We follow Commander Ayen through the winding streets of the village, which lead us to the lord's manor. The manor, a once magnificent structure of elegant curves and arching spires, typical of elven architecture, now stands battered and disheveled. Despite the external beauty, the interior tells a different story. As we step inside, my heart sinks at the sight.

  The interior of the manor has been converted into a makeshift infirmary. The elegant decorations and fine furniture that once adorned the halls are now scattered and broken, evidence of the recent chaos. The grand hall, which was once filled with the soothing melodies of elven songs and the gentle glow of magical lights, is now a chaotic mess. Elven mages and helpers rush around, trying desperately to apply healing magic and administer herbs and bandages to the injured. The air is thick with the scent of blood and burnt wood, mingling with the cries of the wounded. I exchange a glance with Ryu, and I can see the same pain and anger reflected in his gaze.

  Among the chaos, I spot Lord Y'msari. He stands out, even in this dreadful scene, with his tall, commanding presence. His long silver hair, usually tied neatly, is now disheveled, falling in strands around his sharp, angular face. His piercing green eyes, though tired, still hold a spark of determination. His usual regal robes are stained with blood and dirt, giving him a worn and weary look, but his posture remains strong and resolute. Despite his exhaustion, he works tirelessly, applying his healing arts to those in need. When the soldier approaches and whispers in his ear, Y'msari looks up, and his eyes brighten slightly upon seeing us. Relief and gratitude wash over his features as he strides over to us. "Ryu, Talia, it is good to finally meet you," Y'msari says, about to shake our hands with his blood stained hands. But upon realizing the state of his hands he stops and instead wipes his hands clean on an already filthy rag. "Where are Apollo and that golem of yours?" Y'msari asks, his voice carrying the weight of his exhaustion.

  "IG-22 is helping with moving the dead," Ryu responds. "And I sent Apollo to look after my daughter. I didn't want her to see all this devastation."

  Y'msari nods understandingly. "Please, follow me. I apologize for the mess. The Eldorians burnt down our infirmary, and we don't have enough healers to deal with the influx of injured. More keep coming, and..." His eyes widen suddenly. "My apologies. When I'm stressed, I tend to ramble. Please, follow me to my office."

  We make our way upstairs, passing through hallways filled with the injured. Every room is occupied, the once serene and grand spaces now packed with bodies and overwhelmed healers. I can't help but feel a pang of guilt and sorrow. If only we had arrived sooner, maybe we could have prevented some of this. I shake my head. No. We did arrive in time to save the city. If we had arrived later, there would have been many more casualties or perhaps no Lindórinan to save at all.

  "Everything alright?" Ryu asks, his voice breaking through my thoughts.

  "Just all this devastation and all these wounded. We were here not two weeks ago and now... It's just heartbreaking to see," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. Ryu nods, understanding my sentiment.

  At the end of the hall, Y'msari opens a large door, leading us into what was once a grand office. Large bookshelves line the walls, their contents scattered across the floor. Elegant furniture is tossed aside, a large painting behind the desk is torn, revealing a safe covered in scratch marks and failed attempts to break it open. Y'msari sets up the chairs that have been thrown aside and gestures for us to sit.

  "I'd offer you something to drink, but those Eldorians raided my private collection of prized hooch and destroyed it," Y'msari says with a heavy sigh.

  "That is alright, my lord," Ryu says.

  "Please," Y'msari insists, "no need to be so respectful. You and you, Miss Talia, have saved my city, and for that, you have my thanks. My hands are currently full, and much has been taken from us, but if there's anything you need from me, please don't hesitate to ask."

  I give him a nod of appreciation, feeling a bit relieved by his words. Ryu leans back in his chair, as if in thought. I wonder what he could possibly want for saving the city, feeling a twinge of apprehension.

  "Actually, Lord Y'msari, there are two things we would like," Ryu says.

  "Ask away."

  "I would like your permission to question the Eldorian leader."

  Y'msari raises an eyebrow but then nods. "Granted. May I ask why?"

  "He might have valuable information regarding the cause for the Kingdom of Eldoria to attack Lindórinan," Ryu explains.

