Chapter 18

After the news of the death of the princess, the citizens were worried about the future of the kingdom of Nakahud, unlike other kingdoms of the continent of Lativia they were supported by their rulers, the magic of purification only had direct descendants of the crown and right now his majesty was the last one left, without it the whole kingdom would fall into chaos and darkness, fear gradually took over the inhabitants of the kingdom.

A year later, the kingdom of Nakahud closed its doors, the three kingdoms of Lativia asked for an explanation to see that the kingdom of Nakahud canceled trade agreements with the various kingdoms, their doubts were not answered, communication with the western kingdom had been cut off completely, what happened inside his kingdom no other kingdom knew.

The dark kingdom as Nakahud was known had returned to the shadows like 500 years ago, for years they tried to establish communication with the dark kingdom without any success, with the passing of time the kingdoms got used to live without the kingdom of Nakahud.

The comfort of the three kingdoms began to be affected after the appearance of the dark energy in the limits of the kingdom of Nakahud, the dark energy that enveloped the kingdom was still present, over the years that energy began to gradually invade the kingdoms around them, both the kingdom of Khardia and the other kingdoms created magical barriers around each limit trying to stop that darkness that made the lands uninhabitable.

The dark miasma gradually corrupted the people leading them to death by madness, the people living around the borders with the kingdom of Nakahud were completely destroyed, the mages tried to find a way to stop that miasma without any possibility, without the knowledge of its origin they could not defend themselves, even when they looked for records of it there was none, the only source of information was in the kingdom of Nakahud which had been isolated from the other kingdoms.

To stand firm was the only thing the kingdom of Khardia could do, before such an event they could only hope that the gods would take pity on them.

- I am back -

Said the figure of a young man as he entered the hut, he removed the snow accumulated on his cloak leaving aside his luggage, when he heard no answer to his words he looked up slightly, the light sound of footsteps called his attention to the interior of the house.

- Welcome," said a long-haired man.

A man with long dark hair and black eyes answered, he smiled slightly from the edge of the door to the newcomer, looking at him from head to toe he placed his hand on the younger man's shoulder.

- This time you took less time than I thought you would.

The younger one nodded at his elder's words and spoke.

- Darius, as you said, I was able to find everything I needed in that place, but... - The youngest uncovered his face, raising his gaze, that hair as dark as night became present, the young man's gaze rested on Darius, his irises had no color as he spoke - the merchants will soon leave town, they said to look for another supplier -

- I guessed as much, with all the havoc that has happened in the last month I am not surprised that they are leaving - Darius answered as he took the merchandise in his hands and checked them - it is normal to flee from a place that will soon die.

Darius began to count the merchandise that the child had brought with him, noticing that the child was restless looking inside the house, he put aside his pen and watched the child carefully.

- She's not at home,- said Darius, calling the boy's attention.

The child was surprised by Darius' words.

- Where did she go? - asked the younger one, the older one remained silent without answering - did she run away? -

- Yes... - said Darius in a low voice without taking his eyes off the merchandise in his hands - she will be back at sunset, so relax -

- .... I'll go to town - said the youngest as he covered his face with his cloak and walked to the front door.

- Eh? Wait, you just got here, you should rest - said Darius.

- Still, I'll go... - replied the youngest as he walked out of the house.

- Ah! Wait! - Darius shouted as he watched the young man's silhouette disappear in the snow, Darius sighed regretfully - that boy... he never listens to me - he scratched his head - should I follow him? - he looked to the side of the room -

The crimson-eyed albino just looked at him silently as he entered his room.

- "damn, he's annoyed" - thought Darius as he followed him - "the lady will be in trouble when he comes back" -

The snow covered the view, as he walked to town the snow diminished, the young man stopped his walk as the voices of the townspeople reached his ears, keeping his distance from the people he walked through town.

- It's not fair, I took him first! - exclaimed a young woman in a dark cloak in annoyance.

Miss, how can you lie like that - replied a gentleman - I took the merchandise first, besides, why would a young lady want such a thick fabric used to wrap merchandise - I'll take the merchandise first.

- How I use it is my problem, it's none of your business - replied the young lady annoyed as she took the cloth in her hands and paid for it.

