75

75
Princess Elowen Starfire.

Aeloria trembled in my arms, small and fragile as she had been on the first night I held her, when thunder had frightened her from her infant dreams, and she had clung to me as if I were her shelter.
I always stayed with her when Mom was busy or recovering from childbirth.
And I continued to care for her, to hold her when she had nightmares, after our mother died. Aeloria saw me as a mother. I was always there for her, and now I was here. My little sister was in my arms; now she was safe.
Her small body was cold, and sweat stuck her hair to her forehead; she looked weak, the consequences of the magic they had used on her.
Those assholes did it to her.
They would pay for everything.
They would suffer a thousand times for having hurt her.
“They're still around,” I whispered, my eyes scanning the cave. “If they could do this to you, Aeloria... then they're planning something much bigger. But I swear... I swear on everything I am... that you won't go through this alone anymore.” My voice was firm. “I'm here now, I'll protect you, sister, always.”
She looked at me with teary eyes, golden strands sticking to her wet cheek.
“I... I tried to resist,” she whispered. "But it was like a voice inside my head, screaming louder than mine. I saw you, Elowen; I knew it was you. And yet, I couldn't stop...“More tears fell from her face. ''I... I'm sorry, sister.“
I reached out and gently caressed her face.
”It's not your fault, Aeloria. It never was. They used you, they imprisoned you. This is their fault... and they will pay for every second of your suffering." I growled, biting my lip.
“But I hurt you,” she cried. “I attacked you...”
“It's my fault, little sister,” I interrupted, my voice faltering. “I should have found you sooner. I promised I would protect you and... I failed. You were alone. And that... that I will never forgive myself for.” I shook my head, angry at myself.
I should have gotten there in time.
I should have done more.
It’s actually all my fault.
“Don't say that...” she tried to say.
“I'll get you out of here,” I said firmly, wrapping my arms around her. “No matter what happens, Aeloria. No matter how many enemies come, we'll work it out, little sister.”
I stood up with her still leaning against me and faced the others. Aric watched me with his arms crossed, his eyes fixed on us, and Render remained alert to his surroundings, trying to decipher any strange movements.
The wolves were tense, their fur bristling, as if they sensed that the peace would be short-lived.
Then we heard footsteps.
Light. Fast.
Aric raised his sword.
“Someone's coming,” he said, already in attack position.
The wolves growled in unison. Render summoned a blue sphere of light in the palm of his hand, ready to launch. Everyone was on alert, forming a circle around us. I bent over Aeloria, instinctively protecting her.
If the enemy appeared, they would see my fury.
They would not hurt my sister, I would finish them all.
Even if it drained my energy.
I knew that several enemies would appear in seconds, I was sure of it, but I didn't expect them to be so fast.
Shit...
And then, from the shadows of the entrance, a small figure emerged.
A boy.
Was that it?
I frowned.
He looked about twelve years old, I thought.
I looked at him with attention, suspicious.
Pale skin, gray eyes, and a scar cutting across his left eyebrow. He was wearing dirty, torn clothes, and his hands were stained with something that looked like dried blood. He was very young, perhaps my sister's age or a little older, thin, and looking a little scared.
The eyes of the boy stared all, then he looked at my sister.
I looked at Aeloria, and as soon as she saw the boy, I heard her faltering voice.
"Victor!" she said, her eyes wide, looking surprised.
Did she know him? Who was he?
Aric growled, baring his fangs, ready to attack at any sudden movement from the boy.
“Get away, boy!” he said firmly.
The wolves growled, ready to charge, and Render raised his hand in a signal to attack. Everyone was ready to pounce on the boy at the slightest sign of danger.
“Wait!” Aeloria shouted, standing up even though her body was trembling. “Don't do anything! He... he helped me!” she said, leaning her shoulder on me. I held her arms so she wouldn't fall.
That boy helped my sister? But how?
I turned my face to her, still not understanding.
“What are you talking about?” I asked, half-closing my eyes. “Do you know him?”
She nodded, panting.
“Yes... when they captured me, they locked me in a cell. I was alone, scared. But... he showed up, gave me water and food... He tried to help me, even though it put him at risk,” she explained.
Aric still held his sword aloft.
“He's a spy, then. Someone who was sent to gain your trust,” he said, gritting my teeth and looking suspiciously at the boy.
“No!” she cried. “He's just a boy! A human who... who wanted to help!” She begged, taking a step forward, and I continued to hold her, afraid that he really was a spy.
I felt that something was strange, something I could sense in the air.
What was it?
I approached slowly, put Aeloria behind me, and asked some of my soldiers to hold her arms.
I continued forward, keeping a serious expression.
I stared at the boy.
He looked at me.
His eyes stared at me without fear, without hesitation.
I stopped and raised my voice...
I needed to know the truth.
I needed to know if he was a spy.
“What is your name?” I asked firmly.
He took a deep breath and replied without fear.
“I am Victor. Victor Wold.”