  Y'msari's face darkens as he turns to Ryu, his expression filled with a mix of confusion and quiet frustration. "I wonder, too, why they attacked Lindórinan," he says, his voice edged with disbelief. "Our city has done nothing but extend goodwill to Eldoria. We've sent envoys carrying food, medicines, and supplies to aid their towns struggling with famine and sickness. Yet, every envoy has been turned away at the border, our offerings outright refused."

  Ryu raises an eyebrow, his tone laced with incredulity. "Turned away? On whose orders?"

  Y'msari shakes his head, his gaze shifting to the devastated remnants of his city. "I wish I had an answer. The king himself issued a decree prohibiting our aid. And it doesn't stop there," he continues, his voice hardening. "I even offered safe haven here in Lindórinan to Eldoria's refugees, a chance to rebuild among us. But my envoys have returned, each with the same response—silence. No official word, no explanation. Just an eerie, unbroken refusal."

  Ryu glances at the unconscious Eldorian leader, his eyes narrowing. "Perhaps this leader can shed some light on their motives."

  "I can only hope," Y'msari replies, his tone softened with worry as he watches his people picking up the pieces of their shattered city. "For the sake of all those suffering in Eldoria, I hope we uncover the truth soon."

  Ryu nods solemnly.

  Y'msari's voice carries a heavy edge as he looks over at Ryu. "And your second request?" he asks.

  Ryu's response is calm but resolute. "I would like an audience with your king."

  A sigh escapes Y'msari, the weight of weeks of frustration evident in his expression. "That makes two of us," he mutters, almost to himself.

  Ryu's brow furrows. "What do you mean?"

  Y'msari's gaze shifts, his eyes darkened by an uneasy tension. "King Alduin has been holed up in his castle for weeks now. I've tried repeatedly to arrange a meeting, hoping to address the devastation sweeping through Eldoria. But every attempt has met a locked gate." He pauses, rubbing a hand over his face. "It's as if the castle itself has become a fortress of silence."

  My heart clenches, and I force myself to breathe evenly, keeping my expression as calm as possible. It's disturbing enough to hear Eldoria's name in the same sentence as 'calamity' and 'devastation,' but Y'msari's words cut deeper. The thought of my king isolating himself... It's more than unsettling—it's frightening.

  Ryu presses on, his voice mirroring my unease. "And you haven't been the only one turned away, have you?"

  Y'msari shakes his head. "No. Even his closest advisors, his royal guard—none have seen him." His gaze flickers toward me briefly, as if he senses something beneath my calm. "There are rumors, whispers of strange things within the castle walls, but nothing certain. As of now, no one has seen him at all."

  "That is... troubling," Ryu replies, his voice laced with concern. "Then I'd like to begin the interrogation."

  Y'msari nods solemnly and rises from his chair, his graceful movements carrying an air of deep respect and gravity. "Of course," he says, voice resonating with appreciation. "You'll find their leader and the rest of his companions held securely in the keep. Commander Ayen has been informed of the situation; he'll grant you access."

  He steps forward, extending a hand toward Ryu. There's a rare sincerity in his eyes, a flicker of something vulnerable as he holds Ryu's gaze. "From the bottom of my heart," he says, his voice lowered slightly, filled with reverence, "you have my sincerest thanks."

  Ryu grips Y'msari's hand firmly, and for a moment, neither man breaks their gaze. There's a silent understanding passing between them—one soldier to another, one leader to another. Ryu's grip is steady, his posture unwavering, yet I sense a hint of gratitude in his stance. "Of course," Ryu says quietly, releasing Y'msari's hand.

  Y'msari's gaze then shifts to me, a warmth in his expression that surprises me. He extends his hand toward me, and I reach out, feeling the solid grasp of his palm against mine. "Lady Talia," he says, a subtle bow of his head acknowledging me with profound respect, "my people owe you a great debt."

  I nod, finding words insufficient. "Thank you," I murmur, my voice steady, though I feel the gravity of his words weigh down on me.

  ?????

  With a final nod, Ryu and I turn to leave. Stepping out of Y'msari's office, I can still feel the lingering warmth of his gratitude. I follow Ryu as we leave Y'msari's manor, weaving through the crowded halls. The once pristine and elegant interior is now in disarray. Furniture is overturned, decorations are scattered, and the smell of smoke and medicinal herbs lingers in the air. Elven mages and helpers rush around, applying healing magic and bandages to the injured. The sight is heart-wrenching, and I can see the same pain reflected in Ryu's posture.