- Wait! - the man pulled the young woman by the arm with force.

- You! - the young woman felt pain in her arm at the man's strong grip - let go of me!

- I'll pay double for that cloth, so give it to me! - shouted the annoyed man pulling her, the annoyed young woman turned her face towards him biting hard the man's hand, when she felt the pain from the bite the man let go of the young woman - you! You brat! How dare you bite me!

- That's what you get for touching me - said the young woman firmly while looking at him - be thankful that I only bit you -

- Damn you! - That man tried to grab the young woman by her cloak, when she felt a sharp pain in her arm she looked away from him - who are you?! -

He said to the hooded man next to him who was squeezing his arm tightly, when he felt that pain he stepped back.

- Let me go! - said the man letting go of the newcomer's grip - "Don't you dare touch her!

- Don't you dare touch her," he said seriously.

Hearing the voice of the newcomer, everyone present realized that he was still very young.

The young woman was surprised when she recognized the young man's voice, her brown eyes sparkled when she saw the figure of the older man in front of her.

- Brother... - said the young girl lowering her gaze, when she heard the voice of the younger one, the older one walked to her side - you came back... -

The young man nodded at the younger girl's words.

- I thought you would be here in two days - said the younger girl.

- Should I have taken longer? - replied the older one while the younger one denied in embarrassment, the young man put his hand on her head with a slight smile.

- You are still kids! How dare you disrespect your elders! - shouted that man euphorically, calling the attention of both youngsters - you, how will you fix all the trouble that girl caused! - I point at the youngest of them - you'll have to give me compensation! I'll press charges against you brats! Everyone present is my witness!!! -

The villagers looked at each other uncomfortably and nervously, some of them withdrew in silence.

That man did not understand the reason for the fear of the villagers, when he felt the cold look of the boy he lowered his hand and hesitated to continue speaking, it was true that both were young, seeing his figure he could notice it, then how was it possible that his voice hesitated to come out of his mouth.

- Do it - the young man spoke seriously, covering the youngest girl - but, be aware of the consequences of having placed your hand on her.

All the villagers were exasperated when they heard the young man, that gentleman backed away without answering the minor.

- Let's go... - said the young man while he took his companion by the arm, leading her away from that place, while they were walking back, he spoke - what were you thinking of coming alone - I just wanted... - the young woman said.

- I just wanted to... - the young woman held on to the cloth she had in her hands.

- The young man sighed as he didn't hear the younger girl - It's better to go back, the air is getting colder and it will be dark soon - said the older boy, the younger girl nodded to his words.

As they walked towards the outskirts of the village, the sound of the village bells caught the attention of both of them.

- What is going on? - asked the youngest, noticing all the villagers panic and start running.

- I don't know... - said the young man tightening his grip on the younger girl - let's go back quickly, I have a bad feeling - he said while advancing his pace without letting go of her.

The young girl looked very confused as she followed her companion, the loud sound of an explosion stopped both of them turning their gaze, the young girl's eyes fell on the flames that rose behind them after the explosion.

- That explosion... - the young woman was disconcerted to see that scene.

The town was completely in flames, people were desperately looking for a way to pacify the fire, while others were trying to get out of the town.

When the older boy felt the younger girl's hand separate from his, he turned his gaze away.

- Stella! - he shouted - Stella, where are you?! - The screams of the people made it difficult for him to hear, with all those sounds it was very difficult to find the youngest girl - Stella! - he shouted worriedly

- Elian! - shouted the youngest girl while she was dragged by the crowd, when she realized she was alone, she looked around confused, the desperate shouts of the people caused her fear for some reason, her chest was pressing hard - brother... - she clasped her hands tightly on her chest trying to keep calm - everything... is ok... I will find Elian - she said to herself while she started to walk towards where she had separated from the older one.

The flames were getting higher and higher, devouring everything in their path, the villagers were trying to rescue the survivors from that infernal fire.

- Mom!!! Mom!!! -

The cry of a little girl was heard among the flames, the mother was desperately screaming for someone to help her little girl, her hands were hurt from trying to enter the flames.

- Somebody! Save her! Please save my daughter! -

The people around were trying to stop the woman, even though she was injured, she wanted to go into the flames to look for her little girl.

