65

65
Princess Elowen Starfire.

I didn't sleep, honestly.
The few hours I closed my eyes were filled with images too intense to allow me to rest. I could still feel his touch on my skin, as if my pores remembered the exact pressure of Aric's fingers, the warmth of his mouth, and the hoarse sound of his breath against my neck.
I turned in bed, frustrated.
The morning was already dawning outside, painting the clouds with a soft shade of gold, but nothing in me felt soft at that moment. Every muscle was tense, every thought in conflict.
No.
That would not happen again.
I thought seriously.
I got up firmly, pulling the light fabric robe that hung from the back of the chair.
I looked at myself in the mirror and tidied up my appearance a little, tying my hair in a side braid and washing my face to finally feel more alert.
Then I approached the door, opening it just enough for one of the maids outside to notice that I was awake.
“I would like to have breakfast here,” I said, trying to maintain my composure, even though my voice was lower than usual. ''Bring me tea... chamomile with rosemary and honey and fresh bread, please.”
The girl nodded with a slight bow and hurried away. Meanwhile, I went to the window and pressed my forehead against the cold glass, trying to calm the storm inside me. Aeloria. She was the one I should be consumed by, not some proud Alpha who didn't know what he wanted, not a kiss, a touch, a confusing night that would lead nowhere.
I should stay this way, determined, trying not to think about what happened anymore. This was who I was. A determined princess who would no longer give in to kisses and intense moments like that.
A knock on the door alerted me. It was the maid bringing my breakfast. I nodded for her to proceed.
The smell of tea filled the room when the tray was brought to the table. I sat down calmly; the tea was just as I had asked, warm, sweet, with that comforting aroma that reminded me of the coffee I used to drink with my sister.
I thanked the maid, and she left. I held the cup more firmly and brought it to my lips once more, savoring the sweet taste of the tea.
Then I picked up one of the rolls.
The first bite of the fresh bread brought on a pang of real hunger. I needed to eat; I needed energy. I couldn't afford to weaken now.
I ate a little more and drank some more tea, then got up. My stomach now felt warm from the tea.
I felt better and determined to continue, to find my dear sister.
I went into the hallway and called for Render, who arrived at my room in a few minutes. He was, as always, alert and loyal.
He bowed and then I said.
“We'll leave in a few minutes,'' I announced, placing the empty cup back on the saucer.
“As you wish, princess,” he replied with a slight nod. “The men are ready.”
“I'll be ready soon,” I confirmed.
He left immediately so I could change.
I went to the wardrobe and took out a longer dress and changed, then put on the leather armor reinforced with silver plates. It fit my body like an extension of my will. The wounds from the night before were almost completely healed, my magic working silently to rebuild what the battle had broken.
I was ready. Before leaving the room, I took care of my needs, then walked down the hall, and in moments, the guards spotted me and began to follow me.
I hadn't seen Aric, nor did I want to see him or talk to him. Not after what had happened; my focus now was to rescue my sister at any cost.
As soon as I crossed the garden, the carriage was already waiting for me. I got in without looking around. I knew Aric was right behind me. I was sure he had asked my guards if I was leaving to look for my sister.
I just snuggled into the carriage and asked them to go ahead. The carriage moved, and my other soldiers galloped on their horses, behind and in front of the carriage.

As soon as I left the castle, the sun was already spreading across the sky like a living carpet. We advanced into the forest, Render and the elven soldiers in front, the wild wolves of the clans loyal to my father around us, and Aric, silent but alert, walking beside me.
I had already left the carriage and was walking with them, looking around attentively.
Aric's wolves were also present, but the alpha seemed as tense as I was.
I felt their presence like an electric current on my skin.
None of us spoke.
As we entered the woods, the sounds of the forest began to change. The birdsong ceased abruptly, an artificial silence spread like a mist, and then... it began.
Murmurs.
Low voices, whispering words in languages I did not understand, some of which I recognized as ancient forbidden incantations.
Dark magic. It could only be that.
“Everyone on alert,” I ordered, my hand going to the hilt of the sword hanging at my waist.
The soft glow of the rune engraved on the blade glowed in response to the presence of darkness.
The bushes shook with sudden violence, and then they appeared.
Dark orcs, gray skin, eyes whitish as if blinded by evil. And beside them, human warriors, their faces covered in black marks and grotesque scars. They were corrupted by magic and hatred.
I shouted, pulling my sword from its sheath in one fluid motion. The blade flashed as it touched the air, and with it, I channeled my light magic into a direct strike that hit the first orc, stunning him with a burst of pure light.
“Protect yourselves!” I shouted.
Aric roared beside me—not just a battle cry, but a transformation. It was partial; his eyes flashed, his hands became claws, his fangs emerged, and he grew larger, half man, half beast. He lunged at the enemies with calculated brutality, tearing the flesh of those who tried to reach me. It was like watching an ancient dance, full of violence and purpose.
Then something spread through the air; a dark mist began to form around us. I felt it pressing against my lungs, draining my energy and making each spell harder to cast. It was a dark magic spell, and it was affecting us more than I had imagined.
I started coughing and pulled the air slowly, put a hand on my face, looking at all my warriors.
“Shit...” I complained, curling my lip.
I gathered what little strength I had left and summoned a barrier of light around us. The white energy sphere pulsed, keeping the mist at bay for now, but I knew it wouldn't last.
Aric approached, his eyes still wild.
“Elowen, this isn't ordinary magic. It's weakening us little by little.”
“I know, I'm trying to contain it, but I don't know how long I can keep the barrier up.”
He positioned himself beside me, protecting my flank. We stood shoulder to shoulder, like two sides of the same blade. There was urgency in our eyes, but also... something else.
“You're not alone,” he said firmly. ''I'll stay with you until the end.”
Before I could respond, an icy breath passed through me. And then, among the distant trees, like a distorted dream... I saw her.
Aeloria.
She was there.
Alone. Standing still. Her golden hair floated slightly as if the wind enveloped her. Her eyes... empty. In a trance.
“Sister?” I whispered, taking a step forward.
But before I could reach her... she vanished like a mist.
“No...'' I whispered, feeling despair take hold of my chest.
Aric grabbed my arm tightly, pulling me back to reality.
“It's an illusion; they're playing with your mind.”
“It wasn't an illusion,” I replied, my voice trembling. “It was her.” I said firmly.
Aric looked at me for a moment, not believing what I had said, but I was sure it was my sister standing there.
The weight of that certainty crushed me.
And I had to find her before it was too late.
I would defeat them all, even if at that moment they were stronger than we. I would hurt myself; I would do anything to get my sister back.