  As we pass one of the rooms, I glance inside and see Elandor tending to an injured child, his hands glowing with healing energy. He looks up and spots us, giving a nod that conveys both a greeting and a silent thank you. It's a brief but profound acknowledgment, and it bolsters my resolve.

  We step outside, and the full extent of the village's destruction hits me once again. The streets, once bustling and vibrant, are now littered with debris. Smoke still rises from several buildings, and elven soldiers are everywhere, helping the injured and guiding villagers to safety. Despite the devastation, there's a palpable sense of determination among the elves to rebuild and protect what remains.

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  We reach the keep, and Commander Ayen greets us, leading us inside. The architecture is quintessentially elvish—tall, slender towers, intricately carved stonework, and windows adorned with delicate stained glass. Inside, however, the keep shows signs of the recent conflict. As we walk past cells where Eldorian soldiers are held, I hear their whispers and snarls. Several make lewd comments directed at me, and anger flares within me. I take a deep breath, trying to ignore them.

  Ryu doesn't. He stops in front of one of the cells, and I watch as the three prisoners inside are lifted into the air by an unseen force. "If I hear one more lewd comment, it'll be the last thing you'll ever utter," Ryu says coldly before releasing his grip. The prisoners fall to the ground, skidding to the back of the cell. My heart pounds, and a mix of gratitude and something more washes over me. I feel warmth spread through my chest and my cheeks flush slightly, his protective gesture resonating deeply.

  The guard leading us gulps heavily but continues, guiding us downstairs to a wooden door with a small barred opening. Peering through, I see the man that IG-22 had stunned, suspended in the air by chains. His body is heavily bruised, with deep purple and black welts covering his torso and face. One of his eyes are swollen shut, his lip split open, and dried blood crusted around his nose and mouth. The marks of torture are evident, with fresh cuts and abrasions crisscrossing his skin. The sight is gruesome.

  "That's him," the guard says. "We tried to get him to talk, but he wouldn't. Best of luck," he adds before unlocking the door and leaving.

  I take a deep breath and prepare to step in, but Ryu grabs my arm, stopping me. "What's wrong?" I ask, looking back at him. His grip isn't tight, but it's firm.

  "Listen," he says. "I'd rather you not be here."

  "Why?" I ask, a bit confused. "I've seen worse."

  "That isn't what I mean," he explains, shaking his head. "I will have to force the information out of him if he refuses to talk. I'd rather you not witness that."

  I look at him, or more the void that covers his face. His tone is sincere and concerned. "Please," he says. "I don't want you to see what I might have to do."

  I step closer, enveloping his hand with mine. "Ryu," I say softly, looking into the darkness where his eyes would be. "I know what you are capable of, and I'm not afraid. You have nothing to worry about. I'll stay by your side, no matter what."

  He is silent for a moment then nods, and I can tell he's smiling a little. My heart skips a beat, feeling the warmth of his hand in mine. We let go of each other's hands, and he steps into the prison cell. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever comes next.

  Ryu approaches the man, his movements deliberate and controlled. I decide to stay back and watch, a knot of apprehension forming in my stomach. Despite everything, I can't help but feel a twinge of pity for the man. Ryu raises his hand, and the man jolts awake with a gasp, startling me. His one good eye darts around frantically, and I can see the fear etched in his face. He then looks upon Ryu and a smile forms across his face.

  "Ah, so you want to take a jab at me too, eh?" the man sneers, but then he groans in pain.

  "Not exactly," Ryu replies, lowering his arm. "Why was Lindórinan attacked?"

  The man looks over at me, a wider smirk forming on his face. "She's pretty," he says, making my skin crawl.

  Ryu raises his arm again, and the man groans in agony. His body contorts as he struggles against the chains, veins bulging on his neck and forehead. "If you look in her general direction one more time, I will intensify the pain," Ryu warns before lowering his arm, and the man's groans cease.

  He diverts his good eye back to Ryu, the smirk fading. "Why was Lindórinan attacked?" Ryu repeats.

  "We had orders," the man says, his voice strained. "Retaliation for what the elves did."

  I raise an eyebrow, and Ryu tilts his head slightly. "What the elves did?" Ryu asks. "What do you mean?"