Stella noticing the woman fixed her gaze on the house that was on fire, she could still hear the voice of the little girl asking for help, seeing the desperation of the mother of the little girl brought nostalgia to her heart, even without knowing the reason for this feeling of sadness, Stella clung to her cloak as she continued on her way, she should not get involved, she tried not to listen to the mother's pleas as she walked away.

- Mommy! I'm scared, Mommy! -

Hearing the voice of the little girl Stella turned her gaze undecided to continue on her way, it was similar, that scene was somehow familiar to her, Stella took one of the buckets of water and threw it on herself, completely soaking her clothes, she ran towards the flames directly and entered that place leaving everyone astonished, the people around panicked when they noticed it.

- Bring more water! - exclaimed the villagers - get them out! -

The girl's cry stopped being heard a second after Stella entered, everyone present remained in complete silence, when they didn't hear any sound they started to worry, the structures of the house were beginning to collapse. .

A shadow fell from the sky through the roof of that burning house, the villagers panicked not knowing if it was a human or a demon, the earth began to tremble suddenly, a wave of wind rose from the center of the flames whipping the whole place, the flames ceased instantly leaving to see the little girl in Stella's arms.

The dark hair of the girl could barely be seen, the cloak that covered her prevented to see her face completely.

The villagers approached their savior with joy, when they noticed the presence of a young man next to her they stopped walking, the aura she emitted caused fear in the inhabitants.

Elian without caring about the presence of the villagers turned to his companion staring at her, the young woman smiled when she saw him while lowering her gaze to the little girl she had in her arms, the sigh of the elder could be heard when he understood the reason for the girl's actions, the little girl raised her gaze to Elian, both gazes met, the girl hid her face in the chest of the young woman when she noticed that Elian's pupils had no color at all.

- We are leaving..." said Elian, Stella nodded to his words.

The little girl, noticing her parents in the crowd, began to fidget in Stella's arms, taking her down from her arms they both watched as the little girl ran in tears towards the crowd, the mother of the little girl clung to the child full of happiness to know that her daughter was back in her arms safe and sound.

- Thank you! -

The parents of the little girl with tears in their eyes thanked both of them for saving their daughter, both did not answer a word, the child nodded slightly to the gratitude of the parents of the little girl, while Elian without releasing the grip of the child spoke.

- Leave this place, it is dangerous - said Elian.

The villagers nodded to his words, while both disappeared from that town.

On the outskirts of the town both reappeared, Elian, upon smelling the smell of the pine trees, uncovered his face and began to walk towards the frozen forest, the younger girl also uncovered her face and hair, somewhat exhausted, staring at the older boy who did not speak to her or even look at him.

- Elian... Wait! -

The young man stopped walking when he heard his name as the younger girl caught up with him and stood in front of him, those brown eyes staring at him.

- I'm sorry, I acted recklessly - said Stella - and also thank you, if you hadn't used magic I wouldn't have left that place.

- Stella, your way of acting is always reckless - answered Elian - I know - Stella hid her eyes.

- I know - Stella hid her gaze - you just came back and I've only caused you trouble.

Elian heard Stella's footsteps walking away and gave a slight sigh.

- But, if you hadn't acted that way that girl wouldn't have survived," said Elian.

Stella looked up when she heard him, Elian approached the younger girl.

- At this rate you will catch a cold - said Elian while he removed Stella's completely soaked cloak - how did you think of covering your cloak completely with water in this weather - Elian removed his cloak and put it on Stella, when he heard Stella's slow breathing he placed his hands on her face - you are not warm yet.

Stella smiled as she placed her hands on Elian's wrists.

- I'm fine, Elian - Stella

The older Elian nodded to the younger one's words, and from his clothes he took out the cloth that Stella had bought a short time before in the village, and silently handed it to her.

- How... is that... you found it, I remember I lost it when I separated from you - Stella said surprised while smiling and clinging to the cloth - thank you.

