Prelude to magic riot part 4.

We quickly rushed out of the house. Since it was late at night, we didn't find any house elves or family members.

Reaching the streets, we made our way toward the forest, my heart pounding with excitement. Our journey was slow since we were just two little fellows—how fast could we run?

At the edge of the forest, we stopped. We quickly found the stone path we had walked on in the morning and started moving forward. The forest was eerily quiet. With only a torch and the full moon as our light sources, we kept walking. After what felt like an eternity, we finally reached the small hill.

But at that moment, both of us paused. Looking at each other, we saw the same confusion mirrored in our eyes. The forest was unnaturally silent. On our way, we had thought ourselves lucky for not encountering any magical creatures, but now, the eerie stillness made it clear that something was wrong.

Fleur switched off the torch, and we decided to climb the small hill using only the moonlight. We both realized something was definitely amiss. Even the usual rustling of unicorns was absent.

As we slowly approached the hill, we found two forest elves lying on the ground. Rushing toward them, we saw they were unconscious. They wore light armor, with daggers lying near them. Yet, there were no visible injuries—no blood, no wounds. They simply lay there as if in a deep sleep. While Fleur tried to wake them, a sudden realization struck me.

Unicorns. A full moon. Unconscious elf patrols. A silent forest.

Poachers.

I froze. Poachers who could knock out a forest elf patrol wouldn't have any trouble knocking us out in seconds. My mind raced. I was too afraid to turn on the torch, knowing that a bright light would reveal our location.

Turning to look at Fleur, I was stunned to see her slap one of the elves. When she noticed me staring, she quickly hid her hand behind her back. Wasting no more time on her antics, I grabbed her hand, and we ran.

As we ran, I explained the threat of poachers. Listening to me, she suddenly stopped. I, still pulling her, tumbled to the ground.

"The unicorns are in danger! We have to do something!" she exclaimed.

"What can we do?" I shot back. "Throw stones at them? Even two forest elves are unconscious. How do you expect us to fight?"

I wanted to save the unicorns too, but neither of us had magic. Nor could we fight.

"We can scream! People will come and catch the poachers!" she suggested.

"In the middle of the forest? Who would hear your screams? The whole village is asleep, and it's too far away. By the time they come, the poachers would have already silenced us," I argued. Sometimes, I couldn't understand how she could be so naive. Then I remembered her age and let it go.

"Quite a surprise to find two kids so full of justice," a voice broke through the silence, startling us both.

Looking back, I saw eight figures led by a hooded man. Each one wore a cloak, their faces covered with masks.

"I never expected to catch two Veela children along with a whole herd of unicorns," the leader said, his voice filled with sinister delight. "Perhaps years of planning have finally paid off."

"Get them. We don't have time to waste. If the elves realize their patrol is missing, they'll be here soon," he ordered.

Both of us turned to run, but within moments, we were floating in the air. Looking back, I saw one of the men waving a wand.

Before I could reach for my forearm and call Rosalind, they covered our mouths and tied our hands. Panic surged through me. I had made a grave mistake. We had underestimated the dangers of the real world. All this while living a life of comfort and love made me forget dark side of the world. Thinking the village and forest were safe, we had foolishly ventured into the unknown.

"Danger and accidents always come unannounced," I remembered Grandma Amelia's words from that morning.

The poachers took us to their camp and laid us on the cold ground. Our mouths were covered, and our hands and legs were tied. I saw tears in Fleur's eyes—she was terrified. I was too. I couldn't even call the house elves for help. I regretted not shouting their names earlier when I had the chance.

A sudden cry of anguish broke through the silence. Turning my head, I saw the unicorn leader chained, its horn removed, blood seeping from its hind leg. The other unicorns lay unconscious, their legs twitching. In a separate area, golden-colored ponies were imprisoned, their chains fastened tightly around their necks. They neighed desperately, calling for their parents, their voices filled with fear. My heart ached at their cries.

Then, the unicorn leader met my eyes.

Its gaze widened before it suddenly began thrashing against its chains, neighing wildly. The poachers, caught off guard, scrambled to reinforce the bindings. I realized—it was trying to distract them, to give me a chance to escape.

My heart clenched. Just moments ago, I had only thought about saving Fleur and myself, forgetting the unicorns, their children, their families. Yet, here was the unicorn leader, sacrificing itself for me.

I felt vulnerable, defenseless. Guilt overwhelmed me. Tears welled up in my eyes. Never had I felt so helpless. So weak. I wanted to help. I had to help.

I prayed, To every god I knew. I begged for strength. I pleaded for help. I was willing to sacrifice anything for the power to save them.

A sudden warmth engulfed me. My vision darkened. My strength faded. And then—

.....

A ring of golden flames, tinged with black, erupted around Aimè, spreading throughout the camp.

Fleur gasped as the golden-black fire danced across his brother's body before surging outward. The ropes binding them burned away, yet their clothes remained untouched. The fire did not harm them. It only brought warmth and protection.

Terrified screams filled the air. The poachers were engulfed in flames, their bodies burning beyond recognition. The fire consumed everything in its path—except for the unicorns. Instead, it melted their chains and healed their wounds. The unicorn leader stirred, freed from its pain.

The unicorns awoke, quickly finding their children. The leader approached the two children. Fleur, frightened, instinctively pulled his brother closer. But before she could run, the unicorn leader bent down, tears falling onto his little brother's unconscious face.

The fire raged until only charred ruins remained. Eight bodies lay lifeless in the ashes. Only two children could explain what had happened that night.

The entire unicorn herd gathered around them. The ponies nudged the unconscious child, their eyes pleading. Fleur finally broke out of her daze and screamed the names of their house elves with all her strength.

....

I stirred, my body weak. Slowly, I turned my head—my mother lay beside me. A smile tugged at my lips. I felt safe. Then, panic struck.

"The unicorns! The poachers! They—" I tried to sit up, but my mother gently covered my mouth, caressing my forehead.

"It's alright, bunny. Everyone is safe. You saved them."

I blinked, confused. "I…..saved them?"

She smiled, nodding. Then pulled my arm in front.

I lifted my hand only to find Golden black flames. Flames flickered all over my hand—golden with a blackish tinge. Startled, I swatted at them, trying to put them out. I tried to pull my burning arm out of my mother's hand but couldn't break free from her clutches.

"Breathe, Aimé. The fire won't burn anything. Calm down, bunny. Look it's not harming me."

I hesitated, then trying to calm my heart I watched as the fire dimmed and vanished.

I looked at my mother, disbelief all over my face.

"What… happened to me?"