*Luna POV*
As my mother carried me on her back, we descended into the depths of the dark tunnel, accompanied by Reid, who supported my father. The air was heavy with silence, broken only by the echo of our footsteps and the occasional groan escaping my father's lips. The tunnel enveloped us in its darkness, with only a solitary orb of light floating ahead, a creation of my mother's magic, illuminating our path.
The walls of the tunnel, constructed from sturdy gray bricks, surrounded us like a silent sentinel. Their rough texture hinted at the passage of time and the secrets they held. Shadows danced and flickered, casting eerie shapes along the corridor. Despite the darkness, a sense of anticipation filled the air as we ventured deeper into the unknown.
My body gradually regained its strength, although not enough for me to engage in meditation and replenish my depleted mana reserves at an accelerated pace. However, I could sense a growing energy within me, a flicker of hope that soon I would be able to move freely once again and find solace in the tranquility of meditation.
"I'm truly grateful that you're here with us, Reid," my mother expressed, her voice filled with sincere appreciation. I shifted my gaze towards Reid, noticing his somber expression and the weight he seemed to carry upon his shoulders.
"I don't know, Your Highness..." Reid's voice trailed off, his eyes fixed on the ground as if burdened by self-doubt. "I promised to ensure your safety, yet here I am, carrying His Highness on my back with this grievous wound on his shoulder."
Before I could interject with comforting words, my mother spoke, her voice filled with unwavering confidence. "But without your assistance, we would not have made it this far, Reid. Your presence and bravery have been instrumental in our survival."
Reid released a heavy sigh, a mix of resignation and a hint of a smile crossing his face. "Thank you, Your Highness, for putting your faith in me," he expressed, his gratitude shining through his words.
The atmosphere grew tense, and an awkward silence settled over us. Then, unexpectedly, my mother broke the stillness with a question that caught me off guard. "Hey Reid?" she began tentatively.
Reid's voice carried a hint of surprise as he responded, "Yes, Your Highness?"
"Do you... like Luna?" My mother asked, her voice filled with a blend of curiosity and mischief. My heart raced, sensing the direction of my mother's inquiry. I couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and curiosity, wondering why this conversation even started.
Mama, what are you doing!?
My cheeks flushed with a sudden rush of warmth, and I found myself at a loss for words. Thoughts raced through my mind, a jumble of emotions and questions. What was my mother trying to accomplish with this question?
A mix of relief and shyness washed over me as Reid responded with an innocent smile. "Of course, I like Luna," he stated, his words causing my heart to skip a beat. Panic surged through me, and I desperately wished I could retract my mother’s question, wanting to disappear in that moment.
WAIT! REID, WHAT ARE YOU SAYING!? I mentally screamed at myself, my face burning with embarrassment. I struggled to find the right words, but all that escaped my mouth were incoherent stammers.
Unaware of the internal turmoil he had caused, Reid continued, oblivious to my inner turmoil. "I was a sole child, but I've been with Luna since childhood, and now I see her as my younger sister, so of course, I like her."
My good mood shattered, replaced with a dissatisfied feeling as I mustered a small, subdued response. "Oh, okay," I mumbled, unable to hide my disappointment.
"Looks like you have a long way to go, Luna," Mama whispered into my ear, her chuckles betraying her amusement. My heart skipped a beat. Did Mama know about my secret feelings? Panic and embarrassment flooded through me, making me feel exposed and vulnerable.
"Hm? For what?" Reid, despite our mother's careful tone, overheard our conversation.
"I-It's nothing!" I hastily interjected, my voice filled with flustered denial.
"Oh, alright then," Reid replied, seemingly unaffected, and we continued our journey through the dark tunnel.
I couldn't contain my curiosity and leaned in to whisper into my mother's ear, my voice barely audible. "H-How did you know?"
She gave another small chuckle, her voice barely above a whisper as she responded, "You look at Reid the same way I used to look at your papa."
Confusion clouded my thoughts as I tried to process her words. "Huh?" I managed to utter, my voice barely audible.
"I've known about it for a long time," she confessed, her tone tinged with a mix of fondness and exasperation, "but your papa is such an idiot, he hasn't realized it yet."
As if on cue, my collapsed father on Reid's back sneezed, as if sensing our conversation. Embarrassment washed over me, and I buried my face in my mother's back, seeking solace and anonymity in the darkness.
