Chapter XXXV

Eli took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "Your Highness, He has returned. The spell that confined him for centuries has been broken. He is more powerful than ever, and he has vowed to bring darkness upon the kingdom." 

"What do you mean? Did you enter the castle?" Alec asked, feeling concerned for his assistant. 

"Ki...King Kier"

Alec's eyes widened in shock. "Kier? How is that possible?"

"It was Oxyvi," Eli explained. "She unknowingly broke the spell when she took the candle stand out of the castle. Kier is determined to get what he wants, and he won't stop until he succeeds."

Alec stood up, his expression resolute. "I knew this would happen; we must prepare for his return. The kingdom must be protected at all costs."

Eli nodded. "I will gather the Royal knights Of the Kingdom of Quinsley and inform the council. We need to strengthen our defenses and find a way to send Kier back from where he came."

Alec placed a hand on Eli's shoulder. "Thank you, Eli. Your bravery and loyalty are invaluable. Together, we will face this threat and protect our kingdom."

Eli bowed his head. "I will do everything in my power to ensure Kier's defeat. He is a monster, and he deserves to be confined in the darkness again."

"Eli, arrange a meeting with the royals immediately. I have discerned Kier's intentions. In the meantime, ensure that Oxyvi is closely monitored. Increase the number of ancient sorcerers guarding her and make certain that no mortal guards are involved." Eli bowed in acknowledgment of the prince's orders.

"Forgive me, Your Highness, but does Kier truly seek Oxyvi?" Eli inquired; his voice tinged with doubt.

"She is concealing something, whether intentionally or not. I am convinced she possesses knowledge that is crucial," Alec responded with a hiss.

"Oxyvi has no known connections to the royal family, nor does she share any blood relations. I remain perplexed as to how she managed to break the curse. Nevertheless, she is undoubtedly the one responsible. But how?" Alec pondered the dilemma, his mind deep in thought. After a moment, he whispered decisively, "Ensure she wears the amulet as well."

"Yes, Your Highness," Eli replied.

With that, Eli left the prince's chambers, his mind focused on the task ahead. He knew that the battle against Kier would be difficult, but with the support of Prince Alec and the kingdom's forces, he was determined to prevail.

Eli immediately sends out messages to the royal family members, requesting their presence for an urgent meeting. He emphasized the importance of the matter and ensure that the meeting is scheduled as soon as possible.

He personally oversees the arrangements for Oxyvi's surveillance. He selected the group of trusted ancient sorcerers to guard her, ensuring that no mortal guards are involved. These sorcerers will be briefed on the importance of their task and the need for vigilance. He reached out to the ancient orders of sorcerers, requesting additional support to guard Oxyvi. He explained the gravity of the situation and the need for their expertise in dealing with dark magic.

He approached Oxyvi and explain the necessity of her wearing the amulet. He diplomatic yet firm, making it clear that this measure is for her protection and the safety of the kingdom. He ensured that the amulet is securely placed on her and that its protective powers are activated.

Oxyvi's reaction to wearing the amulet will be a mix of surprise, reluctance, and eventual acceptance.

Eli approached Oxyvi with the amulet in hand, his expression serious and determined. "Oxyvi, you must wear this amulet. It is for your protection and the safety of the kingdom."

Oxyvi looked at the amulet, her eyes widening in surprise. "Why now? You should have given me this before. I want to know what the purpose was?"

Eli's tone was firm as he replied, "I am not here to listen your doubts all day. Comply with the prince's instructions, or you will face the consequences of his wrath and that someone who is after you because of your stupidity."

Oxyvi hesitated, her mind racing with questions. She knew the amulet held great power, but she was unsure of its true purpose. "What does the prince know that I don't? does this amulet make shadows stop coming after me?"

Eli's gaze remained steady. "The prince believes you are hiding something, whether intentionally or not. He is convinced you possess knowledge that is crucial to our fight against Kie...the shadows. Wearing this amulet will help protect you and reveal the true purpose of those supernatural forces."

"Are you hiding something from me, Eli?" Oxyvi said took a deep breath, her reluctance giving way to a sense of duty. She understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of the prince's orders. She shook her head and chuckled. "Very well, I will wear the amulet. But know this, Eli—I am not your enemy. I want to protect the kingdom as much as you do."

Eli nodded, his expression softening slightly. "I understand, Oxyvi. We are all in this together. The amulet will help us uncover the secrets we are seeking."

She looked everywhere and abruptly took Eli's hand and drag him inside her room and closed the door. Her breath was harsh. "That someone is after me and not any of you. He wants something from me. He appeared in front of me in the castle, but he wasn't visible, only smoke and ashes. He tried to make a contact with me" She blurted out it to him and started shaking badly. 

Eli eyes widened and he grabbed her shoulders.