargain.

She stepped over to the gorgeous chestnut mare and ran her fingers through its soft mane. The sweet floral aroma danced pleasantly in Luna’s nostrils. Looking up, she felt the sunlight gently kiss her face. Tyriel glided over with a heavy bag in each hand. He dropped them to the floor. A loud metallic clatter resonated through the chamber.

Tyriel knelt down and reached into one of the bags, pulling out a single thick gold ingot. Flipping the shiny bar high into the air, he caught it effortlessly then handed it to Luna. “As agreed, gold ingots for amethite.”

Unreal. Luna’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped. “I’ve never seen this many gold ingots.”

“It’s the last of the treasure my father passed down to me.” Tyriel chewed his bottom lip for a moment then shrugged. “What good is all the wealth in the world if the Bohlkovians are able see the genocide of my people to completion.”

Speechless, Luna stared back at him, in awe at the circumstances that brought Tyriel to seek out this exchange. “I’m so sorry Tyriel, no one should ever be forced to make a decision dictated by unfortunate circumstances like that.”

“You’ve nothing to apologize for, young one. Because of you, my people have a chance to destroy those who seek to persecute us and avoid extinction. I could never put into words how grateful I am to you for that opportunity. I only hope this treasure serves you well.”

Her eyes became misty and Luna nodded. “I wish I could do more and I wish you luck in your cause.”

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As Luna loaded her gear and treasure onto the steed, the doors of the throne room blasted open with a thunderous boom. A white mare with a mane gray like midsummer clouds stormed into the hall. The slender rider in a suit of golden armor yanked the reins hard and the mount slid to a halt next to Tyriel and Luna.

A beautiful dark haired elven woman dismounted the horse acrobatically, landing right between Luna and Tyriel. Breathing heavily and sweating, she looked to Tyriel. “My king, I bring dire news. I’ve just received word from one of my informants in Enthamere. The Bohlkovians have taken Cloudreach.”

Tyriel and Luna stood wide eyed and utterly shocked by the revelation as if lightning had just struck them. Tyriel was the first to speak. He wore an expression like the news had physically pained him and his voice quivered, “If the Church of Embers controls the amethite supply in Enthamere…then all is lost for us, Myraea.”

Myraea stepped in close to him. She placed her slender hands on his neck then ran her fingers over his well-defined cheekbones. “Don’t say that, my love.” She ran her fingers through his hair slowly. “All is not lost. Not until the final blow is struc—”

Luna interrupted, “my family and friends are in Cloudreach! Please, tell me everything you know about the sacking of the city?”

With a look of disgust, Myraea glared at Luna. With blinding speed she drew a curved and razor-sharp dagger, pressing it to Luna’s throat. “What is this creature doing in our homeland?”

“Easy now.” Whispered Tyriel, bringing up his arms and gesturing for everyone to calm down. “This is Luna, she is the human who delivered us the amethite.”

“I saw our warriors training with the crystals on my way through the city.” Myraea said, offering a sinister smirk to Luna. “It sounds like she’s no longer of any use to us. Let me drain the blood from her, my love. One less immoral human to worry about.”

Luna’s nostrils flared. “I’m the immoral one? You’re the one holding a blade to the throat of a guest of your own king! In your own palace nonetheless! Where is your honor?”

Myraea scowled at Luna, her amber eyes glowing like hot coals. Stepping forward purposefully, Tyriel separated the two women. Raising his voice in an attempt to control the situation, his face turned stoic, “I understand that tensions are high and this news is dire, but now is no time for petty quarrels!”

The two women shared looks of malice with each other, then shifted their attention to Tyriel. “She started it…” Luna muttered under her breath.

Tyriel shook his head slowly. “Enough! What more do you know about the conflict in Cloudreach, Myraea?”

“Not much, the message was brief. It appears an Enthamerean politician staged a coup utilizing sellswords. After locking the king away, he opened the gates to the Bohlkovian army.”

Luna felt a panic attack, coming on as the room began to spin around her. She blinked repeatedly in a futile attempt to stop herself from crying. “What of the citizens?” She blurted.

Myraea snorted. “How should I know?”

“I need to leave at once! My people need me…I won’t let them down.” Luna said, grabbing the reins of her horse.

Tyriel snatched the reins right from her hands and shook his head. “It’s a suicide mission. How can one girl stand any chance against a company of mercenaries and the Bohlkovian army?”

“I’ll find a way.” Luna said with such conviction that Tyriel almost believed the words. “I don’t have a clue just yet how I’ll do it. But I’ve got a long journey back to Cloudreach ahead of me. Plenty of time to think up a plan.”

With a dismissive roll of her eyes and a cruel laugh aimed at Luna, Myraea turned to Tyriel. “Who cares if she throws her life away? Humans kill humans everyday.” Myraea said with a shrug. “Once the Bohlkovians seize control of the amethite mines in Enthamere they will come for us. Of that, I have no doubt.”

“It will take them at least a fortnight to organize their supply chains and get the crystal to their armies.” Tyriel said, tapping his finger together as he tried to think through the myriad possibilities in an attempt to find the best course of action.

“We should gather our people and evacuate Nylaena Malthir while we still have the chance. We have enough ships and supplies, my love.” Pleaded Myraea. “We can sail across the sea and settle far beyond the reach of the church.”

“No where will be beyond the reach of the church…” Tyriel whispered, the color draining from his face. “Once they hold Enthamere in their vile grasp, we will find no sanctuary. Not in the driest deserts or the most remote islan—”

“What will you do then?” Luna interrupted.

With a deep sigh, he plucked a rose from a vine wrapped around a nearby pillar. A thorn poked his finger tip. He ginned, holding the finger up in front of his face and watching the crimson blood rise from the tiny cut. “We have the most narrow of windows to stop the enemy before it’s too late. I will call my brothers and sisters to arms then we will ride with you to Cloudreach. We’ll retake the city and the Bohlkovians will have no choice but to withdraw from Enthamere.”

Luna gasped in disbelief, unable to believe her ears. “You would truly help me save my friends and famil—”

“No! This is a terrible mistake, my king!” Myraea cried, cutting off Luna. “We’ll be slaughtered in a siege. We simply don’t have the numbers to take a walled city like Cloudreach! I beg you to reconsider. We haven’t much time to flee, we must take the opportunity.”

Removing the silver crown he wore and observing it, Tyriel shook his head defiantly. “What kind of king would I be if I fled from the very enemy who seeks to erase every trace of my people.” Placing the crown back atop his head, he ran the back of his hand across Myraea’s cheek gently and smiled. “I’d rather die fighting for what matters most to me, than live forever as the coward who allowed the world to turn to ash all around me.”

Tears welled up in Luna’s eyes. Chills went up and down her spine. She was left speechless by Tyriel’s words. Even Myraea held her tongue and bowed her head.

“Myraea, my love. Muster the troops. We ride for Cloudreach as soon as possible.” He commanded.

With a reluctant nod, Myraea climbed onto her mount and galloped out of the throne room.