She continued to carry me through the tunnel, providing comfort and protection, as I grappled with the overwhelming emotions swirling within me.
After that, my memories became hazy as fatigue overtook me. I drifted in and out of sleep, only half-aware of my surroundings. It wasn't until I heard Reid's voice that I started to regain my senses.
"We've almost reached the end of the tunnel," Reid announced, his voice pulling me back to the present moment. I slowly roused myself from my half-slumber and peered ahead of my mother. There, at the end of the tunnel, I saw a faint glow of light, beckoning us forward.
"Hopefully, the horses are back by now," Reid continued, his words laced with a hint of uncertainty. "The ones that were lent to Mia's parents."
As we emerged from the darkness, the sudden onslaught of sunlight caused my eyes to sting. Blinking away the discomfort, I took in my surroundings. We had arrived in a dense forest, where bushes and tall grass stretched out in all directions. Vines obscured the entrance of the tunnel behind us, blending it seamlessly with the natural foliage.
My gaze shifted forward, and there, before us, stood two majestic white horses. Relief washed over me as I realized they had returned safely.
"Looks like the horses came back safely," Reid observed, his voice carrying a hint of reassurance.
"Yes," My replied softly, grateful for this small sign of fortune amidst the uncertain path that lay ahead.
Reid and my mother let out sighs of relief, their voices tinged with the weight of survival. I shared in their relief, grateful that some of our kind had managed to make it through the ordeal.
With care, my mother lifted me onto one of the horses, settling me in front of her. My body still felt weak and unsteady, so she took hold of the reins, ensuring I wouldn't slip off. Meanwhile, my father remained unconscious, leaning against Reid. Sensing the need for stability, Reid supported him, making sure he was secure on the horse's back.
Reid then reached into the bags attached to the horse, pulling out long capes. He handed them to us, a silent signal for us to don the garments. Understanding the need to blend in and protect ourselves, my mother and I gratefully accepted the capes, draping them over our shoulders. The cloaks provided a sense of anonymity and camouflage, allowing us to better navigate amidst our enemies.
"We have to separate now. They can easily spot us if we're together. I will bring His Highness to the Elven kingdom and borrow some medicines for his health. You should go to the recently developed human kingdom and ask for help, and then wait for us there," Reid explained with a solemn tone.
My mother nodded, her expression firm despite the sadness that lingered in her eyes. It was clear that she was shouldering the weight of her responsibilities as a queen. This must be what she meant when she spoke of the tough decisions that leaders had to make. As for me, I couldn't dwell on those thoughts now.
"Please take care of my husband," my mother pleaded, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and determination.
Reid's face softened, reflecting a deep sense of loyalty and devotion. "Be assured. I will not let any harm come to His Highness and will use everything at my disposal, even resorting to dirty tactics if necessary."
There was a brief pause before Reid turned his gaze towards me. His voice carried a hint of emotion as he addressed me directly. "Luna, I guess this is goodbye for now. Take care of yourself, okay?"
Tears welled up in my eyes, the weight of our separation starting to settle in my heart. I tried to muster a brave smile through the tears.
"Yeah, take care," I managed to say, though my voice trembled with suppressed emotions. Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over.
My mother turned her gaze back to me, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion. In that moment, she sensed the turmoil within me. She spoke gently, as only a mother could. "Luna, do you want to go with Reid?"
I looked at her, tears streaming down my face, torn between the desire to stay with my mother and the longing to be by Reid's side. The words caught in my throat, unable to form a coherent response.
Sensing my struggle, my mother made the decision for me. "Okay, it's decided. Reid, you will bring Luna to the human kingdom, and I will accompany my husband to the elven kingdom. I have connections with the current Elven queen, and I've heard that the recently developed Human Kingdom is governed by a teenager. Perhaps they will listen to Luna more than they would listen to me."
Reid appeared slightly taken aback by the sudden turn of events, but he quickly composed himself and placed a hand over his heart. "Your wish is my command, Your Highness."
In that moment, my heart ached with conflicting emotions. Part of me yearned to stay with my mother, to support her in her endeavors and protect my father. Yet, another part of me longed to be with Reid, to face the challenges ahead together. It was a bittersweet decision, one that had been made out of love and the desire to ensure our safety.
After Reid dismounted the horse, he approached me, and my mother swiftly followed suit. Reid took hold of the reins, ensuring the horses remained steady. I wrapped my arms around him from behind, seeking support to keep myself steady on the horse. But amidst it all, my cheeks flushed with embarrassment and a hint of something more.