  The man chuckles painfully, his voice raspy. "You really don't know? As the man speaks, his expression hardens, the bitterness of his story weighing on every word. His gaze never wavers, his one good eye glaring at Ryu with a fiery intensity. "We tried reaching out, you know? King Alduin, Lord Y'msari, and many other elven lords. Our people are starving, thirsty, sick beyond reason. King Bjorn sent messengers across the elven kingdom, begging for aid, even offering to pay ten times the worth of supplies. But no one returned," he says, his voice breaking slightly before he regains his composure.

  "Except for one," he continues, his voice growing colder, "but barely alive, wounded beyond recognition. Clutched in his hand was a parchment from King Alduin himself." He looks pointedly at Talia, his eye narrowing as he gauges her reaction.

  "The parchment stated that the borders of Elaria have been closed," he continues, his tone a bitter edge, "and that any who approach would be killed on sight. No aid, no entry, no mercy." His words are like a hammer, each one striking at the foundation of everything I thought I knew.

  I swallow hard, my mind spinning, grappling with the impossibility of what he's saying. King Alduin? Ordering such a decree? The questions knot together, twisting in my gut, but I force them down, my focus hardening as I meet the man's stare.

  Ryu's jaw clenches, his gloved hand balling into a tight fist. "That's not true," he says, his voice low but charged with conviction. "Lord Y'msari has tried to help your people. Supplies have been sent, aid was offered, even refuge within his own city. Your people were the ones who turned it away, not ours."

  The man scoffs, an ugly, resentful sound. His gaze turns to me, filled with an intensity that borders on hatred. "Lie to yourself if you want," he sneers. "The elfs denied us help, ignored our pleas, and killed those we sent. What choice did we have left?" His voice cracks slightly, the weight of his anger pressing down on each word.

  I step forward, my fury mounting with each accusation, each twisted truth he hurls. "You had a choice. Violence was never the answer! Lindórinan was never your enemy. If you wanted answers, you could have spoken to Lord Y'msari face to face!" My voice trembles with indignation as I meet his gaze, refusing to back down.

  The man's lips twist into a mocking grin, his voice dripping with derision. "We were done with talking, princess. You can't even begin to understand what it's like to watch your people waste away, to see your children starve while Elaria does nothing but look on from a distance. Then came the order: find you, bring you back to Eldoria for questioning." He grins wider, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes, and it stirs something darker within me.

  "We received word that the ones responsible for our suffering were here. My orders were clear: bring you back to Eldoria for questioning and burn this city to the ground." His lips curl into a twisted grin, a mocking glint in his eye.

  "Enough," Ryu's voice cuts through the air, sharp and commanding. He extends his arm, fingers curling slightly as an unseen force sends the man flying back, held only by the chains binding his wrists. The prisoner cries out, his voice raw and pained, while Ryu's own breaths grow heavier with the strain.

  "What are you doing?" I ask, feeling a flicker of unease as I watch the prisoner writhing under Ryu's hold.

  "I'm... searching his mind," Ryu grunts, his stance rigid with focus. The man thrashes, his screams drawing the wary attention of his fellow prisoners, who exchange fearful glances.

  "You can do that?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady, though I can't shake a growing edge of fear.

  "Yes, but it requires... concentration," he replies, each word punctuated by the strain of maintaining his hold. The prisoner's cries crescendo, echoing around us, and the intensity of Ryu's focus only grows. Suddenly, the door opens, and Commander Ayen enters with several elven soldiers at his side. They halt, watching the scene with puzzled and uneasy expressions as they take in the spectacle before them.

  "What is going on here?" Ayen demands, stepping forward with a hesitant glance toward the bound man.

  "We're... interrogating him," I manage, not taking my eyes off Ryu, who stands unwavering, his hand still outstretched.

  After a final, tortured cry, the prisoner slumps as Ryu releases his hold, staggering back slightly as he catches his breath. I step closer to him, worry knotting in my chest. "Are you alright?"

  Ryu nods, steadying himself. "Yes. Just as I thought..." he says, regaining his breath. He turns back to the prisoner. "You're not a soldier of Eldoria... You serve the Shadowfell." My heart stutters at his words, and a chill crawls up my spine.

  Commander Ayen and his men look bewildered, glancing between each other. "The... Shadow-what?" Ayen asks, clearly struggling to process what he's hearing.