- It's important for you - answered Elian - besides, it was a coincidence to find it... - hearing the younger girl's laughter Elian smiled, he knew that Stella's mood was better - about what happened today, it will remain between us, it's better not to tell Agnus or Darius -

Elian answered, the young girl looked relieved to hear that answer as she walked next to the dark-haired young man, Elian joined the walk of the young girl, when he smelled a slight smell of blood he stopped his walk looking at the young girl.

- Stella, show me your hands -

Stella's smile disappeared, she hid her hands at Elian's sudden request.

- It's better to keep moving and go back home quickly, I'm sure father will be upset.

Elian grabbed Stella's arm holding her back, he placed his hand on Stella's palm while he carefully checked it, Stella dodged his gaze, when he finished checking her he frowned at the younger one.

- It's nothing serious, don't look at me like that - said Stella releasing Elian's grip - it's just a scratch - she said stepping forward, when she noticed that Elian stopped walking she looked at him - what are you doing? Come on, hurry up!

- Stella, you know that due to my condition I have limitations, if you don't tell me that she is hurt you know I won't know - Elian answered looking at her.

Stella's eyes opened in surprise, a light gust of icy wind rose between them, Stella approached the young man until she was in front of him, she stared at Elian's irises which had no color, she smiled while she laid her head on Elian's chest.

- It's just that, if I say it, brother I know you will worry too much, like now - Stella answered - it's a small wound.... I won't die -

Elian remained silent for a few seconds with a frown, the last thing Stella had said did not please him to hear, without saying anything he took the hand of the younger one surprising her, he carefully wrapped the wound with a small cloth.

- Even so, it is a wound and it can get infected, you must be more careful - said Elian.

Stella nodded to Elian's words, while she watched him finish the bandage on her hand.

- Thank you, brother - replied Stella with a smile, looking happily at the bandage made by Elian.

Both resumed their way, when they reached the depths of the forest they saw a small hut, when they arrived at the entrance of the house the older one stopped walking.

- Won't you go in? - asked Stella, Elian denied her words - father surely wants to see you too - I'll greet him later - answered Elian.

- I'll say hello to him later - answered Elian, Stella understood the relationship between her father and Elian for that reason she didn't insist - "So... I'll see you later tonight.

- So... I'll see you later tonight on the roof - Stella said with a smile -

- I don't think... - Stella went inside the house without listening to him - Stella...

Stella entered silently as she heard a noise coming from the kitchen.

- There... I'm home... - she said in a low voice as she went to her room, when she saw her father's figure in front of her she looked down - father....

Stella looked up slightly, when she saw those crimson eyes staring at her she hesitated to speak.

- I'm sorry - said Stella

- You went out without permission again, why did you go this time? - asked Agnus.

- Well... - Stella averted her gaze.

Agnus noticing the bandage on Stella's hand, took her hand staring at it, he looked annoyed to see Stella's injured hand, Agnus held on to Stella's hand tightly clenching his teeth slightly.

- Father... -

Stella spoke softly, Agnus stared at her as a dark shadow began to wrap around Stella's hand healing her wounds.

- Where is Elian? - the albino's tone of voice was serious as he let go of Stella's hand and looked around.

- Wait father, it was my fault! - said Stella noticing Agnus upset - my brother was not to blame, I was the one who acted without thinking, I did it because they were in danger, if that girl hadn't... -

A loud knock was heard leaving Stella in silence while Agnus did not look at her, Stella looked afraid when she noticed how Agnus had hit the table with force.

- Father... I...

- How many times do I have to repeat it Stella, do you want to end up dead?! -

Agnus looked annoyed at Stella who lowered her gaze as she listened to Agnus.

- What if Elian hadn't come to meet you! How could you think you'd get away unscathed! -

Stella didn't know how to answer her father, his words were true, even though she was agile, against elements she lacked magical power unlike Elian, Stella hesitated to speak, Agnus had always been serious, but he had never been angry like that towards Stella.

- I, I tried not to listen, I tried not to interfere with them, I promise you I tried... but... - Stella's voice was choppy as she spoke - when I heard her desperate call for her mother... my body moved alone... she looked... so lonely... that.... -

Agnus turned his gaze to the youngest, his crimson eyes looked surprised after listening to her, Stella's body trembled at every word she said, those brown eyes were crystalline, the tears began to fall from her face without stopping, Agnus could not avoid remembering Stella's past and that disconsolate cry of that little girl with amber eyes that clung to her body.