Stolen novel; please report.
Reid spoke with a determined tone, his gaze fixed ahead. "Alright, Your Highness, we will meet again in the Human Kingdom."
My mother nodded in response, her eyes filled with both concern and pride. Then, she turned her attention to me, her voice filled with love and understanding. "Luna, remember, I understand that you feel burdened by the tragedy that has befallen us. But know that I am incredibly proud of your selflessness today. Do not dwell on the past. Instead, gather your strength and prepare for the new opportunities that await us."
Her words resonated deep within me, touching the core of my being. It was as if she understood the weight of guilt that I carried for having slept while my friends and loved ones met their demise. A smile graced her lips, genuine and full of warmth. "One day, Luna, you will make an exceptional queen."
Reid nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting unwavering faith in my potential. "Yes, she most certainly will."
My heart seemed to leap into my throat, rendering me speechless. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I could only manage a nod in response to their words. With a heavy heart, I watched as my mother mounted the horse where my father sat, waving a final goodbye before disappearing into the distance.
Emotions overwhelmed me once again, and fresh tears spilled from my eyes. Reid's voice broke through my sorrow, bringing a sense of stability and reassurance. "Hold on tight, little princess."
I mustered a weak response, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yes."
I relinquished control of my body, allowing myself to rest against Reid's back. The events of the day had taken a toll on me, both physically and emotionally. My mind struggled to process the whirlwind of emotions and the loss that had befallen us. To protect myself from further anguish, I made a conscious decision to avoid dwelling on the lives that were lost. Instead, I focused on the present, steeling myself to endure the pain until we reached a safe haven where both Reid and I could find solace.
With a swift motion, Reid tugged on the reins, urging the horse forward. The rhythmic sound of hooves against the ground echoed in my ears as the horse picked up speed. We raced through the forest, leaving behind the echoes of tragedy and venturing towards an uncertain future. In the midst of this chaotic journey, I clung tightly to Reid's back, finding solace in his presence and drawing strength from the determination in his actions. Together, we pressed forward, our shared path leading us towards a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.
After about an hour of riding, we decided to take a small detour to ensure that no pursuers were tailing us. It was a precautionary measure, but we couldn't afford to take any chances. Finally, in the distance, we caught sight of the human kingdom. Both Reid and I appeared somewhat suspicious, with our bodies and faces concealed beneath our hooded capes, but we hoped it would be enough to go unnoticed. During the journey, my legs had regained some strength, providing me with the ability to move swiftly if the need arose.
"That's the East section of the kingdom," Reid remarked, pointing towards the distant walls that surrounded the bustling city.
Despite the glimmer of hope that flickered within me, I couldn't shake off the lingering fear. Just as I allowed myself to believe that we were safe, the sound of galloping horses reached my ears, piercing through the serenity of the moment.
"There they are!" a distant voice shouted, and my heart constricted with renewed anxiety. I turned my gaze backward and spotted our previous assailants giving chase from a hill in the distance. Reid let out a frustrated groan, clearly exasperated by their relentless pursuit.
"Urgh! These guys just won't give up!" he exclaimed, his annoyance evident.
The threat of danger loomed once again, casting a shadow over our journey to safety. With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I clung tightly to Reid as we prepared for the next challenge, uncertain of what lay ahead.
The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on my mind. The sheer number of pursuers was overwhelming. If they managed to track us all the way to the Human Kingdom, I couldn't be certain whether the people there would offer us sanctuary or betray us to our enemies. We hadn't established any connections with the kingdom's rulers, leaving us without any guarantees of assistance against such a formidable force.
The more I dwelled on the potential outcomes, the bleaker our circumstances appeared. Reid seemed to share my concerns, contemplating the difficult choices before us.
"Okay, Luna. I'm going to create a diversion and lead them away," Reid stated, his voice filled with determination. "I doubt the humans will aid us at this moment. Your task is to enter the kingdom and wait for me there."
Before I could voice my hesitation, Reid pleaded with me earnestly, his eyes reflecting both urgency and resolve. "Please, Luna! I have a plan. I will lose them in the forest to the south. I promise I will come back to you. Trust me and do as I ask."
