The world around them shimmered and shifted, and within moments, their figures materialized in the heart of Eldo's kingdom city. They found themselves in a dimly lit alley, the cobblestones beneath their feet damp with traces of rain. The faint hum of the magical bustling city life echoed from nearby streets, though this particular corner was ominously quiet.
Ahead of them, a group of knights stood in a rigid circle, their swords drawn and pointed toward several men bound on the ground. These were kingdom knights... Emma recognized their armor, engraved with the emblem of Eldo-Clearoth, the phoenix rising from flames. When their sharp eyes landed on the group, particularly Gulam, the tension in their stances eased.
The moment the knights noticed the royals.. Princess Agatha, Prince Meron, and Princess Rissane.. they lowered their weapons entirely, relief sweeping over their expressions. “It’s the royals!” one of the knights exclaimed, his voice trembling with emotion.
From behind the knights, two regal figures emerged... the queens of Eldo-Clearoth and Elverian Kingdom. Their faces, previously marred with worry, lit up with overwhelming joy. The Queen of Elverian, her elven grace radiating in her every movement, rushed to embrace Princess Rissane. Her voice cracked as she whispered, “My child… you’re safe.” Tears streaked her face, her composure forgotten in her relief.
The Queen of Eldo-Clearoth quickly followed suit, pulling both Agatha and Meron into a tight embrace. She whispered thanks to the gods, her voice shaking with gratitude. The absence of their respective kings was noticeable; Emma overheard a knight explaining that they were still out in the kingdom, coordinating efforts to search for others affected by the dungeon's activation.
Gulam stepped forward to recount what had transpired in the dungeon, his words steady and detailed as he described their harrowing journey. He was meticulous, explaining how the artificial dungeon was activated and the sacrifices it had demanded. Few citizens had been transported into its labyrinth, and none had survived. The weight of their losses hung heavily in the air, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked in Eldo’s shadows.
As Gulam finished his explanation, he turned to introduce Emma and Maverick to the queens... but when he glanced back, the two were gone. His brows furrowed, yet he did not seem entirely surprised. “Strange and Mysterious,” he murmured to himself.
Princess Rissane’s gaze searched the crowd, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face when she realized Emma had vanished as well. A wistful thought crept into her mind: I hope we meet again.
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The group began their return to Eldo-Clearoth Palace, the princesses, prince and their mothers moving with an air of both relief and lingering sorrow.
In a quieter corner of the magical city, Maverick walked along a deserted street, his footsteps echoing faintly against the cobblestones.
“You didn’t even say goodbye,” Emma’s voice called from an alleyway nearby. She stepped out into the dim light, her expression calm yet tinged with an unspoken question.
Maverick didn’t pause. “Why should I?” he replied, his voice carrying the same detached tone it always did. “This is where we part ways.”
Emma fell into step beside him briefly, her eyes fixed ahead. “Why didn’t you take the artificial dungeon box?”
His answer was immediate, as though he had anticipated the question. “The kingdom has it now. Taking it would be inviting unnecessary trouble.”
Emma nodded, her gaze thoughtful. “I understand,” she said, her voice softer now. She stopped walking and glanced at him with a faint smile. “It was… nice meeting you. I hope our paths cross again someday.” Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away, her figure disappearing into the shadowed alley.
Maverick didn’t look back. He simply continued forward, his pace unchanging as he vanished into the distance.
***
Emma’s steps quickened as she approached the Royal Bookstore, its arched doorway illuminated by the fading glow of the setting sun. Inside, she spotted her mother, Vivian, standing among a group of knights. Her mother’s striking white eyes, a rare and unique feature, were fixed on the knight speaking before her. The lines of worry etched into her face spoke volumes.
Emma hesitated for a moment, a warm smile spreading across her face as she watched her mother. Quietly, she placed the magical egg on the ground and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around her mother’s waist from behind.
Though Emma wasn’t tall enough to fully embrace her, the gesture was unmistakable. “Was I gone too long?” she asked softly, her voice trembling with emotion.
Vivian stiffened for a moment before turning sharply. Her white eyes widened in shock and then filled with tears. “Emma… is it really you?” she whispered.
Without waiting for an answer, she pulled her daughter into a tight embrace, her tears soaking into Emma’s hair. “Thank the gods,” she murmured over and over, her voice a mixture of relief and disbelief.
When her sobs finally subsided, she pulled back slightly, only to notice that Emma was still clinging to her, though her grip had slackened. Glancing down, she saw her daughter’s eyes closed in peaceful slumber.
Vivian chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from Emma’s face. “Rest, my dear,” she said gently. “You’ve been through so much today.”
She carefully lifted Emma into her arms, her maternal strength unwavering despite the day’s exhaustion. Her gaze shifted to the magical egg on the ground, its surface gleaming faintly. With a smile, she picked it up as well, holding it close as she turned toward the street.
“Let’s go home,” she said softly, more to herself than anyone else. The vibrant magical streets of Eldo-Clearoth stretched ahead, bathed in the warm hues of beautiful sunset. Vivian carried Emma through the city, her steps steady and purposeful, the weight of worry lifted from her heart.
The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson as mother and daughter disappeared into the beautiful ever-glowing horizon.
[End of Arc 4: Return]