The forest enveloped them in darkness as Freya and Arthfael continued their desperate escape, their breaths coming in labored gasps. The moon hung high above, casting eerie glimmers through the dense canopy, but there was no time to admire the night's beauty.Suddenly, a group of palace guards emerged from the shadows, their armor glinting menacingly. They had been hot on the heels of the fugitives, and now they had them cornered. Arthfael, his sword drawn, took a defiant stance.Without hesitation, Arthfael swung his sword, striking the forest floor with incredible force. The ground shuddered beneath them as an intense shockwave rippled outwards, a powerful gravitational force that sent the palace guards hurtling backward like mere leaves caught in a storm. They crashed into trees and tumbled over one another, their shouts of surprise and pain filling the night.Seizing the opportunity, Freya and Arthfael sprinted away from the bewildered guards, their footsteps muffled by the forest
Arthfael's makeshift disguise drew a humorous reaction from Camilla, who couldn't help but stifle a laugh at his unusual head covering.She quipped, "What are you using?"Arthfael, keeping a straight face, replied, "I found this cloth on the palace maid's clothesline, so I decided to borrow one to cover my hair."They discussed their next steps, Freya inquired about the whereabouts of Princess Runa and Princess Arabella.Camilla informed her, saying, "Princess Runa is still in her room with King Severus and Queen Melinda."The worry on Freya's face deepened as she considered the predicament.Valentina, who had been observing the events in Runa's chamber, couldn't contain the news any longer. She fluttered over to join the conversation, her voice filled with a mix of relief and eagerness. "The magic ball that affected Princess Runa and Princess Arabella, it's been destroyed. There's no more threat from it."Freya, the nine tailed fox, perked up at Valentina's words. "Destroyed? But tha
Inside Princess Runa's room, the atmosphere was tense, thick with the weight of secrets and revelations. Camilla, Valentina, and Neptunis stood beside Princess Arabella, their gazes fixed on the unconscious princess who lay upon her ornate bed. Her chest rose and fell with the rhythm of slumber, her features serene yet marred by the knowledge of her entanglement with Prince Drake's dark magic.Camilla's gratitude toward Arabella was profound as she glanced at the fiery-haired princess. "Thank you for allowing us to enter, Arabella. We need to understand more about what happened to Princess Runa."Arabella offered a reassuring nod, her crimson locks cascading around her shoulders. "Of course, Camilla. We're all in this together. We need to help Runa break free from Drake's influence."Valentina, her tiny wings fluttering with anticipation, hovered near Runa's bedside. "Arabella, do you remember how you broke free from Prince Drake's control? It might provide clues on how to help Runa."
Camilla watched as Princess Runa's eyes flickered with recognition upon hearing her name. She had indeed heard of Camilla and her unique abilities, but the circumstances surrounding their current encounter were far from ordinary. Runa's question about their apparent age similarity was a valid one, given the disorienting nature of the dreamscape they found themselves in.Camilla maintained a reassuring smile as she explained, "It's true that I'm younger than you, Princess Runa, but in this place, time doesn't work the way it does in the real world. Here, you're trapped in memories from two years ago, when you first met Prince Drake."Runa's expression shifted as the memories flooded back, and Camilla could see the turmoil in her eyes. It was clear that these memories held a significant sway over Runa, keeping her bound to this ethereal realm.As Camilla extended her hand towards Runa, she could sense the hesitation emanating from the princess. Runa seemed torn, her desire to break free
Meanwhile, on the other side of the forest, Arthfael, Freya, and Flare pressed on, their steps determined but cautious. The dense foliage cast dappled shadows over their path, and the air seemed to grow thicker with tension.As they continued to make their way through the forest, Freya couldn't help but share her thoughts aloud. "It seems like the royal guards have been assigned to protect the members of the royal family. Remember, this is the important wedding day of Prince Drake and Princess Runa."Flare, who had been flying alongside them, looked perplexed by Freya's statement.He tilted her head slightly and asked, "Were you blocked earlier?" His bright plumage caught the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.Arthfael took a moment to explain their earlier encounter. He recounted how, after the royal guard's announcement, they had made their escape into the forest only to be confronted by the king's personal guard, who had been posted there to prevent anyone from leaving
The forest seemed to hold its breath as Flare's attack struck true. Drake, infuriated by the sudden assault, retaliated with a ferocity that shook the very earth beneath them. His dark magic surged, a swirling vortex of malevolent energy that coiled around his outstretched hands.As Drake's counterattack lashed out toward Flare, the phoenix did his best to evade the impending onslaught. His agile wings beat against the air, desperately trying to carry him out of harm's way. But it was too late. The dark magic struck Flare's wings with a deafening explosion of power, sending the majestic phoenix spiraling to the forest floor.Arthfael's heart clenched as he watched his friend fall. Panic surged through him, and he sprinted to Flare's side. The once-majestic bird-man now lay sprawled on the ground, his fiery feathers dulled by the agony coursing through his wounded wings."Flare!" Arthfael cried out, his voice laced with fear and desperation. He knelt beside his fallen friend, his hands
With Arthfael lying battered and near the brink of death, Freya's desperate realization surged through her. She had the power within her to save him. She reached into the depths of her magical abilities, her trembling fingers clutching the precious magic ball that had been implanted within her.Without hesitation, Freya carefully extracted the glowing sphere from her being and placed it gently on Arthfael's chest. The magic ball radiated with a warm, healing light that enveloped him. Arthfael's ashen face began to regain color, and his chest rose and fell with newfound breath.Relief washed over Freya as she watched Arthfael's heartbeats return, each one stronger than the last. She had brought him back from the brink of death.However, her moment of triumph was short lived. Prince Drake, his face twisted with rage and frustration, had witnessed her miraculous act. He sneered, his voice dripping with venom as he lashed out with his dark magic."Go away, you damn fox!" he bellowed, the
Prince Drake's laughter echoed through the forest, his sinister amusement contrasting sharply with the tense atmosphere.Prince Drake’s dark eyes bore into Arthfael as he continued, his voice dripping with malice, "Very well, I'll grant your wish. I'll start with you, then your friends, and finally, I'll bring all the kingdoms to their knees."Arthfael's irritation flared at Prince Drake's menacing words, further fueling his determination. He clenched his swords tightly, the cold steel serving as an extension of his resolve. With a swift, purposeful motion, Arthfael surged forward, closing the distance between him and Prince Drake.As Arthfael charged, Prince Drake retaliated with relentless bursts of his potent black magic. The dark energy surged towards Arthfael, threatening to engulf him in its malevolent grasp. Yet, Arthfael pressed on, undeterred by the onslaught of dark power.In a display of agility and finesse, Arthfael leaped high into the air, his lithe figure soaring like a