Part of me wanted to resist, to cling to the familiar presence of Reid by my side. However, time was a precious commodity we couldn't afford to squander, and I reluctantly nodded, my doubts mingling with a fragile glimmer of hope.
We approached the Eastern gate, where a sense of urgency hung in the air. The guards stationed there hastily gathered, their weapons at the ready, as they assessed the impending threat of the pursuing army.
"Halt! State your business!" one of the guards demanded, his spear aimed towards us.
Reid, quick on his feet, concocted a desperate plea to gain the guards' sympathy and secure my entry into the safety of the kingdom. "Please, I beg you! My sister's life is at stake. If she remains outside, our pursuers will surely kill her. I will divert the attention of that army. Just please, allow my sister to enter!"
Reid's choice to conceal my identity as a princess was a calculated risk. Revealing my status would only complicate matters further, drawing unnecessary attention and potential complications.
We were fortunate to be far enough from our pursuers that they remained oblivious to our exchange with the guards. Moreover, if the guards perceived me as an ordinary girl in need of shelter, their compassion might lead them to grant me entry without question.
The guards exchanged uncertain glances, considering the perilous situation unfolding before them. Their gazes shifted between me and the approaching horde of enemies.
Finally, their hesitant decision came. "Alright, we'll let the girl in."
Reid motioned for me to disembark from the horse, and I swiftly complied. With a mix of trepidation and determination, I hurriedly made my way through the gates, casting a worried glance back at Reid.
"You must come back!" I called out, my voice laced with urgency and unspoken fears.
"I promise!" Reid's resolute words resonated through the chaotic scene as he spurred the horse onward, galloping away to fulfill his self-imposed mission.
As I entered the safety of the kingdom, the guards' words resonated in my ears. "Your brother is really brave," one of them remarked, acknowledging Reid's selfless act.
"Go inside and hide somewhere! We still can't prevent those people from entering if they possess the proper documentation. And that's assuming they won't resort to violence," another guard advised, highlighting the limitations they faced in maintaining order.
Taking their advice to heart, I nodded in understanding and swiftly made my way deeper into the kingdom. I cast a final glance back at Reid, witnessing his courageous sacrifice as he led our pursuers away into the wilderness. Worry gripped my heart, and I couldn't help but mutter under my breath, "You must come back."
Once within the kingdom's protective walls, I surveyed my surroundings. It became apparent that I had found myself in the less affluent district of the kingdom, the slums. Seeking refuge and concealment, I hurriedly entered a narrow alleyway and found solace behind a stack of wooden boxes. Clutching onto my robes, I attempted to calm my racing heart, anxiously awaiting Reid's return.
Minutes turned into hours, and fear continued to tighten its grip on my heart. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as uncertainty clouded my thoughts. The weight of the day's events pressed upon me, and I could only hope that Reid's plan would prove successful, allowing us to reunite and find a way to navigate the perils that lay ahead.
As I waited anxiously for Reid's return, I repeated reassuring thoughts in my mind, desperately trying to maintain hope. "He will come back! I'm sure!" I whispered to myself, attempting to lift my spirits.
Amid the tension and worry, the grumbling of my stomach reminded me of my neglected hunger. It was then that I realized I hadn't eaten anything since morning, and the pangs of hunger intensified. Yet, the fear of drawing attention to myself kept me from venturing out to find sustenance.
More hours crawled by, and the darkness of night enveloped the slums. Exhaustion finally caught up with me, and the weariness in my bones became palpable. Seeking some respite from the harsh reality, I lay down on the unforgiving, cold floor, using the hooded cloak as a makeshift bedsheet. The discomfort was a small price to pay for concealment and safety.
In an attempt to maintain a positive outlook, I continued to convince myself that Reid was merely taking a detour, assuring myself that he was safe. "Yes, that's right, a detour!" I repeated, attempting to quell the rising doubt and fear. However, despite my efforts to remain optimistic, the weight of the day's events and the uncertainty of the future became overwhelming. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I succumbed to the exhaustion and sorrow, crying myself to sleep in the darkness of the slums.
{Author note: The real Reid dies by now and is replaced by Evan in the morning.}
In the depths of my slumber, I found myself ensnared in a nightmare, a horrifying scenario where I was trapped amidst a sea of flames. Reid stood before me, desperately urging me to flee, unaware of the imminent danger lurking behind him. Panic surged through my veins as I struggled to warn him, but my voice failed me, leaving me paralyzed with fear. And then, in a heart-wrenching moment, I watched in sheer terror as an enemy sword impaled Reid's body, his anguished screams echoing in my ears.
