Chapter 40: Exiles and Choices
Chapter 40: Exiles and Choices
Silvia's POV
The path through the underground tunnels stretched before them, dark and winding. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and earth, and every footstep echoed faintly in the cavernous space. The weight of what they had just shared still lingered between her and Dragon, but there was no time to dwell on it. They had a mission.
Tarren led the way, rifle slung over his shoulder, his gaze sharp as he surveyed the twisting tunnels. "How much further until we reach these exiles?" he asked, his voice low.
The elder Terran, walking beside Silvia, nodded toward the shadows ahead. "Not far now. But be warned—these exiles do not trust easily. They live apart from both our people and yours for a reason."
Silvia exhaled, adjusting her grip on her staff. "I didn't expect this to be easy. If they wanted peace, they wouldn't have stayed hidden this long."
Dragon glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "And if they refuse to listen?"
"Then we find another way," Silvia said firmly. "But I'm not giving up without trying."
The tunnel opened into a wide cavern, where the air suddenly felt heavier. A presence lingered here. Watching. Waiting.
Then, from the shadows, they appeared.
The Exiles
They moved silently, emerging from crevices in the rock, their glowing eyes reflecting the dim light of the cavern. Terrans, but different. Their bodies bore scars, their clothes a mix of human and Terran designs. Some carried weapons crafted from a fusion of Terran magic and human technology.
A tall figure stepped forward, his presence commanding. His obsidian-black skin shimmered with faint golden runes, and his eyes burned with cautious calculation. "Outsiders do not belong here. You should leave before it is too late."
Silvia met his gaze without flinching. "I am Silvia Earthstar. I've come to speak with you."
The exile's eyes narrowed. "We know who you are. We have heard of the warrior who walks between two worlds. But words do not matter here. What do you truly seek?"
"A future that doesn't end in bloodshed," Silvia answered. "A future where humans and Terrans don't have to fight until one side is gone."
A murmur rippled through the gathered exiles. Some looked intrigued, others doubtful. The leader's gaze flicked to Dragon. "And you, prince of the Terrans? Do you believe this future is possible?"
Dragon crossed his arms. "I believe in Silvia. And if she says there's a way, I'll fight for it."
The exile leader studied them for a long moment before stepping back. "Then prove your intentions. We do not follow words—we follow strength. If you wish to stand among us, you must earn it."
Silvia sighed. Of course it came to this.
Tarren smirked. "And here I thought we were done with trials."
The exile leader raised his chin. "You do not need to fight me. But one of our own will test you. If you cannot stand against us, you cannot fight for us."
Silvia turned to Dragon, who arched a brow. "Do you want me to take this one?"
She rolled her shoulders. "No. I'll do it."
A figure stepped forward—a woman with dark blue skin, her stance predatory, her claws gleaming in the dim light. "I am Raleth. And I do not believe in peace. Let us see if you can convince me otherwise."
Silvia exhaled, stepping into the circle of gathered exiles. Time to fight. Again.
The Battle Begins
Raleth wasted no time. The moment Silvia stepped forward, the exile lunged, her movements faster than expected. Silvia barely dodged the first strike, Raleth's claws slashing through the air where her throat had been moments before.
She's strong.
Silvia twisted, bringing her staff up in a defensive stance, but Raleth was already on her, striking like a shadow. A clawed hand darted toward Silvia's ribs, and she barely managed to deflect it with a pulse of energy.
"Too slow," Raleth taunted.
Silvia narrowed her eyes. She didn't need speed. She needed control.
She pivoted, dropping to one knee and slamming her staff into the ground. A wave of energy surged outward, forcing Raleth to leap back. The exile skidded to a stop, her eyes narrowing with newfound interest.
"You have some skill," she admitted. "But skill alone does not win battles."
Raleth charged again, but this time Silvia was ready.
Their blows came faster now, the clash of energy and steel echoing through the cavern. Sparks flew as Silvia deflected strike after strike, her muscles burning with exertion. Raleth's movements were relentless, but Silvia had faced worse.
I have fought monsters before. I will not lose.
She let Raleth get closer—closer than she should have—then twisted at the last second, using her momentum against her. Raleth's weight shifted, and Silvia used it, hooking her leg behind the exile's and slamming her to the ground.
Raleth gasped, caught off guard, but before she could react, Silvia pressed the tip of her staff against her throat.
A silence settled over the cavern.
The exiles watched, waiting.
Raleth panted, then grinned. "Not bad."
She reached up, brushing the staff aside as she stood, dusting herself off. "Perhaps I was wrong about you, Earthstar. Perhaps you are not just another human playing at heroics."
Silvia exhaled, lowering her staff. "I'm not playing at anything. I want to stop this war before we lose everything."
Raleth tilted her head, considering. Then she turned to the exile leader. "She fights well. And she does not fight with hatred. That is more than I expected."
The leader nodded, then faced Silvia. "Then we will listen."
Silvia felt relief wash over her, but she knew this was only the first step. There was still a war to stop.
Dragon stepped beside her, murmuring just loud enough for her to hear. "You didn't have to take that fight alone."
Silvia smirked. "I think I did. You're not the only one who gets to look impressive, you know."
Dragon chuckled. "Fine. But next time, I get to fight someone."
Silvia rolled her eyes. "We'll see."
She turned back to the exiles, taking a deep breath. "Now, let's talk about how we win this."
The war wasn't over.
But they had just gained their first true allies.