  But the prisoner's head snaps up, his eye glinting with an eerie, unnatural light. His mouth twists into a hideous grin. "I didn't expect you'd possess the same gifts as that meddling priestess," he sneers, his voice taking on a dark, malevolent tone. "No matter. All goes as planned."

  The twisted voice echoes in my mind, the words sending a sickening jolt through me. Commander Ayen and his soldiers instinctively draw their swords, their shock clear in their wide-eyed expressions. The prisoner's chained comrades begin to laugh in unison, each laugh more twisted and discordant than the last. I feel my pulse racing as a sense of dread settles over the room.

  "What do you mean?" Ryu demands, his voice steady but cold as he steps closer to the prisoner.

  "King Bjorn will hear of his men being attacked by Elarian soldiers while simply seeking aid from Lord Y'msari," the man hisses. "And King Alduin has already received word that one of his precious cities was attacked, its streets filled with the blood of his people, courtesy of Eldorian forces. Your kingdoms will clash. There is nothing you can do to stop it."

  The man's laugh grows louder, filling the room with a sickening glee. "Two seals are broken now, Ryu. Even if you try to prevent this war, it will only be a matter of time before all the seals shatter, and shadow will consume this world once more!"

  My stomach turns as his words sink in, each sentence a hammer blow of dread. Ryu's stance shifts, his shoulders rigid, and I can feel the weight of his fury filling the air around him. The enormity of his words crashes into me, making my head spin. The seals... I knew of them, but this—this was beyond anything I could have imagined. My vision blurs as worry and dread churn within me, the fear of what these broken seals mean for our world.

  Suddenly, his gaze shifts to Ryu, a wicked grin stretching across his face. "Pity about your daughter," he sneers, his voice a twisted mockery of sympathy. "I've grown rather fond of her... spirited nature." His words twist into a chilling laugh, and before I can react, his entire body is consumed in a flash of black flames.

  "No!" I scream, watching in horror as the dark fire engulfs him, spreading like a disease along his body. One by one, each imprisoned soldier burst into the same black flame, their laughter distorted, twisted.

  The flames die out as quickly as they appeared, leaving nothing but piles of ash where the prisoners once stood. The air is thick with the acrid stench of smoke and burning flesh. My heart thuds wildly in my chest, my mind racing, horrified, appalled. I turn to Ryu, his expression hidden in shadow but his stance unmistakably tense.

  Without a word, our gazes meet. There's no need to speak; we both know what needs to be done. Without hesitation, we spin on our heels, sprinting past Commander Ayen and his men, their faces frozen in shock, their swords held loosely as they process the horror of what just transpired.

  Commander Ayen's hand grabs my arm, stopping both me and Ryu in our tracks. "What by the gods just happened?" he demands, his grip firm.

  Ryu doesn't miss a beat. "Tell Lord Y'msari that this attack wasn't of Eldoria's making," he says, his tone edged with urgency. "These soldiers were followers of a darker power—a force that's manipulating events from the shadows."

  Ayen's brows knit in confusion, and he casts Ryu a skeptical look. "What darker power?" he asks, his voice tinged with disbelief.

  "A Shadowfell," Ryu says, his words weighted with grim certainty.

  Ayen's expression falters, a trace of shock in his eyes. "You... you can't be serious."

  Ryu steps closer, his gaze unwavering. "I am. You must tell Y'msari immediately that this was not an act of war by Eldoria. They were influenced by something far worse. Warn him—warn the king too—that a greater battle is coming. Elaria must prepare."

  The soldier's face hardens, his disbelief replaced by sober urgency. He gives a swift nod and turns, racing down the hall to deliver the warning.

  As we turn to leave, my heart pounds, the gravity of the situation weighing down with each step. A dark force stirs, and I can feel the shadow of impending conflict settling over us. We rush out of the keep, my worry mounting.

  "Apollo," Ryu calls into his glove, his voice taut with concern, "Apollo, come in." The silence stretches, and Ryu's frown deepens. "Apollo, respond!" he shouts, but there's no reply, only static.

  I bite my lip, my stomach twisting with anxiety. Ryu's shadowed expression reflects my own fear, and I can tell he's every bit as unsettled as I am. My mind races, each passing second adding to the pit of worry that sits heavy in my chest.

  Please, please let us not be too late, I pray silently.