Abruptly, my eyes flew open, and I found myself back in the desolate alleyway, the remnants of the nightmare still haunting my mind. Beads of sweat clung to my brow, and my heart pounded against my chest as if trying to escape its confines. I pressed my trembling hands against my racing heart, desperately seeking solace in the physical sensation, attempting to steady my breathing.
"It was just a nightmare," I whispered to myself, the words offering a sliver of comfort amidst the turmoil. I repeated the mantra, reminding myself that the harrowing scene had not unfolded in reality. It was only a figment of my imagination, a manifestation of my deepest fears.
But despite my attempts to reassure myself, the lingering fear and sorrow persisted, wrapping around me like a suffocating shroud. The weight of the day's events coupled with the uncertainty of Reid's fate bore heavily upon my fragile shoulders. Unable to contain the overwhelming emotions any longer, I curled into a tight ball on the cold, unforgiving ground, tears streaming down my face as I surrendered to the grief and despair that enveloped me.
Exhaustion consumed my weakened body as another day slipped away, and the night began to cast its shadow upon the kingdom. Reid still hadn't returned, and each passing moment only deepened the worry gnawing at my heart. Hunger and thirst tormented me, robbing me of the strength to carry on.
With trembling legs, I mustered the last remnants of my energy, rising unsteadily in search of sustenance. Amongst the bustling activity of children playing, some of them carried morsels of food, a tantalizing sight that beckoned to my empty stomach. Feeble attempts to call out to them proved futile as my voice betrayed me, reduced to mere whispers. Struggling to traverse the distance, I stumbled forward until I collided with someone, toppling into a small muddy puddle. The overwhelming weakness within me prevented even a single tear from escaping.
A concerned voice reached my ears, piercing through the haze of my despair. It was the same guard from the entrance, recognizing me from before. Through my fragmented pleas for sustenance, he discerned my desperate need. Without hesitation, he offered me a half-eaten piece of bread, an act of kindness that momentarily rekindled a glimmer of hope within me. I snatched the bread from his outstretched hand and devoured it hungrily, muddy fingers and all. The meager sustenance briefly quelled the hunger pangs, but weariness soon overcame me, and I collapsed where I stood, surrendering to the embrace of the muddy ground.
In that moment, surrounded by darkness and uncertainty, I clung to the small spark of compassion that had been shown to me. As sleep claimed me once again, I whispered a silent prayer, hoping that Reid would return soon and that the dawn would bring with it a glimmer of hope and a chance for our paths to converge once more.
As I stirred awake in the familiar alleyway, my eyes fell upon a water bottle placed beside me. Thirst gripped me, and I eagerly gulped down the water, feeling a surge of replenishing energy flow through me. I rose to my feet, a renewed determination filling my weary frame.
The question of Reid's arrival lingered in my mind, haunting my every thought. Should I have inquired with the guard from before? But the words escaped me, trapped within the depths of my emotions. Yet, I refused to succumb to despair. Reid was alive, I believed it with every fiber of my being.
Setting my gaze towards the Eastern gate, the same entrance through which I had entered this kingdom, I embarked on a hesitant journey. The guards stationed there, surely they would know if Reid had arrived. They held the key to dispelling the uncertainty that clung to my soul.
With each step, a mix of anticipation and trepidation coursed through my veins. And then, as if a dream taking shape before my eyes, I saw someone familiar. His back was turned towards me, his gaze fixed upon the gate. My heart leapt into my throat, a surge of emotions flooding my being. But my voice failed me, weakened by the overwhelming flood of sentiments coursing through me.
Summoning all the strength I could muster, I called out his name, my voice barely a whisper. Yet, he turned, his eyes meeting mine, and in that instant, I recognized him—Reid. Tears streamed down my face, unbridled joy and relief cascading over me like a torrent. Without a moment's hesitation, I ran toward him, throwing myself into his embrace.
The weight of uncertainty, the nights of loneliness, and the depths of fear all dissipated in that embrace. In Reid's arms, I found solace and safety once more. My body pulsed with newfound vitality, reinvigorated by the presence of the one I held so dear.
In that fleeting moment, time stood still as we clung to each other, tears mingling, and hope reignited. Reid had returned, defying the odds, and we were reunited against all odds.