Evil fears, Death fires, a sword kills. The menace that red water clears the river of hate.

In the trembling shadows of the aftermath, Valeria stood reflective and resolute on the platform overlooking the remnants of her town, Econa. The moon hung low, bathed in an ominous red light that mirrored the chaos within her heart.

The air was thick with turmoil, the cries of the fallen echoing bitterly in her mind. As she turned, the burn of anger mixed with an overwhelming sense of purpose crystallised within her.

Aldena, the soothsayer, had questioned Valeria's father, and now she felt the weight of Aldena's words pressing down on her. The time for hesitation had passed.

"Aldena," Valeria said, her voice steady but soft, "I need you to understand something."

The soothsayer turned, her eyes reflecting both sagacity and sorrow. "What is it, Valeria?"

Valeria inhaled deeply, feeling the air tremble as if the world conspired with her thoughts. "Your words are wise, but we cannot wait for a leader who won't step forward. We cannot follow a man whose shadow weeps over the land. A woman of strength, vision, and compassion should rule Econa."

Aldena regarded her with a curious tilt of her head. "You harbour the spirit of a queen, yet you know the challenges that await any who seek power in such turbulent times."

"The throne must have a High Knight who embodies the true courage of our people," Valeria continued her heart racing.

"Too long has the weight of responsibility rested on the shoulders of those who hide behind façades of nobility. We need someone who understands the pain of the people—a leader who will not only talk of promises but will fulfil them."

"And you think that someone is you?" Aldena asked, sceptical yet intrigued.

Valeria's resolve solidified. "Yes, I am no longer afraid to speak my truth. The men around us speak of battles, yet they shy away from the real fight—the fight for our future, for every child who dreams of a brighter tomorrow."

Aldena studied her intently, the tension in the air palpable. "Leadership is not just about dreams, Valeria. It requires sacrifice, relentless courage, and, often, the willingness to bear the burdens of others. Do you understand what that entails?"

"I do," Valeria replied earnestly, stepping closer to Aldena.

"I watched my father fade into his darkness. I saw the lies he told to maintain control, the love he wielded like a blade. But inside me burns a fire that yearns for change—not just for myself, but for all of Econa."

"Then stand with me," Aldena urged, her voice thick with emotion.

"If you believe in a woman's power, become the beacon of that light. I will support you, but you must be ready for the weight of the crown."

"I will carry it." Valeria's golden eyes shone with an unwavering belief.

"I will become the High Knight, protecting the weary and standing against the tide of darkness. The people deserve honesty, not deception, and I will give them that if they will have me." She continues.

Aldena nodded slowly, a smile breaking through her sombre expression. "You are not merely a girl longing for a throne; you are a force poised to change our world."

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As the fierce winds of change began to swirl around them, Valeria felt the dawn of hope breaking through the storm. She reached for Aldena's hand, sealing their alliance. The time for a woman's strength had come, and together, they would lead Econa into a new era—one of light, love, and righteousness. The red moon above faded slowly, but Valeria's heart ignited, ready to illuminate the path forward.

DAWN

The weight of the battle clung to Valeria's shoulders like a shroud, her heart heavy with loss as she stepped through the grand doors of the castle. The once-vibrant halls, echoing with laughter and warmth, now felt like a hollow shell filled with shadows that whispered of the devastation outside.

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she held them back, steeling herself against the tide of grief that threatened to overwhelm her.

As she crossed the threshold, the familiar scent of lavender, once comforting, now brought with it a flood of memories—half-remembered giggles from her sisters, the warmth of her father's embrace, and the collective dreams they had once shared for the future of Econa.

In that moment, she longed for their carefree days, feeling the sharp pang of their absence more acutely than ever.

"Valeria!" The call came from Hulianna, who rushed forward, followed closely by Ereza and Krimosta. They enveloped her in a tight embrace, warmth radiating from their bodies, a fragile shield against the cold truth of their world.

"Are you okay?" Hulianna's voice was soothing yet laced with concern as she stepped back to look at Valeria's face, searching for signs of the anguish that had etched itself onto her features.

Valeria could only nod, exhaustion pouring from her bones as she leaned against the cold stone wall for support. "I'm fine. Really." But as the words left her mouth, she felt the unspoken truth lurking beneath—she was far from fine.

Ereza held her hand gently and studied her with fierce intensity. "You don't have to pretend with us, Valeria. We can see the pain in your eyes. What happened out there?"

Valeria breathed, but the memories collided inside her like a whirlwind. "It was... horrible. The screams, the fire..." Her voice broke, and she steadied herself against the wall, closing her eyes tightly against the images that flooded her mind. "Victory came at too high a cost."

Valeria asked, "Is Father back?" her hope shining bright in her voice as if it could spark a miracle.

Hulianna felt the chill run deep within her at those words, and the air grew heavier. The room fell silent, a palpable tension wrapping around them like a dark cloak. Nobody wanted to answer, but the weight of the silence spoke volumes.

"I... I wish I could tell you he's safe," Hulianna finally whispered, her throat tight. "But he... he didn't make it back." The words felt like ice, jarring and cruel, and as they sank in, her sisters' faces transformed from hopeful anticipation to profound sorrow.

Valeria gasped, her hand flying to cover her mouth as if she could absorb the impact of Hulianna words. Ereza pulled Krimosta closer, trembling in her embrace.

"No," Valeria whispered, her voice cracking, tears spilling over her cheeks. "Not Father. Not our king." Her small hands clutched tightly onto her sister's arm, seeking comfort in the shared grief.

Krimosta's urgency flooded her heart. "Listen to me, Valeria. He fought bravely, with every fibre of his being, and loved us all more than anything." She reached out, brushing the tears from her sister's cheeks. "He will always be part of us, guiding us."

Hulianna was beside them, her composure faltering as she wrapped her arms around Valeria and Hulianna, creating a cocoon of warmth amidst their loss. "Together, we will carry his spirit forward. He wouldn't want us to despair."

As the sisters sat together, a whirlwind of emotion swirling around them, Valeria felt a flicker of resolve ignite within her. Yes, they were heartbroken, but they were also a family tied to love and resilience. They would not let the shadows of grief consume them.

"We must be strong," Valeria declared, her voice steadying. "Not just for ourselves, but for Econa, for all those we have lost in battle. We owe it to Father to honour his legacy and protect what he held dear."

With renewed clarity, the sisters stood together, united in their shared grief and newfound purpose. They gazed out toward the horizon, where dawn was beginning to break—a reminder that even after the darkest nights, light could return. It would take time to heal, confront the chaos and rebuild, but they would face it together as guardians of the kingdom and keepers of their father's dreams.

Hand in hand, they stood ready to honour their father's legacy, embrace the strength that his spirit instilled in them, and guide Econa through the tumultuous path ahead.