She may not remember it now that she is grown up, but the memories of the body are still present and seeing that little girl in a situation similar to hers led her to act that way.

- I'm sorry... I'm sorry! Father... - Stella said between tears.

Agnus hesitated to approach her hand to comfort her, he just kept his distance from her, Stella dried her tears while looking at Agnus.

Darius, who was in the room and had kept silent, noticing that the conversation between the two was not going well, spoke up.

- Don't act rashly in the future - said Darius as he approached Stella, he placed his hand on her head - now it may be a small wound, but what will happen next? -

Stella nodded to Darius' words while he comforted her with a hug, so that the younger girl would stop crying.

- You are the only memory that... your mother left... - said Agnus without looking at her - that's why, you must take more care of yourself in the future -".

These last words Agnus hesitated to say because the person he referred to as his partner was actually the person he once served. Stella nodded at the words of Agnus and Darius.

- Unlike Elian, Stella is more delicate," said Darius.

- It's not fair, Elian and I are almost the same age, why can only my brother go to town quietly and I can't? - Stella asked while Agnus looked at her.

- You know very well what the answer to that is," Agnus answered coldly.

Stella was annoyed to hear her father, but what he was saying was true, Elian even though he has no vision, his fighting style was unmatched as well as his senses were very sharp, but still she didn't understand, Stella also practiced, but, her skills unlike Elian were low.

- It's better to have dinner soon, Stella must warm up, she was in the winter cold for a long time, she could get sick - Darius helped Stella to take off her cloak, when he noticed the design of the cloak he gave a slight smile after realizing who the owner was - Elian will not have dinner? - he asked Stella.

- My brother still had things to do," said Stella as she took a seat, "ah.... Darius, can you save some food for Elian? -

- Of course, but it will get cold if he doesn't eat it now - answered Darius.

- I can heat it up for him later, don't worry - Stella said with a smile.

- If he's hungry, he can do it by himself - said Agnus looking at her - let him...

Agnus had noticed Stella's annoyance at his words, he could not help but look at her with nostalgia while dinner was served.

Over the years Stella had grown noticeably, even though her hair was dark and her eyes were brown, she attracted a lot of attention, for this reason Agnus always taught Stella to wear a cloak if she was going out.

The albino for years had served her majesty, in his memories he still remembered the first time he saw the queen, those golden eyes and hair of the same could not get it out of his mind, and much less now that Stella was growing, the brown-eyed minor was the spitting image of the late queen, so sometimes it was difficult to be close to the minor, the guilt tormented him every time he looked at her, the princess of the kingdom of Nakahud, the one that everyone thought she was dead, Stella Romanius was in front of his eyes.

When Stella felt her father's gaze she was worried, those crimson eyes showed a deep sadness, the youngest called her father without hearing any answer.

- Father! - cried Stella.

Agnus came out of his thoughts when he heard the youngest, Stella and Darius were staring at him.

- Is something wrong? - he replied in a calm tone to both of them.

- Ah no.... just... - Stella stared at him.

Agnus rose from the table quietly, retreating to his room.

- Miss, you should also go to rest - said Darius looking at her, while the youngest nodded to his words - I hope you are going to rest - he looked at her fixedly -.

- Yes I know - answered Stella.

- That goes for you too Elian - he said in a loud voice, while he looked out of the window, when he saw the child outside the house Stella smiled.

Darius walked out of the house to meet Elian and hand him his cloak, from the house Stella could hear Darius scolding Elian for being under the snow without his cloak, Stella couldn't help but laugh seeing them both in that situation, that night she couldn't go to the roof as she had planned, Darius was watching them.

Stella approached the window and spoke, Elian heard Stella's voice and looked in her direction with a smile and spoke.

- See you tomorrow, Stella - Elian answered.

Darius had not heard Stella's voice since she was inside the house, but Elian had heard her, Stella's eyes shined when she heard Elian say goodbye, Darius noticed the look of the younger girl to Elian, he could not help smiling for both young people, when he noticed the figure of Agnus behind Stella, his smile disappeared, the albino looked at both of them while he was leaving.