Chapter 1

The night had ventured deep into darkness enveloping everything in hazy twilight.

The sky shallowed whole by towering trees. Bird's screeches and screams grew louder with each hustle of wind. Howls and cries of the wolves haunted the jungle.

Dim, cold and suffocating ground recked from noxious stretch of poisonous flowers.

Clouds of mist hugged the midnight. Vines hanged through out the forest.

Amidst the veil of darkness, the dimming glow of touches seemed to shine with radiance brighter than ever. Undaunted by the changing atmosphere, the five traveler remained unfazed. Echoes of their footsteps ringed throughout the forest.

Elegant armory had swallowed the body of four traveler and gifted them with burden of weight. Their heavy arms restrained them. Thick plates of metal guarded their hearts. The metal helmet extended down their faces, leaving only a narrow slit to see through. Hindering their vision. A perfect examples of solider, only following the order.

In the midst of the travelers, spotlight fell on a woman in her twenties. Light blonde strains of hair contrasted her rosy skin. The shallow dark circles gave the hint of tiredness to her hazel eyes. Her limbs shackled with heavy chain. A mark of her pain filled trials, struggles and captivity. Yet she stood tall, undefeated and stronger than ever. Burning with hope and passion, embracing her name ‘Solis’ to her heart.

The contrast between the chain and her demeanor had made her compelling. Or maybe it was the silent resolve in her eyes.

The knight halted. Solis exhaled a sigh. The Paladin at the forefront turned to look back, his piercing silver eyes fixed on Solis. The metal helmet concealed his muted red hair. The peculiar combination of muted red hair and silver eyes soothed his appearance.

“Lady Solis," said Liam.

A gentle smile graced Solis's face, causing the atmosphere to fall into slumber.

"What a cruel fate we follow. Don't we, sir Liam?" Solis uttered, a hint of a smile remaining on her face.

Liam bit his lip and clenched his fist, yet his eyes remained unaltered. Even as frustration lingered, it remained contained within his heart.

“In the name of Anselma…”Liam trembled as he muttered.

He grinded his teeth and swallowed his spit. After a deep breath, he declared, “In the name of Anselma, you are hereby exiled.”

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His words echoed and spread deep into the forest. The birds fell silent, and the wolf howls faded away. Only the sound of the rustling wind remained.

Solis looked at Liam with a mixture of sorrow and understanding, the weight of his command hung heavy in air.

Liam unshackled Solis and walked away. The remaining knights followed him.

Gradually even their shadow faded away. The forest was engulfed into darkness.

The smile on Solis crumbled into a lump of despair. The whispers of birds and the cries of wolves grew louder.

“Everything is mocking me now.” Solis fell to her knees. The heavy weight of her body, she could not carry it anymore.

‘Everything is going according to plan. I just need to hold a bit longer.’ Solis thought as she looked at the sky.

“Even the stars are far today. And the night has devore all this world.” Solis heart sunk deep in her stomach.

“Devoured? It's more……. like ugh…. I just can't describe it. ” Solis followed the soft voice to lay her eyes on a man. He had messy obsidian black hair with glitter of white. A contrast to his creamy white skin. And eyes as blue as ocean. His powerful and soothing aura dominated the air.

Solis knew exactly who he was. Twilight Sidus, the dragon of night. One know for his veilness and hated throughout the Anselma.

Solis stood up and masked herself with a charming smile.

“Greetings.” Solis bowed. She was well aware that only this man could save her and the things she valued.

Twilight pulled down his cloak and replied with a smile.

“Mind I ask why you are here?” voiced Solis.

“I heard you were exiled.” Solis face tensed up but her smile didn't fade. “And I can’t have a human die here. You are a human aren’t you?” Twilight raised his eyebrows.

Solis nodded her head.

“So lea-”

“Please help me.” requested Solis.

“pff” Twilight held his laughter.

Twilight’s eyes enlarged and his pupils dilated. He pushed his hair back. A wide smile engraved in his face.

“Why should I?” Twilight’s mellow voice screeched.

Solis clenched her fist. Yet she was graceful as ever.

“Sil…silver light.” said Solis.

Twilight’s smile had disintegrated. His ocean blue eyes stared at Solis.

“Silver light, you say.” Solis felt chill down her spine. Twilight voice was calm. And still you could feel it break.

Twilight's aura had intensed. Solis could feel her skin being pierced. But she wasn't afraid. She knew Twilight would not hurt her. She was sure of it. After all, she had the location of his sealed power.

“Interesting.” Twilight broke the silent. His eyes still fixed on Solis.

“Will you help us?” Solis questioned. Her smile had melted. Her face clouded from worries.

“A enemy's enemy is a friend. Don't you human have such saying.” Twilight mumbered.

Solis breathe shorten, her ears peaked and shoulders tensed up.

‘For the sake of Nova, for Anselma. I need to make him agree.’ Solis heart fasten. She clenched her teeth.

“It might be your last chance to defeat Oskar Solstitial.” cried Solis.

“Last chance.” Twilight had a soft smile. “Unlike you human, I have eternity to wait.”

“Are you willing to?” Solis glared at Twilight. She clenched her gown.

Solis felt suffocated. The aura became hostile and soon subsided.

“No,…. I can't.” Twilight soft voice had returned. “I really can't, can I? Ha.” Despair overtook Twilight. A despair so beautiful, you could call it night.

“A human willing to help me get my light, huh. Doesn't sound half bad. In exchange, I provide my assistant to you.” said Twilight.

“Do we have deal?” Solis hurriedly asked.

Twilight's reply was a graceful smile.