Engagement Crash

As the seasons passed, the children grew into adolescence, and the time for their betrothal ceremonies arrived. The grand engagement celebration was underway, with esteemed guests from far-flung corners of the kingdom in attendance. The grand ballroom was adorned with intricate tapestries, and the crystal chandeliers refracted the light, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the floor.

Amidst the joyous chaos, Crown Prince Kaidën Darkhaven and his fiancée, Elianora Moonwhisper, exchanged vows in a traditional ceremony. The air was thick with anticipation as the couple stood before the archbishop, their hands clasped together.

As they completed the sacred ritual, they exchanged rings forged from the fabled bloodstone of dragons. The gemstones glimmered with an inner fire, symbolizing the eternal bond between the young couple. The rings were adorned with delicate filigree, crafted by the finest jewelers in the land. As they slid the rings onto each other's fingers, their eyes met, and they exchanged shy, loving glances.

Elianora looked resplendent in a flowing, golden gown, its intricate lace glinting in the light. The gown was tailored to perfection, showcasing her slender figure and accentuating her delicate features. Her eyes were cast downward, her cheeks flushed with modesty. The delicate silver earrings, a gift from the royal family, adorned her ears, their tiny bells producing a soft, melodic tinkle.

Kaidën, dashing in a tailored, black tuxedo, radiated youthful energy. A warm smile played on his lips, and he struggled to contain his excitement. His younger brother, Prince Uriel Darkhaven, teased the couple mercilessly, reveling in their awkward yet adorable displays of affection.

As the celebration reached its crescendo, the air was filled with laughter, music, and the promise of a bright future. The young couple's love was still blossoming, but it was clear that their bond would be strong enough to weather any challenge. Little did they know, however, that the forces of darkness, embodied by the terrifying Carnifex, threatened to destroy their happiness and their kingdom.

The guests began to disperse, and the couple was showered with gifts and well-wishes. Lyra, Elianora's closest friend, presented her with a delicate, silver locket, adorned with a tiny, shimmering opal. Jædana Eryandur, Prince Uriel's fiancée, gifted the couple a beautiful, leather-bound book, filled with ancient wisdom and poetry.

As the night drew to a close, King Lysander Thane Darkhaven, Kaidën's father, rose to his feet, his voice booming across the ballroom. "Let us raise our glasses to the happy couple! May their love continue to flourish, and may they rule our kingdom with wisdom and justice!" The guests erupted into cheers and applause, as Kaidën and Elianora shared a tender kiss, their love shining brighter than any star in the night sky.

The joyous atmosphere of the engagement celebration was shattered in an instant. A group of Carnifex, their twisted bodies like dark specters, emerged from the shadows, casting a pall of terror over the assembly. The creatures' eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, their jaws open wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.

The attack was swift and merciless, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Guests screamed and ran for cover, desperate to escape the Carnifex's deadly grasp. Many were injured, their bodies broken and battered, while others were dragged, kicking and screaming, into the depths of the forest, never to be seen again.

The aftermath of the attack was one of shock and grief. King Lysander Thane Darkhaven, his face ashen with worry, immediately ordered a surge in vigilance, deploying heavily armed guards to patrol the castle grounds and the surrounding villages of Azura. The kingdom's soldiers, clad in armor and armed with swords and shields, stood watchful guard, ever vigilant for signs of the Carnifex.

But despite these measures, the terror inspired by the Carnifex continued to spread. Pets were locked away for their own safety, and villagers took to patrolling the streets at night, armed with torches and pitchforks. Windows were barred, and doors were reinforced with iron, as if to keep out the darkness itself.

The creatures' influence seemed to seep into every corner of Azura, casting a dark shadow over the land. At first, the Carnifex had been a distant threat, confined to the border regions of the kingdom of Eldrida. But now, they seemed to be everywhere, their twisted forms lurking in every shadow. The people of Azura lived in fear of the Carnifex, their lives forever changed by the terror that these creatures inspired.

As night fell, Azura was bathed in an eerie, flickering light. Torches and lanterns cast shadows on the walls, making it seem as if the Carnifex were lurking just out of sight. The air was heavy with tension, and the silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the occasional distant scream or the howling of wolves in the forest.

In the midst of this terror, Crown Prince Kaidën Darkhaven and his fiancée, Elianora Moonwhisper, stood strong, their love and determination a beacon of hope in a kingdom beset by darkness. But as they looked out into the night, they couldn't shake the feeling that the Carnifex were waiting for them, patiently biding their time until they could strike again.

The dense, mystical forest of Elvendom, which surrounded the kingdom of Azura, had become a breeding ground for the Carnifex, and the people were at a loss for how to defend themselves. Some attempted to fend them off with sturdy oaken staves, while others tried to vanquish them with swords forged from the metals of the ancient dwarves, but no one knew the secret to defeating these monstrous creatures.

The wounds inflicted by the Carnifex were particularly treacherous. If they were too deep, a strange and deadly infection would set in, causing the victim's body to stiffen and succumb to a horrific demise. This mysterious affliction had become a grave concern, with reports flooding in from all corners of the realm.

The Council of Mages, the Knights of the Silver Dragon, and other high-ranking officials were compelled to convene an emergency meeting to address the Carnifex menace. Initially, King Lysander Thane Darkhaven had attempted to tackle the problem on his own, but it was rapidly spiraling out of control. The Carnifex were growing bolder and more aggressive, leaving the king to wonder if he would be able to find a solution.

The people of Azura were paralyzed with fear, and the kingdom was on the brink of chaos. Who were these Carnifex, and what was the source of their twisted power? The king's quest for answers would take him down a dark and treacherous path, one that would test his courage, wisdom, and resolve.